Bella Smiles uses affordable orthodontics for cosmetic purposes and to help our patients realign their crooked teeth. We offer orthodontic care for both children and adults as well. Our treatment options include Invisalign® clear aligners and traditional braces.
Dr. Lotardo is a family dentist serving Riverhead, Nesconset, and Roslyn, NY. When treating children, he will monitor the development of their permanent teeth. Dr. Lotardo will make orthodontic care recommendations only when necessary.
In some cases, early orthodontic treatment can avoid complex dental problems as your child grows. Straighter teeth lay the foundation for a beautiful and healthy smile.
Dr. Lotardo will work with you if your child has certain habits that can affect tooth development. This includes thumb sucking or using a pacifier. He may recommend oral appliances or two-phase orthodontics so your child enjoys a functional mouth as they grow.
Dr. Lotardo is a member of the American Orthodontic Society. He has the advanced training and experience necessary to provide effective orthodontic care in our Riverhead family dentist office. In addition to providing orthodontic care, our dentists provide restorative dentistry treatments. We can correct one or two crooked teeth without braces in our Long Island, NY, dental offices.
Orthodontics Care at Bella Smiles
Dr. Lotardo will meet with you to perform an evaluation of your oral health and tooth placement. He will take images of your teeth and use them to analyze the position of your teeth. Then, he will recommend the best treatment options for you.
Our goal is to improve the function of your teeth, make your smile beautiful. The results will meet and exceed your cosmetic goals.
Bella Smiles offers both traditional metal braces and Invisalign clear aligners. We can address a wide range of orthodontic concerns near you. Our teen and adult patients with mild to moderate malocclusion issues prefer clear aligners.
However, traditional braces and other oral appliances may be better treatment options. This is especially true for more complex cases. Traditional-style braces are often the best choice for younger patients.
Dr. Lotardo will explain all aspects of your treatment. He will explain the kind of results you can expect as well as payment and financing options. Your treatment will include routine visits to monitor your progress and to make any adjustments. Schedule an appointment today to begin your orthodontics journey.
Before and after orthodontics at Bella Smiles
The Benefits of Orthodontics Care
Receiving orthodontic care can be a great decision for those seeking to improve their oral health. Orthodontic care offers many physical and psychological benefits. Orthodontic treatment can correct your overbite, underbite, open-bite, cross-bite, or other bite issues.
First, orthodontic treatment can improve your oral health and prevent issues from occurring or worsening in the future. Braces and other orthodontic appliances help patients bite and chew food correctly. Which can help ensure that their teeth are healthy and strong.
Furthermore, cavities are less likely to form in properly aligned teeth. Having straight teeth makes brushing and flossing easier and more effective. Straight teeth are easier to keep plaque-free and decrease your risk for tooth decay and gum disease.
The aesthetic benefits of orthodontic care are also significant. Straight teeth create a pleasing and youthful look. Plus, the patient’s facial structure improves with a properly aligned mouth. Furthermore, braces provide an excellent opportunity to reduce overcrowding and close any gaps in between the teeth.
Last but not least, a straight and healthy smile can give you a huge boost of confidence. Self-image is incredibly important to some. You should not underestimate the psychological boost that comes with having an aesthetically pleasing appearance. With improved self-confidence, relationships become easier and social opportunities become more abundant.
All-in-all, orthodontic care is an invaluable investment. Orthodontics is a lifelong investment in your overall health. It improves your physical and psychological well-being. Orthodontic care is worth exploring if it’s the right choice for you or your teen because of the many benefits.
Invisalign® at Bella Smiles
Dr. Lotardo is a North Fork area Invisalign provider for teen and adult patients. He uses this orthodontic treatment for mild to moderate cosmetic or dental health concerns. It can also work if you had a change in your bite or shifting teeth after previous treatment.
The Invisalign treatment involves using a series of clear, comfortable, and removable aligners. The aligners will gently move your teeth into the proper position. This will help you achieve a straighter and much healthier smile.
The Invisalign lab uses a material called SmartTrack® to create the aligners. SmartTrack is a clear plastic that is thin yet strong. They will fit firmly against your teeth to avoid irritating your lips, tongue, and gums.
This clear aligners system lets you remove the aligners to eat a regular diet and brush and floss normally. In general, you should wear the aligners for about 22 hours a day. They are discreet and will not stain your tooth enamel.
Visit our smile gallery to view before and after photos of orthodontic patients who are enjoying beautiful new smiles.
Visit our smile gallery to view before and after photos of orthodontic patients who are enjoying beautiful new smiles.
Orthodontic Care FAQs
Which adult orthodontics treatment option is best for me?
This will depend on a few things. Factors such as age, medical and dental history, the condition of your teeth, and more will determine your treatment. Fortunately, today’s adult orthodontic treatments are versatile and most people will qualify for it. A consult will help you learn which is best for you and your needs.
Do I need to wear a retainer after orthodontics treatment?
Yes. Wearing a retainer will prevent orthodontic relapse. The retainer works by permanently keeping your teeth in their new position after your braces come off. If you do not wear one, there is a good chance that you will experience relapse at some point in your life.
Retainers will help maintain the effects of your orthodontic treatment. They will prevent your teeth from shifting and improve the stability of your bite. At minimum, you will need to wear a retainer for the same amount of time that you had braces or clear aligners.
Will clear aligners give me a lisp?
No, clear aligners do not typically cause lisping. Lisping is often because of an incorrect bite, tongue positioning, or incorrect articulation of sound.
However, it may take awhile until you are comfortable wearing them. During this time, you may notice discomfort and slight speech issues. This is natural and with practice, this should go away in time.
How many times do you have to go to the orthodontist before and while getting braces?
The number of visits to the orthodontist before and while getting braces will vary. The severity of your crooked teeth will determine the length of the treatment plan.
Generally, patients will need an initial consultation appointment to discuss the treatment options. Then several visits for the placement of the braces and to monitor treatment progress. You should still schedule dental cleanings and routine visits every six months while undergoing braces treatment.
What can you not do after getting braces?
After getting braces, you have some restrictions that you should follow for the best results. Avoid eating very hard and very chewy foods like candies, popcorn, and chewing ice. You should also avoid biting your nails.
Always wear a mouthguard during athletic activities like contact sports that could break or damage the braces. Follow your orthodontist’s care instructions so that your braces do the best job possible.