Orthodontics Q&A

Dentists located in St. George and Great Kills, Staten Island, NY

Orthodontics Q&A

If you have crowded teeth or a malpositioned jaw, consider orthodontics. Treatment with traditional metal braces or clear aligners can improve the appearance of your smile and encourage optimal oral health. At Bay Dental, in the St. George and Great Kills areas of Staten Island, New York, dental experts Anthony Cirillo, DDS, and Vincent Circosta, DDS, offer orthodontics to adults and teens. To make an appointment at the practice, call the office today or schedule online.

What is orthodontics?

Orthodontics treats misalignments of the teeth and jaw. Specifically, it uses custom orthodontic appliances –– like brackets and wires or plastic mouthpieces –– to place mild pressure on your teeth and jaw, improving their position.

When your teeth and jaw have proper alignment, it’s easier to clean and care for them. That means you’re less likely to experience tooth decay and gum disease. What’s more, orthodontic treatment reduces the risk of headaches, chewing difficulties, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

What types of issues can orthodontics treat?

Bay Dental uses orthodontics to treat various alignment issues, including:

Crowding
Crooked or overlapping teeth
Gaps between teeth
Crossbite
Overbite
Underbite

You might also be a candidate for orthodontic treatment if you have a malpositioned or a misaligned jaw.

What are some common types of orthodontics?

Bay Dental offers several types of orthodontics, including:

Traditional metal braces

Metal braces use a combination of archwires, brackets, and rubber bands to improve the position of your teeth and jaw. Metal braces are fixed appliances, meaning your dentist bonds them to your permanent teeth. You visit Bay Dental every few weeks during treatment for checkups and adjustments.

Invisalign® aligners

Invisalign uses custom-crafted plastic mouthpieces to straighten your teeth and jaw. These aligners are removable, so you can still eat your favorite snacks, including nuts or seeds. To ensure a satisfactory outcome, wear your aligners for between 20-22 hours each day.

Retainers

Following orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign, you transition to a retainer. A retainer is a removable orthodontic appliance that prevents your teeth from shifting out of position.

Headgear

Sometimes, children have teeth at the back of their mouths that cannot support braces. In this case, your child’s provider might recommend orthodontic headgear. Headgear also provides an easy and effective way to treat an overbite.

How long does treatment with orthodontics take?

The length of time that orthodontic treatment takes depends on the type of appliance and your commitment to the treatment plan. Most people have a straighter, more symmetrical smile in 12-18 months* but it may take longer. Be patient, follow your provider’s instructions closely, and attend each follow-up appointment.

Don’t wait to schedule an orthodontics consultation at Bay Dental. Call the office today or click the online booking tool.