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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Can clenching my teeth cause them to erode?
Clenching can cause change in tooth structure. The technical term is abfraction, It causes destruction of the tooth near the gum line. If the biting surface of the tooth is wearing READ MORE
Clenching can cause change in tooth structure. The technical term is abfraction, It causes destruction of the tooth near the gum line. If the biting surface of the tooth is wearing then it is more likely that you are grinding than clenching. In either case it is best to see your dentist. Likely an appliance can be made to not only protect your teeth but hopefully minimize the harmful habit that is causing the damage.
My son's permanent teeth are growing crooked. What should I do?
It’s best to see an orthodontist for an evaluation. Treatment may be indicated for the problem or your son may be put on observation where he will be seen periodically until he READ MORE
It’s best to see an orthodontist for an evaluation. Treatment may be indicated for the problem or your son may be put on observation where he will be seen periodically until he is ready for treatment.
My son's permanent teeth are growing crooked. Should I take him to an orthodontist?
It's a good idea to see an orthodontist for a consultation around age 7. Treatment may be indicated in some situations. More likely your son will be placed into a 6 month or 12 READ MORE
It's a good idea to see an orthodontist for a consultation around age 7. Treatment may be indicated in some situations. More likely your son will be placed into a 6 month or 12 month recall. Once the front teeth are all in or almost in some space gaining treatment may be recommended.
My daughter is 4 years old and is used to sucking her thumb. Will it cause her teeth to grow outwards?
It's great that you are trying to encourage her stop. She likely won't be getting her front teeth for at least another year so you have some time. If she sucks really strongly READ MORE
It's great that you are trying to encourage her stop. She likely won't be getting her front teeth for at least another year so you have some time. If she sucks really strongly and frequently she may be distorting the shape of her palate. The sooner she stops the better. Rest assured that an orthodontist can help her stop if she is still sucking as she approaches age 6 and that any damage already done is correctable.
Do braces stain your teeth?
Properly affixed braces do not cause any damage to your enamel. Good toothbrushing and use of a fluoride rinse or gel will help prevent any damage to the enamel around the edges READ MORE
Properly affixed braces do not cause any damage to your enamel. Good toothbrushing and use of a fluoride rinse or gel will help prevent any damage to the enamel around the edges of the braces. Some of the bonding material used to affix the braces may stain but it will be polished off when the braces are removed.
Speech therapy or braces first?
If it has already been determined that the position of your teeth is contributing to the speech problem then I would recommend doing the Orthodontics first
I am due for an extraction tomorrow and I am worried. Please help.
There is really no way to answer this without see your pretreatment records. If you have a lot of upper crowding or a large overbite or both then this is likely why you need extractions. READ MORE
There is really no way to answer this without see your pretreatment records. If you have a lot of upper crowding or a large overbite or both then this is likely why you need extractions.
Using teeth whitening strips is causing a burning sensation. Is this normal?
It is not unusual for the teeth to be more sensitive immediately after braces are removed. It is a good idea to use a fluoride rinse for the first week or two. Start the whitening READ MORE
It is not unusual for the teeth to be more sensitive immediately after braces are removed. It is a good idea to use a fluoride rinse for the first week or two. Start the whitening after a couple weeks and limit wearing the strips to no more than 1-2 hours.
What are zirconia braces?
Zirconia braces are made from a very clear ceramic. They work like metal braces but are more fragile. They are a good esthetic alternative but need to be well cared for.
After five weeks of completing my braces treatment my tooth hurts.
You should definitely make sure you are wearing your retainers as instructed and make an appointment to see the doctor that performed your treatment. At sensitivity toothpaste READ MORE
You should definitely make sure you are wearing your retainers as instructed and make an appointment to see the doctor that performed your treatment. At sensitivity toothpaste may also help. These usually take a few days before you notice the effects.
I am diabetic and have to undergo an orthodontic treatment. Will my diabetes affect my healing process?
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene will be essential. As long as the gums are healthy throughout treatment, there is nothing to “heal.”
My son is 3 years old and is still on the bottle. Will it have an impact on the shape of his teeth?
If he has the bottle in for long periods of time it may cause problems with tooth eruption. Also swallowing is supposed to change forming proper lip seal. He should transition READ MORE
If he has the bottle in for long periods of time it may cause problems with tooth eruption. Also swallowing is supposed to change forming proper lip seal. He should transition to a sip cup and then a regular cup right away.
Alan R. Heller, DDS, MS
Alan R. Heller, DDS, MS
I have recently got my braces fixed and they seem to be cutting into the skin of my mouth. What to do?
There is typically an adjustment period after braces are put on. You should use some wax on any brackets that are causing irritation to the tissue. A little soreness is expected. READ MORE
There is typically an adjustment period after braces are put on. You should use some wax on any brackets that are causing irritation to the tissue. A little soreness is expected. The tissue of the mouth tends to toughen up after a few days.
Teeth still moving post having worn retainer for a year (not consistently)
When braces are not worn consistently they are allowing small amounts of tooth movement and then often correct the misalignment with wear. This creates a constant state of mobility READ MORE
When braces are not worn consistently they are allowing small amounts of tooth movement and then often correct the misalignment with wear. This creates a constant state of mobility for the teeth and prevents the full effect of the retainer which is to stabilize the tooth so that bone can solidify around the roots and the soft tissue can reorganize around the tooth in its new position. A gap reopening between the upper teeth is quite common. It should be re-closed and then a permanent retainer should be used to keep it closed. The lower retainer needs to be reinspected by the orthodontist to see if has become detached in some way. Limited retreatment with a removable retainer can of close small gaps.
Can braces damage my child's gums?
The braces don't damage the gums, however, I notice this problem quite frequent in girls your daughter's age. The first thing to do is to make sure she is doing an excellent job READ MORE
The braces don't damage the gums, however, I notice this problem quite frequent in girls your daughter's age. The first thing to do is to make sure she is doing an excellent job brushing at least twice a day and that she flosses below the gums every day. In addition, a mouthwash like Listerine can help. I also believe that there is a hormonal component because I often see this type of problem develop in girls with excellent oral hygiene.
What can you eat the first week of braces?
You should follow the guidelines your doctor gave you regarding foods to avoid so that you won't damage your braces. Beyond that, you can eat anything you can tolerate. Each day, READ MORE
You should follow the guidelines your doctor gave you regarding foods to avoid so that you won't damage your braces. Beyond that, you can eat anything you can tolerate. Each day, the tooth sensitivity will lessen and you will be able to eat more solid foods.
After removing my braces, my cheeks have swollen up. What could be the reason?
I have never heard of this reaction. I have removed braces from thousand of patients without ever being told of this reaction. You should discuss the specifics of what was done READ MORE
I have never heard of this reaction. I have removed braces from thousand of patients without ever being told of this reaction. You should discuss the specifics of what was done and what material were used with your orthodontist.
What foods should I avoid with a permanent crown?
If you have a crown that fits well over an adequate amount of tooth structure you should have very few restrictions. Things that are really sticky and chewy like caramel and taffy READ MORE
If you have a crown that fits well over an adequate amount of tooth structure you should have very few restrictions. Things that are really sticky and chewy like caramel and taffy should be avoided. Gum should be fine.
My son is on his orthodontic treatment and a part of his tooth is now above his gums. Is it normal?
If you mean that the root is protruding through the gum this is not normal and may lead to long term periodontal problems with this tooth. It may require a tissue graft and possibly READ MORE
If you mean that the root is protruding through the gum this is not normal and may lead to long term periodontal problems with this tooth. It may require a tissue graft and possibly a bone graft as well. I would recommend having his dentist check it out if you don't feel you are getting a straight answer from the treating doctor. Without a photo, I'm not saying anything is wrong, but from your description it could be a problem.
How long does it take for teeth to straighten with braces?
This depends almost entirely on how misaligned the teeth are to begin with. Some treatments are only a few months, some two years or more.
