Am I a candidate for Invisalign orthodontic treatment?

The Invisalign system is helping millions of adults and teens to enjoy beautiful smiles every day. Our orthodontist is using Invisalign in NYC to design smiles that patients are proud to display.

Invisalign’s revolutionary technology makes it possible for patients to enjoy a beautiful new smile with comfort and privacy. The thin, clear, medical-grade plastic aligners will be barely visible as they gently guide the teeth into position.

Generally, Invisalign is recommended for teen and adult patients whose permanent second molars have erupted. Patients who have teeth that are incorrectly aligned (crowding, spacing, overbite, crossbite) are typically the best candidates for the Invisalign system. Patients whose teeth stick out too far or tip inward too much can also expect dramatic results using Invisalign.

Often, adults who have been treated with traditional braces during the childhood or teenage years may notice shifting or crowding in the later years. Invisalign can be used to retreat these types of orthodontic cases, followed by a crystal clear, removable retainer to prevent future shifting.

Other ideal candidates for the Invisalign procedure are those patients who would prefer a less obvious treatment option, compared to traditional metal braces. This group of patients may include adults who wish to maintain a professional appearance or patients who may be participating in important social functions where priceless photographs will be taken during the treatment period.

In order to accurately determine if Invisalign is right for you, a consultation with your orthodontist is necessary. At your initial visit, the orthodontist will use x-rays and impressions of your teeth to design your treatment plan. Your treatment plan will be converted into a series of custom aligners with the help of 3D computer technology.

Each set of aligners is designed to be worn continuously for a 2 week period before being replaced with a new set. Your orthodontist will monitor your progress carefully, evaluating the position of your teeth approximately every 6 weeks until your treatment is complete.

For more information, Contact Jackson Heights Orthodontics today to schedule your Invisalign consultation appointment.

Orthodontic treatment: What are my options?

Orthodontics, the art and science of positioning the teeth to promote proper function and improve esthetics, can be individualized according to each patient’s needs.

Your orthodontist may use braces in Queens to correct teeth that are out of position or alignment. Braces can also be effective in correcting:

• Crossbite (condition in which the bottom teeth overlap the upper teeth)
• open bite (condition in which the top and bottom teeth do not overlap or come together)
• crowding
• gaps and spaces
• unerupted teeth (permanent teeth that have not grown through the bone and gum tissue)

Many of these conditions may be considered cosmetic, and you may be surprised to learn that they are also functional and health concerns as well. When the teeth do not fit together properly, the jaw joint is forced to function under stress. This joint dysfunction has been proven to lead to pain, popping, clicking, and joint deterioration.

Poor occlusion, or an incorrect bite, can also lead to damage of the teeth and gums. When the teeth come together with extreme force or at an incorrect angle, the result can be chipped teeth and broken fillings. These forces may also contribute to periodontal diseases, such as bone loss and recession.

Your orthodontist may recommend various treatments to address conditions that are unique to the needs of children:

• thumb-sucking
• premature loss of primary teeth
• crowded primary teeth
• small or narrow palate
• tongue thrusting

Braces and other orthodontic appliances are effective solutions to correct the previously mentioned conditions. Orthodontic intervention during childhood is a pro-active method for preventing future orthodontic conditions or reducing the impact of current conditions.

Orthodontic choices have evolved tremendously in recent years. Treatments are typically more streamlined and comfortable. Appliances have been designed to be low-profile and more esthetically pleasing.

If you are interested in learning more about your orthodontic choices, a consultation with our experienced orthodontists is recommended. Together, you will work to identify your main concerns and develop a treatment plan that can meet your goals.
Call 718-335-4444 for your appointment today to find out how orthodontics can help to improve your smile.