Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that prevents and treats bad bites. Crooked teeth, misalignment, overcrowding, gaps between teeth, underbites, overbites, and open bites contribute to malocclusion or a bad bite. Dental patients with these problems benefit from professional orthodontic care that fixes the appearance and function of the bite.
Our orthodontic treatments in our East Elmhurst, NY, dental office fix bad bites to create straighter and more balanced smiles.
Orthodontics in East Elmhurst, NY
Many patients think of traditional braces when they think of orthodontic treatment. Metal braces use brackets and wires to apply pressure to straighten the teeth over time. Clear braces offer a more discreet orthodontic treatment for patients with mild to moderate orthodontic problems.
Invisalign is a common brand that uses clear aligners to straighten teeth. The Invisalign treatment uses a series of clear aligners switched out every two weeks to shift teeth into a more balanced position. Ceramic braces can also provide discreet care with clear elastic and ceramic brackets.
Orthodontic Appliances
We will provide orthodontic appliances to help prepare patients for orthodontic treatment. Common orthodontic appliances we use in our office include an expander, functional oral devices, the Nance, and space maintainers.
Expander
An orthodontic expander or a palatal expander widens the jaw and palate. Children with overcrowding, a crossbite, or impacted teeth benefit from expanders. Expanders may be removable or fixed. An expander consists of a piece covering the palate and metal wires surrounding the molars. The expander is in two halves with a small screw in the middle to widen the appliance gently.
Functional Appliances
For some patients, we may recommend functional appliances as an alternative to traditional braces. These removable or fixed braces can cover the upper and lower teeth. Some appliances correct receding jaws and bite positions. Functional appliances benefit patients between the ages of 8 and 11 by helping their jaw and bite form in the correct positions.
Nance
A Nance, or a Nance holding appliance, consists of metal bands surrounding the first molars and a wire connecting them. An acrylic button on the roof of the mouth brings the wires together. Nance appliances can hold the molars in place or rotate or expand the upper molars. This holds the molars in place as the premolars develop.
Space Maintainer
We use space maintainers for pediatric patients. These appliances consist of a metal band surrounding a baby tooth and a loop above the space left by a missing baby tooth. Space maintainers help leave a space for the adult teeth to emerge.
Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment
Your child should have their first visit with an orthodontist by age 7. They will have a mix of baby and permanent teeth at this point. For younger patients with orthodontic problems, we will recommend a two-phase treatment. This treatment uses two rounds of orthodontics to address orthodontic issues early on and prevent future complications, including jaw surgery, tooth removal, and extensive orthodontics.
Phase one is also known as early interceptive treatment. This phase ensures that there is enough room for permanent teeth to grow. During phase one, we can address jaw problems, encourage bite growth, and help palate development. We may recommend orthodontic appliances, including a Nance, palatal expander, functional appliance, retainers, and limited braces.
While not every child will require phase two, we will recommend phase two for young patients with:
- Early baby tooth loss
- Crossbite
- Thumb sucking problems
- Protruding upper or lower teeth
- Crowded teeth
Phase two occurs later on, typically when patients are 11 or 12. We place braces during phase two to help correct underbites, overbites, overcrowding, and malocclusion. Most patients will require braces for 12 to 20 or more months to finally correct their orthodontic problems.
Surgical Orthodontic Treatment
We may recommend surgical treatment for patients with severe orthodontic problems. This treatment is a collaboration between the orthodontist, oral surgeon, and patients. Once an orthodontist discovers that a patient will require oral surgery, they will work with an oral surgeon to discuss treatment options with the patient. Before oral surgery, patients will require digital imaging and X-rays to plan any tooth extraction, jaw surgery, or other common orthodontic surgeries.
Call Fedida Family Dentistry and Dental Spa today at 929-552-6315. You may also request an orthodontic consultation with us online. Our office provides orthodontic care for patients in Queens, Brooklyn, East Elmhurst, and Jackson Heights, NY.