Braces Orthodontist Bronx, NY
Riverdale, Kingsbridge,Westchester & Yonkers
Do you or your child need braces?
Braces can be a life-changing solution if your teeth are misaligned, overcrowded, or you have issues with your bite. They can improve your ability to eat comfortably, maintain oral hygiene, and boost your confidence in your smile. At our practice, we offer braces for all ages, from children to teens and adults, ensuring that everyone can experience the benefits of a corrected smile.
Reasons for Adults & Children to Get Braces
There are many reasons to get braces. While some people get them for cosmetic reasons, most individuals get them because their teeth interfere in some way with daily living. Here are some of the most common reasons children and adults get braces in Riverdale:
- Open bite
- Crowded or crooked teeth
- Large gaps between teeth
- Minor underbites
- Overbites
- Crossbites
- Enhanced smile
How Metal Braces Work
Metal braces are made of high-grade stainless-steel brackets attached to each tooth’s front. These brackets are connected by an archwire, which we periodically adjust to apply gentle, continuous pressure on the teeth. This gradual force encourages teeth to shift into their correct positions over time.
Small rubber bands, or ligatures, hold the archwire in place and come in various colors, allowing patients to customize their appearance. Our younger patients enjoy selecting their rubber band colors. We tighten the archwire during regular checkups, which typically happen every 4-6 weeks. This process involves adjusting the tension of the archwire to ensure the teeth continue to move in the desired direction. The average treatment time for metal braces varies based on the individual, but typically, it ranges from 18 to 36 months.
Looking For Excellent Orthodontic Treatment?
Contact Schimmel Orthodontic Associates today to schedule an appointment!
Additional Reasons Adults May Need Braces
Occasionally, adults may have to get braces due to issues unique to them. These may include:
- Worn or missing teeth
- Incomplete orthopedic treatment as a child or teen
- Need for jaw surgery
Metal Braces
While many braces are available, traditional metal braces remain a popular and effective choice for our patients. Metal braces are an excellent option for individuals of all ages—children, teens, and adults—who want to improve their smile and achieve optimal dental alignment. They are more advanced than ever, correcting even the most complex bite alignment problems, ensuring a comprehensive solution for your orthodontic needs.
FAQS About BRACES
Braces can correct many dental issues including crooked or crowded teeth, large gaps, overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite, and other bite alignment problems. Whether you are a child, teen, or adult, braces can help improve your bite’s function, ease of cleaning, and overall smile.
Anyone with healthy teeth and gums who has alignment or bite issues is potentially a good candidate for braces. Metal braces are very effective for complex cases. Ceramic or clear braces offer a less visible option if you are concerned about aesthetics. During your consultation I will check your dental health, bite, jaw growth, and recommend the best type of braces for your goals.
Treatment with braces usually takes between 18 and 36 months depending on how severe your misalignment or bite issue is, how old you are, and how well you follow care instructions. For children whose jaws are still growing it may be faster; for adults or cases requiring jaw correction it may take closer to the upper end of that range.
With braces you need to make small lifestyle changes. You will need to avoid sticky, hard, or chewy foods that can break brackets or bend wires. Brushing after meals, flossing daily with threaders, and using interproximal brushes or water flossers will help. Regular visits every 6 weeks are needed for adjustments. You might have mild discomfort after adjustments or when the braces are first put on.
Yes, adults can absolutely get braces. Many adults choose braces for cosmetic improvements, to fix bite issues, or to correct shifting that happened after previous dental work. Adults may need additional diagnostics like imaging, may have slower bone movement, and might require treatment in conjunction with other dental work. Still, with the right care and compliance braces can deliver great results at any age.
