expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Hessam Rahimi, DDS, DMSC

Orthodontist

Dr. Rahimi studied Orthodontics at Harvard University for four years in addition to studying towards a Doctorate degree in Oral Biology back in 2011. He started his dental education in 1997 and has been ...
13 years Experience
Dr. Hessam Rahimi, DDS, DMSC
  • Dallas, TX
  • Harvard School of Dental Medicine
  • Accepting new patients

Can teeth be straightened after implants?

Implants don't move with braces, but everything around them does. For that reason, it is always better to complete orthodontic treatment prior to implant placement. exceptions READ MORE
Implants don't move with braces, but everything around them does. For that reason, it is always better to complete orthodontic treatment prior to implant placement. exceptions apply that your provider will be able to decide.

How much does it cost to get braces on the inside of your teeth?

Lingual braces are usually more expensive than regular braces, almost close to double the cost; however, there are some new players in the market such as BRIUS for which the price READ MORE
Lingual braces are usually more expensive than regular braces, almost close to double the cost; however, there are some new players in the market such as BRIUS for which the price of treatment is not significantly higher than regular braces. If let's say regular cost of braces are 6500, BRIUS would be priced at anything from 6500 to 7500.

Do braces change how you talk?

Excluding the first few days of getting braces, the answer is no. The worst comes in 3 days and then after, you will get used to your braces and all of your normal functions (eating, READ MORE
Excluding the first few days of getting braces, the answer is no. The worst comes in 3 days and then after, you will get used to your braces and all of your normal functions (eating, speaking, playing music instruments), they return to normal. Kids get used to braces faster than adults though.

Should I get braces before crowns?

Yes. The sequence of events is seeing your dentist and fixing all cavities and getting provisional restorations on crowns, then aligning teeth with braces and finally receiving READ MORE
Yes. The sequence of events is seeing your dentist and fixing all cavities and getting provisional restorations on crowns, then aligning teeth with braces and finally receiving the permanent restoration/crown afterwards. In many instances, braces can close spaces or sometimes we remove defective teeth and create a beautiful smile all at the same time.

Can you get braces if you have a missing tooth?

Absolutely. Braces are a non-invasive way to close spaces caused by tooth loss too.

How to ease pain from a loose bracket?

Put wax on it. If you don't have wax, put your gum on it and see your orthodontist asap.

Can teeth be straightened with a retainer?

Not with one retainer, but with many retainers, yes (also known as aligners such as Invisalign). Sometimes though, a small discrepancy can be fixed with a removable retainer that READ MORE
Not with one retainer, but with many retainers, yes (also known as aligners such as Invisalign). Sometimes though, a small discrepancy can be fixed with a removable retainer that gets adjusted by the orthodontist.

Can retainers be used instead of braces?

Well, many companies have been formed around this concept. The biggest name is Invisalign. Invisalign is nothing but a series of retainers that each move your teeth from the current READ MORE
Well, many companies have been formed around this concept. The biggest name is Invisalign. Invisalign is nothing but a series of retainers that each move your teeth from the current position to the ideal, one step at a time.

How long do you wear rubber bands for braces?

To minimize the time you have to wear rubber bands, wear them 24/7 when your orthodontist tells you to do so. Each treatment is different. Some might need it for the entirety of READ MORE
To minimize the time you have to wear rubber bands, wear them 24/7 when your orthodontist tells you to do so. Each treatment is different. Some might need it for the entirety of the treatment, while others might not need it at all.

What happens if a crossbite is not corrected?

Crossbites damage teeth and enforce all the unwanted forces to the rest of the teeth which is bad for your jaw joint. If you have a crossbite, you need to fix it asap otherwise READ MORE
Crossbites damage teeth and enforce all the unwanted forces to the rest of the teeth which is bad for your jaw joint. If you have a crossbite, you need to fix it asap otherwise your bite will be unstable (will change over time) and teeth will wear much quicker.

What age should you fix a crossbite?

As soon as possible. Usually a non surgical approach is going to be too late for boys around age 12-15 and for girls around age 10-12. But every patient is different. If you have READ MORE
As soon as possible. Usually a non surgical approach is going to be too late for boys around age 12-15 and for girls around age 10-12. But every patient is different. If you have a crossbite, visit your orthodontist asap.

Should my teeth hurt after wearing a nightguard?

Sometimes night gaurds are manufactured too tight or are not fitting well. If you feel discomfort, visit your orthodontist asap.

Can a night guard shift your teeth?

Not a well-made one as it works as a retainer (which retains teeth). If you feel like your teeth are shifting though, see your orthodontist asap.

Is removing teeth necessary for braces?

No, each patient’s need is different. Usually 1/3 to 1/4th of patients need extractions.