Frequently Asked Questions

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.

An orthodontist is a specialist who has completed an advanced education program following dental school to learn the special skills required to manage tooth movement and guide facial development.

• A more attractive smile.
• Reduced appearance-consciousness during critical development years.
• Better function of the teeth.
• Possible increase in self-confidence.
• Increased ability to clean the teeth.
• Improved force distribution and wear patterns of the teeth.
• Better long-term health of teeth and gums.
• Guide permanent teeth into more favorable positions.
• Reduce the risk of injury to protruded front teeth.
• Aids in optimizing other dental treatment.

West Side Orthodontics in Upper West Side New York

• Upper front teeth protrude excessively over the lower teeth, or are bucked
• Upper front teeth cover the majority of the lower teeth when biting together (deep bite)
• Upper front teeth are behind or inside the lower front teeth (underbite).
• The upper and lower front teeth do not touch when biting together (open bite).
• Crowded or overlapped teeth.
• The center of the upper and lower teeth do not line up.
• Finger or thumb-sucking habits which continue after six or seven years old.
• Difficulty chewing.
• Teeth wearing unevenly or excessively.
• The lower jaw shifts to one side or the other when biting together.
• Spaces between the teeth.

Orthodontic Treatment can be started at any age. Many orthodontic problems are easier to correct if detected at an early age before jaw growth has slowed. Early treatment may mean that a patient can avoid surgery and more serious complications. The American Association of Orthodontist recommends that every child first visit an orthodontist by age 7 or earlier if a problem is detected by parents, the family dentist, or the child’s physician.

Phase I, or early interceptive treatment, is limited orthodontic treatment (i.e. expander or partial braces) before all of the permanent teeth have erupted. Such treatment can occur between the ages of six and ten. This treatment is sometimes recommended to make more space for developing teeth, correction of crossbites, overbites, and underbites, or harmful oral habits. Phase II treatment is also called comprehensive treatment because it involves full braces when all of the permanent teeth have erupted, usually between the ages of eleven and thirteen.