EXPERT
Dr. Eric Dellinger, D.D.S., M.S.D.
Orthodontist | Orthodontist
Dr. Eric Dellinger practices Orthodontics in Fort Wayne, IN. 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. Dellinger may also use Invisalign or other aligner trays that have been designed to align a patients? smile. As an orthodontist, Dr. Dellinger 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.
34 years
Experience
Dr. Eric Dellinger, D.D.S., M.S.D.
- Fort Wayne, IN
- Indiana University School of Dentistry
- Accepting new patients
No results found
How long do titanium implants last?
A titanium implant for a single tooth replacement is intended to last for the life of the patient. Proper maintenance, regular cleanings, and professional evaluation can achieve READ MORE
A titanium implant for a single tooth replacement is intended to last for the life of the patient. Proper maintenance, regular cleanings, and professional evaluation can achieve this goal. The crown on top of the implant however, may need replacing periodically, perhaps every 5-20 years!
Is 35 too old for braces?
Not at all! My oldest patient was an 83-year-old dentist who came to me because his wife couldn’t stand his crooked teeth anymore! Like all physical therapy, a good check-up and READ MORE
Not at all! My oldest patient was an 83-year-old dentist who came to me because his wife couldn’t stand his crooked teeth anymore! Like all physical therapy, a good check-up and medical/dental review is necessary to achieve success. Your best way to find out if you could benefit is to find a Board Certified Orthodontist in your area. Use the orthodontist locator on Americanboardortho.com
Enjoy your beautiful smile!
Dr. Eric Dellinger, DDS, MSD
Enjoy your beautiful smile!
Dr. Eric Dellinger, DDS, MSD
What is the maximum age to get braces?
The oldest patient I have treated was 83 years old and got braces because his wife wanted his teeth to look better. Function improved too, and he enjoyed his straight teeth for READ MORE
The oldest patient I have treated was 83 years old and got braces because his wife wanted his teeth to look better. Function improved too, and he enjoyed his straight teeth for another 20 years!
How long does Invisalign take?
Invisalign and braces both move teeth about 1mm per month. If there are lots of movements, or long movements, treatments may take as long as 3 years. If only small or simple READ MORE
Invisalign and braces both move teeth about 1mm per month. If there are lots of movements, or long movements, treatments may take as long as 3 years. If only small or simple movements are required, some treatments can be done in as little as 3 months. To find out how long your treatment might take, contact a board certified orthodontist at Americanboardortho.com on the Orthodontist locator tab.
When can I stop wearing my retainers?
Retainers are designed to prevent changes to the teeth. In other words they “retain” the treatment done to the teeth. When you no longer desire to maintain your orthodontic treatment, READ MORE
Retainers are designed to prevent changes to the teeth. In other words they “retain” the treatment done to the teeth. When you no longer desire to maintain your orthodontic treatment, stop wearing retainers and things will change. If you wish to maintain your work, keep wearing them. PS - everything changes in human bodies until we die, and most of aging process is not kind. Teeth are no exception!
How do you relieve pain from a retainer?
If the pain is occurring in a previously comfortable retainer, it is likely the retainer was damaged or the teeth have changed (perhaps due to an infection). For this type of READ MORE
If the pain is occurring in a previously comfortable retainer, it is likely the retainer was damaged or the teeth have changed (perhaps due to an infection). For this type of scenario it is best to see your Orthodontist as quickly as possible. If the pain is mild to moderate muscle type ache associated with changing to a new Invisalign style retainer, take an appropriate ibuprofen or Tylenol dose and anticipate the pain should reduce within three days. If the new Invisalign retainer is not comfortable in 5 days, cease wearing it and call your Orthodontist.
How long does it take to get fitted for Invisalign?
We use a digital scanner to record and order aligners. It takes about 15 minutes to do the scan, then 3-6 weeks to order and receive the aligners. If the aligners require a lot READ MORE
We use a digital scanner to record and order aligners. It takes about 15 minutes to do the scan, then 3-6 weeks to order and receive the aligners. If the aligners require a lot of attachments (plastic buttons on the teeth) it can take 20-60 minutes to deliver the first set(s). Only about 15/20 minutes for subsequent sets of trays.
Dr. Eric Dellinger, DDS, MSD
Dr. Eric Dellinger, DDS, MSD
Do braces move your teeth every day?
In general yes, the pressure of the arch-wire is gently released on the tooth causing it to move slowly. Occasionally Orthodontists will use certain wires to prevent teeth from READ MORE
In general yes, the pressure of the arch-wire is gently released on the tooth causing it to move slowly. Occasionally Orthodontists will use certain wires to prevent teeth from moving, the ability to create the movement of teeth only when and where it is desired is the key to good orthodontics.
How do you heal a cut in your mouth from braces?
Ask your Orthodontist for a prescription for Peridex. It is a mouthwash made by 3M that kills germs and allows the cut to heal more quickly (other brands made by other manufacturers READ MORE
Ask your Orthodontist for a prescription for Peridex. It is a mouthwash made by 3M that kills germs and allows the cut to heal more quickly (other brands made by other manufacturers are also available).
How long will braces take to fix one tooth?
Usually the time for movement will be determined by the distance that the tooth needs to move. 1mm per month is considered pretty fast movement. The hard part is getting only READ MORE
Usually the time for movement will be determined by the distance that the tooth needs to move. 1mm per month is considered pretty fast movement. The hard part is getting only the 1 tooth to move. Consider if you only wanted to knock down one bowling pin - not as easy as it sounds when you really try to do it! Try Americanboardortho.com for an orthodontist in your area!
Is it normal to leave Invisalign in all the time?
In general yes! Though the Aligners should be removed when eating and brushing the teeth, or if drinking dark or sugar containing liquids.
Can you use mouthwash while wearing Invisalign?
Yes, but you want to make sure to rinse with water afterwards to remove the mouthwash that might be sitting against your soft tissue. You shouldn't hold alcohol against the gums READ MORE
Yes, but you want to make sure to rinse with water afterwards to remove the mouthwash that might be sitting against your soft tissue. You shouldn't hold alcohol against the gums for very long and most mouthwashes will contain some alcohol.
Can you close a gap without braces?
Yes! Clear aligners can close many gaps, and some gaps can be closed with even less expensive wire retainers. See a board certified orthodontist at americanboardortho.com (locator READ MORE
Yes! Clear aligners can close many gaps, and some gaps can be closed with even less expensive wire retainers. See a board certified orthodontist at americanboardortho.com (locator tab) to find the best credentialed orthodontist in your area!
Dr. Eric Dellinger
Dr. Eric Dellinger
My son is 8 years and his permanent teeth are crooked. Is it too early to go to an orthodontist?
The American Dental Association recommends all children receive an orthodontic examination at age 7. If you are seeing problems you should seek a board certified orthodontist at READ MORE
The American Dental Association recommends all children receive an orthodontic examination at age 7. If you are seeing problems you should seek a board certified orthodontist at any age. Please check under the Orthodontist location tab at Americanboardortho.com to find a qualified orthodontist in your area.
Dr. Eric Dellinger, DDS, MSD
Dr. Eric Dellinger, DDS, MSD
My son's permanent teeth are growing crooked. What should I do?
It is unlikely that they will straighten out on their own. This is an ideal time to see an orthodontist! To find an orthodontist in your area, look at the orthodontist locator READ MORE
It is unlikely that they will straighten out on their own. This is an ideal time to see an orthodontist! To find an orthodontist in your area, look at the orthodontist locator page at americanboardortho.com
Dr. Eric Dellinger, DDS, MSD
Dr. Eric Dellinger, DDS, MSD
Speech therapy or braces first?
Why not do both! It will shorten your overall time in treatment if you progress with both therapies at the same time. Tell your Orthodontist to coordinate with your speech therapist READ MORE
Why not do both! It will shorten your overall time in treatment if you progress with both therapies at the same time. Tell your Orthodontist to coordinate with your speech therapist for best results!
My daughter is 4 years old and is used to sucking her thumb. Will it cause her teeth to grow outwards?
Good news! Your daughter's permanent teeth probably won’t come in until 5-6 years old! The bad news is that even at 4 years old she can be putting orthopedic pressure on her jaws READ MORE
Good news! Your daughter's permanent teeth probably won’t come in until 5-6 years old! The bad news is that even at 4 years old she can be putting orthopedic pressure on her jaws that could cause bad growth. I would suggest using positive rewards for her to stop or reduce this behavior.
I am diabetic and have to undergo an orthodontic treatment. Will my diabetes affect my healing process?
Unfortunately, diabetes can slow all healing and orthopedic/orthodontic processes. Having said that, if your A1C scores are consistently lower than 8, you should have very minimal READ MORE
Unfortunately, diabetes can slow all healing and orthopedic/orthodontic processes. Having said that, if your A1C scores are consistently lower than 8, you should have very minimal difficulties with your treatment. As always, good control leads to a good life!!
Dr. Eric Dellinger
Dr. Eric Dellinger
Does having braces hurt?
Braces (and aligners, and expanders) are all orthopedic tools used to move your body. Anytime you are doing physical exercise, or physical therapy, you will probably hurt a little. READ MORE
Braces (and aligners, and expanders) are all orthopedic tools used to move your body. Anytime you are doing physical exercise, or physical therapy, you will probably hurt a little. Much like exercises, different people respond in different levels of discomfort. Some people can run for miles and never feel sore, while others get wiped out just running across the parking lot! If your mouth is very sensitive you will probably feel more uncomfortable than your friends with braces. If you are having problems feeling uncomfortable, just tell your Orthodontist. Your Orthodontist can prescribe medicines, toothpastes, mouthwashes and other tools to make you feel better! To find a board certified orthodontist look under:
americanboardortho.com
americanboardortho.com
My daughter’s middle tooth seems to be out of line from the remaining teeth. Can this be corrected with braces?
Braces can correct these types of problems very effectively. It would be wise to get a comprehensive Orthodontic evaluation from a board certified Orthodontist as 10 years is READ MORE
Braces can correct these types of problems very effectively. It would be wise to get a comprehensive Orthodontic evaluation from a board certified Orthodontist as 10 years is a time when 12 year old molars and adult cuspids begin to come in and you should insure that all the adult teeth are able to function properly. To find a board certified Orthodontist, look under the Orthodontist locater tab at americanboardortho.com
