Blog
Fixing an Overbite
Posted on May 23, 2017
Question: I received a plan from an orthodontist to fix my overbite by extracting my top middle tooth and placing screws in my upper jaw to bring my front teeth backward. I do not agree with this plan. What should I do? Answer: I encourage you to get a second opinion. This treatment approach is… Read more »
Braces Removal
Posted on May 16, 2017
Question: I was being treated by an orthodontist who seemed very nice and had great reviews. However, when I got behind on payments and had to end treatment, his staff told me I had been terminated as a patient and needed to get my braces removed elsewhere. Is this refusal to remove my braces a… Read more »
Explaining Justifiable Benefit
Posted on May 9, 2017
Question: Last week an Albuquerque news station had a piece about a dentist who was under investigation due to patient complaints about being treated for non-existing problems. Does this happen in our area? Answer: When a patient changes to a new dentist it can be upsetting when problems are identified, especially when your previous dentist… Read more »
Apple Cider Vinegar for Whitening?
Posted on May 2, 2017
Question: I saw on the internet that people are rinsing with apple cider vinegar to help whiten their teeth. Is this safe and effective? Answer: CNN recently investigated this question and found that people recommend using apple cider vinegar for a variety of reasons, including dental care. However, it should not be used as a… Read more »
Transferring Orthodontists
Posted on April 25, 2017
Question: I know you receive a lot of transfer patients from other offices. Why do patients transfer to your office? Answer: There are several reasons why so many patients transfer to my office. Some reasons include: either the patient wants a wider smile, the previous office refused to work with the patient on financial issues, problems… Read more »
Tooth Fairy Update
Posted on April 18, 2017
Question: How much is the tooth fairy paying these days for baby teeth? Answer: A recent study found that the current average is $4.66 per baby tooth. This is a significant increase of 75 cents over 2015. The study found that more than 200 million dollars were paid out by the tooth fairy and her… Read more »
Patient Experience in Farmington
Posted on April 11, 2017
Question: I was in your office the other day and was surprised to find that you had a lot of patients coming in from places that were two to four hours away, plus your local Albuquerque patients. I know that other orthodontists in town have offices in Gallup and Albuquerque; why don’t you? Answer: I… Read more »
Know Your Options
Posted on April 4, 2017
Question: I had orthodontic treatment with the removal of four healthy teeth behind my canines. My brother had treatment for similar problems but had no teeth extracted. I was not informed by my orthodontist about a non-extraction option. Did he have an obligation to tell me about other options? Answer: Yes, he did. Most states have… Read more »
Cyberbullying About Teeth
Posted on March 28, 2017
Question: My daughter came crying to me last night that some kids were posting on social media about her smile having fangs. One post said that her dad must be Dracula. Is cyberbullying about a person’s smile common? Answer: Cyberbullying on almost anything is a large problem, however, a recent study found that cyberbullying about… Read more »
The Truth About Early Treatment
Posted on March 21, 2017
Question: I read a Facebook post by another orthodontist which stated that early treatment can prevent the need for permanent teeth extractions. As a mom of four children, I have never heard this before. Is this true? Answer: No, this is wishful thinking. There have been multiple studies since this idea was first proposed in… Read more »