Dr. Lam has been practicing Orthodontics since 2003. He received his Orthodontics training and DDS degree from NYU, College of Dentistry and his Master of Health Science from John Hopkins University, School of Hygiene and Public Health. He also holds a BS in Biochemistry from the University of Maryland.
Your dentist may have discussed with you the benefits of having healthy teeth and proper jaw alignment. Crooked and crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain. This can result in tooth decay, worsen gum disease and lead to tooth loss.
Other malocclusion problems can contribute to abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, inefficient chewing function, excessive stress on gum tissue and the bone that supports the teeth, or misalignment of the jaw joints. These can lead to chronic headaches and face or neck pain.
Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile. One of every five patients in orthodontic treatment is over 21. Depending on the needs of the patient, there are various options to improve your smile.
It's best for the orthodontist to see children by age 7 to advise if orthodontic treatment is required and the best time for that patient to be treated. The first permanent molars and incisors have usually come in by that time and crossbites, crowding and other problems can be evaluated. When treatment is begun early, the orthodontist can guide the growth of the jaw and guide the incoming of permanent teeth.
Early treatment can also regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches, gain space for permanent teeth, reduce the need for permanent tooth extractions, reduce likelihood of impacted permanent teeth, correct thumb-sucking, and eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems. In other words, early treatment can simplify later treatment.
Orthodontic appliances can be made of metal, ceramic or plastic. They may be removable or they may be brackets bonded to the teeth. By placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, braces slowly move teeth to a corrected position.
This is a great time to wear braces! Gone are the days when a metal band with a bracket was placed around each tooth. You can choose brackets that are clear or metallic in color. You can choose the color of the ties that hold the wire in brackets. Wires are also less noticeable than they used to be and the latest materials move teeth faster with less discomfort to patients.
Treatment time typically ranges from one to three years, depending on the growth of the patient's mouth and face and the severity of the problem. Patients grow at different rates and will respond variously to orthodontic treatment, so the time to case completion may differ from the original estimate.
The patient's diligent use of any prescribed rubber bands or headgear is an important factor in achieving the most efficient treatment. Interceptive, or early treatment procedures, may take as few as six months.
Reviews
Rating 4.1 out of 5 based on 9 reviews
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a year ago
The dentist was super dismissive of my concerns I have regarding my brackets on my braces chipping my two front teeth. He didn't want to put more filling to widen my bite and didn't reassure me that the chipping would stop. My appointment was for 11:15 and when I got there I had to wait a little bit to b seen. Once he made it clear he didn't want to raise my bite he got up and started helping people who came after me. Even though I made an appointment. The person who he was helping when I arrived for my appointment also had assistance as I was waiting to be helped. I had to voice to him multiple times and then one of the assistants came and did it. He told the assistant "Whatever." When I asked if we could at lease raise one side because there was more chipping on one side. I also asked if they could file my teeth to even out the chipping and the assistant told me yes but not right now.
Paul Bui
2 years ago
Excellent practice! Everyone from staff to doctor is very friendly and accommodating. Highly recommended.
Zai A
2 years ago
I had a very unpleasant consultation with the orthodontist. Unfortunately, I do not recall his name. He had a general indifferent tone when speaking with me. This is not at all me being unable to handle frankness. I have an underbite ( which I was not seeking treatment for) , I've been ok with that for the past 20 years. I know my teeth will be far from perfect even when I have addressed my other concerns. However, I am an actual person. I expect my orthodontist to be considerate of my feelings when explaining my plan of care and addressing my concerns and questions etc.. My interaction with this doctor is the sole reason I called and informed this practice that I am not interested in seeking treatment from them. Bless the receptionist. She was kind and conversational.
Paul Bui
3 years ago
Excellent practice! Everyone from staff to doctor is very friendly and accommodating. Highly recommended.
Zai A
3 years ago
I had a very unpleasant consultation with the orthodontist. Unfortunately, I do not recall his name. He had a general indifferent tone when speaking with me. This is not at all me being unable to handle frankness. I have an underbite ( which I was not seeking treatment for) , I've been ok with that for the past 20 years. I know my teeth will be far from perfect even when I have addressed my other concerns. However, I am an actual person. I expect my orthodontist to be considerate of my feelings when explaining my plan of care and addressing my concerns and questions etc.. My interaction with this doctor is the sole reason I called and informed this practice that I am not interested in seeking treatment from them. Bless the receptionist. She was kind and conversational.
shelby dicks
4 years ago
This is great place! but id like to suggest to add more band colors please.
Faith Henry
4 years ago
They are so nice! Always smiling and if you need anything they won't hesitate to help.
shelby dicks
5 years ago
This is great place! but id like to suggest to add more band colors please.
Faith Henry
5 years ago
They are so nice! Always smiling and if you need anything they won't hesitate to help.
Carmen Dextre
6 years ago
(Translated by Google) Dr. Lam is excellent my children finished their treatment and today they smile very happily without any problem I am still in treatment with Invisalign's I recommend the place, it is central in the Gaithersburg area, they accept many insurances, I recommend them (Original) El Dr. Lam es excelente mis hijos terminaron su tratamiento y hoy sonrien muy felices sin ningun problema Yo sigo en tratamiento con Invisalign's Recomiendo el lugar, esta centrico en la zona de Gaithersburg, aceptan muchos seguros, se los recomiendo
Carmen Dextre
7 years ago
(Translated by Google) Dr. Lam is excellent my children finished their treatment and today they smile very happy without any problem I am still on Invisalign's treatment I recommend the place, it is central in the Gaithersburg area, they accept many insurances, I recommend them (Original) El Dr. Lam es excelente mis hijos terminaron su tratamiento y hoy sonrien muy felices sin ningun problema Yo sigo en tratamiento con Invisalign's Recomiendo el lugar, esta centrico en la zona de Gaithersburg, aceptan muchos seguros, se los recomiendo
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