EXPERT
Dr. Alan R. Heller, D.D.S., M.S.
Orthodontist
Dr. Alan Heller practices Orthodontics in Laurel, MD. 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. Heller may also use Invisalign or other aligner trays that have been designed to align a patients? smile. As an orthodontist, Dr. Heller 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. Alan R. Heller, D.D.S., M.S.
- Laurel, MD
- Accepting new patients
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What's the shortest time to have Invisalign?
Invisalign 5 treatment is only 5 aligner stages. Depending on how long your doctor wants you to wear each stage the treatment will be 5-10 weeks. This is only used in the most READ MORE
Invisalign 5 treatment is only 5 aligner stages. Depending on how long your doctor wants you to wear each stage the treatment will be 5-10 weeks. This is only used in the most simple treatments and applies to very few patients.
How long does Invisalign take?
That’s difficult to answer. It all depends on the severity of the problem. Could be just a few months to a couple years or more.
How do you relieve pain from a retainer?
If it is tooth pain you should wear the retainer full time and use ibuprofen or acetaminophen as needed. The teeth are moving like an adjustment of braces and the soreness will READ MORE
If it is tooth pain you should wear the retainer full time and use ibuprofen or acetaminophen as needed. The teeth are moving like an adjustment of braces and the soreness will subside. If the pain is in the soft tissue you should see your orthodontist and have the retainer adjusted.
Will my teeth be yellow after braces?
Your teeth should not yellow. Once the bonding material that holds the braces in place is removed your teeth should be their original color.
How do dental orthopedics help your teeth?
Orthopedics refers to the use of growth in young children and teens to aid in correction of skeletal imbalances. It’s not really applicable at your age. .
How can I tighten my retainer at home?
Not a good idea trying to do this yourself. See an orthodontist.
Should you keep your Invisalign in overnight?
Absolutely. Aligners should be worn 22 hrs per day.
Should I wear my retainer if it hurts?
If you have been wearing the retainer as instructed and it is causing irritation you should not wear it. Pain in the teeth in an indication you have not been wearing the retainer READ MORE
If you have been wearing the retainer as instructed and it is causing irritation you should not wear it. Pain in the teeth in an indication you have not been wearing the retainer enough. If you wear it full time for a few days the pain will likely go away just like what happens a few days after the braces were adjusted. Take an OTC-pain reliever if this helps
How long do braces take for crowded teeth?
That is difficult to answer. It depends on how much crowding there is and where it is. Will extraction of teeth be required? In some cases extractions don't add much time in a READ MORE
That is difficult to answer. It depends on how much crowding there is and where it is. Will extraction of teeth be required? In some cases extractions don't add much time in a severely crowded case but can add significant time in a moderately crowded situation.
Can you straighten your teeth if you have implants?
The implants cannot be moved, but can act as anchors when moving other teeth. Depending on what needs to be corrected, the implants can be helpful, a hinderance, or have an impact, READ MORE
The implants cannot be moved, but can act as anchors when moving other teeth. Depending on what needs to be corrected, the implants can be helpful, a hinderance, or have an impact,
When can I stop wearing my retainers?
I would recommend that you not stop wearing your retainers. It may be alright to reduce wear to a few nights each week but there is always the possibility that the teeth could READ MORE
I would recommend that you not stop wearing your retainers. It may be alright to reduce wear to a few nights each week but there is always the possibility that the teeth could move out of line. After wearing retainers for a while they should be passive, meaning they do not put any pressure on the teeth. If you feel pressure each night when you put them in you should wear them. If not, it may be alright to skip a night. This process can be repeated with additional nights off until you feel a little pressure. At a minimum, once a week wear should continue for as long as you would like your teeth to remain aligned properly.
Can I use normal toothbrush for braces?
You can use a normal toothbrush. Just like a quality rechargeable brush you should spend 2 minutes each time you brush. Carefully inspect you teeth to make sure you are getting READ MORE
You can use a normal toothbrush. Just like a quality rechargeable brush you should spend 2 minutes each time you brush. Carefully inspect you teeth to make sure you are getting everything clean.
Can you get braces on just your front teeth?
It is possible to have braces on just a section of the teeth though it is often easier for the doctor and more comfortable for you to get them on the whole arch.
Do you need Invisalign to fix one tooth?
Often, correction a of single misaligned tooth can be accomplished using Invisalign. Depending on the correction needed, aligners can be much more efficient than braces because READ MORE
Often, correction a of single misaligned tooth can be accomplished using Invisalign. Depending on the correction needed, aligners can be much more efficient than braces because there is no unwanted movement of other teeth with aligners.
What happens if your teeth move after having braces?
You should have received retainers when your braces were removed. It is very important for you to wear them as instructed. If the teeth are still quite mobile your orthodontist READ MORE
You should have received retainers when your braces were removed. It is very important for you to wear them as instructed. If the teeth are still quite mobile your orthodontist may consider putting in a bonded retainer.
Do you need braces to fix a few teeth?
Likely yes. Braces or removable aligners. Sometimes a retainer can be used but only for the most mild of problems
Do braces move your teeth every day?
Braces move the teeth every day until each wire has done all it is programmed to do. This is generally between 4 and 8 weeks depending on the wire used and the degree of misalignment READ MORE
Braces move the teeth every day until each wire has done all it is programmed to do. This is generally between 4 and 8 weeks depending on the wire used and the degree of misalignment of the teeth.
Can crowns be used on front teeth?
You can get crowns on the front teeth. Typically they are made from a tooth colored porcelain and provide excellent esthetics.
Is it normal to leave Invisalign in all the time?
Aligners should be worn 22 hours each day.
Can you use mouthwash while wearing Invisalign?
It shouldn’t cause any damage to the aligners but the mouthwash stuck inside the aligner may cause damage to your enamel. It’s best to remove the aligners when using mouthwash. READ MORE
It shouldn’t cause any damage to the aligners but the mouthwash stuck inside the aligner may cause damage to your enamel. It’s best to remove the aligners when using mouthwash.
