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Dentistry/Bicuspid Extraction (Overjet)

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Question
Hello,
I recently decided to remove my upper and lower bicuspids to correct my
overjet.  My dentist is not an oral surgeon so he couldnt remove all four of my
2nd bicuspids at the same time.  I removed the first 2 last week and I will be
removing the other 2 next week.  How long should I wait until I go back to my
orthodontist?  Does the gumline have to be 100% healed for her to wire my
teeth back together? How long do I have until the teeth surrounding the
empty space will move over and become crooked?

Thank You

Answer
It is my usual practice to begin placement of the braces 1-2 weeks following completion of the extractions.  I do this to prevent unintentional drifting of the teeth into the extraction spaces.  I would suggest that you address your question to your orthodontist as each situation is different and you would be best to get an answer that address your unique situation.

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Dr. Randolph Myerson

Expertise

Please limit your inquiry to questions about orthodontics (braces) and children's dentistry. I am both an Orthodontist and a Pediatric Dentist, having been trained in both of these dental specialty fields. Orthodontics is the dental specialty that treats problems of tooth, bite and jaw alignment using braces and removable appliances. Pediatric Dentistry is the dental specialty also known as dentistry for children, which deals specifically with the dental problems of this special age group from infants to adolescents. I am also experienced in Forensic Dentistry, the application of dentistry to law enforcement and identification using dental records.

Experience

I have been in the private practice of orthodontics and pediatric dentistry for over 20 years. Prior to that I served for three years on the Cleft Palate and Cranio-facial Reconstruction team at Children''s Hospital of Philadelphia and was an Assistant Professor of Dentistry at University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. I also served as a dentist in the U.S.Air Force, stationed at Andrews AFB in Washington, DC.

Organizations
I am a Fellow in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and a member of the American Association of Orthodontics, as well as a member of the American Dental Association and the Dental Society of the State of New York.

Education/Credentials
I received my BA in Biology from Frankin & Marshall College in 1969, and my dental degree from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 1973. In 1978 I received both my Certificate in Orthodontics from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, and my Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from Children''s Hospital of Philadelphia after completing a three year Teaching Fellowship in Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry in 1978.

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