AboutDr. 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.
Question hi doctor, i have a slight overbite that i wish to correct during my three year stay in germany. i have an appointment in two weeks for a consult with a doctor of 20 years experience, but i am always curious of other opinions. i have an overbite that most people can't see because i never close my mouth all the way. my upper teeth slant inward and i'm especially conscious about that. from the side, if i close my mouth all the way, my law looks smaller than my face, hence why i don't like to do that. my bones are very healthy, but my roots are on the small side and i know this isn't good. i would really like to improve my bite (tmj is annoying) and the look of my mouth. what should i do?
Answer I would recommend that you have a comprehensive orthodontic evaluation by a fully qualified specialist. It sounds like your particular situation can be corrected with braces but it could be a bit complicated depending upon the details of your dentition and jaw relationship. In some cases ideal correction might also involve some degree of jaw surgery but this is something that needs to be determined on the basis of a thorough evaluation with x-rays, models of the teeth and photographs. This is not a situation to be put into the hands of a general dentist who also dabbles in orthodontics, so make certain that the dentist you're seeing is an orthodontist.
