Orthodontics is a dental specialty focused on diagnosing and treating misaligned teeth and jaws. Crooked teeth are more than cosmetic issues—they can cause problems with chewing and breathing. A top NYC orthodontist is trained in dentofacial orthodontics near me, correcting the growth and development of facial bones. This helps prevent misaligned bites and skeletal abnormalities.

Braces

Braces are the traditional method of correcting malocclusion, a condition where your teeth don’t align correctly with your jaw & lips. Malocclusions aren’t just unsightly; they also impact your oral health & function. In addition to making it difficult to clean your teeth, misaligned teeth can lead to excessive clenching & grinding which can damage your jaw & teeth.

Braces typically consist of small metal brackets that are bonded to your teeth & a wire that runs across them, putting pressure on your teeth to gradually shift them into place. They are usually tightened at follow-up appointments every 4-8 weeks. Depending on your treatment plan, you may use elastic ligatures (small rubber bands) or customized clips to assist with the movement of your teeth. Your orthodontist can recommend the best option for you based on your unique needs.

Invisalign

While traditional braces use a system of metal brackets connected by a ligature wire, Invisalign clear aligners use a series of removable trays. The trays apply gentle pressure to shift teeth and improve both oral health and the appearance of your smile. You can remove the trays for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.

You can also rinse the trays to remove bacteria that could cause them to smell or discolour. It is recommended that you clean the trays every morning and night with a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water.

The Invisalign treatment process usually lasts for 12 to 18 months, and you will visit our practice about once a month to make sure the process is on track. Invisalign is often less expensive than braces, and you may find that some dental insurance plans cover the cost of aligners. Also, if you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you may be able to deduct some of the expense.

Accelerated Treatment

Sometimes a patient needs to straighten their smile in a hurry. They might have a wedding, job interview, or other event coming up. In those cases, accelerated orthodontics can help them achieve their goals in less time than traditional braces.

Accelerated orthodontics speeds up treatment by reducing the overall amount of time it takes for teeth to shift into place. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways, including minor surgical procedures. For example, micro-osteoperforation technology helps reduce treatment times by up to 50%.

Other methods are non-invasive, such as the FDA-approved AcceleDent or VPro5. These devices fit around your braces or aligners and emit micro-pulses that trigger bone growth, resulting in faster tooth movement.

Other accelerated treatments involve the use of lasers to stimulate and soften the jawbone. This allows teeth to move more quickly and increases the underlying support for your gums and teeth. This can lead to a more beautiful and healthier smile.

Smile Makeovers

A bright and confident smile has the power to transform your life. It can boost your self-esteem, improve social interactions, and even increase your professional success. If you have crooked teeth, discoloration, or a chipped tooth, a smile makeover can address these issues and restore your confidence.

A smile makeover uses cosmetic and restorative dentistry techniques to create a natural-looking and healthy-looking smile. This treatment plan takes your facial shape, skin tone, and the arrangement of your teeth into consideration to design a beautiful smile.

The procedure uses cosmetic procedures like whitening and veneers and may also include restorative dental care, such as dental crowns and gum reshaping. Depending on the extent of your treatment, it can take up to a year to complete your smile makeover.

The main drawback of a smile makeover is the potential discomfort from some procedures. Dental implants and gum reshaping are examples of two treatments that can cause sensitivity or slight feelings of pain.