EXPERT
Dr. Tom R. Lowder, D.D.S., M.S.
Orthodontist
Dr. Tom Lowder practices Orthodontics in Bentonville, AR. Comprehensive orthodontic treatment includes metal wires that are inserted into orthodontic brackets, which can be made from stainless steel or a more aesthetic ceramic material. The wires interact with the brackets to move teeth into desired positions. Being advanced in the field, Dr. Lowder may also use Invisalign or other aligner trays that have been designed to align a patients? smile. As an orthodontist, Dr. Lowder must recognize various characteristics of a malocclusion or dentofacial deformity, define the nature of the problem, including the etiology if possible, and design a treatment strategy based on the specific needs and desires of the patient.
Dr. Tom R. Lowder, D.D.S., M.S.
- Bentonville, AR
- Southwestern State College
- Accepting new patients
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Can crowns be moved by braces?
Yes, with a special bonding technique to hold the bracket to the crown or a stainless steel band placed around the tooth, a crowned tooth can be efficiently moved. However, the READ MORE
Yes, with a special bonding technique to hold the bracket to the crown or a stainless steel band placed around the tooth, a crowned tooth can be efficiently moved. However, the very best way to move a tooth with a crown is to use Invisalign.
Can you kiss with Invisalign on?
Absolutely, you can kiss with any orthodontic appliance; but, it is much easier with Invisalign.
Is Invisalign better than braces?
Invisalign is one of the appliances within my orthodontic tool box. In my practice Invisalign is my preferred appliance for all patients from preteens to adults. However, Invisalign, READ MORE
Invisalign is one of the appliances within my orthodontic tool box. In my practice Invisalign is my preferred appliance for all patients from preteens to adults. However, Invisalign, like all orthodontic appliances has specific disadvantages and specific advantages. Each patient's needs are different and each patient should be assessed according to their needs and expectations off treatment.
Can I drink through a straw with braces?
Absolutely, in fact, it is the preferred method of drinking while wearing braces. It reduces the contact time of liquids containing sugar.
Do braces affect your face shape?
When braces are coupled with either functional jaw orthopedics or myofunctional therapy dramatic facial changes can frequently be observed. However, typically a 3mm tooth movement READ MORE
When braces are coupled with either functional jaw orthopedics or myofunctional therapy dramatic facial changes can frequently be observed. However, typically a 3mm tooth movement results in only a 1mm soft tissue change in the face.
Do ceramic braces break easily?
Ceramic Braces are slightly more delicate and due to the strength of ceramic materials vs stainless steel they are slightly more bulky. However, due to my years of experience, READ MORE
Ceramic Braces are slightly more delicate and due to the strength of ceramic materials vs stainless steel they are slightly more bulky. However, due to my years of experience, most cases that can be corrected using Ceramic Braces, can also be corrected with well engineered Invisalign treatment plan. All types of Braces are simply tools within my profession and I take the time to evaluate each case according to what will give the best results for that individual patient.
Is removing teeth necessary for braces?
Removal of teeth in preparation for braces, although very seldom necessary, is a consideration in some treatment plans. However, it is very rare for my patients to need to consider READ MORE
Removal of teeth in preparation for braces, although very seldom necessary, is a consideration in some treatment plans. However, it is very rare for my patients to need to consider an extraction.
Which toothbrushes are best for braces and Invisalign?
Most top brands of electric tooth brushes do a good job when used with braces. The vibrating stimulation of the electric brushes are particularly helpful in maintaining gum tissue READ MORE
Most top brands of electric tooth brushes do a good job when used with braces. The vibrating stimulation of the electric brushes are particularly helpful in maintaining gum tissue health during treatment.
What are the orthodontic options for sensitive teeth?
The best option is Invisalign coupled with a desensitizing tooth paste. With Invisalign, I can better control the increments and application of pressure to the teeth.
Why does my tooth hurt after my braces were tightened?
Braces apply sufficient force to a tooth to slow or stop blood circulation on the side toward which the tooth is moving. That is how a tooth magically moves through solid bone. READ MORE
Braces apply sufficient force to a tooth to slow or stop blood circulation on the side toward which the tooth is moving. That is how a tooth magically moves through solid bone. Anytime blood circulation is slowed or stopped to a part of the body, pain results. That is one of the many reasons that I design most treatment plans utilizing Invisalign.. With Invisalign I am able to engineer less pressure and am able to control both the pressure and any associated discomfort better.
Are braces supposed to make your teeth feel tight?
As teeth are moved some of them by necessity are pushed together more than others, resulting in a feeling of tightness.
How can I get my braces off sooner?
We are currently doing a trial for an appliance called Propel that creates a high frequency vibration that passes through the teeth and stimulates the skeletal changes around the READ MORE
We are currently doing a trial for an appliance called Propel that creates a high frequency vibration that passes through the teeth and stimulates the skeletal changes around the roots to occur at a more rapid rate. So far we are seeing very promising results . Although the Propel unit is not new in orthodontics, we believe, that it has now been perfected and the results of accelerated tooth movement are good.
What are invisible braces? Are they very expensive?
Invisible braces are typically one of three different types of appliances used to move the teeth (Clear plastic or ceramic braces, braces place on the backs of the teeth rather READ MORE
Invisible braces are typically one of three different types of appliances used to move the teeth (Clear plastic or ceramic braces, braces place on the backs of the teeth rather than on the fronts, and Invisalign). With all of my years of experience in orthodontics, I get the best results for my patients by engineering a smile using Invisalign.
