Orthodontics and Sports are my passions. When I am not in the office, I am involved with the National Football League Players Association, former player's chapter. This organization is made up of local former professional football players and is a continuation of the NFL Players Association that all pro football players are members of during their careers.
Click the above image to enlarge..... NFL Players Association - Former Players Washington D.C. Chapter Redskins Legends Meet & Greet - American Taproom, Arlington, VA Back Row - Jeris White, Calvin Snowden, Andre Collins, John Stufflebeem, John Booty, Ricky Ray, Ed Simmons Middle Row - Ron McDole, Dick Smith, Larry Brown, Doug Nettles, Pete Larson, Frank Grant, Fred Dean, Kurt Pierce, Spain Musgrove Kneeling - Pat Fischer, Kenny Jenkins, Derrick Frost, Virgil Seay, Lonnie Sanders
- Born and raised in Montgomery County, Maryland - Deeply enjoys practicing in the midst of his family and friends in MD and VA - Georgetown Preparatory School Rockville, MD - B.A. in Biology, University of Virginia - D.D.S., Medical College of Virginia School of Dentistry - M.S. of Orthodontics, University of Detroit - MBA - George Washington University
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children to be examined by age 7 to advise if orthodontic treatment is required and is 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 incoming permanent teeth. Phase I or Early Interceptive has been one of Dr. Pierces special concentrations for 25 years. Early treatment can also regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches, gain space for permanent teeth, avoid 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. As we say, It puts the young patient in the ball park so that lengthy treatment and possible extractions are not needed later. Shaping the smile can be best achieved when the bones and teeth are easily moved.
Another special focus of Dr. Pierces career has been the wide variety of different adult therapies. 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. Clinical experience is the key to the orthodontist guiding adult orthodontic care. Many aspects are different due to the maturity of the bone, jaw position and detailed aesthetics. Dr. Pierce has treated hundreds of adults and believes through his own university research that conservative is best. Adults also may have experienced loss of their teeth and supporting bone and may require periodontal treatment before, during, and/or after orthodontic treatment. Bone loss can also limit the amount and direction of tooth movement that is advisable. An experienced orthodontist will constantly evaluate this as treatment proceeds. Molar tooth uprighting is a common orthodontic preliminary treatment before implants or bridgework for missing teeth. General alignment is also required for adults before intricate and expensive cosmetic dentistry. Occasionaly, tooth and bite alignment, and facial cosmetics are best achieved with braces and jaw (orthognathic) surgery. The braces prepare the teeth for the surgeon to place the facial bones and teeth.
For most people, a beautiful smile is the most obvious benefit of orthodontics. After your braces come off, you'll feel more self-confident. During your treatment, we want you to feel as comfortable as possible. Dr Pierces decades of experience with adult patients proves that adult patients appreciate the magical result SO much more.
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 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.
Dr Pierce knows from experience that the shortest treatment time possible is what is best for the teeth and gums. 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 removable appliances is an important factor in achieving the most efficient treatment. Interceptive, or early treatment procedures, may take as few as six months.
Two-phase orthodontic treatment is a very specialized process that encompasses tooth straightening and physical, facial changes. The major advantage of a two-phase treatment is to maximize the opportunity to accomplish the ideal healthy, functional, aesthetic result that will remain stable throughout your life. Dr Pierce was able to utilize very specialized training in Phase I/Phase II treatment while in Orthodontic training.
The disadvantage of waiting for complete eruption of permanent teeth and having only one phase of treatment for someone with a jaw discrepancy is facing the possibility of a compromised result that may not be stable and/or facial features and profile that cannot be improved.
The goal of first phase treatment is to develop the jaw size in order to accommodate all the permanent teeth and to relate the upper and lower jaws to each other. Children sometimes exhibit early signs of jaw problems as they grow and develop. An upper and lower jaw that is growing too much or not enough can be recognized at an early age. If children after age 6 are found to have this jaw discrepancy, they are candidates for early orthodontic treatment.
Because they are growing rapidly, children can benefit enormously from an early phase of orthodontic treatment utilizing appliances that direct the growth relationship of the upper and lower jaws. Thus, a good foundation can be established, providing adequate room for eruption of all permanent teeth. This early correction may prevent later removal of permanent teeth to correct overcrowding and/or surgical procedures to align the upper and lower jaws. Leaving such a condition untreated until all permanent teeth erupt could result in a jaw discrepancy too severe to achieve an ideal result with braces.
Orthodontic records will be necessary to determine the type of appliances to be used, the duration of treatment time, and the frequency of visits. Records consist of models of the teeth, x-rays, and photographs.
In this phase, the remaining permanent teeth are allowed to erupt. Retaining devices are not usually recommended since they may interfere with eruption. It is best to allow the existing permanent teeth some freedom of movement while final eruption of teeth occurs. A successful first phase will have created room for teeth to find an eruption path. Otherwise, they may become impacted or severely displaced.
The goal of the second phase is to make sure each tooth has an exact location in the mouth where it is in harmony with the lips, cheeks, tongue, and other teeth. When this equilibrium is established, the teeth will function together properly.
At the beginning of the first phase, orthodontic records were made and a diagnosis and treatment plan established. Certain types of appliances were used in the first phase, as dictated by the problem. The second phase is initiated when all permanent teeth have erupted, and usually requires braces on all the teeth for an average of 24 months. Retainers are worn after this phase to ensure you retain your beautiful smile.
Don't worry; you'll be eating popcorn and snacking on potato chips again in no time! However, before you can start enjoying some of the treats you love, you will need to take special care to avoid any foods that could damage your new appliances.
Chewy foods - bagels, licorice Crunchy foods - popcorn, chips, ice Sticky foods - caramel candies, chewing gum Hard foods - nuts, hard candies Foods that require biting into - corn on the cob, apples, carrots
Dairy - soft cheese, pudding, milk-based drinks Breads - soft tortillas, pancakes, muffins w/o nuts Grains - pasta, soft cooked rice Meats/poultry - soft cooked chicken, meatballs, lunch meats Seafood - tuna, salmon, crab cakes Vegetables - mashed potatoes, steamed spinach, beans Fruits - applesauce, bananas, fruit juice Treats - ice cream w/o nuts, milkshakes, Jell-O, soft cake
If your teeth begin feeling a little loose, don't worry; this is normal! Your braces must first loosen your teeth in order to move them into the right position. Once your teeth have been repositioned, they will no longer be loose.
The wires and bands on your braces may come loose. If this happens, please contact us as soon as possible so that we can check and repair your appliance. If any piece of your appliance comes off, be sure to save it and bring it to the office with you. If the loose wire is causing irritation to your lips or cheeks, put orthodontic wax or a wet cotton ball over the broken wire to relieve the pain.
Damaged appliances can increase the length of your treatment process, so be sure to take care of all your appliances. Your teeth and jaw can only move into their correct positions if you consistently wear the rubber bands, headgear, retainer, or other appliances prescribed by your doctor.
Game, Set, Match - we have great news for athletes! You can still play sports even while undergoing orthodontic treatment! If you do play sports, its recommended that you wear a mouthguard in order to protect your teeth and your appliance. Let your doctor know if you need help finding the right mouthguard for the best protection. In case of a sports emergency, be sure to immediately check your mouth and your appliance for any damage that may have occurred. If you notice any loose teeth, or if your appliance has been damaged, please contact our office right away. You can temporarily relieve the discomfort with wax or by rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater.
Wearing elastics (or rubber bands) improves the fit of your upper and lower teeth. Wear rubber bands as instructed and remember that the rubber bands work far more efficiently if they're worn as prescribed.
The Herbst appliance reduces overbite by encouraging the lower jaw forward and the upper molars backward. This fixed appliance is used mostly for younger, growing children and is worn for about 12-15 months
The palatal expander 'expands' (or widens) your upper jaw by putting gentle pressure on your upper molars each time an adjustment is made. Your orthodontist will instruct you about when and how to adjust your expander. When you achieve the desired expansion, you will wear the appliance for several months to solidify the expansion and to prevent regression.
Retainers may be removable or fixed. They hold your teeth in their new, correct positions after your teeth have been straightened. Your orthodontist will instruct you on how to care for your retainer and about the duration of the wear. Wearing your retainer as directed is crucial to prevent regression of your treatment.
