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Dr. Robert Sims, DMD MSD

Orthodontist

Dr. Robert Sims practices Orthodontics in Nashville, TN. 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. Sims may also use Invisalign or other aligner trays that have been designed to align a patients? smile. As an orthodontist, Dr. Sims 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.
Learn More About Me
34 years Experience
Dr. Robert Sims, DMD MSD
  • Nashville, TN
  • University of Kentucky
  • Accepting new patients

Can you use mouthwash while wearing Invisalign?

You should remove your aligners when using mouthwash. Some ingredients in mouthwash (especially alcohol) can cause the material of the aligner to break down. Sincerely, Robert READ MORE
You should remove your aligners when using mouthwash. Some ingredients in mouthwash (especially alcohol) can cause the material of the aligner to break down.

Sincerely,

Robert E. Sims, D.M.D, M.S.D.

Do braces change how you talk?

Braces can have an effect on your speech for a few days until you lips and tongue get used to having them. I had braces on the inside of the teeth and my speech was slurred and READ MORE
Braces can have an effect on your speech for a few days until you lips and tongue get used to having them. I had braces on the inside of the teeth and my speech was slurred and lispy for about 2 weeks. But eventually, your tongue and lips get adjusted and the speech returns to normal.

Sincerely,

Robert E. Sims, D.M.D, M.S.D.

Should my teeth hurt after wearing a nightguard?

If you are a vigorous bruxer, then your teeth can be sore after wearing your night guard. The night guard will protect your teeth from the excessive wear from the bruxing, but READ MORE
If you are a vigorous bruxer, then your teeth can be sore after wearing your night guard. The night guard will protect your teeth from the excessive wear from the bruxing, but the teeth can be sore from the stress of the bruxing.

Sincerely,

Robert E. Sims, D.M.D, M.S.D.

What happens if a crossbite is not corrected?

If it’s a posterior cross bite, you probably have what’s called a functional shift of your lower jaw to the side of the crossbite. This can cause potential TMJ problems and uneven READ MORE
If it’s a posterior cross bite, you probably have what’s called a functional shift of your lower jaw to the side of the crossbite. This can cause potential TMJ problems and uneven wear of the posterior teeth. If you have an anterior crossbite, also know as an underbite, you are not able to incise or cut food properly and you may also have uneven wear on the anterior teeth.

Sincerely,

Robert E. Sims, D.M.D, M.S.D.

How long do you wear rubber bands for braces?

The length of time that one has to wear elastics as part of their orthodontic treatment varies depending on how much bite correction is needed to finish the case. Elastics are READ MORE
The length of time that one has to wear elastics as part of their orthodontic treatment varies depending on how much bite correction is needed to finish the case. Elastics are used to help finish the bite to where all the teeth function properly with each other. The length of time to wear elastics can vary from 1 month to one year or more depending on the severity of the original malocclusion.

Sincerely,

Robert E. Sims D.M.D, M.S.D.

Can teeth be straightened with a retainer?

A retainer is passive and does not move teeth. It just keeps teeth in their current position. An aligner is like a retainer, but is an active mover of teeth. Thanks!! Sincerely, Robert READ MORE
A retainer is passive and does not move teeth. It just keeps teeth in their current position. An aligner is like a retainer, but is an active mover of teeth.
Thanks!!

Sincerely,

Robert E. Sims, D.M.D, M.S.D.

How do you brush your teeth with braces?

You should receive proper oral hygiene instructions when you have your braces put on. There are special orthodontic toothbrushes you can purchase that are designed to remove plaque READ MORE
You should receive proper oral hygiene instructions when you have your braces put on. There are special orthodontic toothbrushes you can purchase that are designed to remove plaque and food stuff from around the wings of the brackets more efficiently than traditional toothbrushes. If you use a traditional tooth brush, be sure to angle the bristles so that they will clean above and below the wings of the brackets. Also, be sure to purchase a water pik to clean away any plaque and food stuff that the toothbrush and floss miss.

Sincerely,

Robert E. Sims, D.M.D, M.S.D.

Can you get braces if you have a missing tooth?

Absolutely!! I treat a lot of patients with missing teeth. A lot of the time, we need to position teeth so that a bridge or implant can replace the missing tooth/teeth properly. Sincerely, Robert READ MORE
Absolutely!! I treat a lot of patients with missing teeth. A lot of the time, we need to position teeth so that a bridge or implant can replace the missing tooth/teeth properly.

Sincerely,

Robert E. Sims, D.M.D, M.S.D.

Should I get braces before crowns?

It is typically best to wait to have crowns placed after orthodontic treatment is completed.
Thanks!!

Sincerely,

Robert E. Sims, D.M.D, M.S.D.

Do ceramic braces break easily?

Ceramic brackets are more brittle than metal brackets. Therefore, they do tend to fracture sometimes.

Sincerely,

Robert E. Sims, D.M.D, M.S.D.

Is removing teeth necessary for braces?

Sometimes it is necessary to remove one or more teeth in order to correct a malocclusion orthodontically. I prefer to not remove teeth if at all possible. But sometimes it is necessary. READ MORE
Sometimes it is necessary to remove one or more teeth in order to correct a malocclusion orthodontically. I prefer to not remove teeth if at all possible. But sometimes it is necessary. Thanks!!

Sincerely,

Robert E. Sims. D.M.D, M.S.D.