Finding a qualified orthodontist...?

[Guest guest]

This is a bit of a long story...but the crux of it is that with so many

different medical

opinions, I don't know what to do or how to know who has the most experience in

this...help!

I had braces from age 12 to 16. Now, my bite is such that my front teeth cannot

match

(all the pressure is on the back teeth) which bothers me primarily for practical

reasons: I

cannot eat many foods because I cannot bite into them. Or, as two doctors have

said

(independently), I " can't eat a salami sandwich. "

My dentist, whom I have a great deal of respect for, blamed my orthodontist

because he

(orthodontist) had my bicuspids removed and did not evidently account for future

growth.

I also had my issues with this orthodontist because he damaged one of my front

teeth

when tightening my braces too much, so that one of my front teeth is now

discolored and

quite sensitive.

So...anyway, at the urging of my dentist, I went to go see another orthodontist

when I was

19. He said the only solution was orthognathics. I was really amazed and

depressed...and

just kind of put things off further.

About two years ago I saw another orthodontist, a professor at Harvard Dental

School,

after having seen an oral surgeon who referred me to her. She had me do a bunch

of x-

rays, etc...and said that actually my bite, etc are within a standard deviation

of normal. So

orthognathic surgery would certainly do the trick but there are in fact other

options.

I was about to graduate from college and then went traveling in Europe for a few

months.

I didn't really get my act together to see the Harvard Dental School

orthodontist again

(after a second appointment; this was partially because no appointments were

available for

months).

Anyway, since then I have moved to Northern California (Santa Clara, near San

and

close to San Francisco). I've since seen two orthondontists here, one of whom

says the

only way to go is orthognathics, and the other of whom said we can try without

orthognathics, but it will take 2+ years, and might regress to my current state

the day I

get my braces off.

I don't want to go to the doctor who tells me what I want to hear...but is there

anyway who

specializes in these types of cases? Although I do have an open bite, it's not

that bad and

not really noticeable cosmetically...it's just the fact that I have so much

trouble eating

some foods, and have been advised that my current bite is really bad for my

teeth since all

the pressure goes on the back teeth.

Does anyone have any advice? How do I find the best orthodontist? I'm so stuck

and I

really want to do something...and not wait another 4 years!

Thanks so much,

[Guest guest]

This is a bit of a long story...but the crux of it is that with so many

different medical

opinions, I don't know what to do or how to know who has the most experience in

this...help!

I had braces from age 12 to 16. Now, my bite is such that my front teeth cannot

match

(all the pressure is on the back teeth) which bothers me primarily for practical

reasons: I

cannot eat many foods because I cannot bite into them. Or, as two doctors have

said

(independently), I " can't eat a salami sandwich. "

My dentist, whom I have a great deal of respect for, blamed my orthodontist

because he

(orthodontist) had my bicuspids removed and did not evidently account for future

growth.

I also had my issues with this orthodontist because he damaged one of my front

teeth

when tightening my braces too much, so that one of my front teeth is now

discolored and

quite sensitive.

So...anyway, at the urging of my dentist, I went to go see another orthodontist

when I was

19. He said the only solution was orthognathics. I was really amazed and

depressed...and

just kind of put things off further.

About two years ago I saw another orthodontist, a professor at Harvard Dental

School,

after having seen an oral surgeon who referred me to her. She had me do a bunch

of x-

rays, etc...and said that actually my bite, etc are within a standard deviation

of normal. So

orthognathic surgery would certainly do the trick but there are in fact other

options.

I was about to graduate from college and then went traveling in Europe for a few

months.

I didn't really get my act together to see the Harvard Dental School

orthodontist again

(after a second appointment; this was partially because no appointments were

available for

months).

Anyway, since then I have moved to Northern California (Santa Clara, near San

and

close to San Francisco). I've since seen two orthondontists here, one of whom

says the

only way to go is orthognathics, and the other of whom said we can try without

orthognathics, but it will take 2+ years, and might regress to my current state

the day I

get my braces off.

I don't want to go to the doctor who tells me what I want to hear...but is there

anyway who

specializes in these types of cases? Although I do have an open bite, it's not

that bad and

not really noticeable cosmetically...it's just the fact that I have so much

trouble eating

some foods, and have been advised that my current bite is really bad for my

teeth since all

the pressure goes on the back teeth.

Does anyone have any advice? How do I find the best orthodontist? I'm so stuck

and I

really want to do something...and not wait another 4 years!

Thanks so much,

[Guest guest]

For what it's worth...

I think you have to figure out what you want and need. And you may

need other dentists to help you through it. A general dentist you

trust. A periodontist you trust. An orthodontist you trust. And an

oral surgeon you trust.

And maybe some consults with other professionals, as well.

For me, having major trouble eating would be enough persuasion. But

maybe not for you.

I have lately been having some communcation with a fellow I think is

a most excellent oral and maxillofacial surgeon in Northern

California, with regard to specific issues of oral and orthognathic

surgery. If you wish to schedule a consult with him, lemme know, and

I'll send you the name. He sounds like a really skilled and fine

professional, but I'm not gonna set him up for lots of spam on the

internet. And I have never met him, face to face. He tells me that

he loves his practice and is senior in the region for these

surgeries. From what he says to me in e-mails, I would trust him.

But again, I have not ever met him nor used his services. He was

referred to me for conversations by the AAOMS, which could well be a

blessing for you.

'Tisn't usually helpful to blame others, even others to whom one (or

one's parents) have paid a pile of money for things gone awry.

Better to find a way out, in my h. O.

Cammie

>

> This is a bit of a long story...but the crux of it is that with so

many different medical

> opinions, I don't know what to do or how to know who has the most

experience in

> this...help!

>

> I had braces from age 12 to 16. Now, my bite is such that my

front teeth cannot match

> (all the pressure is on the back teeth) which bothers me primarily

for practical reasons: I

> cannot eat many foods because I cannot bite into them. Or, as two

doctors have said

> (independently), I " can't eat a salami sandwich. "

>

> My dentist, whom I have a great deal of respect for, blamed my

orthodontist because he

> (orthodontist) had my bicuspids removed and did not evidently

account for future growth.

>

> I also had my issues with this orthodontist because he damaged one

of my front teeth

> when tightening my braces too much, so that one of my front teeth

is now discolored and

> quite sensitive.

>

> So...anyway, at the urging of my dentist, I went to go see another

orthodontist when I was

> 19. He said the only solution was orthognathics. I was really

amazed and depressed...and

> just kind of put things off further.

>

> About two years ago I saw another orthodontist, a professor at

Harvard Dental School,

> after having seen an oral surgeon who referred me to her. She had

me do a bunch of x-

> rays, etc...and said that actually my bite, etc are within a

standard deviation of normal. So

> orthognathic surgery would certainly do the trick but there are in

fact other options.

>

> I was about to graduate from college and then went traveling in

Europe for a few months.

> I didn't really get my act together to see the Harvard Dental

School orthodontist again

> (after a second appointment; this was partially because no

appointments were available for

> months).

>

> Anyway, since then I have moved to Northern California (Santa

Clara, near San and

> close to San Francisco). I've since seen two orthondontists here,

one of whom says the

> only way to go is orthognathics, and the other of whom said we can

try without

> orthognathics, but it will take 2+ years, and might regress to my

current state the day I

> get my braces off.

>

> I don't want to go to the doctor who tells me what I want to

hear...but is there anyway who

> specializes in these types of cases? Although I do have an open

bite, it's not that bad and

> not really noticeable cosmetically...it's just the fact that I

have so much trouble eating

> some foods, and have been advised that my current bite is really

bad for my teeth since all

> the pressure goes on the back teeth.

>

> Does anyone have any advice? How do I find the best

orthodontist? I'm so stuck and I

> really want to do something...and not wait another 4 years!

>

> Thanks so much,

>

>

[Guest guest]

For what it's worth...

I think you have to figure out what you want and need. And you may

need other dentists to help you through it. A general dentist you

trust. A periodontist you trust. An orthodontist you trust. And an

oral surgeon you trust.

And maybe some consults with other professionals, as well.

For me, having major trouble eating would be enough persuasion. But

maybe not for you.

I have lately been having some communcation with a fellow I think is

a most excellent oral and maxillofacial surgeon in Northern

California, with regard to specific issues of oral and orthognathic

surgery. If you wish to schedule a consult with him, lemme know, and

I'll send you the name. He sounds like a really skilled and fine

professional, but I'm not gonna set him up for lots of spam on the

internet. And I have never met him, face to face. He tells me that

he loves his practice and is senior in the region for these

surgeries. From what he says to me in e-mails, I would trust him.

But again, I have not ever met him nor used his services. He was

referred to me for conversations by the AAOMS, which could well be a

blessing for you.

'Tisn't usually helpful to blame others, even others to whom one (or

one's parents) have paid a pile of money for things gone awry.

Better to find a way out, in my h. O.

Cammie

>

> This is a bit of a long story...but the crux of it is that with so

many different medical

> opinions, I don't know what to do or how to know who has the most

experience in

> this...help!

>

> I had braces from age 12 to 16. Now, my bite is such that my

front teeth cannot match

> (all the pressure is on the back teeth) which bothers me primarily

for practical reasons: I

> cannot eat many foods because I cannot bite into them. Or, as two

doctors have said

> (independently), I " can't eat a salami sandwich. "

>

> My dentist, whom I have a great deal of respect for, blamed my

orthodontist because he

> (orthodontist) had my bicuspids removed and did not evidently

account for future growth.

>

> I also had my issues with this orthodontist because he damaged one

of my front teeth

> when tightening my braces too much, so that one of my front teeth

is now discolored and

> quite sensitive.

>

> So...anyway, at the urging of my dentist, I went to go see another

orthodontist when I was

> 19. He said the only solution was orthognathics. I was really

amazed and depressed...and

> just kind of put things off further.

>

> About two years ago I saw another orthodontist, a professor at

Harvard Dental School,

> after having seen an oral surgeon who referred me to her. She had

me do a bunch of x-

> rays, etc...and said that actually my bite, etc are within a

standard deviation of normal. So

> orthognathic surgery would certainly do the trick but there are in

fact other options.

>

> I was about to graduate from college and then went traveling in

Europe for a few months.

> I didn't really get my act together to see the Harvard Dental

School orthodontist again

> (after a second appointment; this was partially because no

appointments were available for

> months).

>

> Anyway, since then I have moved to Northern California (Santa

Clara, near San and

> close to San Francisco). I've since seen two orthondontists here,

one of whom says the

> only way to go is orthognathics, and the other of whom said we can

try without

> orthognathics, but it will take 2+ years, and might regress to my

current state the day I

> get my braces off.

>

> I don't want to go to the doctor who tells me what I want to

hear...but is there anyway who

> specializes in these types of cases? Although I do have an open

bite, it's not that bad and

> not really noticeable cosmetically...it's just the fact that I

have so much trouble eating

> some foods, and have been advised that my current bite is really

bad for my teeth since all

> the pressure goes on the back teeth.

>

> Does anyone have any advice? How do I find the best

orthodontist? I'm so stuck and I

> really want to do something...and not wait another 4 years!

>

> Thanks so much,

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I live in Sunnyvale, and my coworker and I have the same

orthodontist, Dr. Ross, in Los Altos (

http://www.losaltosortho.com/html/drross.htm ). Several

dentists/doctors/surgeons have told me that he is one the best in the

bay area, and has been doing orthodontics for a long time. It's a bit

more expensive than other places, but I really think he's well worth

it. His experience certainly seems evident when he does his work on

both me and my coworker.

If orthognathic surgery is needed, I also highly recommend Drs. Riley

and at Stanford ( http://www.sleepsurgery.com ). They are

considered by many to be among the best in the world (they get

patients from different countries just to get orthognathic surgery),

and they are pioneers in this field. I am happy with the results of

my surgery so far, as my bite is basically perfect now, where I had a

crossbite before.

Of course, I am biased because I am a happy patient of the above

doctors.

>

> This is a bit of a long story...but the crux of it is that with so

many different medical

> opinions, I don't know what to do or how to know who has the most

experience in

> this...help!

>

> I had braces from age 12 to 16. Now, my bite is such that my front

teeth cannot match

> (all the pressure is on the back teeth) which bothers me primarily

for practical reasons: I

> cannot eat many foods because I cannot bite into them. Or, as two

doctors have said

> (independently), I " can't eat a salami sandwich. "

>

> My dentist, whom I have a great deal of respect for, blamed my

orthodontist because he

> (orthodontist) had my bicuspids removed and did not evidently

account for future growth.

>

> I also had my issues with this orthodontist because he damaged one

of my front teeth

> when tightening my braces too much, so that one of my front teeth

is now discolored and

> quite sensitive.

>

> So...anyway, at the urging of my dentist, I went to go see another

orthodontist when I was

> 19. He said the only solution was orthognathics. I was really

amazed and depressed...and

> just kind of put things off further.

>

> About two years ago I saw another orthodontist, a professor at

Harvard Dental School,

> after having seen an oral surgeon who referred me to her. She had

me do a bunch of x-

> rays, etc...and said that actually my bite, etc are within a

standard deviation of normal. So

> orthognathic surgery would certainly do the trick but there are in

fact other options.

>

> I was about to graduate from college and then went traveling in

Europe for a few months.

> I didn't really get my act together to see the Harvard Dental

School orthodontist again

> (after a second appointment; this was partially because no

appointments were available for

> months).

>

> Anyway, since then I have moved to Northern California (Santa

Clara, near San and

> close to San Francisco). I've since seen two orthondontists here,

one of whom says the

> only way to go is orthognathics, and the other of whom said we can

try without

> orthognathics, but it will take 2+ years, and might regress to my

current state the day I

> get my braces off.

>

> I don't want to go to the doctor who tells me what I want to

hear...but is there anyway who

> specializes in these types of cases? Although I do have an open

bite, it's not that bad and

> not really noticeable cosmetically...it's just the fact that I have

so much trouble eating

> some foods, and have been advised that my current bite is really

bad for my teeth since all

> the pressure goes on the back teeth.

>

> Does anyone have any advice? How do I find the best orthodontist?

I'm so stuck and I

> really want to do something...and not wait another 4 years!

>

> Thanks so much,

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I live in Sunnyvale, and my coworker and I have the same

orthodontist, Dr. Ross, in Los Altos (

http://www.losaltosortho.com/html/drross.htm ). Several

dentists/doctors/surgeons have told me that he is one the best in the

bay area, and has been doing orthodontics for a long time. It's a bit

more expensive than other places, but I really think he's well worth

it. His experience certainly seems evident when he does his work on

both me and my coworker.

If orthognathic surgery is needed, I also highly recommend Drs. Riley

and at Stanford ( http://www.sleepsurgery.com ). They are

considered by many to be among the best in the world (they get

patients from different countries just to get orthognathic surgery),

and they are pioneers in this field. I am happy with the results of

my surgery so far, as my bite is basically perfect now, where I had a

crossbite before.

Of course, I am biased because I am a happy patient of the above

doctors.

>

> This is a bit of a long story...but the crux of it is that with so

many different medical

> opinions, I don't know what to do or how to know who has the most

experience in

> this...help!

>

> I had braces from age 12 to 16. Now, my bite is such that my front

teeth cannot match

> (all the pressure is on the back teeth) which bothers me primarily

for practical reasons: I

> cannot eat many foods because I cannot bite into them. Or, as two

doctors have said

> (independently), I " can't eat a salami sandwich. "

>

> My dentist, whom I have a great deal of respect for, blamed my

orthodontist because he

> (orthodontist) had my bicuspids removed and did not evidently

account for future growth.

>

> I also had my issues with this orthodontist because he damaged one

of my front teeth

> when tightening my braces too much, so that one of my front teeth

is now discolored and

> quite sensitive.

>

> So...anyway, at the urging of my dentist, I went to go see another

orthodontist when I was

> 19. He said the only solution was orthognathics. I was really

amazed and depressed...and

> just kind of put things off further.

>

> About two years ago I saw another orthodontist, a professor at

Harvard Dental School,

> after having seen an oral surgeon who referred me to her. She had

me do a bunch of x-

> rays, etc...and said that actually my bite, etc are within a

standard deviation of normal. So

> orthognathic surgery would certainly do the trick but there are in

fact other options.

>

> I was about to graduate from college and then went traveling in

Europe for a few months.

> I didn't really get my act together to see the Harvard Dental

School orthodontist again

> (after a second appointment; this was partially because no

appointments were available for

> months).

>

> Anyway, since then I have moved to Northern California (Santa

Clara, near San and

> close to San Francisco). I've since seen two orthondontists here,

one of whom says the

> only way to go is orthognathics, and the other of whom said we can

try without

> orthognathics, but it will take 2+ years, and might regress to my

current state the day I

> get my braces off.

>

> I don't want to go to the doctor who tells me what I want to

hear...but is there anyway who

> specializes in these types of cases? Although I do have an open

bite, it's not that bad and

> not really noticeable cosmetically...it's just the fact that I have

so much trouble eating

> some foods, and have been advised that my current bite is really

bad for my teeth since all

> the pressure goes on the back teeth.

>

> Does anyone have any advice? How do I find the best orthodontist?

I'm so stuck and I

> really want to do something...and not wait another 4 years!

>

> Thanks so much,

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hello there,

I used to live in Northern California and saw an oral surgeon there

who was fantastic. His name is Doctor Dann and he is located in

Lafayette I believe. He also has an office in Walnut Creek I think.

I also saw an orthodontist in Fremont who was wonderful. I forget

his name, but can look it up for you if you are interested. I also

saw a wonderful dentist in Fremont. His name is Doctor Spillner and

I think he is on Walnut Avenue. The orthodontist is located right

next door from him.

I know Fremont is a little drive from you if you live in Santa Clara,

but these doctors were the best.

Let me know if you need more help with any phone numbers, etc.

P.S. I now live in the Midwest and saw a doctor here and had my

surgery exactly three weeks ago and am doing well.

>

> This is a bit of a long story...but the crux of it is that with so

many different medical

> opinions, I don't know what to do or how to know who has the most

experience in

> this...help!

>

> I had braces from age 12 to 16. Now, my bite is such that my front

teeth cannot match

> (all the pressure is on the back teeth) which bothers me primarily

for practical reasons: I

> cannot eat many foods because I cannot bite into them. Or, as two

doctors have said

> (independently), I " can't eat a salami sandwich. "

>

> My dentist, whom I have a great deal of respect for, blamed my

orthodontist because he

> (orthodontist) had my bicuspids removed and did not evidently

account for future growth.

>

> I also had my issues with this orthodontist because he damaged one

of my front teeth

> when tightening my braces too much, so that one of my front teeth

is now discolored and

> quite sensitive.

>

> So...anyway, at the urging of my dentist, I went to go see another

orthodontist when I was

> 19. He said the only solution was orthognathics. I was really

amazed and depressed...and

> just kind of put things off further.

>

> About two years ago I saw another orthodontist, a professor at

Harvard Dental School,

> after having seen an oral surgeon who referred me to her. She had

me do a bunch of x-

> rays, etc...and said that actually my bite, etc are within a

standard deviation of normal. So

> orthognathic surgery would certainly do the trick but there are in

fact other options.

>

> I was about to graduate from college and then went traveling in

Europe for a few months.

> I didn't really get my act together to see the Harvard Dental

School orthodontist again

> (after a second appointment; this was partially because no

appointments were available for

> months).

>

> Anyway, since then I have moved to Northern California (Santa

Clara, near San and

> close to San Francisco). I've since seen two orthondontists here,

one of whom says the

> only way to go is orthognathics, and the other of whom said we can

try without

> orthognathics, but it will take 2+ years, and might regress to my

current state the day I

> get my braces off.

>

> I don't want to go to the doctor who tells me what I want to

hear...but is there anyway who

> specializes in these types of cases? Although I do have an open

bite, it's not that bad and

> not really noticeable cosmetically...it's just the fact that I have

so much trouble eating

> some foods, and have been advised that my current bite is really

bad for my teeth since all

> the pressure goes on the back teeth.

>

> Does anyone have any advice? How do I find the best orthodontist?

I'm so stuck and I

> really want to do something...and not wait another 4 years!

>

> Thanks so much,

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hello there,

I used to live in Northern California and saw an oral surgeon there

who was fantastic. His name is Doctor Dann and he is located in

Lafayette I believe. He also has an office in Walnut Creek I think.

I also saw an orthodontist in Fremont who was wonderful. I forget

his name, but can look it up for you if you are interested. I also

saw a wonderful dentist in Fremont. His name is Doctor Spillner and

I think he is on Walnut Avenue. The orthodontist is located right

next door from him.

I know Fremont is a little drive from you if you live in Santa Clara,

but these doctors were the best.

Let me know if you need more help with any phone numbers, etc.

P.S. I now live in the Midwest and saw a doctor here and had my

surgery exactly three weeks ago and am doing well.

>

> This is a bit of a long story...but the crux of it is that with so

many different medical

> opinions, I don't know what to do or how to know who has the most

experience in

> this...help!

>

> I had braces from age 12 to 16. Now, my bite is such that my front

teeth cannot match

> (all the pressure is on the back teeth) which bothers me primarily

for practical reasons: I

> cannot eat many foods because I cannot bite into them. Or, as two

doctors have said

> (independently), I " can't eat a salami sandwich. "

>

> My dentist, whom I have a great deal of respect for, blamed my

orthodontist because he

> (orthodontist) had my bicuspids removed and did not evidently

account for future growth.

>

> I also had my issues with this orthodontist because he damaged one

of my front teeth

> when tightening my braces too much, so that one of my front teeth

is now discolored and

> quite sensitive.

>

> So...anyway, at the urging of my dentist, I went to go see another

orthodontist when I was

> 19. He said the only solution was orthognathics. I was really

amazed and depressed...and

> just kind of put things off further.

>

> About two years ago I saw another orthodontist, a professor at

Harvard Dental School,

> after having seen an oral surgeon who referred me to her. She had

me do a bunch of x-

> rays, etc...and said that actually my bite, etc are within a

standard deviation of normal. So

> orthognathic surgery would certainly do the trick but there are in

fact other options.

>

> I was about to graduate from college and then went traveling in

Europe for a few months.

> I didn't really get my act together to see the Harvard Dental

School orthodontist again

> (after a second appointment; this was partially because no

appointments were available for

> months).

>

> Anyway, since then I have moved to Northern California (Santa

Clara, near San and

> close to San Francisco). I've since seen two orthondontists here,

one of whom says the

> only way to go is orthognathics, and the other of whom said we can

try without

> orthognathics, but it will take 2+ years, and might regress to my

current state the day I

> get my braces off.

>

> I don't want to go to the doctor who tells me what I want to

hear...but is there anyway who

> specializes in these types of cases? Although I do have an open

bite, it's not that bad and

> not really noticeable cosmetically...it's just the fact that I have

so much trouble eating

> some foods, and have been advised that my current bite is really

bad for my teeth since all

> the pressure goes on the back teeth.

>

> Does anyone have any advice? How do I find the best orthodontist?

I'm so stuck and I

> really want to do something...and not wait another 4 years!

>

> Thanks so much,

>

>