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!

Widely Spaced Teeth: Is Invisalign an Option?

Wide spaces between your teeth can make your smile less attractive. If you are self-conscious about gaps between your teeth or the overall alignment of your smile, Invisalign can be a viable orthodontic option that will restore your appearance and self-confidence.

Choosing an Orthodontic Treatment

Choosing the right treatment is vital to the success of your orthodontic treatment. Depending upon how large the gaps are between your teeth or how severe your misalignment is, your orthodontist will recommend Invisalign or traditional braces.

Your choice of orthodontic treatment begins with a consultation. Our team will evaluate your teeth, making molds as well as digital photographs to demonstrate what your teeth look like now and what they will look like after your treatment is completed. Based on your individual goals and needs, we will recommend a treatment and explain how it will work, how long it will take, and what to expect after treatment is completed.

How Invisalign Works

Orthodontic treatment is usually associated with traditional braces, which uses metal braces and rubber bands to gradually move your teeth into proper alignment. With Invisalign, metal and bands are replaced by trays made of clear plastic.

These trays are carefully formed to move your teeth a small amount while you are wearing them. You usually wear each tray for about two weeks then switch to a new tray that is slightly different than the previous tray. The new tray moves the teeth again, until, by the time you use the last tray, your teeth are in their proper position.

During your treatment, you must be careful to follow your orthodontist’s instructions for care of your trays. You should wear them for about twenty-two hours of each day. During meals, they should be removed to keep them clean. They also should not be exposed to hot beverages to keep from warping the plastic. Foods and darkly colored drinks could discolor your trays, so you should also avoid exposure to these types of staining agents. With proper care, and by using your trays according to instructions, you’ll achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.

To find out if Invisalign is the right treatment option for you, contact Newman Orthodontics today to schedule an appointment.

Orthodontics for Children and Adults

Advancements in the field of orthodontics include innovative orthodontic treatments that address dental anomalies effectively, with least discomfort for the patients. Utilizing these effective, comfortable treatment options children and adults can straighten their misaligned teeth, and benefit from a charming, dazzling smile as well as improved facial appearance.

Dental Anomalies that Can Be Treated with Orthodontic Procedures

Crooked teeth, protruded teeth, crossbites, openbites, overbites and underbites can be successfully corrected with orthodontic braces. With dental irregularities out of the way, children and adults can also improve their physical fitness by avoiding tooth loss, abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, gum diseases, chewing problems, digestion disorders and speech impairments.

Thorough Evaluation Necessary to Finalize the Treatment Procedure

Before prescribing orthodontic procedures, orthodontists examine the structure of the teeth, face and jaws of their patients through X-rays, photographs and bite impressions. Metal braces, ceramic braces or Invisalign braces will be recommended on the basis of this evaluation.

Traditional metal braces are usually recommended for children. These braces are strong and also cost-effective. Clear ceramic braces, known as tooth-colored braces are very smooth, translucent and are completely stain resistant.

Invisalign invisible braces are mostly favored by adults and teens. Invisalign clear plastic aligners are specially designed using advanced 3D imaging technology. The patient has to wear one set of aligners for two weeks and replace it with a fresh set, to speed up the teeth straightening.

Invisalign braces promote good oral hygiene. Patients can eat, drink, brush and floss normally. Moreover, these braces are virtually invisible, so the treatment can be completed without the knowledge of others.

An Experienced Orthodontist Is Most Important

Only an experienced orthodontist can correctly determine the braces that are most suitable for children and adults. Besides, your orthodontist should be able to educate you on the orthodontic options available, and why a particular procedure is most suitable for you. In this technology age, the doctor can even show you the after treatment images on the computer, so that you can have a clear idea of the results you can expect.