Orthodontics is the field of dentistry dedicated to treating concerns related to how your teeth fit together and function. Our board-certified orthodontist, Dr. Kenneth Banasiak, is extensively trained in a comprehensive range of orthodontic techniques. Innovative, time-tested, and fully customizable, these procedures are designed to address teeth and jaw misalignment and malocclusion (bite problems) in children, teens, and adults. As long-standing members of this community, our practice emphasizes state-of-the-art methods alongside compassionate, patient-focused care. The difference is clear. Come talk to us today to learn more.
What Are the Benefits of Orthodontics?
Orthodontic treatment has both aesthetic and functional benefits, such as:
- Improved oral health – Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, thus reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
- Enhanced digestion – Aligned teeth can improve the ability to chew food effectively, aiding in digestion.
- Reduced jaw strain – Correcting jaw misalignments can alleviate strain on jaw muscles and joints, potentially easing TMJ symptoms and chronic headaches.
- Improved speech – Orthodontic treatment can enhance speech clarity by adjusting tooth positioning that is affecting pronunciation.
- Boosted self-esteem – A straight and aesthetically appealing smile can significantly increase confidence and self-esteem.
- Cosmetic improvements – Orthodontic treatment can lead to a more attractive smile, enhancing overall facial appearance.
Who Is a Candidate for Orthodontic Treatments?
Candidates for orthodontic treatments include individuals with misaligned teeth, crowding, gaps, overbites, underbites, or crossbites. Both children and adults can benefit from these treatments. Children should have orthodontic treatment to identify any potential issues early. For adults, it is never too late to seek orthodontic care to improve oral health and aesthetics. Candidates should have good oral health without active gum disease or severe dental decay. Personal motivation and commitment to the treatment process, including maintaining oral hygiene and attending regular appointments, are crucial for successful outcomes.
What Orthodontic Treatments Are Available?
Orthodontics for Children
If you’re a parent, it may not be obvious when you should bring your child in for an initial orthodontic assessment. Fortunately, there’s a fairly simple way to tell. Molars and incisors begin to erupt in children when they’re about seven years old, and this is often the perfect time to bring them in to see us. At this stage, we can identify developing signs of misalignment, such as crossbites, overcrowding, or other concerns, and determine if early treatment can help to address them. Proactive care such as braces for kids can also be used to guide the growth of a young person’s teeth, jaw, and oral structures. This helps to establish a proportional and functional bite (occlusion) and to ensure there’s enough space for “adult” teeth. As a result, the risk of having impacted permanent teeth, needing to extract permanent teeth, and experiencing speech or swallowing problems can be reduced. Furthermore, follow-up orthodontic care often will be faster, less complex, and more comfortable. In other words, child orthodontics now can simplify treatment later.
Orthodontics for Adults
Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile. In fact, one out of every five orthodontic patients is over 21. Invisalign® and other innovative orthodontic advancements have made teeth straightening easier, faster, and more discreet than ever before. Additionally, every treatment plan at our practice is customized to enhance your experience and your results. Dr. Banasiak is highly skilled in addressing simple and complex teeth and jaw misalignment. He can also help you determine if orthodontia or a surgical approach can provide better results for your unique needs and goals. Our experienced dental team utilizes the most advanced technology available for adult orthodontics, and we collaborate with other dental professionals when necessary to help prevent, identify, and treat bone loss, periodontal disorders, and other oral concerns. If you’ve put off pursuing the smile of your dreams, now is the time to make it a reality. Banasiak & Nettune can help.
Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are a popular orthodontic treatment for correcting teeth misalignment. This durable braces system uses high-quality stainless steel metal brackets and archwires that can be dressed up with tiny, colorful rubber bands (elastics) to add some personality to your treatment.
Invisalign®
The Invisalign® system is often recommended for ideal candidates who desire a more discreet teeth straightening option. Invisalign® aligners are clear and removable, so there is no need for metal brackets or wires. This option is virtually invisible and often described as more comfortable than traditional braces.
Invisalign® Teen
Just like the standard Invisalign® system, Invisalign® Teen can straighten out your teenager’s smile with clear, removable aligners. Teenage patients typically receive a new set of aligners every two weeks as the teeth shift to the ideal position. Similar to Invisalign® for adults, aligners should be consistently worn unless the patient is eating, drinking, brushing, or flossing.
Self-Ligating Braces
Self-ligating braces are another good option for teeth straightening. What makes these braces unique is that the brackets are clear and self-ligating. The wire slides freely and adjusts only the teeth that are out of the ideal alignment. Unlike traditional braces, patients do not need to wear rubber bands (elastics) or get their wires tightened. Since less pressure is being applied to the teeth, self-ligating braces are often considered more comfortable than traditional braces.
Digital Impressions
For improved accuracy, comfort, and results, our team utilizes digital impressions at our practice. Digital imaging technology makes it possible to capture detailed images of your teeth and oral structures, so that we can more precisely plan your treatment. Digital impressions are often far more comfortable for the patient, as they do not require messy molds that cause some individuals to gag. Furthermore, the results are much more exacting, reducing procedure times and enhancing the quality of outcomes. We are dedicated to providing advanced solutions that make visiting the orthodontist a more enjoyable experience, and digital impressions are an essential part of delivering exceptional service.
We offer complimentary initial consultations to help you get started. Contact our practice today for more information or to schedule your visit.
Basking Ridge
