Larry J. Moray, DDS, MS

Orthodontist

121 S Estes Dr Suite 206A Chapel Hill NC, 27514 Show map

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About

Dr. Larry Moray practices Orthodontics in Chapel Hill, NC. 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. Moray may also use Invisalign or other aligner trays that have been designed to align a patients? smile. As an orthodontist, Dr. Moray 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.

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Larry J. Moray, DDS, MS

Larry J. Moray, DDS, MS's Expert Contributions

My Answers

Is it okay to drink alcohol with braces?
Generally speaking the answer is yes, but as applies to people with or without braces, only in moderation. One thing to remember is that you should avoid sugary drinks, or at least rinse really thoroughly following a sugary drink. Wine, beer and many mixed drinks would be considered sugary, so be sure who rinse, brush and floss thoroughly and regularly! Hope that helps? READ MORE
How long should I wear retainers after braces?
Our teeth, like the rest of our bodies, change over time. You will notice movement of your teeth over time which is due to the normal aging process and changes in the forces that are responsibly for tooth position. As such, wearing retainers 'full time' for 3-6 months, then nights through the first year after treatment is advisable. After that time, you can begin to ween yourself, but hoping your retainers in a couple of nights a week forever is your best bet to protect the work you and your orthodontist have done to create your new smile, not to mention protecting your investment! READ MORE
Can you have a denture for one tooth?
YES! This is typically referred to as a 'Flipper'. They are not the best or gold standard for single tooth replacement but are an easy and economical way to fill the space of one missing tooth. Ideally you'd want an implant, resin bonded bridge or three unit bridge. READ MORE
Do braces still work without tightening?
Basically, the idea of braces is to start with light wires which have lower forces to achieve initial alignment. When you have your braces 'tightened', the orthodontist is tying the wire into the braces more and more at each visit until he or she gets all the movement possible from that wire. You are then progressed to larger/heavier wires which continue to fine tune the movements with the intention of reaching an ideal finish. Depending on your recall interval and type of appliance system, you may have fewer or more frequent visits and at these visit the orthodontist also evaluates your oral hygiene and the progress in tooth movement. It is possible he or she doesn't like the placement of some of the brackets and will want to reposition them. Braces are designed to be placed in specific poisons on the teeth and sometimes that is not possible due to rotations and crowding, or the orthodontist may have placed it where they liked it, but the tooth didn't quite move as they expected, so they will reposition it. Orthodontics is part science or biology and part art, so no you can't skip those regular visits to the orthodontist and expect to get a beautiful final result! READ MORE
Are permanent retainers necessary after braces?
Some type of retainer is absolutely necessary after braces. Like everything else on our bodies, teeth do not stay put as we age. To insure your result, retainers are a necessity in 99% of patients! Permanent ones are not without their own issues and I don't typically recommend permanent retainers for the top teeth. For removable retainers you will wear them full time for a brief period, then go to nights and then a few nights a week for as long as you want to protect your investment and hard work! READ MORE
How do you prepare your teeth for orthodontics?
You don't have to do much, however your Orthodontist will want to know that you are up to date with your regular dental visits, that all planned dental work has been completed and there is no active dental disease in your mouth! READ MORE
Do they put you to sleep when getting braces?
Typically, one is not 'put to sleep' to have braces placed. The process is very quick and painless, though it can be uncomfortable for some as you will have a lot going on in your mouth! Some folks can't get comfortable or stop fidgeting which increases the probability of the braces not sticking to the teeth or coming off later, while others will fall asleep during the procedure. It's best to let your orthodontic team know of your apprehension and even suggest that they break the initial appointment up into multiple appointments where a portion of your braces are placed at each visit. Or you can ask about Clear Aligner Therapy which of course doesn't require actual traditional braces! READ MORE
How long after getting braces can I eat normally?
You may progress to 'regular' foods as your teeth permit. If the teeth are sore, then eat what you can tolerate and move up from there!! Just remember, nothing hard or sticky, your orthodontist probably gave you a list of foods to avoid. Those are troublesome as they can cause breakage of the braces and set you back! READ MORE
Could a toothache be caused by getting braces?
No, but as your bite changes you may find that you are hitting hard on some teeth which can cause sensitivity. Occasionally, a tooth that is not in great health can be pushed over the edge by orthodontic forces, so best to inquire at your next orthodontic visit! READ MORE
How do I know when I'm ready for braces?
If you feel you are ready, then set up a consultation with an orthodontist. These are typically complimentary, or you can do this virtually by submitting a SmileMate Assessment here: https://us.smilemate.com/practice/05bd7e24-8384-4e1f-978d-5e819ce5f7e5/flows/virtual-consultation READ MORE
What happens if you get a cavity with braces?
Yes, the cavity can be addressed without removing all of your braces, BUT depending on where the cavity is the wire and the bracket on that particular tooth will probably need to be removed to allow the dentist to fix the cavity. Then your bracket and wire would be replaced and orthodontic treatment resumed! READ MORE
How do you get rid of stains after braces?
Start with a really good professional cleaning and then try whitening or bleaching. Otherwise check with your general dentist who may have some other ideas/insights! READ MORE
How do you clean your teeth while having braces?
Cleaning your teeth when you are wearing braces is the same as when you don't have braces, BUT you need to take more time and give the process much more attention. Be very mindful of brushing between the brackets and your gum line and take the time to floss at least once a day, every day. Neglecting your hygiene can create serious issues with your teeth! Alternatives include BRIUS and Clear Aligners, you still need great oral hygiene, but both of these options present ways to straighten your teeth that don't require the extensive oral hygiene practices that traditional labial braces do! Hope that helps. READ MORE
Can I do a deep cleaning on my teeth with orthodontics?
Hi! By deep cleaning do you mean scaling and root planing where the hygienist gets under your gums with a scaler to clean off deposits?? If so I'd caution you against orthodontic treatment until your periodontal health is stable. Moving teeth in the presence of periodontal disease can cause serious problems including bone loss and tooth loss! The hygienist can work around your braces, but it's easier if your orthodontist removes your wires first! Easier still would be BRIUS or Clear Aligners rather than traditional fixed labial appliances! READ MORE
Can you talk with Invisalign?
Most definitely! For some it takes a little getting used to, but years ago I treated a TV Sports anchor and he wore his aligners through his telecast with no problem what so ever! READ MORE
Does Invisalign make your teeth yellow?
Not at all, assuming you are brushing and flossing and getting regular professional cleanings! You can even bleach or whiten your teeth in your aligners! READ MORE
What foods can't you eat anymore with braces?
With traditional braces the rule of foods is that you should stay away from hard and sticky foods. Generally sticky foods should be avoided due to sugar content. With Clear Aligners there's less concern about what you can and cannot eat and Clear Aligners are a great way to treat most orthodontic issues!! READ MORE
Do you get braces after jaw surgery?
Typically one has braces to get set up for surgery, the braces remain on during the surgery and then are used to finalize the tooth positions after surgery. There is a procedure called surgery first where braces are put on with no wires, the surgery is done and then the orthodontic treatment comes after the surgery! READ MORE
What is the maximum age to get braces?
There is no age maximum! I have treated patients in their 80's with great success!! READ MORE