Orthodontics

Get the orthodontic care you need—reach out to our friendly team at Kids and Family Dentistry to schedule an appointment today!

Addressing jaw or tooth alignment issues is about more than appearances. Crooked or crowded teeth can increase your risk of dental decay, while jaw alignment problems can lead to pain and bone loss. 

Orthodontic care expands beyond just straightening your teeth or correcting your bite, too. 

Our skilled orthodontist here at Kids and Family Dentistry can also help with mouth guards, sleep apnea appliances, and more. No matter what orthodontic device you need, we’re here to help with quality service and quick and easy appointments. Give us a call to get started with a consultation. 

How Our Orthodontist Can Improve Your Smile

While we’re a full-service dental practice, our orthodontists can help specifically with issues relating to tooth or jaw alignment and dental development, such as:

• Crooked or crowded teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Overbites or underbites 
• Uneven bite or jaw alignment problems

Orthodontic devices can also be used to prevent damage from teeth grinding, jaw clenching, sleep apnea, and sports. We offer a comprehensive range of orthodontic treatments, such as braces and Invisalign®, to allow you to reclaim your self-confidence and find relief from any dental discomfort. 

Types of Orthodontic Devices

Dental braces are among the most common orthodontic devices. That’s why we offer a wide range of choices, but you can also count on us for other treatment options. Here’s a quick overview of some common orthodontic devices: 

Lingual Braces 

The beauty of lingual braces is their simplicity and discreet appearance. You wear them on the inside of your teeth instead of the outside. As a result, they don’t show when you smile or talk while still reliably nudging your teeth back into place. 

Self-Ligating Braces 

The difference between self-ligating braces and stainless-steel braces is small but significant. Instead of relying on elastic bands to place pressure on the teeth, a self-ligating brace uses a clip you can tighten. 

Self-ligating braces are comfortable, easy to keep clean, and lower-cost than some alternatives. 

Ceramic Braces

The transparent nature of ceramic braces makes them especially popular among younger individuals. Ceramic braces blend in so well they are often hard to spot even when you stand close. “Invisible” braces like these are ideal for anyone worried about how their braces will look. 

Gold and Stainless Steel Braces 

Stainless steel braces are common due to their affordability, reliability, and comfort. You can personalize them to a certain degree by changing the color of the elastic bands. Sometimes classic is best and stainless steel is a reliable option. Gold braces are almost entirely identical to traditional stainless-steel braces except for the thin layer of gold. 

Invisalign®

Invisalign® doesn’t rely on wires or elastics! Instead, it uses a series of clear alignment trays that fit over your teeth. Not only are they virtually invisible when you wear them, but they are also removable. Young adults and busy individuals prefer the convenience of Invisalign® treatments. 

Archwires and Elastics

Wires and elastics are used in conjunction with braces. They may be applied to guide the movement of your teeth or move your jaw forward or back to resolve jaw alignment problems. Like braces, they are often altered throughout the treatment process as your teeth and jaw realign.

Retainers

After completing other orthodontic treatments, you may need to wear a retainer for 6 to 12 months to allow the newly formed bone to harden, maintaining your results. 

Headgear

We do our best to avoid the need for headgear whenever possible, as it is a very visible form of treatment. However, in cases where braces, wires, and elastics can’t exert enough force to correct alignment problems, we may suggest orthodontic headgear.

Custom Mouthguards

While mouthguards typically don’t treat orthodontic issues, they do protect your teeth from damage and can be made by an orthodontist. Mouthguards are ideal for those who grind their teeth at night or play high-impact sports regularly. 

Sleep Apnea Appliances

A sleep apnea appliance helps to hold your jaw slightly forward and open, ensuring your airway stays open while you sleep. They can also be helpful for those who snore.

What to Expect From Orthodontic Treatment 

A proper dental care routine and regular preventive care can make a significant difference in your oral health, but many orthodontic issues are genetic and beyond your control. Fortunately, that doesn’t mean we can’t resolve them!

Our qualified orthodontist will walk you through your options and break down the special features for each one. You will want to consider the following when choosing an orthodontic device: 

• Your preferred time frame for wearing the device
• Whether you want a removable device
• Your insurance coverage
• Which one will be most comfortable to wear

Get Help from a Certified Orthodontist in New Jersey Today

Your satisfaction and well-being are top priorities at Kids and Family Dentistry. We go the extra mile to make getting the orthodontic care you need as hassle-free as possible. Our team works out of two convenient locations in New Jersey: 471 West Mt. Pleasant Ave in Livingston and 407 Frank E. Rodgers Blvd. N. in Harrison. You can contact our team in Livingston at (973) 597-1818 or speak with our staff in Harrison at (973) 484-4200. We look forward to seeing you at Kids and Family Dentistry!