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FAQ: Orthodontics - Children - Teens

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Orthodontics Ask The Dentist - Edward Leventhal

Question:
I recently had my braces removed and am not impressed with the results. I'm not sure if it is a problem my orthodontist can correct or a problem I need a dentist to fix. I like a really wide smile...(which mine is not at present).

I am not sure if my ortho can correct this or if I should get my gums cut to show more of my teeth. I would like to know who cuts gums, how much it costs to have the procedure completed and if I am a candidate. Can you help?

Answer:
Raquel, I am trying to understand what you mean by a wide smile. If your top jaw is narrowower in width when you compare this to your bottom jaw, then your top jaw needs to be expanded. Expansion is done in a few ways. If you are before age 14, then you can get it expanded without surgery. However, once the sutures start to calcify within your bone, then you can only get it expanded with surgery to 'widen' your jaw, only if you have an existing crossbite (because your top jaw is too narrow when compared to your bottom jaw).

If you are curious about getting your gums cut to 'show' more teeth, or any type of gum surgery, the best person to have that evaluated would be the Periodontist (A Dentist that specializes in gums).

Edward Leventhal, DDS
Baltimore Cosmetic Implant Dentistry
8860 Belair Road
Baltimore, MD 21236
(410) 256-7300

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