Why an Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists reports that 4.5 million people are wearing braces or other dental appliances to straighten teeth and provide a healthy, beautiful smile. An Orthodontist is a dentist with 3 years of additional clinical training to treat malocclusions (improper bites), which may result from tooth irregularity and jaw issues.
Here at Tenafly Orthodontics, we offer both visible and invisible treatment options to fit everyone’s lifestyle. We are committed to excellence, and try our best to make everyone feel comfortable and at ease. Whether you are an adult, a child, or a teen, we can help you achieve a healthy beautiful smile that will last a lifetime!
Adolescent Treatment
Some orthodontic conditions can develop at a young age and cause long-term, permanent effects if not treated. Drs Kojanis and Cuomo will perform a complimentary exam and discuss with you specifically what your child needs. In most situations, this will simply be to continue to monitor the development of the patient’s teeth.
Early treatment isn’t always necessary. However, interceptive treatment or phase I treatment sometimes allows Drs Kojanis and Cuomo to achieve results using methods that are less invasive when employed as a child is growing. Early treatment, or phase I is typically initiated around age 8 or 9, depending on the need. Once the face and jaws are fully formed, additional treatment, or Phase II, may be necessary, usually around age 11 or 12.
Examples of orthodontic concerns that are sometimes corrected with early treatment include: severe crowding, habits, open bite, deep bite, crossbite, large “overbite,” underbite, narrow jaws, and severely protruded front teeth. The easiest way to find out what your child needs is to schedule a complimentary new patient exam with Drs Kojanis and Cuomo. Call us today to reserve your appointment!
Adult Treatment
There has never been a better time to consider orthodontic treatment, at any age. At Tenafly Orthodontic Associates, we work with patients of all ages, including adults. Our adult patients are growing in numbers each and every day. Did you know that according to the American Association of Orthodontists, one in five orthodontic patients is over the age of 21? Adult patients choose orthodontics not only want to feel better about themselves, but they also know how important oral health is to maintaining overall physical health.
Fixed Appliances
Orthodontic braces are a big part of life for many people. While braces may have had a bad reputation in the past, today’s braces make it easy to look good and feel good!
Metal braces are made of high-quality, durable stainless steel. They are the most common type of braces. The brackets, which are bonded to the front of each tooth, are connected by the archwire, which helps guide the teeth into the correct positions. Today’s metal braces are smaller, more comfortable and more attractive. Ceramic braces move teeth just as efficiently as metal braces, except the brackets are clear, so they are less noticeable. They are most popular with adult patients due to their cosmetic appeal. The only drawbacks to ceramic brackets are that they are more fragile, and the elastic ties can discolor between orthodontic visits.
From metal braces to ceramic braces, Tenafly Orthodontics has the best fit for you.
Clear Aligners
If you are unsure whether or not braces are for you, ask us whether or not you may be a candidate for aligner treatment. Clear aligners are removable trays that straighten your teeth just like braces. Because they are removable, there are fewer dietary restrictions than with braces. Excellent oral hygiene is much easier to maintain as well. There are no metal braces inside your mouth, so there are often no lip or cheek issues after beginning aligner therapy. This is one of our most popular options for adults!
Post Orthodontic Care & Retention
Congratulations! You made it to the finish line! We are so proud of your accomplishments. You’ve achieved your goal, and now have the beautiful, healthy smile that you deserve. Thank you for choosing us to be a part of this exciting time in your life. However, your job isn’t over – in order to maintain your excellent result, you must wear your retainers exactly as instructed.
Follow these simple instructions to maintain your confident smile
- Unless we specifically tell you otherwise, wear your retainers full time. You may remove them to eat, and to brush. Do not wear them when swimming, or playing contact sports.
- Make sure to bring your retainer to you retainer check visits. We need to see you with your retainer to check how it is fitting.
- Keep your retainer case with you. When you remove your retainers, keep them protected by placing them in your case. Replacements are expensive!
- If you notice that your retainer is not fitting properly, or is cracked or broken, call us to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
- Clean retainers thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush, toothpaste (or dish soap!), and warm but not hot water. Brushing retainers removes the plaque, and eliminates odors.
- At first it may be difficult to speak while wearing retainers. Practice makes perfect! Try speaking, reading, or singing (even in the shower) out loud with retainers in place to get used to them quickly.
- If retainers are lost or broken, call us immediately. If you aren’t wearing retainers, your teeth will move quickly.
- Retainers will warp and break easily. Keep your retainers away from hot water, hot cars, your pockets, the washing machine, dryers, and napkins. Treat them with the best of care, and they will last!
