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DOWNTOWN (212) 477-3871
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Welcome to Manhattan Family Orthodontics
Manhattan Family Orthodontics offers state-of-the art dental care in a modern, relaxed environment. Our professional team of orthodontists are skilled in providing treatment to children, teens and adults. We have made a commitment to be a leader in nyc orthodontic treatments by employing the best technologies that facilitate patient care, maintaining a safe and comfortable office, and learning about new advances in orthodontic and dental treatment. We are also specialists in emergency orthodontics, emergency retainer repair, and emergency braces.
Invisalign
Go wireless – No wires, no brackets.
Invisalign makes it simple to achieve the winning smile you always wanted using invisible aligners.
Accelerated Orthodontics
Time Matters
We offer Acceledent and Propel to achieve quicker results and decrease your treatment time.
Individualized Care
Treatment Designed for You
Treatment for adults and children. Specialized plans that work with your schedule and financial ability.
Our Dentists
Kris Togias, DMD
Dr. Togias works with children, teens and adults to achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. Whether you are seeking an orthodontist for cosmetic enhancement of your smile or looking to treat moderate to severe dental conditions, Dr. Togias will help you smile with confidence. Read More >
Olivier Nicolay, DDS, MMS
As a graduate of Columbia University School of Dental Medicine and professor at New York University College of Dentistry, Dr. Nicolay is well versed treating patients with many types of dental conditions. Dr. Nicolay delivers aesthetic and healthy smiles for all his patients. Read More >
Kathrin Praedikow DDS, PhD
Dr. Praedikow worked in a multi-specialty dental office for three years before she and her husband moved to New York City where she earned another DDS degree and a postgraduate degree in Orthodontics and Maxillofacial Orthopedics at NYU College of Dentistry.. Read More >
Elliott Moscowitz DDS, MSD
Dr. Elliott Moskowitz has been providing high-quality orthodontic treatment for many years. He is an expert clinical orthodontist, clinical professor of orthodontics in the department of orthodontics at New York University College of Dentistry.. Read More >
See Our Main Site at ManhattanFamilyOrthodontics.com
Blog Posts are Below:
Types of Orthodontic Emergencies
There are various types of orthodontic emergencies. However, these emergencies are not common. In this article, you will learn about different types of orthodontic emergencies. Before we go any further, you should know what orthodontics is.
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Orthodontics is the method for straightening the teeth. This specific medical practice provides an amazing smile and improves the functionality of your teeth. The orthodontist will use braces to perform their procedures and align your teeth. If you want to undergo the procedure, the professional orthodontist will apply various components to your mouth. These components can include metal and rubber pieces. This article is about types of orthodontic emergencies and how you can solve them.
Types of Orthodontic Emergency
1. Broken Bands, Brackets, or Wires
Sometimes, after placing the braces, you suffer from pain because of misuse. For instance, you constantly play with your braces or eat foods such as candy or bubble gum. The result of your eating habits loosens the wires, bands, and brackets in your teeth. When this happens, it pokes inside your mouth and causes injury.
Also, these issues will waste a lot of your time. You will need to visit the orthodontist again, so they can fix them. However, you can reduce the issue by consuming safe foods and following the guidelines suggested by the orthodontist.
When the bracket or band shows signs of breaking from the wire, then you should avoid touching it. If you feel irritation from the wire sticking out, then apply some orthodontic wax. Orthodontic wax provides instant relief until you visit the orthodontist. If the piece completely breaks off, then keep that piece along when going to visit the orthodontist. Moreover, if you “fix” the problem at home, you still need to visit the doctor. They will permanently solve the problem.
2. Tie, Bracket, or Wire Moves from its Place
When you chew or move your mouth to talk, your teeth will start to adjust with the braces. Your teeth contain an archwire that moves from its place inside the mouth and starts to poke into your cheeks. Before it leads to any injury, divert the tip of the wire to a comfortable position.
For that, you need a pencil eraser or a Q-tip. You can also use tweezers for adjusting the ties or wires, bringing them back to the original position. When you place the wires in the right position, it will reduce the risk of injury. And then, you can rush to the doctor without any additional damage.
3. Tooth Loosening or Tooth Pain
Many people will find it frightening when their teeth loosen up. However, loosening teeth indicates that the process is working fine. When your teeth start to move from the old position into the new one, they tend to move. This causes them to loosen up. Because your teeth move, your mouth will feel tender for a while. The best way to find relief is by adding a teaspoon of salt to the water and rinse your mouth for 30 seconds. You can soothe your jaw with a warm washcloth or heating pad. Furthermore, anti-inflammatory and pain relievers can help you reduce the pain in the tooth. Medicines such as ibuprofen or Tylenol also tend to help.
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4. A Broken Retainer
The metal or plastic pieces of the retainers might move from the position, bend, or break into pieces. If that happens, you should collect all the pieces and visit the orthodontist. Orthodontists can repair the retainer if they have original pieces. So place the pieces in a plastic bag to keep all of them together. Furthermore, if you feel that the retainer is improperly fit or strain, you should remove the retainer and head to your doctor. They will fix the problem and place back the retainers.
5. Swallowing the Part
It is possible that you may swallow the pieces from your retainer. But, there is no need to panic about it. Retainers usually pass through your digestive system and exit the body without any harm. However, if you are choking or unable to breathe due to blockage, you should immediately seek medical help.
Types of Orthodontic Emergencies: Conclusion
Orthodontic treatment is a safe and comfortable procedure to straighten your teeth and bring that hollywood-style smile that you always wanted. However, it is possible that you may feel tender, sore, pain, and irritation in the jaw, mouth, and teeth. Especially when the first time an orthodontist places the braces, they will give your teeth and mouth to adjust with the changes. With time, your mouth will adjust with the braces making you feel normal.
At Manhattan Family Orthodontics, we offer a comfortable environment and perform the procedures with modern and high-quality tools and instruments. Our highly qualified team of dentists will provide the best service to protect your teeth.
If you have an orthodontic emergency, contact us as soon as possible at one of our NYC locations:
MFO Uptown
133 East 58th Street
(Bet. 58th & 59th Street)
New York, NY 10022
(646) 760-8028
MFO Downtown
11 Fifth Avenue
(Bet. 8th & 9th Street)
New York, NY 10003
(212) 477-3871
Braces Maintenance: Taking Care Of Your Braces
What’s the best braces maintenance methods? Braces are among the most common dental accessories, and many Americans get them every year. There are different purposes of braces, and you will come across different types as well. The main point about getting braces is maintenance. Many people are not consistent with the maintenance of their braces, which could lead to major issues.
No matter what type of braces you wear, you should take effective care of them. This will help you get rid of them as soon as possible. To learn more about maintaining braces, read further below!
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The Importance of Braces
There are many benefits of getting braces. Yes, you may know of braces as important for improving your smile, but they also help correct misaligned and overcrowded teeth. Not getting braces could cause a malocclusion, which is an intense plaque around the misaligned teeth, which could become difficult to remove later on. This is why it is very important to wear braces and take effective care of them.
How to Take Care of Your Braces Effectively
There are a few things you can do to take care of your braces. To help you out, mentioned below are a few tips. You have to make sure to follow these almost every day so to avoid any further complications.
Keep a Watch on What You Eat
The one annoying thing most people with braces face is food getting stuck in their braces. This can lead to many other issues. When you get braces, you have to be very careful as to what you eat. You should make sure to avoid hard, sticky, and crunchy foods. Your orthodontist is most likely to give you a list of foods that you must avoid. Following the list will help you maintain a beneficial diet.
You will have to say goodbye to sugary items and drinks as they stain and decay the brackets of your braces. The stains are permanent, and you wouldn’t want them to make your braces look unsightly. Besides food, you must avoid biting your nails if you have such a habit. Doing this could break or bend your braces, which can be dangerous and a hassle. It can seem hard to make such major food changes, but you have to make a start somewhere. Once you adapt to it out of necessity, you will be proud of your decision.
Brush Your Teeth Regularly
Having braces may make brushing your teeth quite difficult, but that doesn’t mean you can stop. You must still continue to brush them. Brushing is a very important part of oral care, and it doesn’t matter if you have or don’t have braces. Rather, brushing becomes even more essential when you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment such as braces, as food particles tend to get stuck in them.
By brushing your teeth, you can get rid of the pieces of food and plaque that get stuck. Failing to remove them could result in major dental problems. Dentists recommended that you use a brush with a soft head. This will make it easier to brush thoroughly and effectively.
Use the Correct Brushing Technique
There’s a certain technique you must follow whenever you brush your teeth with braces. Always start by placing your brush at a 45 degrees angle on your teeth’ gum line. When placing it on your braces, hold it at a downward angle right on top of your bracket and then use the upwards angle to clean the bottom as well.
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Use this technique every time you brush, which should be after every meal. It is always recommended to brush your teeth after every meal when you have braces, as opposed to brushing only twice a day. Doing so will help prevent dental issues, so your braces stay clean and shiny!
Floss After Brushing
People often ignore the importance of flossing and think that brushing their teeth is more than enough. However, flossing is crucial, especially when you have braces. It can get difficult to floss when wearing braces, but if there is a will, there is a way. The purpose of flossing is to get rid of the plaque buildup and other food particles stuck in your teeth or braces.
When flossing with braces on, you can use floss threaders or even interdental brushes, which are easily available at pharmacies. When you’re flossing with braces, make sure to be as gentle as possible. If you apply too much pressure, you risk damaging your braces. That means making another visit to your orthodontist.
Braces Maintenance: The Bottom-Line
Taking care of braces is not a difficult thing, but what might be a task for you is being consistent with the braces maintenance. Braces are a long-term oral health investment, and poor care would only lead to more dental issues. In the long run, you’ll regret not taking care of them.
Hopefully, with these tips mentioned above, you can take better care of your braces. For the best orthodontic services and queries about braces, contact Manhattan Family Orthodontics.
What Is Orthodontia?
Orthodontia or orthodontics is a special area of dentistry that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of facial and dental deformities and irregularities. According to the AAO (American Academy of Orthodontics), your general dentist might refer you to a special orthodontist when they find you need orthodontic treatment.
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Orthodontists study further for more than two years to gain extensive knowledge and practice advanced methods to treat their patients.
They learn about the development of the face, jaw alignment, teeth alignment, jaw growth, braces, and so on.
What Do Orthodontists Do?
Orthodontists are dentists who are experts in jaw and teeth alignment. Thus, they are able to perform additional surgical and treatment procedures on their patients that yield positive results.
They can also diagnose and treat dental conditions, but they focus on correcting the positioning of teeth and jaws of their patients. They perform some of the treatments mentioned below:
- Braces application and management
- Retainers and medication
- Teeth-Straightening surgeries
- Malocclusions (misaligned jaw and/or teeth)
- Application of dental appliances, such as orthodontic headgear, Herbst appliances, palatal expanders, etc.
- Supervising the facial growth in children and adult after an accident or reconstructive procedure
What Problems Does Orthodontia Treat?
Every patient has a set of teeth that is unique to them and requires orthodontic treatment methods to rectify any common problems using variations in technique.
Fortunately, there is a wide scope and range of treatment options as orthodontists specialize in correcting these issues. Here are some of the common orthodontic problems that orthodontists deal with in their patients.
- Cross-bite – It occurs when the lower tooth (or teeth) falls over to either side of your jaw and outside the upper teeth’ arch.
- Deep-bite – It is the form of overbite in which the upper teeth almost completely cover the lower teeth when you close your bite.
- Over–jet – occurs when the front of the upper teeth sit over the lower teeth in such a way that there is a horizontal gap in the upper teeth.
- Open–bite – It is the lack of contact (meet) between the front of the lower and the upper teeth sets (upon bite), which can result in adverse effects on the back teeth.
- Tooth Wear – Teeth can wear out due to multiple reasons, such as eating, aging (i.e., weakening of structure), acidic foods, etc. Did you know that grinding teeth can also result in erosion?
- Protrusion – refers to front teeth setting outwards at an unusual angle. Consequently, there can be gaps between the top and lower teeth.
- Periodontal Diseases – Treating gum diseases such as gingivitis is the specialty of many orthodontists.
- Crowded/Spaced Teeth – Crowding occurs when the teeth fight to take up space on your jaw. This means that a tooth might have erupted at an unusual angle and is now disrupting the angular positions of the other teeth causing misalignment. On the other hand, spaced teeth mean that there are excessive gaps between the teeth.
Significant Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment
Here are a few of the many significant benefits that you can receive through orthodontic treatment:
- Enhanced smile and facial appearance after the correction of the bite problems and teeth misalignment.
- Improved chewing and eating ability that results in better digestion and the prevention of any digestion problems.
- Protection of gums and teeth from pain and deformities of the temporomandibular joints –for instance, treatment and elimination of bruxism.
- Better oral hygiene due to ease of cleaning and maintaining straight teeth.
- Lower tooth damage risk after the correction of the bite that results in the elimination of additional chewing and biting pressure.
Importance of Orthodontia
· Orthodontic Care at Early Age
The American Dental Association (ADA) suggests the optimal age for the first dental visit is 7 years. What you should know is that during the early years, the mouth (jaws, gums, teeth) is in the development and growth stage. Therefore, early evaluation from an expert orthodontic can help identify any underlying oral health conditions.
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· Orthodontic Care in Teenagers
Many orthodontists consider teenage and adolescent years the ideal time to get braces and engage in comprehensive orthodontic treatment. One of the prime reasons for it includes the falling out of all the baby teeth.
Adolescence is also another stage of growth and development of the jaw in children, which makes it easier to conduct orthodontic treatment and effectively rectify any oral misalignments.
· Orthodontic Care at Adult Age
It is never too late to seek general dentistry or orthodontic treatments. In fact, many people consider getting braces and teeth adjustments in old age. Moreover, many adults undergo special reconstructive and cosmetic surgeries to develop better facial growth and improve their appearance.
Orthodontia: Conclusion
Are you struggling with any oral health conditions that can potentially become serious in the future without adequate care? Well, you should reach out to our professional, experienced, and expert orthodontists at Manhattan Family Orthodontics.
Contact Us to book an appointment with an expert orthodontist at our uptown NYC or downtown NYC offices. Check out our official website for more info on the orthodontic services we provide relating to the broad specialty of Orthodontia.
Reference Links:
https://www.healthline.com/health/orthodontist-vs-dentist#orthodontic-treatments
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/teen-oral-care/what-is-orthodontics
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/early-orthodontics/what-is-orthodontics
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orthodontics
https://www.dictionary.com/browse/orthodontia
https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/braces.html
Fixing Crooked Teeth
What are the best ways of fixing crooked teeth? Crooked teeth are common in both children and adults. Often, people with crooked and misaligned teeth become conscious because of the way their teeth appear. Some often avoid dental visits, perhaps to save costs on the dental treatments.
Simply put, there is little to no awareness about the potential complications and health problems associated with crooked teeth. Moreover, who doesn’t want a bright and attractive smile? It makes you look beautiful and boosts self-confidence.
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Do you want to rectify your crooked and misaligned teeth? If so, then keep reading to learn about fixing crooked teeth.
What Causes Crooked Teeth?
Crooked teeth mainly occur due to overcrowding inside the mouth. Generally, it is one tooth that disturbs other teeth while pushing them back or forth. Sometimes, it is the narrow roof of the mouth that causes a crooked tooth to overcrowd inside the mouth.
All in all, crooked teeth affect the bite, chewing, etc. They also cause misalignment on the jawbone and gums. Here are some of the general causes of crooked teeth.
- Baby teeth problems (extra teeth, missing teeth, or early loss)
- Tongue pushing against the front teeth (poor swallow reflux)
- Big Teeth
- Thumb sucking at an early age (i.e., during infancy)
Complications of Crooked Teeth
Crooked teeth can potentially affect the quality of your life. What most people don’t realize that few general complications can occur due to crooked teeth. Hence, they don’t seek orthodontic dental care and develop other oral diseases.
Self-consciousness: Some people try to avoid smiling in public places to avoid the embarrassment of crooked teeth. Thus, this leads to social awkwardness and a lack of self-confidence
Tooth Wear: Crooked teeth can cause wear and tear on gums and cheek muscles. Moreover, they can also wear the jaw muscles causing jaw pain/strain, chronic headaches, and even temporomandibular joint disorder.
Periodontal Diseases: You may develop tooth decay, tooth-rotting, and gum diseases such as gingivitis if you are unable to clean your teeth efficiently. Crooked teeth make it hard to brush and floss in between and outside. Serious infections can damage the jawbone and gums.
Chewing: Inadequate chewing of food and even several morsels can result in digestive problems.
Talking: Misalignment due to crooked teeth can make it extremely difficult to pronounce some words and sounds properly.
Fixing Crooked Teeth: Treatment Options
Teeth Straightening Surgeries
Teeth-straightening surgeries involve minor surgical procedures that your orthodontist conducts, taking all precautions. It may involve the repositioning of gums and bones inside your mouth in order to improve teeth-holding ability.
Notably, they may help reduce the overall time you have to wear the braces to correct misalignment and crooked teeth by a significant fraction. Orthognathic surgery involves realigning the jaw when the speech and/or chewing are severely affected.
Braces
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Invisible
Invisible braces are clear aligners that have a comfortable plastic material to fit perfectly over your teeth. Firstly, your orthodontist will conduct a thorough examination to determine the real shape and size of your teeth. The examination process involves x-rays, impression molding, and 3-D imaging to help the orthodontist create the perfect invisible braces set.
They require frequent change, and you will have to visit your orthodontist so they can refigure the set of clear aligners. They are nearly impossible to notice from medium to close range. Nonetheless, they are more prone to staining.
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Metal
Metal braces encompass the use of metal brackets that your orthodontist will bond to the enamel of every tooth. Subsequently, they will work on the application of the long flexible arch-wire and place an o-shaped elastic band with every metal bracket on every tooth.
The elastic band helps in realigning the teeth with the flexible arch-wire. What’s more, metal braces may be the least expensive than other braces.
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Lingual
Your orthodontist will place the same metal braces but on the backside of your teeth. As a result, it makes them difficult to notice. However, you may find it difficult to clean, maintain, and wear them for long periods than the traditional metal braces.
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Ceramic
Ceramic braces are similar to metal braces in terms of procedure, management, and results. However, they are relatively more expensive due to the tooth-colored appearance of the brackets and the arch-wire that surrounds the teeth.
Additionally, they are more prone to staining and are less durable.
Fixing Crooked Teeth: Conclusion
Do you have crooked teeth and searching for the best orthodontic treatment for them? Look no further. Here at Manhattan Family Orthodontics, we can offer solutions to all orthodontic problems.
When it comes to crooked teeth or other similar oral health conditions, our expert orthodontists are capable of delivering optimal and effective treatment results.
Give us a call at our uptown office at (646) 760-8028 or our downtown office at (212) 477-3871 to discuss the treatment options for crooked teeth. Check out our official website for more.
Reference Links:
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/crooked-teeth#takeaway
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/adult-orthodontics/what-causes-crooked-teeth
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553375/
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/06/190613095229.html
Tooth Anatomy
The anatomy of the tooth is complicated despite looking so simple on the surface. There are actually different parts that make up the tooth anatomy, all of which have different functions. Consequently, it is important to know the anatomy of the teeth, even if you’re not a dentist. This way, you will be aware of certain issues that could affect your teeth. Consequently, you’ll be more careful next time. If you want to know more about the anatomy of a tooth, read further below.
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The Structure & Functions of the Teeth
As mentioned above, there is more to tooth anatomy than the hard exterior surface. There are different parts that make up a tooth, and here is what you should know about them.
The Crown of a Tooth
The crown is the part of your tooth that is visible to you, and under it are different parts. It has a white-yellow shade, depending on the enamel and thickness. The first part of the crown is the anatomical crown, which is the top portion of your tooth. The anatomical crown is usually the portion you can see on your tooth. Next comes the enamel, which is basically the outmost layer of your tooth.
The enamel is one of the hardest tissues in your body. It acts as a shield when it comes to bacteria getting on your tooth. This portion also helps make your teeth stronger, so you can put more pressure when you chew on something. The last part of the crown is the dentin. This is below the enamel and includes a layer of mineralized tissue. The dentin goes all the way down the neck and root while passing the crown. The main function of this is to prevent extreme heat or cold from damaging your teeth.
The Root
The root is an important part of your tooth as it helps keep your teeth in place. The root extends into the bone of the teeth and helps hold it in place, taking two-thirds of the tooth. Several parts make up the root:
- The Cementum- This parts helps cover the tooth and is connected to the periodontal ligament
- Nerves and Blood Vessels- The nerves help control the force you use to chew, while the blood vessels transport nutrients to the periodontal ligament.
- Periodontal Ligament- This part consists of connective tissues and collagen fiber, connecting the teeth to its tooth sockets.
- Root Canal- This is the passageway containing the pulp
- Jaw Bone – This is the bone that includes tooth sockets surrounding the tooth’s roots.
The Dental Cervix
The dental cervix, also known as the neck, appears between the root and the crown, forming a line where the cementum and the enamel meet. The dental cervix consists of three parts, the pulp, gums, and pulp cavity. The pulp contains many tiny nerves, tissue, and blood vessels and is the innermost portion of your tooth. The gums, also known as the gingival, are soft, pink, and fleshy connective tissue attached to the dental cervix and the cementum. The pulp cavity, also known as the pulp chamber, is situated inside the crown and usually contains the pulp.
The Different Types of Teeth
As you’re already aware, once you step into adulthood, you have a total of 32 teeth. These don’t include the wisdom tooth. As you grow, the number of teeth changes. A toddler has the least teeth compared to an adult. On the whole, there are four types of teeth, and each of them has a different function when speaking, eating, or drinking.
The Four Different Types of Teeth Are:
- Premolars: These are two pointy teeth on each side that help you bite your food into pieces
- Molars: There are the various points on the top part of your teeth that help you grind and chew your food
- Incisors: There are chisel-shaped teeth that help you to cut up your food
- Canines: Are pointy teeth that help you to crush food
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Dental Issues
Now that you know about the anatomy of a tooth, you probably understand how crucial it is to look after your teeth. This means properly brushing, flossing, and making dentist appointments to avoid dental issues. Dental issues can grow complicated with time if you don’t treat them properly. A few common dental issues:
- Pulpitis
- Abscess
- Malocclusion
- Cavities
- Periodontal Disease
- Tooth Erosion
- Bruxism
Tooth Anatomy: Takeaway
Knowing the anatomy of a tooth can help you understand dental issues and how they progress in severity. More importantly, the knowledge can give an indication as to how you should address dental problems.
If you need any guidance on your dental health and want to meet a top NYC orthodontist, get in touch with https://manhattanfamilyorthodontics.com/.
Differences Between Dentists and Orthodontists
What are the differences between dentists and orthodontists? Dentists and orthodontists are both essential to maintaining the oral health of their patients. But they provide care in different methods. A dentist specializes in treating your gums, teeth, jaws, and nerves. However, orthodontics specializes in dentistry and focuses on occlusion, correcting bites, and straightening teeth.
What Services do Dentists Provide?
Dentists take care of oral health. They study in a pre-medical or pre-dentistry college. Afterward, they graduate from a graduate school of dentistry. The dentist also undergoes much practice before they receive their certification. Around 80 percent of dentists pursue their careers in general dentistry.
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You can visit a certified dentist for the diagnosis and treatment of your oral health. These health conditions could be regarding your mouth, tongue, gums, and teeth. Even though dental hygienists focus on cleaning the teeth, you can also visit the dentists. Below, you will find some tasks that a dentist performs:
- Fill and bond teeth
- Fill cavity
- Conduct dental X-rays
- Extract teeth
- Repair cracked teeth
- Treat gingivitis and other gum diseases
- Promote oral hygiene and oral health
- Prescribe treatment do oral health conditions
- Whitening the teeth
- Perform oral surgery
- Install veneers or crowns
- Oversee the growth of the children’s teeth
Reasons to See a Dentist
Keep in mind that it is essential to visit a dentist every six months. Here are some reasons to visit dentists:
1. Preventive Care
On your visit to your dentist, they will check the risk of dental decay, gum problems, and mouth cancer. When your dentist diagnoses these conditions on your regular visits, you can easily prevent these serious problems. You can also visit a dentist to remove the buildup of tartar and plaque. By eliminating these buildups, you can decrease the risk of gum diseases and tooth decay. Your dentist works with a hygienist and shares tips to maintain oral hygiene at home.
2. Pain or Discomfort
You should visit a dentist when you experience discomfort and pain in your mouth, gums, jaws, and teeth. Furthermore, your neck, face, or mouth might be swelling, or you might be suffering from pain in these areas. In these particular cases, you might have a serious dental problem. Therefore, it is important to immediately visit a dentist. Also, you might be bleeding from your gums or have trouble chewing. These issues could be serious, which is why you should consult a dentist and share the problem with them.
3. Maintenance and Health
If you recently underwent surgery, make sure that everything is fine. Sometimes, after dental surgery, you will develop different problems. Therefore, you should visit your dentist after surgery, so they can assess your current condition. Also, you can visit a dentist for a diagnosis of your health. These visits are especially important if you are pregnant, suffering from any medical condition, and use tobacco. They will diagnose your risk factors similar to a medical doctor.
What Services Does an Orthodontist Provide?
Orthodontists also help you with your oral conditions. They are a type of dentist responsible for jaw and tooth alignment. They have further specialization in dentistry. You can visit a certified orthodontist to make sure your teeth and jaw are correctly set. They will diagnose and treat your oral condition related to mouth, gums, and teeth. Here are some tasks that orthodontists perform:
- They create treatment plans including retainers and braces
- They diagnose and provide treatment for misaligned jaws and teeth
- They perform surgery to straightening your teeth
- They supervise facial growth in children such as jawline and bite
- They install dental appliances such as palatal expanders, braces, appliances, or orthodontic headgear.
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Reasons to See an Orthodontist
1. They are also Dentists
When a dentist completes their dental school, they become an orthodontist by specializing. Dentists and orthodontists both practice general oral care. However, orthodontists also access, prevent, and treat dental and facial irregularities. An orthodontist has a lot of patients for orthodontics; therefore, they don’t have enough time to practice general oral care.
2. Straighten Teeth
You can visit an orthodontist to reshape your crooked teeth. They will place braces on your teeth to straighten them. These treatments are effective for children because their jaw is growing. Because the age of seven is the ideal age for the growth of the jaw, you should get your child diagnosed during this time. An orthodontist will ensure that your child’s teeth are growing perfectly or not.
Differences Between Dentists and Orthodontists: Conclusion
If you want to visit an orthodontist for correcting the alignment and condition of your teeth, contact us today.Our expert orthodontists will provide orthodontic services with advanced tools and dental expertise. They will diagnose the condition and correct your dental health condition.
UPTOWN (646) 760-8028
DOWNTOWN (212) 477-3871
Differences between Children’s Teeth & Adult Teeth
Ever wonder why humans have two sets of teeth? That’s because of the differences between children’s and adult teeth. The first set of teeth, known as milk teeth, are temporary and begin to emerge around six months of age. By the time children are around three years old, they will have all their milk teeth. These teeth start falling out around the age of 5 or 6 to make way for adult teeth.
Adults have 32 teeth, while babies have 20, but that’s not the only difference. There are many other differences between a child’s and an adult’s teeth. It is important to know the difference because while both need proper care, the type of dental care differs. Mentioned below are all the differences you will come across between children and adult teeth.
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The Main Differences between Children and Adult Teeth
Mentioned below are a few differences between children and adult teeth:
The Level of Strength
For starters, adult teeth are stronger than milk teeth. Permanent teeth usually have a thick layer of enamel, which makes them less prone to dental issues such as cavities and tooth decay. Children have softer teeth with thinner enamel. Consequently, their teeth are highly susceptible to damage by bacteria, which can cause cavities and tooth decay.
The Number of Teeth
Another main difference between children and adult teeth is the number of teeth. Children usually only have 20 teeth, and these start to erupt around six months of age. On the other hand, adults have a total of 32 permanent teeth.
20 Teeth That Children Have:
- 4 Second Molars
- 4 First Molars
- 4 Lateral Incisors
- 4 Central Incisors
- For Cuspids
32 Permanent Teeth That Adults Have:
- 4 Central Incisors
- 4 Lateral Incisors
- 4 third Molars
- 4 Second Molars
- 4 first Molars
- 4 first bicuspids
- 4 second bicuspids
- 4 Cuspids
The Color
You will always find baby teeth whiter and brighter compared to adults with permanent teeth. You will only be able to notice the color difference in children’s teeth once their baby teeth fall out. Sometimes, the color depends on the way you brush and maintain your teeth. But if you take a close look at a child’s teeth, you will notice a white milky texture.
The Shape and Size
Children’s teeth start with incisors that have flat edges and are smaller in size compared to adult teeth. You will notice a child’s tooth is more square-shaped. While adult incisors have more rounded biting edges and also have three ridges right on the biting edge. The ridges are also known as mamelons, and while the teeth erupt, it becomes easier for them to break through the gums. Adults with molars have deeper valleys and grooves along the surface where you chew. Meanwhile, children’s teeth don’t have noticeable grooves and are very shallow instead.
Differences Children’s Teeth & Adult Teeth: Purposes of Each
Children’s teeth have a different purpose compared to those of adults. Both types of teeth share similar functions when it comes to eating food and trying to speak. The purpose of baby teeth is to maintain the spacing of the jaw for your adult teeth to have more room to erupt into the right position. Consequently, children’s teeth gradually disintegrate, and the teeth fall out. The main purpose of adult teeth is to keep the mouth functioning properly. They can do so because of their increased strength. Adults have to take extra care of their teeth to improve their longevity.
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What Are the Other Purpose of Children’s Primary Teeth?
Though primary teeth aren’t permanent, it is still important to take care of them. Teaching young children to look after their teeth helps them develop better brushing and flossing habits that they will continue as they grow older.
Whenever a child eats, it causes harm to the gum, so by protecting your primary teeth, you are also preventing certain gum diseases and tooth decay. Children’s teeth are at a lot of risk as they are not permanent. Hence, you have to do everything you can to protect them till they all fall out and permanent teeth start growing.
Children’s teeth also act as spacers until the permanent teeth are ready to erupt. Losing baby teeth before the eruption of a permanent tooth could lead to many spatial problems. You will struggle with this once adult teeth develop. The important thing to remember is that just because children’s teeth aren’t permanent doesn’t mean they’re not important. Children’s teeth are more like base starters for permanent teeth.
Differences Children’s Teeth & Adult Teeth: Final Words
Now that you are aware of the difference between a child’s teeth and adult teeth, you’re better equipped to take care of them by keeping them safe and clean.
For the best orthodontic consultation, get in touch with Manhattan Family Orthodontics at our uptown or downtown locations in New York City.
For more information, visit our main website at https://manhattanfamilyorthodontics.com/
Cost of Braces for Kids
What is the general cost of braces for kids? Many factors affect the cost of braces. For beginners, you should know that a service might be expensive where you live, while the same service may be affordable and cheap somewhere else.
Besides the location factor, there are other factors that affect the cost of braces for kids. As kids and adults both deserve the best dental care, the factors determining the cost of braces for both are similar. They include the level of teeth alignment and distance, types of braces, and the method of fee payment.
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A general annual survey of 2018 from the American Dental Association shows average braces costs range between $5,000 and $6,000.
Braces for Children- The Right Age and Cost Factor
According to the American Dental Association, children or adolescents get their first set of braces during the ages between 8 and 14. While most people think braces for kids are more expensive, adults’ braces cost more. This is because the children are in the development and growth stage. Therefore, they don’t have to wear the braces for as long as adults do.
Keep in mind, the longer the braces are in place (i.e., you wear them), the more expensive they get due to the frequent checkups and appointments with your orthodontist. The reason behind adults having to wear braces for long periods is that their jaws are fully developed.
Hence, the movement of teeth is painful, and it takes the braces longer to adjust your teeth and align them to fix your bite. A 2018 review suggests that the average treatment period with braces is closer to 20 months. In addition, did you know that most healthcare insurance providers are more likely to cover braces for children than adults?
Initial Cost
The initial costs of the braces include your child’s first appointment with an experienced orthodontist. Normally, experienced orthodontists charge more fees than the ones with less experience. However, in some cases, your child might get the best dental care and braces at affordable costs.
It is the cost of the equipment and the time that an orthodontist spends to examine your child’s dental condition and oral health. They may perform 3-D imaging, X-Ray scans, and impression molding.
The impressions help the orthodontist to determine the best course of action and treatment plan for your child, considering how crooked the teeth are.
Types of Braces Your Child Gets (Cost Factor)
What type of braces you choose for your child also influences the total cost of orthodontic care and treatment. For instance, below is a comprehensive list of the types of braces that children may receive during their orthodontic treatment.
Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are the go-to option. However, they involve the application of metal brackets that the orthodontist bonds to the enamel of every tooth.
Further, they have an o-shaped elastic band that helps in readjusting the teeth’ position after fixing with the long flexible metal archwire. They may be the least expensive but are highly noticeable.
Ceramic Braces
Similar to metal braces, ceramic braces use the same technique. However, the slight difference is the latter is less noticeable. However, ceramic braces are more expensive than metal braces.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are an alternative to metal braces that are hardly noticeable. However, your child’s orthodontist applies them behind the teeth. They are invisible unless someone closely looks at you, and that’s why they are one of the most expensive braces in the market.
Invisible Braces
Invisible braces are transparent, constituting a mixture of medical plastics that go over your teeth. These are clear braces that your child’s orthodontist might easily craft after taking impressions and 3-D images.
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Keep in mind that they require frequent changes as the teeth change position and start to realign. Thus, your child might have to switch between different pairs of better aligners every few weeks.
Other Cost Factors
Some other factors may also influence the level of orthodontic treatment that your child receives and the cost it incurs. They include:
- Age
- Time-period for which the child needs to wear the braces
- The Experience of your orthodontist
- Management and care of your child’s braces
Cost of Braces for Kids: Conclusion
The factors above will determine the cost of braces for your kid. However, waiting unnecessarily and delaying a visit to the dentist can add to the total healthcare cost. Contact Manhattan Family Orthodontics for the best treatment at affordable costs.
Give us a call at our uptown office: (212) 207-8028 or our downtown office: (212) 477-3871 to schedule an appointment with one of our experts today. Get your kid the braces and orthodontic treatment that will not only help them maintain oral health but also a bright smile.
Visit our official website for more info.
References & Related Links:
https://www.fatherly.com/parenting/braces-orthodontics-costs/
https://www.colgate.com/en-ph/oral-health/early-orthodontics/how-much-do-braces-cost-for-kids-1014
https://www.colgate.com/en-my/oral-health/early-orthodontics/how-much-do-braces-cost-for-kids-1014-
https://www.healthline.com/health/lingual-braces-2
https://www.healthline.com/health/average-cost-of-braces
Braces for Baby Teeth
Are there braces for baby teeth? Normally, when we hear the word “braces,” the first picture that comes to our mind is a late teen or a mid-teen. However, orthodontists may recommend braces for people of different age groups, including children, adolescents, teenagers, adults, etc.
Did you know that there are braces for baby teeth? Yes, they are safe, but you need to consult with your child’s orthodontist. Visiting an orthodontist early is better for the identification and diagnosis of harmful oral conditions that may become a serious concern if left untreated.
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Braces for Kids with Baby Teeth
Everyone wants a bright smile, but not all people have pearly whites. They include young children as well as adults. The perfect alignment of teeth and the bright color make your smile beautiful and boost your self-confidence. However, people with crooked, misaligned, and crowded teeth growth need to undergo dental treatment to maintain their proper bite.
Many people assume that late age is more suitable to get braces and other similar treatments than the baby teeth stage. In fact, it might be the best time to rectify oral errors and misalignments.
It becomes easier to handle the teeth realignment and maintain the proper bite when a child has baby teeth. As their jaw and bones are still under development, orthodontists recommend that it is easy to guide the growth and adjust the treatments accordingly.
The American Orthodontic Association suggests that dental care becomes vital when dental issues become visible in children. Besides, they suggest that the first dental checkup should not be before 7 years of age. It is the growth and development stage of a child, and it is possible only for a trained and experienced medical care professional (i.e., orthodontist) to identify the subtle signs of any underlying or potential oral health issues.
Advantages of Braces for Kids with Baby Teeth
An orthodontist might take a look and conduct an examination to assess your child’s oral health conditions. Eventually, the answer may be one of the following.
- Initiating treatment before the eruption of permanent teeth
- Waiting for the permanent teeth to grow for better treatment success
- Suggesting that there is no need for any orthodontic treatment at the instance
Reasons to Get Braces for Kids with Baby Teeth
Did you know that an orthodontist might suggest extracting your child’s baby teeth to give way to permanent teeth growth?
Here is a list of a few oral health conditions that require prompt orthodontist attention.
- Spaced/Crowded Teeth: crowded teeth grow too close and misalign other teeth surrounding them. In comparison, spaced teeth are far apart and keep growing in a similar pattern even when the permanent teeth erupt.
- Underbite/Overbite: underbite is when the upper teeth are far behind the lower teeth, while overbite is when the upper teeth are far ahead of the lower teeth.
- Extra/ Missing Teeth: it is possible for young children to have missing or additional baby teeth that are capable of impacting their future jaw growth.
- Crossbite: crossbite pertains to the shifting of the jaw of a child to either side.
Types of Braces for Kids
Children with baby teeth require precise care and need to undergo accurate treatment procedures to avoid any permanent deformities.
- Traditional braces have metal brackets and a long, flexible archwire. The metal brackets bond to the teeth’ enamel while the flexible wire fastens them to begin the readjustment. A similar process applies to the ceramic braces, which are tooth-colored and not-so-frequently noticeable.
- Many brands offer invisible braces. These are plastic braces that fit perfectly over your teeth after your orthodontist creates them with your mouth’s precise 3-D image and/or impression (mold). It’s rubber and does not involve wires or metal brackets.
- Often the orthodontist will suggest that your child get one or two teeth pulled in order to get space for the headgear that can provide better teeth adjustment force. Nevertheless, you do not have to worry because your child might only have to wear the headgear at night.
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After the application of braces, you need to visit your dentists frequently until the teeth are finally in the correct position. Following that, they will remove the braces and suggest wearing plastic retainers that will hold the teeth from moving back to the same place.
Braces for Baby Teeth: Conclusion
If you want to consult one of the best orthodontists for your child, then look no further. At Manhattan Family Orthodontics, we have the best orthodontists in NY. We deliver not only effective treatment but compassionate care that will relax your child in a friendly environment.
Give us a call at ourUPTOWNor DOWNTOWN office to schedule a consultation with one of our orthodontists . Check out our official website to learn more.
References & Related Links:
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/braces.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/braces/expert-answers/dental-braces/faq-20058192
https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/braces.html
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/braces-and-orthodontics/
https://www.aaoinfo.org/blog/parent-s-guide-post/importance-of-orthodontics/
All About Straightening Teeth
Want to know about straightening teeth? Crooked or misaligned teeth are a major orthodontic problem, and they are one of the reasons patients require teeth straightening treatments that are most commonly available at orthodontic clinics. There are many reasons why you would your teeth straightened, besides improving your smile and appearance. Braces are a common way to straighten your teeth. However, you can get the job done in a few other ways as well. Mentioned below are the different ways you can get your teeth straightened, along with other necessary information.
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The Different Ways to Get Your Teeth Straightened
Braces
Braces are among the main ways to keep your teeth straight. The term derives from ‘brace,’ which is a dental device used to fill in the gaps between crooked teeth. At the same time, they help align the teeth. Braces are an orthodontic treatment, for which you need to consult a professional orthodontist. The orthodontist will place the brace on your teeth by adjusting the right pressure and position them correctly. You have to wear these for at least two years for your teeth to achieve proper straightening. The duration of how long you leave your braces on depends on the type of braces you wear and how much straightening is needed. If you plan on choosing braces as a means to straighten your teeth, you can choose from four different types. The different types of braces include ceramic braces, metal braces, lingual braces, and Damon braces.
Retainers
In case the thought of braces seem scary, rest assured that they’re not the only way to straighten your teeth. You can also opt for retainers, which your orthodontist usually recommends right after removing your braces. Retainers are wire-based dental accessories that you can wear overnight. Or, you may have to wear them continuously, depending on the type of retainers you’re going for. You need teeth correction for retainers to have an effect. It is possible for retainers not to work if your teeth require heavy straightening. Retainers are the best alternative for those who don’t want to get braces.
Aligners
Aligners are a great alternative to braces when it comes to teeth straightening. These are transparent, customized mouthguards that act like braces and slip right over your teeth to bring them in the right position. The best part about aligners is that they are not visible, so you don’t have to worry about an odd appearance. Other than that, this treatment is very efficient and fast, and you may see good results in no time. If you plan to buy aligners, you will likely come across the industry leader Invisalign®.
Teeth Straitening Kits
Teeth straightening kits are another way to help straighten your teeth. These are a very reasonable option because you don’t have to visit the dentist for this option. You can get the kit delivered to your house. The kit includes a treatment plan that helps straighten your teeth. Before you plan to get a treatment like this, it is best to discuss it with your orthodontist and check if it is the right treatment for you.
Mewing
If you are all about natural techniques, you can try out mewing. You can try it out at home. Mewing is the technique of flattening out your tongue against the roof of the mouth. Over time, the movement is said to help realign your teeth and define your jawline. Mewing may help expand the palette and might work if you have overcrowded teeth. However, there is still much more research needed on the effectiveness of this treatment.
Benefits of Straightening Teeth
For many people, teeth straightening may not seem like a necessary process, especially when they get to know the amount of treatment required. However, there are a few benefits of teeth straightening that may encourage you to get one. One of the main benefits is that it improves your gum health by creating a strong barrier against periodontal diseases. When you have crooked teeth, it becomes very difficult to clean all the food bits and plaque, which could lead to different gum diseases. You also get to achieve a better facial appearance and can smile without feeling conscious about the way your teeth look.
Straightening Teeth: The Conclusion
Now that you are aware of teeth straightening and the different ways you can do so, it’s time to consider one for yourself. You will first need to see if you require it, and an orthodontist will help you out.
For the best orthodontics services in NYC, get in touch with Manhattan Family Orthodontics right now!
