Orthodontist Guru

After completing her Orthodontic residency, Dr. Morgan took and passed the American Board of Orthodontic Exam making her a Board Certified Orthodontist (a designation only a small percentage of orthodontists achieve). After practicing in a few areas in Northern Virginia, Dr. Morgan has decided to plant roots in Lansdowne as she loves the community spirit of the area. Dr. Morgan resides in Leesburg.

All opinions from Guru experts are based on available and presented information. The expressed opinions are not a substitute for medical or psychological care and should not be viewed as such.

ORTHODONTIST GURU: Teeth Extraction

27 March 2009

Dr. Morgan

Section: Ask Northern Virginia Gurus -

Orthodontist Guru

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Question: My son has his permanent teeth coming in, but his front teeth are very far apart. His canines don't seem to be loose or not making room for the new teeth that will push his front teeth together. Do you think it is
necessary to pull out his canine (baby) or is there a better way?

ORTHODONTIST: Impacted Teeth

15 November 2008

I AM TEAM

Section: Ask Northern Virginia Gurus -

Orthodontist Guru

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My 9 year old daughter had both upper primary molars extracted (next to her eye teeth) to make room for her adult canines to come down. The dentist would like to see the molars come down to make room for the canines to straighten out. They appear to be at a 45 degree angle at the present time. I'm just wondering what the success rate for this procedure is? She didn't handle the extraction very well, and I'm concerned that if the canines don't straighten out, she will require surgery or something more painful down the road. Is surgery a must in impacted canines?? Does her age play a role in any of this?
While extraction of primary teeth is a common practice to aid in the growth and development of the permanent teeth, if you have questions regarding your child's specific needs, I would suggest visiting a board certified orthodontist in your area. Most orthodontists provide free initial consultations and will be able to look at your daughter's teeth to really inform you of potential needs in the future.
If permanent canines are impacted and will not erupt on their own, there is a surgery to assist the orthodontist in moving the teeth. Many times an orthodontist will make room for the teeth and then with the help of a surgeon who places brackets on the impacted teeth, they are able to pull the teeth into place.
Your question about her age is a good question. The AAO (American Association of Orthodontists www. braces.org) recommend that every child be screened by an orthodontist by age 7. There are many things that can be more easily done before the child reaches 10 or 11 that will prevent or at least improve issues that will occur when all of the baby (primary) teeth are lost.
Please let me know if this answers your question.
Thank you,
Dr. Kelly Morgan
www. morganorthodontics.com

ORTHODONTIST: Thumb Sucking Kids

14 November 2008

I AM TEAM

Section: Ask Northern Virginia Gurus -

Orthodontist Guru

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My 5 year old is a thumb sucker and always has been. We can't seem to break her of the habit. Is this causing any permament damage, and are there corrections that we can still try to do to stop this?

I understand that thumb sucking can be a difficult habit to break but it should be broken after age 2. An orthodontist can tell you about different types of "habit breaker" appliance that could be an option for your daughter. Additionally, the orthodontist can fix any changes that are being made to the upper jaw (maxilla) either at the same time as the "habit appliance" or can wait untill she is 7-8 years old to undergo this treatment.
Hope this helps,
Dr. Kelly Morgan

ORTHODONTIST: Is there a way to speed up time in braces?

14 November 2008

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Section: Ask Northern Virginia Gurus -

Orthodontist Guru

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Is there a way to speed up time in braces?

written by Dr. Casagrande , July 25, 2008

There are certain types of braces that can reduce treatment time called self-ligating brackets. Many orthodontists are using this technology now. Depending on the amount of movement needed, Invisalign can work very well too.

ORTHODONTIST: Can teeth be shortened?

14 November 2008

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Section: Ask Northern Virginia Gurus -

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Can teeth be shortened?

Teeth can be moved vertically (up and down) into alignment. There is also a technique called enamelplasty that can be done to give the appearance of leveled teeth. However, when gum disease (periodontitis) is present, it is not advisable to move teeth orthodontically. I would recommend a visit to a periodontist (gum specialist), who will lead you in the right direction. If he/she ok's orthodontic treatment- you would be able to proceed.

ORTHODONTIST:What does an Orthodontist Treat?

14 November 2008

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Does an Orthodontist do porcelain veneers or other cosmetic procedures?

written by Dr. Casagrande , May 27, 2008

An orthodontist limits his/her practice to orthodontics alone. A general or cosmetic dentist would do veneers. A lot of what orthodontists do, however, is cosmetic.....such as the alignment of teeth and jaws.
Orthodontists diagnose, prevent and treat dental and facial irregularities. Orthodontists limit their practices to orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. That means that orthodontic treatment is what they do, and that is all they do. Orthodontists treat a wide variety of malocclusions (misaligned aligned teeth and/or jaws). They regularly treat young children, teens and adults.