Dr. Kevin Patrick Mccaffrey, D.M.D., M.S.

Braces do NOT stain teeth. Poor oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment can cause staining around the braces.

Best wishes,

Kevin P. McCaffrey, DMD, MS

You definitely can do braces on only one of the upper teeth, however, for a variety of reasons that may not be the best option. An orthodontic specialist will be able to take records of both your upper and lower teeth, photos, and X-rays and show you why you may or may not want to treat upper and lower teeth. Sometimes straightening the upper teeth will make them not "fit" with the lower teeth as well and the bite will not feel comfortable. That is one reason some orthodontists may recommend to treat upper and lower teeth together with braces or clear aligners such as Invisalign Clear Aligners.

The length of treatment varies depending on the severity of the mis-alignment. Luckily, we seem to see teeth move faster in younger patients like yourself. I would guess that 90% of my patients can be treated in a treatment time of 4- 20 months. Some cases may take longer.

If I were you, I would find a Board Certified Orthodontist and call their office to see if they offer a complimentary consultation. Going to a complimentary consultation will ensure that you feel comfortable with the location, the orthodontist, and get a feel for their expertise. Unlike dentists, orthodontists specifically specialize in moving teeth, that is all they do, day in and day out, so they are the experts in tooth movement. The following link can help you find a Board Certified Orthodontist near you:

https://www.americanboardortho.com/general-public/orthodontist-locator/

This link discusses the difference between an orthodontist and dentist:

http://www.seaofsmiles.com/treatment-info/orthodontist-vs--general-dentist

When considering orthodontic treatment for the diabetic patient, it is important to find a doctor who will take the extra time needed to treat you in a safe and courteous manner. Going on a consultation with a potential orthodontist should allow you to determine if you trust that orthodontist.

Considerations before deciding orthodontic treatment:

-Ensure good oral hygiene and dental health (most potent)
-Tight control of diabetes
-Exclude periodontitis
-Monitor blood glucose before going into active orthodontic treatment


Considerations during the process of orthodontic treatment:

-Apply light physiological forces
-Antibiotic prophylaxis before: orthodontic bed placement; separator placement; screw insertion
-Antibiotic prophylaxis is not needed in: simple adjustment of appliances; simple replacement of appliances


Considerations to prevent or manage emergencies during the process (especially hypoglycemia):

-Morning meal on day of orthodontic treatment

If symptoms of hypoglycemia occurred: IV dextrose; IM glucagon 1 mg
"Diabetes mellitus is commonly encountered in patients seeking orthodontic treatment. Because diabetes exerts a considerable negative effect on bone remodeling, diabetic patients’ teeth are very likely to be misaligned and to require dental correction. Thus, it is necessary for dentists to have a basic and solid background knowledge about diabetes diagnosis, management, dental consequences, and the considerations to be taken into account during treating those patients. Diabetes is not a contraindication to orthodontic treatment. However, uncontrolled diabetes may have significant negative consequences on the outcomes of the procedures. Dentists should be aware about the importance of tight control of diabetes before conducting any dental procedure, and to exclude periodontitis. During orthodontic treatment, they should be careful not to overload the weakened teeth, to give prophylactic antibiotics when required, and to be aware with early signs of hypoglycemia."

Yes braces would be able to correct this middle tooth. I would find a Board Certified Orthodontist in your area and call to see if you can schedule a complimentary consultation. This website has a Board Certified Orthodontist Locator.

https://www.americanboardortho.com/general-public/orthodontist-locator/

Braces can move one tooth without moving other teeth, however often times, there may be benefits to slightly moving adjacent teeth also. This is also something that may be able to be corrected with a clear aligner.

I would find a Board Certified Orthodontist in your area and call to see if you can schedule a complimentary consultation. This website has a Board Certified Orthodontist Locator.

https://www.americanboardortho.com/general-public/orthodontist-locator/

Yes there are multiple ways to treat this depending on the exact situation. In some cases an orthodontist can move that tooth back into the gums to increase the gum tissue on the tooth. In other cases, a periodontist (gum and bone dentist) may be able to cover that tooth with gum tissue taken from elsewhere in the mouth.

I would find a Board Certified Orthodontist in your area and call to see if you can schedule a complimentary consultation. This website has a Board Certified Orthodontist Locator.

https://www.americanboardortho.com/general-public/orthodontist-locator/

Yes, many patients are eligible to use clear aligner therapy such as Invisalign to straighten there teeth. YouTube has some phenomenal videos on "How Invisalign Moves Teeth"

If I were you, I would find a Board Certified Orthodontist in your area and call to see if you can schedule a complimentary consultation. This website has a Board Certified Orthodontist Locator.

https://www.americanboardortho.com/general-public/orthodontist-locator/

Without seeing the tooth and how the rest of your teeth fit around it, it is hard to say if you "need" braces. There may be other options.

If I were you, I would find a Board Certified Orthodontist in your area and call to see if they offer a free consultation. These consultations are usually pretty quick and may involve some complimentary photos and x-rays as well as an office tour to let you get a feel for the competence and friendliness of the orthodontist and their staff.

This website will allow you to find a Board Certified Orthodontist.

https://www.americanboardortho.com/general-public/orthodontist-locator/

While thumb sucking is unlikely to change the "shape" of the teeth, it can make the teeth appear worse by changing their position in the mouth. If she is 6, that is really a problem she needs to break.

If I were you, I would find a Board Certified Orthodontist in your area and call to see if they offer a free consultation. These consultations are usually pretty quick and may involve some complimentary photos and x-rays as well as an office tour to let you get a feel for the competence and friendliness of the orthodontist and their staff.

This website will allow you to find a Board Certified Orthodontist.

https://www.americanboardortho.com/general-public/orthodontist-locator/

Clear aligners such as Invisalign may correct your overcrowding. Once it is corrected, you will need to wear a retainer at night to keep the teeth from crowding again as teeth tend to continue moving slightly throughout life if no retainer is worn.

If I were you, I would find a Board Certified Orthodontist in your area and call to see if they offer a free consultation. These consultations are usually pretty quick and may involve some complimentary photos and x-rays as well as an office tour to let you get a feel for the competence and friendliness of the orthodontist and their staff.

This website will allow you to find a Board Certified Orthodontist.

https://www.americanboardortho.com/general-public/orthodontist-locator/

The only way to guarantee your teeth stay straight is to wear a properly fitting and properly constructed retainer at nighttime for as long as you want to guarantee the teeth stay straight. Once you stop wearing the retainer, there is no guarantee the teeth will stay straight.

No it is definitely not too early. See the short article below.

https://www.aaoinfo.org/system/files/media/documents/Right_Time_for_Ortho-MLMS-hl.pdf

If the retainer has not been adjusted or if it has been modified incorrectly through wear over the past three years, the retainer may not be retaining the teeth in their straight position. I recommend calling your orthodontist to set up an appointment to check for the retainer and to see how the teeth can be moved back to optimal esthetics and function.

Best wishes,

Kevin P. McCaffrey, DMD, MS