expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Alan R. Heller, D.D.S., M.S.

Orthodontist

Dr. Alan Heller practices Orthodontics in Laurel, MD. Comprehensive orthodontic treatment includes metal wires that are inserted into orthodontic brackets, which can be made from stainless steel or a more aesthetic ceramic material. The wires interact with the brackets to move teeth into desired positions. Being advanced in the field, Dr. Heller may also use Invisalign or other aligner trays that have been designed to align a patients? smile. As an orthodontist, Dr. Heller must recognize various characteristics of a malocclusion or dentofacial deformity, define the nature of the problem, including the etiology if possible, and design a treatment strategy based on the specific needs and desires of the patient.
Dr. Alan R. Heller, D.D.S., M.S.
  • Laurel, MD
  • Accepting new patients

How long is Invisalign treatment?

For a treatment as limited as you describe 6 months is likely adequate to correct the problem. If other misalignment is being corrected as well it may take significantly longer. READ MORE
For a treatment as limited as you describe 6 months is likely adequate to correct the problem. If other misalignment is being corrected as well it may take significantly longer. Your doctor should be able to give you a fairly accurate estimate.

Does having braces hurt?

Tooth movement hurts a bit. The teeth are especially sensitive to pressure like biting/chewing, The first day or two after tooth movement starts is the worst. It gradually gets READ MORE
Tooth movement hurts a bit. The teeth are especially sensitive to pressure like biting/chewing, The first day or two after tooth movement starts is the worst. It gradually gets better over a few days.

My daughter’s middle tooth seems to be out of line from the remaining teeth. Can this be corrected with braces?

Yes, braces can fix almost any misalignment. If the misalignment is caused by significant crowding of the teeth, removal of one or more teeth may be necessary.

What happens if you don't wear your retainer?

You will likely end up back in braces or with crooked teeth. Probably 75% of patients have have noticeable movement within 72 hours of not wearing a retainer. The further out you READ MORE
You will likely end up back in braces or with crooked teeth. Probably 75% of patients have have noticeable movement within 72 hours of not wearing a retainer. The further out you are from having the braces removed, the less likely to see movement. If you don't want to bother wearing a removable retainer, ask your orthodontist about a bonded retainer.

How can I quickly close the gaps in my teeth?

Braces or clear aligners can correct spacing. How quickly depends on how much space there is and how the teeth fit together.

Brackets on my braces came off while sleeping. What should I do?

See your orthodontist right away. There must have been a problem in the bonding procedure or your bite may be colliding with the braces, causing you to knock them off.

Can you tell if someone is wearing Invisalign?

Most people won't even notice. Occasionally, someone that is within a couple feet may notice. They probably shouldn't be in your personal space like that. :-)

I wear my retainer, so why are my teeth still shifting?

The retainer may need adjustment as the wire may have become loose over time. You should see your orthodontist for a retainer check.

Smile direct club or Invisalign?

There is not doubt that you should go with Invisalign. You have NO supervision from a doctor with Smile Direct. Invisalign is a much more sophisticated product with a more advance READ MORE
There is not doubt that you should go with Invisalign. You have NO supervision from a doctor with Smile Direct. Invisalign is a much more sophisticated product with a more advance plastic.

Can braces fix my child's big tooth gap?

Braces can definitely fix this. She should be see by an orthodontist. An x-ray will be needed to help determine the cause of the gap.

What should I do if my braces are too tight?

Just be patient and take some pain reliever. After 2-3 days the discomfort will subside. You can't really loosen them. Even if you could you probably don't want anyone working READ MORE
Just be patient and take some pain reliever. After 2-3 days the discomfort will subside. You can't really loosen them. Even if you could you probably don't want anyone working in there while the teeth are so tender.