This patient had TMJ problem. She went to see a "TMJ Specialist" who does orthodontics. This is how her teeth look at the completion of the orthodontic treatment. Everything looks nice and straight from the front, and the smile is beautiful. However, when you take a closer look at the back teeth - She's missing teeth contacts in the molar areas on both sides of the mouth. With this much spacings in between the teeth, the patient would have to exert extra forces as she tries to chew her food. That in turn takes a toll on the chewing muscles, excessively stresses her joints, and defeats the original reason of her visit to a "TMJ Specialist".

Front Teeth after Orthodontic Treatment:

Back Teeth after Orthodontic Treatment:

Before choosing a "dental specialist". It is important to understand what your problem is, how the problem can be fixed, and what to anticipate at the end of the treatment. The last things about teeth that you would want to deal with may be things that can stress you out !

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Alex Nguyen, DDS is a Saratoga Dentist who practices General Dentistry, Cosmetic, and Implant Dentistry. For over 20 years the practice has been serving the residents of Santa Clara County and San Francisco Bay Area.