Contemporary dentistry now offers underbite patients a non-invasive alternative to surgery, reports a noted California dentist, who has renewed his efforts to educate consumers about treatment choices. In-office bite reconstruction provides a quicker and gentler option than braces or an expensive hospital stay.
SANTA MONICA, Calif., -- It's hard to have a less-than-stellar smile in today's image-driven culture, says Dr. Sam Muslin, a prominent cosmetic reconstruction dentist (http://www.faceliftdentistry.com) in California.
"Let's face it. Missing teeth or a massive underbite aren't going to make it easy to post an attractive profile picture on Facebook or get that date or second job interview. In 2011, social media is king. First impressions matter more than ever," says Dr. Muslin.
"Because an underbite can distort facial features, many of these patients have low self-esteem. Crooked and chipped teeth – common for those who seek underbite correction – have health and social ramifications. Many are told their only option is surgery, but that's not true. Consumers need to know their medical options, and that's why I'm making it a priority to make these public service announcements."
Underbites are characterized by mismatched jaw bones and teeth, causing a prominent chin and jaw line that alter the patient's profile. The lower lip may not cover the teeth completely, and speech may be impacted, explains Dr. Sam Muslin, whose anti-aging dentistry protocol has been cited in The Wall Street Journal and on "The Doctors," "10 Years Younger" and LA's KTLA morning news program. Underbites also can lead to jaw joint pain, headaches and difficulty chewing food.
Orthognathic jaw surgery is one solution. Tooth extraction and braces are another. But, there is now a non-surgical low-risk modality for patients with mild to moderate underbites, says Dr. Sam Muslin, the trademark holder for Face Lift Dentistry, a non-invasive treatment for dental malocclusions and aging teeth.
Dr. Muslin continued: "Too many people believe jaw surgery is the only way to correct an underbite, but the latest advances in dental care deliver healthy pretty teeth in just a matter of days. Patients get a younger smile and a stable bite without hospitalization, surgical risks, lots of pain or years in braces."
"Sometimes surgery and braces are clearly the better choice if there are significant skeletal issues and the patient is young. However, the bite reconstruction protocol that I use provides satisfying results without the pain and recovery time associated with surgery. No wired jaw or liquid diet," says Dr. Sam Muslin. "While there are fees involved for neuromuscular and cosmetic dentistry services, the inherent risks associated with major surgery – anesthesia, possible secondary infections and the occasional surgical failure – are eliminated."
Evaluation by a qualified dentist, orthodontist or oral surgeon is the first step in making a decision about underbite treatment, says Dr. Muslin. This should include measurement for bite discrepancy and assessment of any decay, chips or gingivitis that might be present. It's important to ask questions. Answers should be in plain language, and the proposed course of treatment should be detailed. Seeing before-and-after photos of other patients who had non-invasive underbite correction is recommended.
In Dr. Muslin's opinion: "If invasive treatment is suggested, get a second opinion. If a dentist wants to grind down your natural teeth, run! There are gentler options out there."
For more information, visit Dr. Sam Muslin's (http://www.faceliftdentistry.com) or call his office at (310) 829-6796.
SOURCE Sam Muslin DDS MAGD