Medically Reviewed By Dr. Laurence Schimmel, DDS – Orthodontist
At Schimmel Orthodontic Associates, our mission is clear: to deliver precise, evidence-based orthodontic solutions for children, teens, and adults, right here in the Bronx, Riverdale, and Kingsbridge. Whether the goal is interceptive care for a young child, a discreet treatment for an adult professional, or advanced jaw alignment, we combine decades of experience, board-certification expertise, and advanced digital technologies—3D scans, CBCT imaging, digital workflow—to provide exceptional results in a warm, local environment.
In this article, I’ll walk you through all our major service offerings: from pediatric orthodontics to adult aligners, braces, bite disorders, TMJ assessment, and corrective jaw (orthognathic) surgery coordination. We’ll look at what each treatment involves, how we select the right appliance, what outcomes the research supports, and why our practice is structured to deliver them effectively.
🦷 Children’s Orthodontics: Early Detection, Phase I & Growth-Guidance
Why age 7 matters
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children have their first orthodontic check-up by the time they turn age 7. At this age a mix of permanent and primary teeth is present, and jaw growth patterns are sufficiently advanced to identify emerging malocclusion or skeletal issues. Early capture prevents more complex interventions later.
Several reviews show that early intervention can reduce the need for extractions or surgical approaches later by as much as 40 %.
Phase I (Interceptive) Treatment
Phase I treatment is designed for growing children and focuses on guiding jaw growth, providing space for erupting permanent teeth, correcting habits (thumb-sucking, mouth breathing), and addressing moderate bite issues early. Treatment may involve expanders, partial braces, removable habit appliances, or headgear—depending on the specific growth pattern. For example, in cases of narrow upper jaw or crossbite, a palatal expander may widen the arch and allow proper eruption of teeth and better bite relationship.
Headgear & Growth-Guidance Devices
In select cases where upper/lower jaw growth imbalance exists, headgear remains a powerful tool. It guides the upper jaw’s growth downward/forward or restrains an overly forward jaw depending on the pattern. When used during the ideal growth phase, it reduces both treatment complexity and duration of future phases.
Phase II & Full Treatment Later
After Phase I, many children will move into Phase II as the rest of the permanent teeth erupt—typically between ages 11-14. This phase may involve full braces or aligners, depending on age, compliance, and complexity. Early treatment often reduces the burden of Phase II and shortens it significantly.
Typical Timelines & Outcomes
Phase I can last 6–18 months on average; Phase II may follow after a rest period or an eruption phase. Early screening ensures fewer severe cases later. One constant: children with early alignment of their bite and arches tend to finish with fewer visits, less discomfort, and better long-term stability.
Why Choose Our Orthodontics Practice for Your Child
- We use digital growth-guided planning to monitor jaw changes and timing.
- We offer both metal and ceramic braces, clear aligner options (when age appropriate), and habit-correction devices.
- Located locally in the Bronx/Riverdale/Kingsbridge, so visits are convenient.
- We emphasize clear communication with parents about timing, costs, and expected outcomes.
🦷 Adult Orthodontics: Modern, Discreet & Functional Options
Why Many Adults Are Seeking Orthodontic Care
Orthodontic treatment for adults is surging: the AAO reports adults now constitute roughly 25 % of orthodontic patients in the U.S. The reasons are three-fold: improved aesthetics and aligner systems, better oral hygiene support (important for adults with gum concerns), and recognition that a healthy bite improves function and comfort—not just appearance.
Appliance Options: Braces vs Clear Aligners
Clear Aligners (Spark Aligners, Invisalign®)
Clear aligner systems are now clinically well supported. A 2024 comparative study found that clear aligners in adults delivered outcomes comparable to braces with somewhat shorter duration and higher patient satisfaction.
Systematic review data indicate that clear aligners achieve success rates of 80-90% for mild to moderate movements, though torque control and vertical movement remain more challenging. From a patient’s perspective: clear aligners are removable for meals and brushing, virtually invisible, and tend to cause lower soft-tissue irritation.
At our office we offer Spark Aligners, which use the TruGEN™ material for enhanced clarity and stain-resistance, and Invisalign®, which offers broad global data and refined digital planning.
Clear aligners work best when patients commit to 20–22 hours/day wear. Compliance is critical: the best system will fail if trays are not worn.
Clear Ceramic & Metal Braces
For adults whose cases involve significant bite correction, rotated teeth, or need for torque control, clear ceramic braces or modern metal self-ligating braces may be superior. Clinical data show fixed appliances still have slightly better control of occlusal contacts and torque compared with aligners.
Nevertheless, ceramic braces blend with natural enamel and are a discreet option for adults not eligible for aligners.
Treatment Duration & Scheduling
Average adult treatment length falls between 12–30 months, depending on the appliance and bite complexity.
Most adult patients visit every 6–10 weeks, fewer than children thanks to smoother appointment processes.
Retention and Long-Term Stability
Retention is often more important than the active phase. Adults must wear retainers as prescribed (nightly ideally) to preserve results in a mature skeletal environment. Digital scans and 3D-printed retainers are standard in our practice.
Why Choose Our Practice for Adult Orthodontics
- A strong portfolio of adult success cases.
- We take dental insurance, offer flexible payment and financing.
- Integrated bite-and-jaw assessment to ensure functional as well as aesthetic correction.
🦷 Orthodontic Disorders We Treat: From Crowding to Bite Imbalances
Orthodontic care is most effective when it addresses function, not just appearance. At our practice we treat a full range of bite and alignment disorders:
- Crossbite: Where upper teeth sit inside lower teeth—can lead to asymmetry and TMJ strain.
- Open bite: Anterior or posterior; teeth do not meet when biting—often caused by habits, skeletal patterns, or airway issues.
- Overbite / Overjet: Excessive vertical overlap (overbite) or horizontal projection (overjet)—can be aesthetic and functional issues.
- Underbite: Lower teeth extend beyond upper—often skeletal in nature and may require orthognathic surgery.
Untreated malocclusion increases the risk of enamel wear, gum recession, chewing inefficiency, speech defects, and TMJ stress.
Treatment plans include:
- Digital 3D scan + CBCT imaging when indicated.
- Diagnosis of tooth-and-jaw relationships.
- Customized plan deciding braces vs aligners vs combination.
- Monitoring and finishing phase with retention.
🦷 TMJ Evaluation & Care: Restoring Functional Comfort and Bite Balance
Many adults and teens arrive expecting purely cosmetic correction, but discover underlying jaw comfort issues or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) strain. At our office we perform a detailed joint/bite examination as part of every comprehensive evaluation.
Orthodontic bite correction can reduce TMJ strain, especially when malocclusion is identified as a contributing factor. Studies indicate that up to 12% of adults will experience TMJ symptoms in a given year.
We utilize CBCT imaging, jaw motion analysis, and digital bite mapping.
🦷 Corrective Jaw (Orthognathic) Surgery
For skeletal discrepancies—large overbites, underbites, open bites, jaw asymmetry—orthognathic surgery combined with orthodontics is the gold-standard. Typical timeline: 12–18 months pre-surgical orthodontics → surgery → 4–6 months finishing orthodontics. Studies show significantly improved chewing efficiency, facial balance, and patient satisfaction after combined care.
🦷 Insurance, Costs & Payment Options
Orthodontic treatment is an important investment in your long-term oral health. According to ADA data, individuals who finish bite correction experience 34% fewer periodontal issues over their lifetime.
Estimated cost ranges (2025 NYC metropolitan area):
- Children’s interceptive/Phase I: $2,500–$4,000
- Full braces (children/teens): $4,000–$8,000
- Clear aligners (adults): $4,500–$7,500
- Orthognathic combined cases: Often $20,000+ before insurance.
Insurance coverage varies: many dental plans cover a portion of braces for minors; medical plans may cover orthognathic surgery if indicated; clear aligners often covered similarly to braces in orthodontic benefits. FSA/HSA funds can apply. We assist with pre-authorization and flexible in-house payment plans.
🦷 Why Choose Schimmel Orthodontic Associates
- 5 Star rated orthodontist with advanced training.
- Full-scope care: children, adults, TMJ, orthognathic.
- State-of-the-art digital workflow, 3D imaging, personalized scans.
- Convenient Bronx/ Riverdale/ Kingsbridge location serving Yonkers too.
- Free consultation & x-rays with transparent pricing and flexible financing.
🦷 FAQs
At what age should my child see an orthodontist?
Are clear aligners as effective as braces for adults?
How long does adult orthodontic treatment take?
What appliances do you offer and how do you choose?
Can orthodontics help TMJ pain?
How will I know what treatment is right for me or my child?
