Advantages of clear braces

Many orthodontic patients—especially those who are well past their teen years—are reluctant to sport a mouth full of metal. The point of orthodontic treatment is a more attractive smile, so patients may want to avoid appliances that detract from the smile for the long duration of their treatment. Clear braces are a good solution for these NYC patients.

Clear braces involve ceramic tooth, colored brackets that blend in with the teeth, making them far less noticeable than their metal counterparts. These ceramic brackets tend to be stain-resistant.

Your orthodontist uses these clear brackets in the same way that traditional metal brackets are used. The brackets are bonded to the teeth, and archwires are weaved through them. The brackets are attached to the archwires using elastics, and the archwires are switched out throughout treatment to adjust the forces and tension applied to the teeth in concurrence with the treatment plan.

The most obvious advantage of clear braces is aesthetic. Although they’re not completely invisible, clear braces do not have the same type of negative effects on the smile that metal braces do.

Because clear braces are less visible, patients who wear them may be agreeable to a few extra weeks or months of treatment. As treatment comes to a close, patients who opt for traditional braces may pressure the orthodontist to remove the appliances prematurely because they’re weary of their “metal mouth.” When wearing clear braces, patients are less likely to be in such a rush, meaning that they are more likely to get the full benefits of their orthodontic treatment.

The clear brackets are stain-resistant, but patients should still take care to keep the devices (as well as the rest of the mouth) clean. Brush at least twice a day – perhaps more often for heavy coffee drinkers or smokers –and be a dedicated flosser, even if it means using a floss threader.

If you are considering your orthodontic options, contact Jackson Heights Orthodontics at 718.335.4444.

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.

Questions to ask during your first orthodontics evaluation

Embarking on a course of orthodontics treatment can be exciting and intimidating at the same time. In order to make sure that your journey to a straighter smile gets off to a smooth start, you should gather as much information about the process as possible.

At your first NYC orthodontist appointment, be prepared to ask questions. If you are well-informed from the beginning of treatment, you’re less likely to encounter problems over the following several months.

Here are a few questions that may be helpful to ask at the initial orthodontist appointment:

What are my options for orthodontic treatment? – Today, patients can choose from a variety of techniques and appliances to straighten their teeth. Discuss your budget and preferences with your orthodontist to see which approach will be most appropriate for your case.

Will I need any treatment beyond my orthodontics? – It’s important to know if any other interventions will be necessary in your case. Patients with severe malocclusions or other jaw malformations may need to have surgery, as may adult patients who need to have the upper jaw expanded to make room for all of the teeth. If you have severe gum disease, you may need to visit a periodontist before the braces can be placed.

Do I need to make any changes to my oral hygiene routine or diet? – Patients who wear traditional braces, including metal or clear brackets, will need to adjust their oral hygiene habits. They may need to brush more often to keep the mouth clear of food particles, and floss threaders will be helpful tools for flossing along the gumline underneath the archwire. Patients may also need to cut out certain foods, such as sweet, sticky substances.

Can you show me results from your previous patients? – Many orthodontists will ask patients for permission to take their pictures and share them with new patients. Although each patient’s case is unique, examining outcomes with previous patients can give you a general idea of your orthodontist’s skills.

You may also want to know how long your orthodontics treatment will take, and you can feel free to ask your orthodontist for an estimated timeline early in the process. If you do, keep in mind that the timeline is likely to change as your treatment progresses and be flexible.

For more information and to schedule a consultation, contact Jackson Heights Orthodontics at 718-335-4444.

Orthodontic treatment: An overview





Patients choose orthodontics in Queens as a way to achieve their ideal smiles that are perfectly straight and healthy. However, people sometimes enter the process without a thorough understanding of what the process entails. Here’s an overview of what you can expect during orthodontic treatment.

Before active treatment, the orthodontist will conduct a thorough evaluation of the patient’s case. This step may include x-rays and a dental exam. The orthodontist will also take impressions of the teeth during this initial appointment. Those impressions will serve as an important planning tool for the orthodontist, and they will also help the orthodontist and the patient to measure the progress of orthodontic treatment.

After the treatment plan is complete, the patient enters the active orthodontics phase. Patients can choose from a variety of orthodontics appliances based on their personal budgets and preferences. Traditional metal braces are an economical option, while invisible plastic tray aligners meet the needs of patients with concerns about smile aesthetics during treatment. Brackets can also be bonded to the backs of the teeth to avoid a significant impact on the patient’s appearance. Patients may also select clear plastic or ceramic brackets connected with metal wires.

Regardless of the method, the basic premise of orthodontic treatment is the same. The devices exert forces on the teeth to reposition them over time. The process of moving the teeth can take months and even years. The orthodontist will switch out the archwires to increase or decrease tension and may use rubber bands to reposition the jaws in addition to the teeth.

For patients with particularly narrow upper arches, tooth extraction or jaw expansion may be necessary before the appliances are placed. This step gives the teeth sufficient room to move into the proper alignment. Patients will have to wear retainers for several months after the braces are removed to prevent the teeth from moving back to their original positions.

 In highly complex cases, orthodontists may refer their patients to other specialists for complementary treatment, such as oral surgery. In these cases, additional treatment may be needed for the patient to achieve the desired outcome of orthodontic treatment.

Although many people associate braces with adolescents, some adults can benefit from orthodontics just as much. No one needs to be resigned to a misaligned smile.

Call (718) 335-4444 to schedule your consultation today!

Different Orthodontic Treatment Options

Uneven teeth can spoil one’s facial appearance and even adversely affect the overall health by creating chewing and digestion problems. Now different orthodontic treatment options are available for individuals belonging to all age groups, which can easily rectify complex tooth anomalies and provide a charming smile and improved looks.

Dental Braces– A Popular Orthodontic Treatment Option

Among the different orthodontic treatment options, procedures with orthodontic braces such as clear or white braces, stainless steel metal braces and Invisalign braces are most popular. Conventional metal braces available in different colors are mostly preferred by children. Clear ceramic braces are translucent and therefore less noticeable. They are very smooth and sculptured, and ensure more comfort for the patients. Another feature is these braces don’t stain or discolor easily.

Invisalign, the detachable braces are now widely preferred by adults and teenagers. These clear plastic aligners don’t have any metal wires or brackets, and so patients can undergo treatment without experiencing mouth abrasions and associated irritation. As these aligners are removable patients can eat, drink, brush and floss in the normal style. They can maintain better oral hygiene as well. Moreover, these braces are virtually invisible, so others hardly notice them.

Orthodontic braces align your teeth and move them to straighter positions by applying a mild pressure. Once the procedures with braces are completed, treatment options with retainers are adopted to permanently fix the teeth in their new position.

Duration of the Treatment

Orthodontic treatments can be completed within one to three years. However, duration and other related aspects can vary from case to case. During the treatment, patients are advised to consult the orthodontist every four to eight weeks. This would help the doctor to evaluate the treatment progress and make adequate modifications as required.

What You Gain from the Treatment

Apart from enhancing the aesthetics of your smile, these different orthodontic treatment options can effectively correct problems with bad bites and other tooth abnormalities. Dental malocclusions including openbites, crossbites, overbites, underbites, protruding teeth, extensively spaced teeth and overcrowded teeth can be rectified safely.

Orthodontic Treatment for Beautiful, Straight Teeth

Orthodontic treatment is the best option if you are looking for beautiful, straight teeth.

Solution for Dental Malocclusions

Dental inconsistencies when left untreated can cause serious health problems at a later stage. Through utilizing effective orthodontic treatment procedures permanent solutions can be obtained for dental malocclusions including crooked teeth, protruding teeth, overcrowded teeth, extensively spaced teeth, underbites, crossbites, overbites, and openbites. Elimination of these dental imperfections definitely provides you with a beautiful smile and enhanced facial charm. Moreover, perfectly aligned teeth guarantees excellent physical health, effectively eliminating gum diseases, tooth loss, irregular wear of tooth surface, speech impairments, and chewing and digestion disorders.

Treatment Involves Two Phases

Orthodontic treatment procedures are mainly performed in two phases, the active phase and the retention phase. In the active phase procedures with dental braces are carried out to straighten your misaligned teeth. In the retention phase, procedures with retainers are performed to fix the teeth in their new positions.

Orthodontists first make a thorough evaluation of your teeth, jaws and facial structure through x-rays, photographs and bite impressions. Based on the findings, procedures with ceramic braces, metal braces or advanced Invisalign invisible braces are planned.

Orthodontic Braces – Available Types

Conventional metal braces are fixed dental aligners that work with metal wires and brackets and are less expensive. Ceramic braces or tooth colored braces are extremely smooth, translucent and less visible. These braces will not get stained or discolored quickly, so they can be used for a long term. Treatment with Invisalign, the custom-designed aligners ensure exceptional results within a minimum time span. Compared to other aligners they are removable, enabling the patients to eat, drink, brush and floss normally. Besides, the invisible property of these braces would help you to keep the treatment details hidden from others.

In most cases orthodontic treatment procedures can be completed within one to three years. However, depending on the complexity of your tooth anomalies and individual conditions this period might vary. The orthodontists recommend a review every four to eight weeks, to assess the progress of the treatment.

In brief, advanced orthodontic treatment helps one obtain a beautiful smile and improved facial charm rather comfortably. Improved facial looks and superior overall health helps you to remain dynamic in life.