Orthodontic Treatment Hackensack, Bergen County, NJ

(201) 298-8000 Most insurances accepted

Orthodontics

Orthodontics focuses on straightening teeth and aligning your bite correctly. You may need orthodontics if you have misaligned teeth or teeth that are crooked, overlapping, or rotated out of position.

There are numerous orthodontic solutions available, including:

Traditional metal braces.
Clear or invisible braces that can be fixed or removable
Invisalign clear aligners.

What is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a dental specialty focusing on how your teeth and jaws meet together. An orthodontist can diagnose and treat malocclusion or a bad bite where teeth do not meet together correctly. It uses removable and fixed appliances to reposition teeth.

In younger patients, orthodontists can guide the growth of their teeth and jaws as they are still developing, creating a healthier bite.

Why Is Orthodontics Important?

How your teeth bite together can significantly affect your dental health. Below are some of the ways your oral health can be impacted.

When teeth are misaligned, it makes it trickier to bite and chew properly.
Some teeth may bite together before others, increasing wear and tear on these teeth. Consequently, they may begin to chip and crack.
Teeth that are overlapping, rotated, or tightly packed are trickier to keep clean, increasing the risk of oral diseases, including gum disease and tooth decay.
Gaps between teeth can act as food traps, increasing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
A misaligned bite can place pressure on the jaw joints, potentially causing a painful disorder called TMJ, where the jaw joints, called temporomandibular joints, become inflamed and sore.

Who Can Have Orthodontics?

Almost anyone can have orthodontic treatment and will benefit from straightening their teeth. While some people will seek out orthodontic treatment because they want to improve the appearance of their teeth, others need it to help protect their dental health.

Adult orthodontics is increasingly popular, and we see patients of all ages seeking to straighten their teeth. The introduction of clear aligner systems enables discreet teeth straightening with minimal effect on everyday life.

Is Anyone Unsuitable for Orthodontics?

Generally, you will need to have teeth that are strong and healthy so they can be moved into the correct positions. You may be unsuitable for orthodontics if you have advanced gum disease or tooth decay; these conditions will need to be treated before you can have braces.

Will My Child Need Orthodontics?

If your child visits the best NJ dentist regularly, then you can be sure their general or pediatric dentist will assess their bite and how their teeth and jaws develop. If necessary, they can recommend an early orthodontic evaluation

When Should a Child See an Orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists suggests children should see an orthodontist by age 7. Some children will see an orthodontist much earlier. Although children may not need treatment immediately,an orthodontic evaluation can help predict how their teeth and jaws will develop and if any problems could affect this development.

What Are the Advantages of Early Orthodontics?

Sometimes, having early orthodontic treatment can reduce or eliminate the need for orthodontics later. Children who need early orthodontic treatment may have oral habits like tongue thrusting,

thumb or finger sucking, or mouth breathing. Early orthodontic care can help correct the issues caused by these habits, guiding their teeth and jaw growth and helping them develop a nicer facial profile and healthier bite.

Who to See for Orthodontics?

An orthodontist can treat mild, moderate, and more complex cases of misalignment. They are a dental specialist who has received several years of additional training after graduating as a general dentist. Unlike a general or family dentist, an orthodontist doesn’t perform everyday treatments like fillings, crowns, or bridges. Instead, they focus on correcting problems with your teeth and jaws and are true experts in this field.

What Are the Most Common Orthodontic Problems?

Common orthodontic problems include:

Overlapping teeth.
Rotated teeth.
Overcrowded teeth.
Overbite, where the upper teeth protrude over the lower teeth too far.
Underbite, where the lower teeth protrude beyond the upper teeth.
Crossbite, where the upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth on one or both sides.
Open bite, where the upper and lower front teeth do not meet when you close your mouth.
Gaps between teeth

What Are the Different Types of Orthodontic Treatment Available?

Different orthodontic treatments may be prescribed, depending on the problem requiring correction. The most common treatments used include:

Braces

Braces have brackets cemented onto teeth that are powered using wires and elastic bands. Various types of braces exist, including traditional metal braces and clear braces. Some more modern fixed braces may not require elastics.

Invisalign Clear Aligners

Invisalign is the best-known brand of clear aligners, using removable aligner trays to straighten your teeth instead of fixed braces. The aligner trays are made from thin, strong plastic and are custom-designed to place the correct amount of pressure on each tooth to straighten them gradually.

Palatal Expanders

Palatal expanders may be recommended as part of early orthodontic care. They help widen a child’s upper jaw and are used while the facial and jaw bones are still growing and developing and

therefore, easier to guide. Using this device can help create additional room for adult teeth to erupt naturally without needing tooth extractions.

Retainers

After completing orthodontic treatment, you must wear a retainer, regardless of whether you have a fixed or removable orthodontic appliance. The retainer ensures your teeth

cannot drift out of their new positions, and your orthodontist will tell you how long you must wear it to maintain your treatment results.

What are the Potential Advantages of Orthodontics?

The potential cosmetic benefits of treatment are obvious, but the functional benefits can be equally or more important.

Straighter teeth are easier to keep clean, reducing the risk of oral diseases.
Aligned teeth are less likely to wear unevenly, and you can easily bite and chew.
Pain due to TMJ disorder can be relieved.

What are the Potential Disadvantages of Orthodontics?

You must be committed to following your treatment plan, which could take a few months, a year, or longer.
If you have fixed orthodontic braces, you must clean them thoroughly. Otherwise, your risk of cavities and gum disease can increase.
After treatment, you must wear your retainers as directed to avoid shifting out of position again.

Many people only think about orthodontics when they want to improve the appearance of their smile. However, the benefits can be far-reaching, improving dental health and function. After evaluating your dental health, our orthodontist can recommend suitable treatment to realign your teeth and give you a beautiful and, most importantly, healthy smile.

Orthodontist Near Me: Achieve a Healthy, Beautiful Smile with My New Jersey Dentist

Whether you want to straighten crooked teeth, close gaps between teeth, correct overbite or underbite, or improve the appearance of your smile, it's essential to find a qualified orthodontist in your area. Orthodontic treatment can be beneficial for people of all ages, but it is most common in children and adolescents.

How to Find an Orthodontist in Your Area

If you're looking for an orthodontist nearby, here are a few tips:

Ask your friends and family for recommendations.
Search online for "orthodontics near me," “best orthodontist near me,” and “orthodontists near me.”
Read reviews of local orthodontists online and schedule consultations with them to get to know their practice.

At My New Jersey Dentist, we offer a comprehensive range of orthodontic services for both children and adults, from traditional braces to Invisalign. Our goal is to help you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile that you’ll be proud to display. We stay up-to-date with the latest technology, such as Cone beam CT (CBCT) scanners, Intraoral scanners, and Robotic Wire Bending, to ensure efficient and effective orthodontic care for our patients. Recognizing that each patient has unique needs, we create personalized treatment plans and offer flexible scheduling and extended hours to accommodate busy lifestyles. Our competitive pricing and acceptance of most insurance plans make quality orthodontic services accessible to all.

Page Updated on Aug 7, 2024 by Dr. Victoria Kushensky, DDS (Dentist) of My New Jersey Dentist

My name is Victoria Kushensky. I am a general dentist dedicated to remaining at the forefront of my field. Combining compassionate care with extensive knowledge, I offer cosmetic and general dentistry services as well as advanced root canal treatments.

I earned my Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the esteemed New York University College of Dentistry. Throughout my career, I have honed my skills in various dental procedures, ensuring effective treatment for each patient’s unique needs. I prioritize patient comfort and understanding, taking the time to thoroughly explain procedures and address any questions.

More about Dr. Kushensky

My NJ Dentist: Victoria Kushensky, DDS
385 Prospect Ave Suite 304
Hackensack, NJ 07601
(201) 298-8000