About Steven Litwin DDS Expertise I can answer all questions pertaining to dental health for all ages. Topics can include but not be limited to: TMD/migraines; Orthodontics, Implants, cosmetic procedures, crowns, veneers, periodontics (gum treatment), oral surgery, and other areas of interest/concern in the dental field.
Experience I am a practicing dentist in the Baltimore area and have been for over twenty years. I have treated thousands of patients over the years and continue to provide dental health care for them in all aspects of dentistry. I also include non invasive treatment for patients having been diagnosed with TMD and/or chronic headaches/migraines and have had great success without the use of medications.
Organizations Member of The Greater Baltimore Implant Study Club
Education/Credentials I graduated from Georgetown University Dental School in 1987 with a D.D.S. degree. I have completed countless continuing education programs throughout the years in all areas of dentistry.
Past/Present Clients I have patients that travel from out of state to have me provide for their care. Patients come from Pennsylvania, Florida, Delaware, and other areas in addition to the state of Maryland.
Question QUESTION: Hi Doctor,
When I was younger my mom took me to the dentist and he gave
me a retainer thing that was like two retainers in one and
when I closed my mouth my top and bottom teeth touched it and
I had to wear that for a while. Now I am 11 and the dentist
sent me to an orthodontist who says we should have gone to him
earlier. He told my mom I need braces and an expander and
these two herbsts things on the sides of my mouth. When he
explained the expander it sounded painful and the herbsts look
really big. Do you know why I need this after I had the
retainer thing? Are there any other options other than
expander and herbsts when you have your top teeth sticking out
over the bottom ones and a small mouth?
ANSWER: Hi Ben,
I am very impressed that you have taken it upon yourself to learn more about the treatment that has been suggested. Ben, I am not really sure of the purpose of the previous retainer you described. Perhaps it was a type of appliance that was to be worn to help guide your teeth into place during your growth. If this is what it was supposed to do then I am assuming that it did not work. I certainly understand that you must be burned out from wearing that thing only to find out that you now have to wear another appliance. Ben, let me explain this Herbst appliance for you. First of all it does not hurt I promise. It is a mouthful however but it does not take long to get used to. The purpose of this appliance is to accomplish several things at one time. First there is a component called a palatal expander. This is the part of the appliance that is placed on your top teeth and twice a day your mom or dad turns a small screw to help expand your top jaw. Even though this sounds horrific I can assure you that there is no pain involved. The other thing the Herbst does is force your lower jaw forward to help the bone grow. This assumes that your lower jaw has not grown adequately and must be helped to grow further. Again, this absolutely does not hurt. Ben, I use this appliance all the time and the good thing about it is that it can do multiple things versus having to wear several different appliances. Also, the brackets and wires can be started at the same time the Herbst is worn and this will greatly shorten the time you will be in treatment. Ben again I know you are not looking forward to this especially since you already had some orthodontic treatment that did not work. But this is the best time for you to have this done. Trust me you do not want to do this when you are in high school and if you wait until you are an adult then you may need to have surgery to accomplish what the Herbst will be able to accomplish now. Hang in there buddy, its a lot to ask of you but in the end the results will be great and really worth it. Contact me anytime you need moral support or if you cant get answers to any questions about your treatment.
Steve Litwin DDS
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QUESTION: Hi again,
I heard you can also fix my problem with other stuff like
rubber bands or headgear or another retainer thing. Is it
possible just to do that instead?
Answer Hi Ben,
My guess is the answer is no to your question. Or at least if it could be done with other methods then you may end up wearing different appliances and for a longer period of time. Ben, if the Herbst is what is needed then I really would consider this method as it really is going to be the fastest way for you to finish the orthodontic treatment.
