Orthodontics
At State Street Smiles, we offer a full suite of orthodontic services for the entire family. Our compassionate team of professionals is here to guide you through your orthodontic treatments and will be by your side every step of the way.
What Is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics in Hackensack, NJ, is a branch of dentistry that focuses on straightening your teeth and aligning your bite.
What Dental Issues Do Orthodontics Correct?
Here are just a few of the dental issues that can be corrected with orthodontics.
- Crowded teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Overbite, underbite, open bite
- Misaligned teeth and jaws
- Rotated teeth
- Impacted teeth
- Gapped teeth
- Unattractive smile (improves appearance, smile, and the symmetry of your facial structure)
The Different Types of Orthodontic Treatments
Here is a list of common orthodontic treatments and what they do. Your dentist in Hackensack, NJ, will perform an exam and then make a recommendation on which treatment best suits your needs.
Traditional Metal Braces
Metal braces are the most commonly used treatment for straightening teeth. Metal braces use brackets bonded to the front of each tooth and are connected with a metal wire. The wire is slowly adjusted over time, applying more and more pressure to help gently move your teeth into their proper position.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are similar to metal braces and use wires and brackets to straighten teeth. The difference is that they are invisible because they are made of translucent, tooth-colored ceramic material. Ceramic braces are popular because they work just like metal braces, so they are extremely effective but also clear, so they can’t be easily seen.
Unfortunately, ceramic braces are not as strong as metal braces, so the brackets are more prone to breakage. Additionally, ceramic braces are more expensive than metal braces and prone to staining, especially if you frequently eat and drink foods that stain.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are just like traditional metal braces. They have metal brackets and wires. The difference is they are placed on the back of your teeth (tongue side), not the front. The reason for this placement is so that they can’t be seen. But they are just as effective for correcting most orthodontic problems, including bite issues.
Lingual braces are a bit more expensive than traditional metal braces. They are also more uncomfortable initially. However, you will adjust to wearing them after a few days. Additionally, lingual braces tend to give some people a temporary lisp. But that lisp will generally go away after a few days.
Self-Ligating Braces
Self-ligating braces are somewhat similar to metal braces and are placed on the front side of your teeth. The difference is they use spring clips instead of rubber bands to hold the wires in place. The spring clips make it easier for your dentist in Hackensack, NJ, to adjust your braces. That means your dental visits will be shorter, as is the time it takes to straighten your teeth. Self-ligating braces are also easier to clean and don’t experience as much friction with your teeth, resulting in less damage to your tooth enamel.
Self-ligating braces are more expensive than their metal counterparts, and they are not invisible, even if you get ceramic or clear brackets.
Palate Expanders
Palate expanders are dental devices that are used to widen the upper jaw. The purpose of a palate expander is to widen a narrow upper jaw to make more room for crowded teeth and to help fix a crossbite.
The palate expander is placed over the back teeth, and pressure is applied to the palate and bones. That pressure encourages the upper palate bones to stretch, which, in turn, makes them grow wider.
Palate expanders are most commonly used in children because their jaws are still growing. However, they can also be used in adults with narrow palates.
Retainers
Retainers are custom-made oral appliances that are used to keep your teeth in place (keep them from shifting back) after you’ve completed an orthodontic treatment like braces. Some retainers are permanent, and some are removable. They can be made of plastic or acrylic. Retainers are made with metal wires, and others are made of clear plastic.
Headgear
Headgear is a dental appliance used to help fix the alignment of your teeth and jaws. They are used to correct underbites, overbites, and overjets (buck teeth). Different types of headgear are used depending on what dental issue you are trying to correct. Unlike braces, headgear is placed on the outside of the face, neck, or head.
Clear Dental Aligners
Clear dental aligners come in various brands, including ClearCorrect and Invisalign. They are a series of custom-made, clear plastic dental trays designed to gently straighten teeth over time.
You will wear your clear aligners for about two weeks and then switch them out with a new set. Each set of aligners moves your teeth into a new position, and the process will continue until your teeth are in their desired position.
Early Orthodontic Treatment
Early orthodontic treatment, also known as “Phase 1” treatment, is used to correct jaw and bite issues while a child still has some of their baby teeth. Early orthodontic treatment works by guiding facial growth into the proper position. Its purpose is to make room for a child’s permanent teeth to erupt.
Early orthodontic treatment can sometimes help reduce the need for more complex dental treatments as your child ages. Early orthodontic treatments can also help improve the symmetry of your child’s face.
Contact State Street Smiles – A Reputable Dentist in Hackensack, NJ
Opting for orthodontic treatments will give you (or your child) confidence and a beautiful smile that will last a lifetime. Contact State Street Smiles today. We would love to show you just how easy and affordable orthodontic treatment can be.
