Orthodontic Treatment: Give your child the gift of a healthy smile

It’s no big secret among parents and dentists that most kids don’t enjoy visiting the dentist. As a rule, most orthodontists suggest that your child should be seen by the age of seven for an orthodontic screening. It is not uncommon for children at this age to present issues that may lead to the need for braces in the near future.

It’s important to make sure your children brush their teeth at least two times a day; for younger children you may have to watch over them, as they tend to rush things. This will increase their likelihood of having a great first experience with their orthodontist. An early orthodontic screening is vital as issues at this stage of your child’s dental development such as an overbite or tooth crowding can be addressed, possibly eliminating the need for more complex treatment down the road.

Many parents are faced with the idea that their children might need braces at this stage. Rest assured that braces are no longer the ordeal they once were. There are currently more options to choose from, including braces that can barely be seen.

Traditional braces are perhaps the most well-known solution. These are metal braces that are used to help correct problematic teeth.

Our office also offers Incognito braces for both children and adults.  These braces are placed behind your teeth, making them nearly impossible to see. These are especially effective when dealing with pre-teen and teen patients that are overly concerned about their appearance. Incognito braces are created based on each patient’s condition, making them comfortable and fully customizable.

If you believe it is time for your child’s first orthodontic screening, call Newman Orthodontics at 516-626-2060 today to schedule an appointment. It is never too early to start thinking about the dental health of your children!

Look Good at Work with Clear Braces

Adult orthodontic patients often want to undergo treatment without looking like a teeny-bopper, especially in professional settings where they have to maintain their credibility. Having visible braces can be a drawback in the workplace, a concern that may cause some patients to avoid treatment altogether.

If you want to straighten your teeth without attracting attention to the fact that you’re doing so, consider invisible braces.

Patients who want to take advantage of invisible braces have a number of options that an orthodontist can use to treat any patient’s case and fit into any budget.

Ceramic brackets are made of translucent material, allowing them to blend in with the teeth. This is a good, affordable option for invisible braces for many patients, but these brackets do have some drawbacks. They’re slightly more fragile than conventional braces, and they can become discolored. Also, the wires that connect the brackets are still visible, although the overall effect on the smile is still much less noticeable than with traditional metal brackets.

Incognito braces are another alternative for patients who are concerned about their appearance during orthodontic treatment and not just after. With this method, the brackets and wires are placed on the back of the teeth and customized to your unique situation.

The Invisalign system is yet another option for orthodontic patients who don’t want to obscure their smiles during treatment. This approach repositions the teeth through a progressive series that apply varying forces to the teeth, just as regular braces do. But these trays are much less intrusive, and they can be removed at mealtime and for brushing and flossing.

The Invisalign system eliminates many of the concerns associated with bracket-and-wire techniques, whether they are on the front or back of the teeth. With Invisalign, patients can maintain a normal oral hygiene routine without the worry that their appliances will get in the way of brushing and flossing or trap leftover food particles close to the teeth, providing a food source for oral bacteria.

Invisalign patients also don’t face the same dietary restrictions as those with standard braces.

If you’re reluctant to pursue orthodontic treatment due to aesthetic concerns, consider one of the forms of invisible braces instead. You’ll get a beautiful smile in the long-term without having to sacrifice your appearance in the short-term.