Orthodontic Treatment in Queens, NY

"Malocclusion" is the clinical term for a bite that doesn't line up correctly. It covers several different problems. Your dentist will identify which one (or combination) applies to you before recommending treatment:

• Crowding — not enough room in the jaw for all the teeth to sit straight.
• Overbite — upper front teeth extend noticeably over the lower front teeth.
• Underbite — lower front teeth sit in front of the upper front teeth.
• Crossbite — some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth instead of outside them.
• Open bite — front teeth don't touch when the back teeth are together.

There's no single right age. For children, dentists often recommend an orthodontic evaluation once the first permanent molars and incisors (front teeth) have come in. This lets a dentist catch developing bite or jaw-growth problems early. Sometimes treatment happens in phases timed around growth. Other times, it's simplest to wait until more permanent teeth have come in. For adults, there's no upper age limit. The main requirement is that your teeth, gums, and supporting bone are healthy enough to handle the movement. Adult treatment can take longer than treatment for teens, since the jaw is no longer growing. That doesn't make it any less effective.

Once your bite has been diagnosed, several treatment options are available. The American Association of Orthodontists outlines the main ones:

• Traditional metal braces — fixed brackets and a wire. Often the most affordable option, and effective for more complex movements.
• Clear (ceramic) braces — the same fixed-bracket approach, in a less visible tooth-colored material.
• Clear aligners — a series of custom, removable trays that gradually move your teeth. You wear them for most of the day and take them out to eat.
• Retainers — worn after active treatment to hold teeth in their corrected position while the bone and gums stabilize.

Your dentist can walk you through which combination fits your bite, your goals, and your budget. CitiDental of Woodhaven works to keep affordable dentistry options on the table wherever possible.

Before braces or aligners go on, your mouth needs to be in good health. Your dentist will typically address any active decay, gum disease, or other issues first. This might mean a filling, a root canal, or — in some crowding cases — a tooth extraction to create room. After active treatment ends, you'll need to wear a retainer as directed. That's what keeps your teeth from drifting back to their original spot. It's a common misconception that once the braces come off, the job is done.

Ready to find out what your bite needs? Contact CitiDental of Woodhaven in Queens to schedule an evaluation.