Hidden Braces in New York, NY

Finding a teeth-straightening method can be tricky, especially since today’s advancements allow for so many options to choose from in addition to traditional metal brackets and wires.

Here at Smile Up Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, our dentist in New York can go through all of the options that are available to you, including one that has become increasingly popular— hidden braces.

What are Hidden Braces?

You’ve probably met someone who has hidden braces but didn’t even notice that they were there! Hidden braces are similar to traditional metal braces, except they are attached to the back of your teeth instead of the front.

They follow the same process as traditional braces. The wires apply consistent, gentle pressure to guide your teeth into straighter positions over the course of several months. One of the biggest advantages of this process is that hidden braces are completely invisible to other people during this time!

Our dentist near you can guide you and your teeth through the entire process in as little as 18 to 36 months.

Hidden Braces Vs. Other Aligner Options

A huge reason that hidden braces and other aligners are getting so much attention is that they present a clear aesthetic advantage. You can’t see these teeth straightening options while they are working hard to straighten your smile. This makes them a fantastic choice for both teens and adults who don’t want the inconvenience of having a mouth full of visible metal brackets and wires.

To get hidden braces in New York, you must find a dentist who has received special training to offer this technique properly. Our dentist at Smile Up Dental has extensive experience and can create a treatment plan that’s right for you!

Hidden braces tend to move teeth more gradually than other aligners. Like traditional braces, they cannot be removed from the mouth to perform usual dental hygiene tasks like brushing or flossing.

Getting hidden braces near you is as easy as setting up an appointment and coming in to talk about your options with our dentist. We would be happy to walk you through all of your options so you can pick the right one for you.

Surgical Orthodontics

One procedure individuals might require when they visit the dentist is surgical orthodontics. The average dentist is not qualified to perform this procedure, but one that has obtained higher education and becomes a maxillofacial oral surgeon can.

As with any procedure that involves the structure of the face, surgical orthodontics can sound terrifying for the average individual. Despite this reputation, it is a beneficial treatment that focuses on correcting jaw misalignments to improve patient comfort and overall oral function.

Why Would Someone Need Surgical Orthodontics?

Surgical orthodontics is performed for a variety of reasons. Sometimes patients will require minor changes to help their teeth fit together to create a complete bite, but others might need treatment to correct problems that occur when swallowing or speaking. Other issues that require the surgery include:

● Minimizing the wear and tear on the teeth, especially if the bite only allows for some teeth to be used

● Offer relief for conditions like obstructive sleep apnea

● Allow the lips to close fully

● To correct the bite in the case of over or under-bites

● Correct facial symmetry

How It Works

Surgical orthodontics is not performed lightly. Patients who are candidates will often need to wear braces for 12-18 months before the surgery to see if the problem can be corrected using other methods. The braces are handled by an orthodontist, while surgery is done by an oral or maxillofacial surgeon.

When surgery occurs, all cuts and changes are made from inside the mouth, so scars are not left on the exterior of the face. Only small incisions might be made around the corners of the mouth. From the interior, the surgeon slices through the small tissues and then cuts the jawbones to move them into the right position.

Once the jaw movement is done, small equipment like screws, rubber bands, wires, and bone plates are used to fix the jaw in the new position. The screws eventually become part of the bone structure. When necessary, extra bone is added to the jaw before the soft tissue is sealed once more and allowed to heal.