Category: Post

FOREST HILLS, NY ORTHODONTIST PROVIDES ADULT BRACES

Braces are often associated with teenagers, in Forest Hills, NY, but they’re becoming very popular with adults as well. For adults who have a smile that they’ve always been dissatisfied with, braces represent a chance to correct years of frustration while improving your oral health.

FOREST HILLS, NY ORTHODONTIST FIXES CROOKED ADULT TEETH

Adults need braces for similar reasons that adolescent patients do. Yet, if you didn’t have orthodontic treatment as a child, your issues may have gotten worse over the years, as you have aged, you are experiencing symptoms such as tooth decay and headaches. You may also find it difficult to keep your teeth and gums properly cleaned and may be at greater risk for developing gum disease.

A few common reasons adults get braces include:

• Crooked teeth
• Overbite
• Underbite
• Misaligned jaw

Are Braces for Adults Different Than Braces for Kids?

Braces for adults work in the same way they do for younger patients, but your treatment may last longer. Since your teeth are set and are no longer growing, they take more pressure – and often more time – to move. As an adult, you may wear braces for a period ranging from 18 months to three years.

Although the results may take longer, if you’ve lived with dental issues that you’ve always wanted to change, it’s worth exploring your options.

FOREST HILLS, NY ORTHODONTIST OFFERS CHOICES FOR ADULT BRACES?

It’s important to choose an orthodontist that has options to fit your needs and preferences. Such as:

• Traditional Metal Braces: Stainless steel brackets are applied to the front of your teeth, and adjusted using a small wire that’s connected to each bracket
• Ceramic Braces: Also known as clear braces, function like traditional metal braces but are made from a material that matches the color of your teeth.
• Invisalign®: This set of aligners is almost invisible and can be removed when you eat and brush your teeth, which allows you to not have dietary restrictions that are associated with traditional braces.
• Lingual Braces– Similar to regular metal braces, but the brackets are attached to the back of each tooth rather than the front, making them less noticeable
• Self-ligating Braces– A small slide mechanism is used instead of bands of ties, that create the appearance of less metal.

HOW TO DECIDE WHICH ADULT BRACES OPTION IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

Your orthodontist will explain your options to you, including information about whether any choices are likely to be more effective than others. In addition to this recommendation, price and appearance may also be considerations. As an adult, you may opt for a less noticeable type of braces, such as Invisalign or ceramic braces.

If you’re an adult who would like to learn whether braces are a good option for you and determine which types may be appropriate, make an appointment today for a consultation with Amazing Smiles Orthodontics. We’ve taken care of our patients’ smiles and oral health for more than 30 years and pride ourselves on being committed to providing high-quality, affordable care. Our specialists also will help you choose nice braces colors for girl.

CONTACT DETAILS

• Amazing Smiles Orthodontics: Forest Hills100-25 Queens BoulevardForest Hills, NY 11375
• Phone: (718) 275-3200
• Email: amazingsmilesnyc@gmail.com

OFFICE HOURS:

• Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 6:00 PM
• Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 6:00 PM
• Friday: 11:30 AM – 5:00 PM

BEST TIME FOR BRACES USING FOREST HILLS, NY ORTHODONTIST

Very few of us are blessed with a perfect smile. When permanent teeth start to come in, many of us will notice problems like overcrowded teeth, overbites, gaps, and other dental problems. The big question is if the problem is only cosmetic, or if there are bigger issues that need to be corrected. Luckily, orthodontists provide several safe, effective, and affordable types of braces for you to achieve a dazzling smile.

FOREST HILLS, NY ORTHODONTIST NEAR ME?

Dental braces are orthodontic devices designed to straighten and align a patient’s teeth to correct their bite and promote overall dental health. The most common types of braces include:

Traditional Braces

These use metal or plastic brackets that are bonded to the front of the teeth and are connected by wires.

Lingual Braces

These utilize the back of the teeth for bracket and wire placement to keep them hidden.

Plastic Aligners

Also called Invisalign, these are a custom-made series of removable plastic retainers designed to straighten teeth for a short period of time before replacing with a new aligner.

With traditional and lingual braces, the wires that are attached to each bracket are tightened periodically to promote the straightening process.

TOP FOREST HILLS, NY ORTHODONTIST PROVIDING BRACES

Your dentist evaluates your bite, jaw alignment, teeth spacing, and more during your annual dental checkup. If your dentist thinks you would benefit from braces, you’ll be referred to an orthodontist, who specializes in correcting dental misalignments, to start your treatment. You may consider getting braces if you have:

• Crooked teeth
• Overcrowded teeth
• Overbite
• Underbite
• Misaligned jaw
• Other jaw disorders

What Is the Right Age for Braces?

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, it is recommended that a child has their first consultation with an orthodontists at age 7. Although patients of any age can benefit from braces, starting treatment between the ages of 10 and 14 is ideal. During this age, your head and mouth are still growing and your teeth are more receptive to straightening. Parents should talk to their child about their fears or concerns about getting braces and discuss these with the orthodontist before making a decision.

Also, you do not necessarily need a referral from you dentist – patients can book an appointment with an orthodontist directly.

What Type of Braces Should I Get?

Your particular dental problems dictate the kind of braces you need. If you have a severe overbite or jaw misalignment, you’ll get the best treatment outcome with traditional braces. If you have mildly crooked teeth, you could be a good candidate for Invisalign.

How Long Will I Have to Wear My Braces?

The severity of your dental problem will ultimately determine how long you’ll need braces. Most patients can expect to wear their braces between 18 and 30 months. After your braces are removed or you’ve finished all of your plastic aligners, your orthodontist will suggest you wear a customized retainer for few months to keep your newly straightened teeth from reverting to their original position. You may need to wear the retainer at night for a couple of years or more for optimal results.

How Can I Take Care of My Teeth While Wearing Braces?

It’s important to continue practicing good oral hygiene while wearing braces or plastic aligners. Brush your teeth twice a day, and floss with the special tool your orthodontist provides you if you’re wearing traditional braces. You’ll need to avoid certain foods while wearing braces to avoid breaking the brackets or wires. If you wear aligners, brush them every day or soak them in a special solution designed to clean aligners and retainers.

Do you think you need braces or want to learn more about them? Make an appointment today with Amazing Smiles Orthodontics. Our experienced, caring team of orthodontists are committed to offering the best care available to give you a winning smile.

As advances in technology soar and change, orthodontic practices are looking to more non-invasive ways when it comes to approaching a full look at a patient’s dental anatomy.

The past of imaging and orthodontics could be a breaking saga of biology improvement and receiving information by technology. The mechanics of dentistry and particularly orthodontics has been influenced by the advancements in bands, brackets, and arch-wires. Imaging does offer the discipline of a scientific tool to check prospective craniofacial growth and also the effect of treatment on this dynamic method. Suitably, the recent 3-dimensional (3D) scanner utilizes less ionizing radiation as compared to traditional cephalograms and panoramic views. This means this allows a better and full round view of a patient’s jaw and current dental structure.

WHAT IS 3D IMAGING?

The biggest advancement with this technology is based on how the process can find a comprehensive and full view of a patient’s dental anatomy where the technical definition is “Three-dimensional images are created by combining several different technologies to formulate a comprehensive picture of teeth, soft tissue and root structures.”

THE 3D IMAGING PROCESS

The 3D Imaging process involves CBCT scanners, which rotate around a patient’s head. A cone-shaped source of radiation is directed toward the area of interest, lending to the name cone-beam computed tomography. CBCT scanning produces high-quality images of maxillofacial anatomy.

In addition to CBCT, intraoral scanners provide images of the inside of the mouth without invasive molding. Finally, photographs are taken and added to the other collected images. Together, these pieces form a 3D image which is used to create anatomodels.

WHY HAS THIS DIAGNOSTIC BECOME THE BETTER BENEFIT OPTION FOR SOME ORTHODONTIC CASES?

The 3d Imaging process is needed for specific cases that involve impactions and root resorptions. However, there are only certain dental cases where 3D Imaging may be the only option available, a few pros that present themselves as the better benefit option include:

• Finding problems related to airway constriction, including nasal polyps, and sinus infections. Also, sinus defects, and tonsil and adenoid problems that cannot be seen easily can be found using 3D Imaging.
• Jaw disease can go undetected until the later stages of the disease, however, 3D Imaging gives a full current picture of the location, size, shape, extent, and full involvement of conditions in a patient’s jaw.
• Diagnosing a potential case of Temporomandibular joint dysfunction, this imaging device can help predict changes in bony or soft tissues associated with treatment over time.
• Impacted teeth can be helped with 3D imaging, allowing the procedure to eliminate the need for exploratory surgery to determine any additional information.

WHAT CONS ARE AT HAND?

What potential cons are available when it comes to this high technology procedure, and what will orthodontists share with a patient when they may need it or not when it comes to imaging?

• Patient’s have voiced concerns about exposure strength, which patients should ask about.
• It has not been proven that this technique speeds up dental tooth movement, only in specific procedures where a patient’s orthodontists will be able to predict what the next steps are needed.
• Typically, a general concern that patients have revolves around explaining what the equipment and technology are capable of doing in the first place.

Check out our iTero Intraoral Scanner for more thorough information!

ORTHODONTIC CARE IS AVAILABLE IN THESE LOCATIONS

If anyone is needing to visit our orthodontic care center, visit Amazing Smiles Orthodontist with convenient locations in Long Island,  Brooklyn, and Queens, NY. Amazing Smiles honors payment plans such as payment installments, insurance, flexible spending programs, and third-party financing.

CONTACT DETAILS

• Amazing Smiles Orthodontics: Forest Hills100-25 Queens BoulevardForest Hills, NY 11375
• Phone: (718) 275-3200
• Email: amazingsmilesnyc@gmail.com

OFFICE HOURS:

• Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 6:00 PM
• Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 6:00 PM
• Friday: 11:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Hawley Retainers tend to be one of the most popular retainer forms that patients use throughout the United States. Since they are widely used, they are based on the Hawley Retainer being adjustable enough for the patient to still apply the correct oral hygiene.

WHAT IS A HAWLEY RETAINER?

Usually consisting of an acrylic plate with wires and clasps embedded in it, a Hawley retainer is the most versatile and commonly prescribed retainer in the orthodontic industry. Hawley retainers come in a variety of design options, and may be used to hold teeth securely in place after braces, or they may be adjusted to guide teeth back into position if they’ve shifted.

HOW DOES A HAWLEY RETAINER WORK?

Hawley retainers are designed to “retain” or hold teeth in position via the use of gentle force and pressure on the teeth. The retainer consists of acrylic body that typically covers a portion of the roof of the mouth or sits behind the lower teeth. Metal wires and clasps attached to the acrylic body allow the retainer to be anchored to specific teeth. By holding teeth securely in place, Hawley retainers protect the results of your braces or other orthodontic treatment.

LET’S JUMP INTO FIGURING OUT HOW TO CLEAN HAWLEY RETAINERS BELOW:

WATER FOR CLEANING ON THE GO

Water will not clean a retainer on its own, but drinking plenty of water during the day can prevent bacteria overgrowth. Keeping a retainer moist will help prevent damage. Water also combats a dry mouth, which is linked to tooth decay.

If a retainer feels dirty, a person can try swishing some water in their mouth a few times.

Soda and other sugary drinks can affect a retainer, just as they affect the teeth. People should take their retainers out before enjoying a sugary drink and before eating anything.

Retainers that dry out are more prone to damage. As a result, people should not allow this to happen, especially overnight. Instead, soak a retainer in distilled water, any time it is removed.

If there is nothing available to store the retainer in, or if the retainer is dirty and cannot be cleaned right away, a person can soak it in a damp paper towel, until they can clean it.

TOOTHPASTE

When brushing their teeth, people should brush their retainer as well. It is best to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-whitening toothpaste. Afterward, remove the retainer and rinse it thoroughly.

People should brush teeth again after removing the retainer, to clean any areas covered by it.

DENTURE CLEANERS

It is safe to clean a retainer with denture cleaner, from time to time, particularly if no other option is available. Over time, however, denture cleaners can turn a retainer yellow.

To clean with denture cleaner, people should rinse the retainer and then allow it to soak in the denture cleaner for about 20 minutes. After taking it out, they should then gently scrub it with a soft toothbrush.

If the retainer tastes like denture cleaner afterward, rinsing should continue until it no longer does.

BAKING SODA

Baking soda is a safe, all-purpose disinfectant. It may also help whiten retainers that have yellowed. Baking soda controls bacteria without harsh chemicals and can prevent a retainer from developing pH imbalances that harm the mouth.

To use baking soda, people should create a paste that is half water and half baking soda. The mixture should be thick enough to stick to the retainer.

They can then scrub the retainer gently with the mixture and a soft toothbrush, just as they would with toothpaste. Residue should be removed by rinsing the retainer, thoroughly.

HOW TO KNOW IF YOU NEED A HAWLEY RETAINER

Patients will not know if a Hawley Retainer is the best fit for them until they have an appointment with their orthodontist. This way, anyone will be on the right track toward the best route for a clean and healthy smile. No one should be self-diagnosed as this can lead to the wrong diagnosis.

UNDERSTANDING LIFE WITH A RETAINER

We have a curated article that details what life is like when it comes to wearing a retainer. Essentially, everyone should talk to their orthodontist about how their life will need adjustment once they acquire a retainer. This guide will be useful when a patient needs to have a retainer.

ORTHODONTIC CARE IS AVAILABLE IN THESE LOCATIONS

If anyone is needing to visit our orthodontic care center, visit Amazing Smiles Orthodontist with convenient locations in Long Island,  Brooklyn, and Queens, NY  along with sublocations Hewlett and Lawrence. Amazing Smiles honors payment plans such as payment installments, insurance, flexible spending programs, and third-party financing.

MAKE AN ORTHODONTIST APPOINTMENT TODAY

Anyone can reach out and schedule a free consultation by contacting the phone numbers below:

Forest Hills

Ph: 718-275-3200

100-25 Queens Blvd.

Forest Hills, NY, 11375

Cedarhurst

Phone: 516-295-2006

545 Central Avenue

Cedarhurst, NY, 11516

Brooklyn

Phone: 718-763-2080

2078 East 65th Street

Brooklyn, NY, 11234

INVISALIGN PLASTIC ALIGNERS

The FDA approved Invisalign in 2000. Since getting approved by the FDA in 2000, invisible plastic aligners, Invisalign, have become a game changer in the way kids and adults alike choose to straighten their teeth. Although traditional metal braces are still recommended for those who have significant problems with jaw alignment, Invisalign is a great option for those who want to transform crooked, crowded teeth into an amazing smile.

HOW DOES INVISALIGN WORK?

If your orthodontist decides you’re a good candidate for Invisalign, you’ll go through a quick and painless process to obtain your aligners. First, your orthodontist will take photos and impressions of your teeth that they analyze and send off to the company to make your custom aligners.

Within two weeks, you’ll receive your first box of aligners that your orthodontist will insert and examine to ensure they fit correctly. Depending on your unique case, you’ll wear one set of aligners for one or two weeks, discard them, and repeat the process with the remaining aligners in your box. You’ll see your orthodontist regularly to track your process and make necessary changes. You’ll continue this process (about a year for teens and two years for adults on average) until your treatment is complete.

WHAT CAN I DO WITH INVISALIGN?

One of the biggest advantages of wearing Invisalign is that you don’t have to alter your lifestyle as much as you would with traditional braces. While using Invisalign, you should do the following:

Eat What You Want

Since you can take out your aligners at any time, no food is off limits during treatment. Chew gum, eat caramels, and enjoy popcorn, apples, and other crunchy or gooey snacks that are off limits with traditional braces.

Smile A Lot

Invisalign aligners are completely clear. You shouldn’t be self-conscious when wearing them because nobody will be the wiser.

Clean Your Aligners

Because you’ll wear each set of aligners for 22 hours a day, you’ll need to put in the effort to take good care of them. That means brushing them with water and a soft toothbrush, soaking them in denture or retainer solution, or soaking them in a homemade water and vinegar solution. These cleaning methods remove food and bacterial buildup that can stain or damage your aligners.

What Can’t I Do with Invisalign?

Wear Them While Eating

Eating or drinking anything but water while wearing your aligners is off limits. Biting into food could break your aligners while drinking coffee or dyed sodas can permanently stain them. For best results, put your aligners in your carrying case, eat or drink what you want, then brush your teeth thoroughly before re-inserting them.

Forget to Clean Them

Invisalign are designed to be invisible. Don’t defeat the purpose by forgetting to clean them regularly. Neglected aligners become cloudy, stained, and can trap bacteria that is harmful to your mouth. Clean your aligners regularly as directed by your orthodontist.

Treat Them Gently

Invisalign is strong enough to move your teeth, but carelessly grabbing or pulling them off can cause them to bend or break. Brushing your aligners with regular toothpaste can also damage them. Treat your aligners with care so they can do the job right.

If you’re interested in finding out more about Invisalign, make an appointment today with the skilled team of orthodontists at Amazing Smiles Orthodontics of Forest Hills, Brooklyn, and Long Island. We offer Invisalign treatment in addition to all kinds of orthodontic services.

Here at Amazing Smiles Orthodontics, we offer a range of braces from metal to ceramic. Depending on the patient’s thorough examination, it will be determined which type of braces would be more beneficial and fitting to a patient’s dental procedure.

Below we will go through the different types of metal braces available and payment plans if necessary. Also, since this 2022 year has been determined the year of D.I.Y. We reassure our patients that self-diagnosis is not the required treatment that a patient should conduct on themselves. Instead, we offer a free consultation for patients that are in need of a potential examination.

STANDARD METAL BRACES

Standard metal braces refer to the most commonly seen style of braces, made of small stainless steel brackets applied directly to the front of your teeth. These kinds of braces are adjusted using a small wire that connects to each bracket. Your orthodontist at Amazing Smiles applies these kinds of braces using a dental adhesive, which is carefully attached to your teeth without damaging the tooth or enamel.

LINGUAL BRACES

BRIUS lingual braces are a newer kind of braces that are almost the same as traditional metal braces, but instead of attaching brackets to the front of your tooth, your orthodontist secures them to the back of each tooth. This makes your braces much less noticeable and allows your smile to look natural throughout your time using braces.

DAMON BRACES

When cases are more challenging, our orthodontists at Amazing Smiles can offer you Damon braces, a state-of-the-art dental option for patients seeking an additional alternative to traditional braces. Damon braces are more comfortable for patients than metal braces and do not need as many adjustments/visits with your orthodontist.

CERAMIC BRACES

Ceramic braces, sometimes called clear braces, are similar to standard metal braces but are made from a material that matches your tooth color. These perform the same function as standard metal braces but give the look of less metal, which is sometimes more appealing to our patients.

SELF-LIGATING BRACES

Self-ligating braces are similar to conventional braces but they do not have bands or ties and instead use a small slide mechanism to hold the wire in place. This helps to reduce the amount of pressure applied to the teeth while also creating the appearance of less metal.

As always patients can help to pick out color types depending on which braces would benefit them more towards the smile they have always wanted. Visiting a professional is always the first rule of thumb that should happen first before a patient decides on what braces would be the right ones for their diagnosis.

At Amazing Smiles Orthodontics, we are committed to providing each of our patients with access to the resources and payment information you need for a seamless experience with us. Below, we’ve compiled a list of the insurance providers that we currently accept at our orthodontic practice.

ACCEPTED INSURANCE PROVIDERS:

• Aetna PPO & DMO
• All locals
• AMLI Plan B
• Assurant
• BlueCross BlueShield
• Cigna PPO & DHMO
• CSEA
• DC 37
• DDS
• Delta Care USA
• Delta Dental (All)
• Fitzharris
• GHI
• Guardian MDG (Managed Dental Guard)
• Guardian PPO
• Healthplex
• MetLife
• PBA
• Seledent
• SIDS
• TRI-CARE
• UFT
• United Concordia
• United Health Care

Essentially pricing can vary from $2,800 to around $7,800. This does depend on what oral damage has occurred or tooth decay that may exist. Although each patient has a different dental history from the next, payment plans are available for all patients.

COMPLEXITY & PAYMENT PLANS

Of course, the payments also depend on treatment time and the complexity of the issue at hand. Traditionally the more complex the examination, the more a patient may need to look towards payment plans and a longer average time when it comes to wearing metal braces.

AVERAGE TIME

On average treatment can continue for a total of 12-18 months with metal braces.

PAY IN INSTALLMENTS

We are pleased to offer an interest-free monthly installment plan that comes directly from your checking account or major credit card, including:

• Visa®
• Bank Checks
• Mastercard®
• Money Order
• Cash

PAYMENT IN FULL

If you are able to pay for the course of treatment in full at its inception, we will take an additional 5% off your invoice and pass bookkeeping savings to you.

INSURANCE / FLEXIBLE SPENDING PROGRAMS

Our practice understands that insurance is a contract between the patient and the insurance company, not between the doctor and the insurance company. However, we will do everything possible to help our patients receive due benefits from their association or insurance carrier.

We work with our patients to provide appropriate documentation and properly coded forms to help them get maximum benefits. These forms are extremely helpful to both the orthodontist and the patient. When it comes to budget pricing, we understand that there needs to be a meeting ground where both professional and patient are on the same page financially.

THIRD PARTY-FINANCING

Amazing smiles offers Care Credit options to eligible patients.

If you have any questions related to your insurance or payment options, please do not hesitate to reach out to our office. We are happy to discuss any of our accepted insurance providers or payment plans in more detail. Visit one of our locations in Forest Hills, Brooklyn, and Long Island, or contact us any time at 718-275-3200 or through this form. We look forward to working closely with you to help serve you better.

CONTACT DETAILS

• Amazing Smiles Orthodontics: Forest Hills100-25 Queens BoulevardForest Hills, NY 11375
• Phone: (718) 275-3200
• Email: amazingsmilesnyc@gmail.com

OFFICE HOURS:

• Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 6:00 PM
• Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 6:00 PM
• Friday: 11:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Invisalign has been a lot of patients’ go-to and most are asked about the process when a free consultation with Amazing Smiles Orthodontics is booked. We want to break down the entire process and payment that is involved with Invisalign. First off, we would like to share the pros and cons associated with Invisalign.

INVISALIGN BRACES PROS & CONS

Invisalign is the more popular option for teeth straightening among teens because it is designed to be invisible. The plastic retainer is smooth and doesn’t irritate your lips, which is sometimes a complaint about traditional metal braces. This invisible braces option is ideal for those who want less metal but may be pricier, and also may be less effective when treating complex dental problems.

Pros

• Invisible
• Removable
• Smooth against lips
• Comfortable
• No food restrictions
• Usually done in 6-8 months

Cons

• More expensive option
• Cannot treat complex problems
• Must be cleaned separately
• Removable (could get lost/damaged)
• Must brush after every meal to avoid tooth stains

WHAT IS THE COST RANGE?

When it comes to Invisalign cost, it can vary depending on treatment complexity and duration ranging from $3,000 to $8,000. For example, an adult could expect to spend around $5,000 or more on Invisalign to fix any issues that may be presented that are on a lesser scale of complexity. For a teenager, the routine cost of Invisalign can be seen as around $3,000 or more. Again, while the price range varies it will also come down to what is the best treatment for each patient. These estimates are compared without insurance.

If a patient does have insurance, the treatment costs would be significantly lower than the full rounded non-insured price.

With insurance, Invisalign may cost around $1,800 depending on what insurance does cover and if a patient needs a full round of treatment (this involves examinations.)

Initially, the time frame for any patient can range from 6 months to a total of 30 months with the average overall being between 12 to 18 months. This is the average range for how long a patient would be wearing their Invisalign.

THESE ARE THE REASONS WHY A PATIENT WOULD CHOOSE INVISALIGN OVER TRADITIONAL WIRE BRACES:

• Underbite
• Crossbite
• Overbite
• Gaps between teeth
• Crowded teeth
• Open bite
• Crooked teeth

Invisalign is often the preferred braces type for patients looking for a less-noticeable way to straighten their teeth. Invisalign is known for being practically invisible, which is where they get their name. At Amazing Smiles, we also offer Invisalign Teen, the invisible braces system specifically designed for teenagers who have dental imperfections but do not want traditional metal braces.

ORTHODONTIC CARE IS AVAILABLE IN THESE LOCATIONS

To learn more about our orthodontic care, visit Amazing Smiles with convenient locations in Cedarhurst, Brooklyn, and Forest Hills, NY.

Many have speculated what are the rubber bands (elastics)? When it comes to bracing treatment, it may come as a surprise just how important these bands happen to be.

Wearing rubber bands improves the fit of the upper and lower teeth. Rubber bands align the bite (the bite refers to the way a patient’s upper and lower teeth fit when the mouth is closed). The elastic rubber bands aid in fixing the bite phase of orthodontic treatment. This does tend to be the longest and most difficult part of the whole treatment process.

The elastic band must be stretched in a precise pattern. For example, it may hook to one upper tooth and two lower teeth, creating a triangle shape. It may attach to four teeth, creating a box pattern. Or it may simply stretch between one upper tooth and one lower tooth on a diagonal. The important thing is that they are attached exactly as instructed. Wearing them incorrectly can prevent the teeth from moving, or create unwanted movement. If you have any questions about how to attach your elastics correctly, please don’t hesitate to ask us.

ELASTIC RUBBER BANDS SHOULD BE WORN 24 HOURS A DAY

This is in fact true, elastic rubber bands should be worn 24 hours every day. Now, even when it comes to eating, elastics should remain connected. However, after eating, clients should change the band. We do understand that certain meals may be difficult to eat with the elastics in place. The bands can be taken out but this should not be a daily occurrence.

Instead, patients should replace their elastic bands every 3 to 4 times a day. This is to ensure that once the elasticity has depleted, the patient has another band to immediately replace and continue onward with the fixing treatment process.

A patient simply just has to ask for extra elastic brace bands from their orthodontist and they will be provided.

PICK ANY COLOR

The fun aspect of elastic rubber bands for one’s braces is that the bands come in a range of colors. A lot of the time patients will pick colors that coordinate with their wardrobe or their mood for the day! Many patients have felt better after being able to pick different color elastics to brighten up their day or to simply have a fun pop of color.

THE PURPOSE OF ELASTOMERIC CHAIN FOR BRACES

At times additional pressure is needed to adjust the teeth and bite. Customized for each patient, the Elastomeric Chain typically stretch over tiny loops on the top and bottom brackets. If worn consistently, and every day, these tiny elastics will apply the steady pressure needed to guide the teeth into the correct position. Braces, which consist of brackets and wires, work by gently applying pressure to the teeth, and that pressure causes them to move into the correct position. In some cases, elastics, or rubber bands, are used to apply additional pressure needed to move your teeth. However, the elastomeric chain is to not to be confused with rubber bands for bite coordination. The elastomeric chain does come in various colors and closes spaces.

These elastics are crafted from medical-grade latex, which is safe to be in contact with the mouth. The Amazing Smiles Orthodontics staff will demonstrate how to fix the elastics so it will soon become second nature to replace them.

ORTHODONTIC CARE IS AVAILABLE IN THESE LOCATIONS

If anyone is needing to visit our orthodontic care center, visit Amazing Smiles Orthodontist with convenient locations in Long Island,  Brooklyn, and Queens, NY. Amazing Smiles honors payment plans such as payment installments, insurance, flexible spending programs, and third-party financing.

Make An Orthodontist Appointment Today

Anyone can reach out and schedule a free consultation by contacting the phone numbers below:

Forest Hills

Ph: 718-275-3200

100-25 Queens Blvd.

Forest Hills, NY, 11375

Cedarhurst

Phone: 516-295-2006

545 Central Avenue

Cedarhurst, NY, 11516

Brooklyn

Phone: 718-763-2080

2078 East 65th Street

Brooklyn, NY, 11234

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome is characterized by pain in the jaw joint. A wide range of medical issues can cause TMJ syndrome.

The TMJ joins your lower jaw – called the mandible – to your skull’s temporal bone that’s located at the front of your ear. Your facial muscles that handle chewing are also connected to your lower jaw.

Problems in your lower jaw region may lead to:

• Head & neck pain
• Facial aches
• Ear pain
• Headaches
• Difficulties opening the jaw
• Jaw clicking
• Biting problems
• Popping sounds when you bite

Your TMJ is designed to move both up and down as well as from side to side, making it one of the most complex joints in the body. These complex movements allow you to coordinate these actions so you can talk, chew, and yawn. This complexity makes severe TMJ disorders difficult to treat effectively.

TMJ syndrome is also known as temporomandibular joint disorder.

TMJ DISORDER CAUSES

TMJ syndrome can be caused by trauma, disease, wear & tear as you get older, or oral habits.

Trauma: Trauma can happen from the inside, such as teeth grinding (bruxism) and jaw clenching. The continuous pressure put on the temporomandibular joint can change your teeth alignment. The muscles involved in these movements can inflame the membranes surrounding the joint. Trauma can also happen externally when the jaw is injured by an impact, such as a fall or a punch. These types of injuries can cause TMJ dislocation, damage to the cartilage disc of the joint, or can break the jawbone. Also, TMJ pain can be the result of dental work where you have your mouth stretched open for long periods of time.

Disease: Osteoarthritis can affect your jaw bone just like any other joint in your body. Degenerative joint disease causes a slow and steady loss of cartilage and new bone can form at the surface of the joint. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) causes joint inflammation and can affect your TMJ. As RA progresses, it can cause cartilage destruction, bone loss, and eventually lead to joint deformity.

Wear & Tear: The usual wear and tear of normal aging can cause bone/cartilage loss, joint inflammation that can ultimately cause jaw deformity.

Oral Habits: Habits such as biting your nails and other items, like pencils and toothpicks, can cause TMJ syndrome. Gum chewing, ice crunching, and biting hard candy can also contribute to TMJ syndrome. When you do these activities over long periods of time, they can unevenly load one side of the jaw, leading to muscle overuse and pain.

ORTHODONTICS: A TMJ SYNDROME TREATMENT OPTION

Orthodontics is the type of dentistry specializing in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of conditions affecting the alignment of the teeth and jaw. Orthodontists can correct TMJ syndrome through the use of braces, appliances or Invisalign.

TMJ orthodontics uses these methods to slowly change your bite and jaw alignment by pushing your teeth into the proper positions to fill any gaps. These types of orthodontics can help relieve wear and tear on your teeth, headaches, grinding, and clenching.

To create a custom dental appliance, your dentist takes impressions of your teeth which is used to mold an appliance that fits over your existing teeth. You can tighten or loosen the appliance easily and quickly, and you probably will experience little to no discomfort.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON TMJ SYNDROME TREATMENT

To find out more about TMJ disorders and how a dental appliance can help, or you want to find out more about other treatment options, contact us for a personal consultation.

CONTACT DETAILS

• Amazing Smiles Orthodontics: Forest Hills100-25 Queens BoulevardForest Hills, NY 11375
• Phone: (718) 275-3200
• Email: amazingsmilesnyc@gmail.com

OFFICE HOURS:

• Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 6:00 PM
• Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 6:00 PM
• Friday: 11:30 AM – 5:00 PM

First off, what is involved when a wisdom tooth needs to be removed? When is the right time to have wisdom teeth removed? What can patients readily expect when it comes to the cost of a single or multiple wisdom teeth removal? We will answer all questions that may pop up when a patient is faced with wisdom tooth removal.

We want to share what normal signs that can appear when wisdom teeth may need to be removed. According to the American Dental Association, wisdom teeth removal may be necessary if a patient experiences any changes within the area of a wisdom tooth, such as:

• Pain
• Repeated infection of soft tissue behind the lower last tooth
• Fluid-filled sacs (cysts)
• Tumors
• Damage to nearby teeth
• Gum disease
• Extensive tooth decay

However, if a patient experiences any pain around any tooth they should call their orthodontist or call for an appointment to have the tooth looked at. It is never safe to self-diagnose a very real problem.

WHAT IS WISDOM TOOTH EXTRACTION (REMOVAL)?

Wisdom teeth extraction is a surgical procedure to remove one or more wisdom teeth that may be causing issues or simply causing overcrowding pain. Wisdom teeth are the four permanent adult teeth located at the back corners of your mouth on the top and bottom rows.

If a wisdom tooth doesn’t have room to grow (impacted wisdom tooth), resulting in pain, infection, or other dental problems, the probable outcome for a patient is that they will likely need to have it pulled. Wisdom tooth extraction may be done by a dentist or an oral surgeon.

To prevent potential future problems, some dentists and oral surgeons recommend wisdom tooth extraction even if impacted teeth aren’t currently causing problems.

CONTACT DETAILS

• Amazing Smiles Orthodontics: Forest Hills100-25 Queens BoulevardForest Hills, NY 11375
• Phone: (718) 275-3200
• Email: amazingsmilesnyc@gmail.com

OFFICE HOURS:

• Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 6:00 PM
• Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 6:00 PM
• Friday: 11:30 AM – 5:00 PM