ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT FOR CHILDREN AND
ADOLESCENTS in Carnegie Hill, NYC

• Ceramic Braces. Using tooth-colored ceramic brackets and wires instead of metal, ceramic braces are an attractive option for many young patients. Sometimes referred to as clear braces, ceramic braces are almost invisible and a popular choice for all ages.
• Lingual Braces. Sometimes known as “inside braces,” lingual braces are a method of orthodontic treatment where the brackets, wires and elastic bands used to realign your teeth are all mounted on their backside (tongue side).
• Clear Aligners. Clear Aligners like Invisalign are one of the most popular options today, especially among teens and adults who are often more self-conscious about aesthetics. Clear aligners are virtually invisible and more comfortable to wear, with no brackets or wires to rub against gums and inside the mouth. Another important benefit is that clear aligners are easily removed for eating and cleaning. There’s good reason why clear aligner therapy is so popular today.

If your child is at a young age and has a noticeable orthodontic issue with their teeth, it’s advisable to bring them into their pediatric dentist or an orthodontist. The recommended first orthodontic evaluation visit is at age 7, and after that it’s good to have periodic follow up even if there are no noticeable issues, because patients and parents may be unaware of ongoing issues.

The problem could be an overbite (deep bite), but it could also be teeth misalignment, unusual gaps, or another orthodontic issue. Depending on the age of your child and the issue, appropriate orthodontic treatment (i.e. early interceptive treatment) will be recommended.

The total time depends on your child’s unique needs. Typically, fixed braces or clear aligners are worn anywhere between one and three years. Your child does have control over how long their treatment lasts by brushing and flossing carefully, wearing a mouthguard during sports, and coming in for regular orthodontic adjustment appointments.

Yes, in order to ensure your child keeps their beautiful smile and perfectly aligned teeth, they must wear a retainer. Immediately after having their braces removed or aligner treatment completed, they’ll have to wear the retainer all the time for at least a couple of months in order to prevent any relapse. After the first couple of months, they’ll need to wear the retainer every night for the rest of their life. Not wearing their retainer as recommended risks allowing all the time and money you invested in orthodontic treatment go to waste by letting your child’s teeth slip back into their previous position.

Every smile is unique and so is every orthodontic treatment plan, including fixed braces and clear aligners. At Park Smiles NYC, we want your entire dental experience to be painless and stress-free: from the treatment to your pocketbook.

We are in-network with many dental insurance plans that cover orthodontic treatment.

For those with no insurance, our Miles for Smiles Savings Plan provides excellence in recommended, routine preventative care for you and your entire family. And when you’re in need of any other dental treatments over and above preventative care — including orthodontics — we also offer a variety of affordable payment options, including financing through CareCredit. At your child’s initial examination and consultation, we’ll go into details about their specific needs and how we can help make your treatment as affordable as possible.