Blog
Choosing an Orthodontist
Posted on March 14, 2017
Question: When choosing an orthodontic office, why shouldn’t I choose the least expensive? Aren’t all orthodontists and braces the same? Answer: If you view orthodontic health care as a commodity, then yes, you can make your treatment decision solely based on the least expensive care. However, if you want to receive the best results, as… Read more »
Avoiding Extractions
Posted on March 7, 2017
Question: When I started orthodontic treatment for crowding, I made it very clear to my orthodontist that I did not want to have any teeth extracted. Now, nine months into treatment, my doctor is telling me that I need to have some extractions. He claims he never promised me treatment without extractions, only that he… Read more »
New Mexico Dental Health
Posted on February 28, 2017
Question: How does New Mexico’s dental health compare to other states? Answer: The most recent dental health survey was conducted in 2015, and did not place New Mexico on either the best or worst list. The state with the best dental health was Minnesota followed by Wisconsin and Illinois. The state with the worst dental… Read more »
Warning About Belladonna for Teething
Posted on February 21, 2017
Question: I have a teething two-year-old who is not sleeping well at night. My mom recommended giving her a homeopathic teething tablet called Belladonna to help her tolerate the pain. My girlfriend said that that stuff is toxic. Is this true? Answer: Your girlfriend is correct. The FDA published a warning in January not to… Read more »
Loyalty Rewards at Dr. Herman’s
Posted on February 14, 2017
Question: I see that other orthodontists in town give prizes to their patients for participating in in-office games and activities. Does your office do this? Answer: No. I do not give prizes, I give actual credit toward additional treatment. I found that my adult patients, or parents, appreciate a credit that lowers fees over playing… Read more »
Extraneous Teeth Facts
Posted on February 7, 2017
Question: I recently called another orthodontic office and asked the lady answering the phone some questions. One of the questions I asked was if the orthodontist takes out teeth to straighten the other teeth. The lady at that office told me that some people have more teeth than other people and those people need to… Read more »
Is My Retainer Causing Issues?
Posted on January 31, 2017
Question: Eleven years ago, my orthodontist cemented a wire as a retainer on the back of my lower teeth. I receive a cleaning every six months and always have a report of healthy gums. I like the fact that this retainer keeps my teeth straight, but is it bad to leave this retainer in my mouth for… Read more »
Predicting Amazing Outcomes
Posted on January 24, 2017
Question: I have been following your patient of the week photos on your Facebook page and on your website. It appears that no matter the extremity of the patient’s case you are able to achieve amazing results. I am impressed by the consistency of your results. Are these results easy to predict? Answer: My confidence… Read more »
Financial Flexibility
Posted on January 17, 2017
Question: I have had some financial issues that have caused me to get behind on my payments to another orthodontist. I need to have my son’s braces removed because I can’t afford them at this time. This orthodontist said he won’t remove braces until my bill is paid. What am I to do? Answer: First,… Read more »
Where Traditional Braces Fall Short
Posted on January 10, 2017
Question: I went to an orthodontic consultation and requested a wide smile, similar to the ones you give your patients. The Orthodontist told me that widening a smile was impossible, though I have seen countless photos of your patients with wide smiles. Why would he tell me this is impossible? Answer: Orthodontists who continue to… Read more »