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

Orthodontist

5/5(1)
9811 Mallard Drive Suite 201 Laurel MD, 20708
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Rating

5/5

About

Dr. Alan Heller practices Orthodontics in Bethesda and 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 patient's 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.

Provider Details

Male English, Spanish
Dr. Alan R Heller D.D.S., M.S.
Dr. Alan R Heller D.D.S., M.S.'s Expert Contributions
  • Do you get hardened plaque under your braces?

    You absolutely can get a hardened buildup around the edges of the braces. It is essential to use a tartar control toothpaste and be meticulous about cleaning your teeth and braces. Hardened buildup can be removed at your dental cleaning appointments but may create problems to technicians tying in your wires. This means you might need to see the dentist more often if you don't maintain good control through proper brushing on your own. READ MORE

  • Do clear aligners hurt?

    When teeth are moved the body has a reaction to the movement that includes "pain". The level of pain is quite variable and often depends on pain tolerance of the individual or the amount of force involved in the movement. In general aligners cause less pain but because the aligners are changed more frequently than braces are adjusted "pain" may be more frequent. READ MORE

  • Do braces change how you talk?

    Usually braces don’t change how you talk. Due the first few days you experience so irritation of the lips and cheeks due to rubbing of the appliances. This may temporarily cause a change. You will adapt quickly if you read aloud while at home. Speech issues like a lisp may improve as the alignment of the teeth improves. READ MORE

  • What happens if a crossbite is not corrected?

    If the bite is stable it might be alright to leave a crossbite but doing so might place limitations on what can be accomplished as part of overall treatment goals; i.e., eliminating crowding may be more difficult if not impossible. READ MORE

  • How long do you wear rubber bands for braces?

    That depends on how large a correction is needed and how compliant you are with wear. Excellent compliance = approximately 1mm/ month of correction. READ MORE

  • How do you brush your teeth with braces?

    You need to look carefully at your teeth when brushing with braces and take your time. Brush for a full two minutes using a time. Spend 30 seconds on each of the 4 quadrants of your mouth and brush around the braces and along the gum line from every angle. Supplementing with an antibacterial mouthwash is helpful. Also, I recommend using a fluoride rinse every night before bed after brushing READ MORE

  • Can teeth be straightened with a retainer?

    There are some orthodontic problems that can be solved with a retainer. Minor spacing or very slight misalignment of the front teeth for example. Your expectations of how perfectly a retainer can do the job should be lowered. Anything more significant should be corrected using braces or aligners. READ MORE

  • Can you get braces if you have a missing tooth?

    Yes you can get braces when you have a missing tooth. The braces can be used to open the space to the ideal size for a replacement tooth. In some cases the braces can be used to close the spaces completely, eliminating the need for implants or bridges. READ MORE

  • Should I get braces before crowns?

    In general it is best to get braces to straighten to teeth and improve the bite prior to crowns. In some cases it may be necessary to have the tooth needing a crown prepared and covered with a temporary crown prior to braces. This may be true of a tooth with extensive decay or a fracture of the enamel. Once orthodontic treatment is complete crowns can be placed that ideally fit the corrected bite relationship. READ MORE

  • How do I know if my braces are working?

    That's a tough question. If you see changes in alignment of your teeth or bite then the teeth are being moved by the braces. As to whether the movements are what is desired, ask your orthodontist to review your progress when you are in for an appointment. READ MORE

  • What are the stages of braces?

    Following initial records like photos and x-rays your braces will be installed. Leveling and alignment of the teeth occurs next using flexible wires. Working wires (steel) will follow. What these do depends on the initial problem and how your doctor has chosen to correct it. Finish wires are last to do the fine tuning of the alignment and bite. Retainer will follow removal of the braces. READ MORE

  • How long do braces usually stay on for?

    Length of treatment is quite variable. The primary determinant is what the initial problem is. Also, the frequency of you appointment and how well you follow instructions pay are role in length of treatment. If you maintain your braces well and wear elastic bands as instructed your treatment should finish very close to the doctor's initial estimate. READ MORE

  • How do you fix a broken brace?

    When you see your orthodontist the loose bracket will be removed. The tooth will then have any residual bonding material removed. The tooth will then be prepared as it was when the braces were first put on and a bracket will be attached. You should have this done as soon as you notice a bracket is loose so you don’t lose any of the progress made to date. READ MORE

  • A shift in teeth causing tongue to be bit?

    A note shift is a rare occurrence, especially after such a long time. Definitely discuss this with your doctor as a different retainer design may be needed READ MORE

  • Why is my gum growing over my braces?

    This is likely due to inflammation. Most often inflammatory response is caused by plaque or food at or below the gum line. Make sure that floss the area and brush well every day. Be sure to point it out to your doctor if it isn’t resolved by your next visit. READ MORE

  • Can teeth be sensitive to braces?

    Teeth are sensitive to tooth movement. Having a band or bracket attached to a tooth does not cause the tooth to be sensitive. READ MORE

  • Can crowns be moved by braces?

    All natural teeth can be moved be moved by braces except for teeth ankylosed to the bone. This is a rare occurrence usually caused by trauma. Also, teeth connected together by a fixed bridge cannot be moved. Nor can dental implants. READ MORE

  • Can braces cause an overbite?

    With an improper treatment plan excessive overbite can be caused by braces, If there is not enough overbite to begin with, it is possible to create a normal overbite as well. READ MORE

  • Can an overbite be corrected in adults?

    Yes. Depending on the severity of the problem extraction of two upper teeth may b e needed. In the alternative, surgical advancement of the lower jaw can not only correct an overbite but also improve the esthetic balance of the face. READ MORE

  • Is there a better way to get the perfect smile other than getting braces?

    Wearing removable aligners may be a more comfortable and more esthetic option. You should schedule a consultation with an orthodontist to discuss this alternative to braces. READ MORE

Professional Memberships

  • Maryland State Society of Orthodontists.  
  • American Association of Orthodontists  
  • American Dental Association  
  • Southern Maryland Dental Society  

Dr. Alan R Heller D.D.S., M.S.'s Practice location

Heller Orthodontics

9811 Mallard Drive Suite 201 -
Laurel, MD 20708
Get Direction
New patients: 301-490-2882
www.hellerorthodontics.com

Heller Orthodontics

4350 East West Highway Suite 120 -
Bethesda, MD 20814
Get Direction
New patients: 301-654-5433
www.hellerorthodontics.com

Dr. Alan R Heller D.D.S., M.S.'s reviews

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Patient Experience with Dr. Heller


5.0

Based on 1 reviews

Dr. Alan R Heller D.D.S., M.S. has a rating of 5 out of 5 stars based on the reviews from 1 patient. FindaTopDoc has aggregated the experiences from real patients to help give you more insights and information on how to choose the best Orthodontist in your area. These reviews do not reflect a providers level of clinical care, but are a compilation of quality indicators such as bedside manner, wait time, staff friendliness, ease of appointment, and knowledge of conditions and treatments.

Recommended Articles

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    As the margin of teeth recede, the roots of the teeth are exposed. Receding gums are a very common oral problem and are of concern as it may be the warning signs of many gum diseases. Gum deterioration occurs gradually with time and creates small pockets or gaps between the tooth and the gum, which...

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    The American Heart Association released a new statement stating that there is no conclusive evidence to support the relationship between gum disease and heart problems, and that treating gum disease can improve heart conditions. Gum disease is a major contributor to tooth loss and decay in adults....

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