Orthodontic Treatment: What happens if I wait until I’m older?

As we age, there are three main motivators for seeking orthodontic treatment:

·         Cosmetic concerns (We want teeth that are straighter and more attractive.)

·         Functional concerns (We want teeth that fit together properly and jaw joints that function smoothly)

·         Periodontal concerns (We can reduce the risk of gum disease when we are better able to clean between the teeth and near the gumline.)

Whether you are interested in a smile that looks better, a smile that is easier to clean, or teeth that fit together better, you'll find that orthodontics is the ideal solution.

Braces are not an uncommon treatment option for adults. Of course, the treatment is slightly faster and more predictable when performed during the childhood and teenage years when the bone is softer and still growing. Once the bone (and the patient) has matured, it becomes denser, making tooth movement just a little more challenging.

Postponing your treatment until adulthood could also mean that mild problems may become more advanced. Crowding, jaw joint problems, and the risk for gum disease and cavities can increase significantly without prompt intervention. The treatment for these conditions is likely to become more complex as each year passes.

But, should you choose to wait until you are older, be assured that adult patients can still reap tremendous benefits from limited or comprehensive orthodontic treatment.

It feels good to treat yourself to the dental care that you need and want. The anticipation of the final outcome makes the whole process even more exciting, plus there are more options than ever for achieving the smile that you desire. With modern orthodontic solutions, adult patients have access to clear, removable, or low-profile alternatives that can make the process more comfortable and more discreet.

It's never too late to improve your smile. Whether you’re a pre-teen, a high school student, or a parent, there is an orthodontic solution that will work perfectly for you. Start by contacting the office of Dr. Seth Newman today for a consultation.

Dental Braces: How often should I brush my teeth?

The main purpose of brushing (and flossing!) is to remove plaque and food particles that could contribute to tooth decay, gum disease, stains and bad breath. And, although we tend to say “Brush your teeth”, the real goal is to clean the entire mouth. The tongue, gums, and the folds of the cheeks and lips can harbor the bacteria that are responsible for a long list of dental conditions. Brushing the teeth as well as any other surfaces within the mouth is an important way to protect your oral health.

When you have dental braces, the responsibility to control plaque bacteria becomes increasingly important. The appliances that are used to straighten your teeth also provide perfect hiding places for plaque and food. In a virtually endless cycle, plaque will continue to form on every surface in the mouth including orthodontic brackets, wires, elastics, and even retainers. As any patient with braces will tell you, these are also areas where breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks will accumulate.

To prevent unwanted dental diseases, orthodontic patients should make time to brush and floss after each meal. Plaque control should also be performed after snacks and after any beverage other than water is consumed. Before bed, brushing and flossing should be performed yet again because undisturbed bacteria will continue to multiply, colonize, and create acidic byproducts as you sleep.

It’s important to remember that brushing alone may not be enough to maintain good dental health. In fact, it may be difficult to maneuver the toothbrush bristles around your braces. If necessary, choose power toothbrushes, floss threaders, interdental brushes, and mouthwashes that are designed to enhance your homecare efforts.

Braces certainly require a little extra patience and attention, but the reward is a beautiful and healthy smile that you can be proud of. During your periodic dental visits, ask about other tips and advice on caring for your braces.

To learn more about what to expect with braces, contact Newman Orthodontics at 516-626-2060 today.

Orthodontic Treatment: Will my teeth naturally straighten out over time?

Patients generally do not relish the thought of wearing braces to correct a malocclusion. However, if teeth are crooked, malformed, overcrowded or contain gaps between teeth, it is just wishful thinking that these issues will disappear on their own. Orthodontic treatment is usually required to re-align teeth to their correct position.

Straightening teeth should be done for more than just aesthetic purposes. Although we all want a beautiful smile, there are other considerations when seeing the orthodontist about treatment.

Crooked or misaligned teeth can produce negative results including:

·         Areas that are difficult to reach with a tooth brush and dental floss become a breeding ground for bacteria and plaque build-up that can cause dental decay, gum disease, bad breath, and the potential for tooth loss.

·         A malocclusion occurs when the top teeth do not align correctly with the bottom teeth. When this is the case, patients often start to grind and clench their teeth and jaws. This is a habit that generally starts during subconscious sleep, but can occur during the day as well.

·         Tenderness is prevalent, particularly in gum tissue where teeth are overcrowded.

·         Embarrassment and low self-esteem often go hand-in-hand with patients that require teeth straightening. Most people don’t give a second thought about eating, speaking and smiling in public, but if you are ashamed of your teeth it is on your mind constantly.

The shortcomings of crooked teeth are evident, but orthodontic treatment can resolve all issues including an over bite, under bite or cross bite. The length of treatment time will vary based on the severity of malocclusion.

Extracting one or a few teeth may be recommended to achieve the optimum result. Once healed, braces can be placed in a couple of appointments. X-rays, photographs, and dental impressions will be taken as diagnostic tools. If spacers are needed to facilitate placing the braces, an additional appointment may be required.

Once the braces are in place, periodic visits to the orthodontist are required to make needed adjustments to keep the teeth straightening process on track. Missed appointments can result in treatment delays.

The finished result will have been worth every minute. Brushing and flossing will be easier; straight teeth that are aligned will ease the need for grinding; and a brilliant smile will be your daily reward.

Importance of Treating Malocclusions

Any physical abnormality that can affect your overall health should be treated … deficient eye sight calls for wearing glasses; a broken bone is set and placed in a cast; a hearing aid is used when hearing loss occurs … all of these things and more can impact quality of life if not addressed. The same thing applies to dental issues, and when treating a malocclusion, braces are usually at the top of the list to correct it.

A malocclusion occurs when the top teeth do not align correctly to the bottom teeth. There are multiple reasons this happens:

·         Lack of jaw space to accommodate all permanent teeth

·         Tooth loss that results in remaining teeth drifting toward open spaces

·         Genetic abnormalities

·         Injury

·         Extrinsic issues such as thumb sucking

Whatever the root cause, a malocclusion can result in a cross bite, over bite or under bite. Left untreated, the following can occur:

·         Dental decay – when teeth do not align properly, there are areas that may be difficult to reach with a tooth brush and dental floss. Bacteria and plaque build-up can lead to decay, gum disease and even tooth loss.

·         Grinding and clenching – the teeth naturally want to align properly, and when they don’t we can subconsciously (usually during sleep) grind the teeth and clench the jaw trying to find a way for the teeth to meet. Premature enamel erosion, uneven teeth, broken teeth, TMJ, and discomfort in neck, head and jaw are all potential side effects of grinding and clenching.

·         Lack of self-esteem – Uneven or crooked teeth discourage eating, speaking and smiling in public.

A consultation with an orthodontist can explain what is needed to correct your dental malocclusion. If overcrowding is an issue, the extraction of one or more teeth may be recommended before embarking on corrective action.  A healing period is generally needed before starting the straightening process.

Treatment usually involves the placement of braces that will steadily shift teeth to their correct position. Braces are adjusted every few weeks to keep teeth moving. Once the bite has been remedied, a retainer will be worn to help the teeth develop a memory of where they rightly belong.

Caring for your new, straight teeth, including daily hygiene and dental check-ups, will allow for excellent dental health and years of eating and smiling enjoyment.

Contact our team at Newman Orthodontics today to learn more about your treatment options. Call 516-626-2060 to schedule your professional consultation today.

Invisalign Orthodontic Treatment for Comfort and Convenience

If you suspect that you may need braces soon or in the future, there is no need to worry. Braces no longer have to be the hassle they used to be. Advancement in orthodontics have made it so that getting braces is now more convenient than ever—and best of all, many methods can barely be seen. Among these methods is Invisalign, a new approach to braces that is not only convenient, but comfortable as well.

With Invisalign, the traditional metal wires and brackets are eliminated. Instead, Invisalign consists of clear plastic aligners which are virtually impossible to see. These aligners are customized and molded in order to match the shape of each patient’s mouth. The aligners act as traditional braces, gently repositioning the patient’s teeth back to their correct position.

Check-ups every several weeks are necessary to ensure that your teeth are responding properly. These are brief visits that simply make certain the fit of the aligners is correct and that treatment is progressing as planned.

Invisalign offers further convenience in the fact that they can be removed when you eat. Your orthodontist may recommend that you still remain on a soft diet for a few days after being fitted, but that’s where the inconvenience stops.  Invisalign is comfortable, convenient, and an amazing alternative to traditional metal braces.

So if you have crooked teeth and suspect that you might need braces but have shied away due to the stereotypes, you no longer have to postpone treatment. Keep in mind that untreated crooked teeth can lead to much bigger problems if they are not treated in a timely manner. With Invisalign, you now have a more manageable and convenient approach to braces.

Contact our skilled and dedicated team at Newman Orthodontics today to get started. With Invisalign, you can regain your former dazzling smile in comfort without worrying about how it will alter your appearance.

Invisalign Orthodontist Care

Now, there is a way to straighten your teeth without wires and brackets - Invisalign®. Newman Orthodontics, a leading orthodontic facility, is specialized in providing personalized Invisalign orthodontist care for adult patients. Our aim is to make people look good and feel good with a beautiful, new smile. Combining experience with advanced technology, our orthodontist specialist and staff strive to enhance your smile by focusing on preventing, diagnosing and treating various orthodontic problems.

Call our orthodontic center in Roslyn Heights to get started. To schedule an appointment, dial (516) 626-2060.

Professional Care in a Comfortable Setting

You are sure to enjoy the finest orthodontic care at our advanced orthodontic facility. We make every effort to make your visit pleasant and comfortable.

Invisalign braces make it easy to straighten your teeth, without anyone knowing. These are nearly invisible aligners, and are removable. So, eating and drinking plus brushing and flossing are not at all a problem. It gives you the flexibility to lead a normal lifestyle.

Benefits of Invisalign Orthodontic Braces
• Invisible way to straighten your teeth without brace
• Series of clear, removable, custom-made aligners
• No metal wires or brackets
• Custom-made for comfort

Now teens don’t have to worry about embarrassing metal braces. When you decide to have Invisalign treatment done at our facility, we will begin the process by taking impressions of your teeth. Then a slightly adjusted aligner is fitted to your teeth. The treatment time required will be 9-15 months. During this period, 18-30 Invisalign aligners may have to be worn by the patient. Periodic checkups scheduled by your orthodontist would ensure that the treatment is progressing as expected.

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!