At Bella Smiles, dentists in Long Island, NY, we take things to the next level to work with you and help with your dental problems. We don’t just offer typical dental treatments, but orthodontic solutions as well. Dr. Sal Lotardo is a member of the American Orthodontic Society and highlights the orthodontic offerings at our Bella Smiles locations.
Catching Problems Early
As a provider of both pediatric and adult dentistry, we know that changes in the mouth can occur any time, especially as children’s mouths are growing and developing. Having regular checkups every six months help us notice when there are changes in a patient’s mouth. Habits like thumb-sucking and pacifier use can change the growth of a child’s jaw and teeth.
If we notice issues with the bite or alignment of the teeth, we can take action immediately. We aim to take the most conservative treatment route possible. This is usually doable when we’re able to catch these issues early on in our development. We’ll talk to the patient, and their parents if the patient is a child, about the next steps to take care of orthodontic issues.
Invisalign
One of the options we offer is Invisalign clear aligners. Invisalign can be used to take care of mild to moderate orthodontic problems. They’re made of a specialized plastic called SmartTrack®. It’s designed to be super thin and comfortable, while still being durable enough for everyday wear.
Impressions are taken so that the Invisalign aligners can be custom-made to fit your teeth. They fit snugly to avoid soft tissue irritation. You’ll wear the aligners around 22 hours a day, taking them out for eating and brushing your teeth. Each set will be worn for about two weeks before changing to a new set of aligners to gradually shift your teeth into position.
There are many benefits that patients like about Invisalign. Invisalign requires fewer trips to our office and usually offers a quicker time for treatment. They’re discreet and unable to be noticed when you’re wearing them in everyday situations. The aligners are also ideal because you don’t have to eliminate certain foods from your diet since the aligners are removable.
Traditional Metal Braces
Some orthodontics problems are unable to be treated with Invisalign. Severe orthodontic and bite issues may still require metal braces to give you the best results. Braces involve metal brackets that are bonded to the teeth, with wires threaded through them. These wires are gradually tightened over time, bringing the teeth into the correct alignment.
Traditional metal braces are often a better choice for younger patients. We want to make sure to give you the ideal cosmetic results, without risk of orthodontic relapse. After a consultation with us, we’ll help determine the best treatment option for your individual case.
Orthodontics at Your Long Island, New York Dentists
Get orthodontic and regular dental treatments all in one convenient place. Call us or schedule an appointment at our Nesconset, Riverhead, or Roslyn locations.