Search found 311 matches

by dr.j
Thu Apr 20, 2006 11:54 am
Forum: Archive: Ask the Doc
Topic: Real Ortho equals Member AAO?
Replies: 2
Views: 1499

If you want to know about the doctors training AAO means that they are a true orthodontist with formal training in a residency program. But some orthodontists choose not to join the AAO. Kind of like the square and the rectangle thing.
by dr.j
Sun Apr 16, 2006 4:53 am
Forum: Archive: Ask the Doc
Topic: annoying jaw....possible question for the docs!
Replies: 5
Views: 1773

There is no data that suggests that braces can "fix" and TMJ problem. "Fix " is a term I would not care to use when communicating with a patient b/c it connotes a guarunteed result so to speak. I can tell that braces would not be a reliable way to go to correct a clicking jaw.
by dr.j
Sun Apr 09, 2006 5:20 pm
Forum: Archive: Ask the Doc
Topic: DR. J Help mysterious pain In My mouth....!
Replies: 1
Views: 1147

Is it perhaps a tooth that is going bad and now very cold sensitive? I am guessing that the expander is long since finished being activated. MAybe you can goad your ortho into removing the RPE and placing a transpalatal archwire retainer (TPA) instead?
by dr.j
Fri Apr 07, 2006 12:47 pm
Forum: Archive: Ask the Doc
Topic: Dr. J I went to see a RO
Replies: 6
Views: 1712

If you choose to leave the GP who is doing your ortho tx then it may pose a wierd situation for your significant other. He may choose to cut the chord as well. These instances come up from time to time with some GP's who "dabble in ortho". Especially now that these folks are really getting...
by dr.j
Wed Mar 29, 2006 11:34 am
Forum: Archive: Ask the Doc
Topic: got a real quick qestion
Replies: 3
Views: 1429

The original question was square vs stainless steel: this is comparing apples and oranges. Wire sahpe and material are non-comparable. Round wires: often used for the initial leveling and alignment and later for some types of space closure Square/rectangular wires: used for the interaction of the br...
by dr.j
Tue Mar 28, 2006 4:53 am
Forum: Archive: Ask the Doc
Topic: Tounge Thrust Device
Replies: 2
Views: 1919

I have used a "blue grass" a few times on kids to help try to train a more normal tongue posture. Doing them on adults is fine too. In fact it probably means your ortho really cares about his treatment - many of us would just accept a compromise and not want to put you through this. It is ...
by dr.j
Tue Mar 28, 2006 4:46 am
Forum: Archive: Ask the Doc
Topic: Loose teeth go for braces?
Replies: 8
Views: 2146

I agree with the last post. Go see a GP for an oral exam and cleaning to see where you stand. Good luck
by dr.j
Mon Mar 27, 2006 4:56 pm
Forum: Archive: Ask the Doc
Topic: free gingival tissue graft
Replies: 4
Views: 1754

A graft takes about an hour or so and heals fairly quickly. People do real well with this. It's purpose is to cover an area of gum recession than can worsen over time. Some tissue is "harvested" from the roof of your mouth and grafted over the current defect. You may want to see a periodon...
by dr.j
Mon Mar 27, 2006 4:53 pm
Forum: Archive: Ask the Doc
Topic: Going behind my ortho's back?
Replies: 30
Views: 7909

Lower flaring usually happens with non-surgical/non-extraction tx of mandibular deficiency: small lower jaw. It's happened to me. I would schedule a "consult" or talk with your doc. If he/she is unflinchingly opposed to your ideas or concerns. Go see an orthodontist. It may be that you wou...
by dr.j
Sun Mar 26, 2006 5:05 am
Forum: Archive: Ask the Doc
Topic: Going behind my ortho's back?
Replies: 30
Views: 7909

I just re-read my original post and I saw nothing rude, offensive or anything like that. I will concede that reading something, one can pull out a tone in the text that is wholey unintended. I've done that before (but I did not blast anyone!). My questions about why a GP and not an ortho where just ...
by dr.j
Sun Mar 26, 2006 4:53 am
Forum: Archive: Ask the Doc
Topic: Going behind my ortho's back?
Replies: 30
Views: 7909

Folks: I seemed to have created a firestorm of contraversy and man that's not what was intended. I must say that Dr. Randall (whom I've never met) and I are absolutely not receiving any marketing adavantage at all from trying to help people on this web site! I am a solo practitioner in "Podunk&...
by dr.j
Sat Mar 25, 2006 5:10 am
Forum: Archive: Ask the Doc
Topic: Going behind my ortho's back?
Replies: 30
Views: 7909

If I can be so bold I would not recommend "cornering" an orthodontist and "turning any tables on him/her" with respect to revealing the whole story. All of the time we fail to get all of the information we need as medical professionals due to "withholding" of informatio...
by dr.j
Sat Mar 25, 2006 5:01 am
Forum: Archive: Ask the Doc
Topic: Desperate Need Of HELP!!
Replies: 6
Views: 1706

In response one post "TM disorders can be corrected in most cases" ... this is unfortunately not true. These situations are rarely ever "fixed" but some folks can find improvement in their PDQ: pain, dysfunction. quality of life. There is no magic bullet. TM disorders wax/wain an...
by dr.j
Sat Mar 25, 2006 4:59 am
Forum: Archive: Ask the Doc
Topic: Desperate Need Of HELP!!
Replies: 6
Views: 1706

Sounds like you have a skeletal deep bite pattern with a vertical deficiency of the upper jaw. Nice description on the mandibular plane being very square. You should go see a specialist in Orthodontics.
by dr.j
Sat Mar 18, 2006 5:20 am
Forum: Archive: Ask the Doc
Topic: What's the difference b/w AAO and ABO???
Replies: 1
Views: 2204

AAO: is just an association that almost all ortho's belong to by default. ABO: is a board certification status that indicates that the doctor has gone through the optional process to become a diplomate of the ABO. Most ABO certified doc's are going to be very good. Doc's that are not ABO certified a...