Orthodontic Treatments

Orthodontic treatments can often play a substantial role in improving the appearance of teeth and sometimes their function. If you have recently investigated improving your smile in any way, your dentist Dr. Gibbs at Gibbs Orthodontic Associates may have introduced the possibility of more effective and comfortable orthodontic solutions. Teeth straightening isn’t just for kids anymore, and adults who want to straighten their teeth are demanding more socially appealing ways than a mouth full of metal braces. With options such as ceramic and clear braces, Invisalign®, retainers and other methods, we can help kids and adults alike find a treatment to achieve a healthy-looking smile, improve confidence and restore function.

To schedule an orthodontic consultation at our Manhattan’s Upper East Side office, call us at (212) 535-4111 today. Whether you are an adult looking to treat irregularities in the teeth and jaws for yourself or your teen, experienced orthodontists can assist you in finding an orthodontic treatment that is right for you.

Who Needs Braces or Other Orthodontic Treatments?

It’s true that adolescent children make the best orthodontic patients. Not because they’ll put up with metal braces, but because their bones and teeth are still growing and forming. That means that it takes less pressure to move their teeth into the correct position. Adults can still get orthodontic treatment, but it may take longer — up to two years — for the final results to show. But it’s worth it.

Adults who want straighter teeth may have had braces when they were younger. They may have never liked their smile, and now they’re in a position to do something about it. There are lots of reasons for New York City adults to want to pursue teeth straightening. Adults, though, have to balance responsibilities with the personal desire for straight teeth.

You have to have good dental health to qualify for orthodontic treatment. Your gums and teeth must be free of disease and other issues. If you need any restorative dental work — such a tooth extraction or a root canal, it has to be done before you can get braces or straightening trays. Otherwise, anyone with crooked or maladjusted teeth can get orthodontic treatment.

Why Choose Orthodontic Treatment?

Orthodontics is a dental subspecialty, where teeth are moved into the correct and more desirable locations. Treatment can correct the position of teeth that fail to bite together properly; a problem called malocclusion or a bad bite. People can have malocclusion when their teeth are irregularly or improperly positioned in the jaw. Malocclusion can be caused when there are problems with the relationship of their jaws.

While orthodontics can create a prettier and more attractive smile, it can sometimes do far more and especially when used to treat children. For example, early orthodontic treatment can influence the way a child’s facial structure develops, using orthodontic appliances that guide bone growth to create a better facial profile and, of course, more evenly aligned teeth.

The Health Advantages of Orthodontics

If you get orthodontic treatment, you’re receiving more than a more attractive smile. And if you can get it done without anyone noticing, then you get the best of both worlds. The advantages of straight teeth include:

• A boost to your personal confidence level due to your improved smile
• Improved overall health, not just for your gums and teeth
• An optimal bite, which allows you to chew properly, reducing digestive problems
• Properly aligned teeth last longer with fewer problems
• Fewer instances of inadvertently biting your lip, tongue or inner cheek
• Easier tooth cleaning, as you have fewer hard-to-reach spaces
• An even bite that spreads the pressure across your teeth, so your teeth are less prone to break or chip
• Reduced likelihood of jaw pain

Having orthodontic treatment can be an investment in your dental health, and you could be enjoying its benefits for years and hopefully for life. Not all orthodontic treatments will be appropriate for every situation. Call us right away to arrange a consultation and find out which one is best for you.

Options for Orthodontic Treatment

Whether you’re an adolescent who wants straighter teeth or an adult who’s ready to make a life-changing decision, there’s an orthodontic treatment for you. And it doesn’t have to involve metal braces, although for some, they are still the most effective option. Ask your dentist at Gibbs Orthodontic Associates what’s best for your situation.

Treatments include:

• Invisalign aligners are invisible trays that you wear over your teeth. You have to wear them 20 to 22 hours a day, but you can remove them for cleaning and for eating. The trays are made for your teeth specifically from an impression. Each tray lasts about two weeks, after which you get a new one that moves your teeth a little farther into place. Because they’re virtually undetectable, they’ve become a popular choice.
• Braces
  • Clear braces are like their metal counterparts, except that these are made of ceramic or clear plastic. The ceramic is the color of your teeth, so the braces blend in better and are much less noticeable than metal braces. Clear braces take a little longer than metal ones to work because they’re not as strong, but the advantage of being invisible makes up for it.
  • Metal braces are the traditional device. While they have the visibility drawback, they still are functionally the strongest, quickest way to straighten your teeth.
• Retainers are dental devices you normally wear part time, such as only at night, after you’ve had a successful orthodontic treatment. They keep your teeth from shifting again. Some retainers are more invisible than traditional retainers.

Learn more: Invisalign Vs. Braces (The Pros and Cons of Each Option)

Using Orthodontic Treatment Purely for Cosmetic Benefits

Orthodontic treatment can also be used purely to improve the appearance of teeth, providing cosmetic benefits only. For example, some braces and especially adult-oriented braces focus only on moving teeth that are shown when you smile, talk or laugh with others and which are right in the front of the mouth. These teeth, called the social six or social eight, can often be repositioned quite quickly using advanced orthodontic treatments. Because these braces are cosmetically oriented, treatment is often far quicker than conventional orthodontics.

Cosmetic braces can straighten teeth in as little as a matter of weeks or just a few months. Other times, more conventional orthodontic treatment can provide cosmetic benefits and may improve oral health.

Contact Us Today

You don’t have to go through life with crooked or malformed teeth. If your teeth have shifted, affecting your bite, you have options to get them fixed and straightened. Talk to your dentist about the orthodontic options in Manhattan and surrounding areas of New York City to see if you’d be a good candidate for teen or adult orthodontics. There are affordable options, and most are invisible or at least not obvious.