Orthodontics

Orthodontics is a field of dentistry that focuses on straightening your teeth and ensuring they bite together correctly. The result can be teeth that are functional, healthy, and attractive. Treatment involves the use of braces, which may be fixed or removable, as well as other devices such as palate expanders and retainers. In this guide, you will gain an overview of orthodontics, the issues it can correct, when to consider this treatment, and the types of treatments available.

Table of contents

What Is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics is an area of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing common issues of malocclusion, or a bad bite, and correcting these issues using orthodontic appliances.

Treatment Benefits

Many people seek orthodontic treatment to improve the appearance of their teeth, but it can also provide other useful benefits.

When teeth are straight and bite together correctly, it can reduce your risk of gum disease, cavities, and excessive wear and tear on teeth.

Having teeth that are correctly aligned can help protect your jaw joints, avoiding common issues like temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).

Potential Treatment Disadvantages

The main disadvantage of orthodontic treatment is the need to follow your orthodontist’s treatment plan closely. You must take care to follow their instructions on oral care, especially if you have fixed braces that are trickier to clean around.

If you have removable aligners, you must wear them as directed. Leaving them out or forgetting to wear them could delay your treatment or mean it is less effective.

You will also need to have regular checkups to ensure your teeth are moving as predicted, and for your orthodontist to make any necessary changes or adjustments to your treatment plan.

Common Orthodontic Issues Treated

Orthodontics can treat a wide range of issues, including:

Crooked or rotated teeth.
Overcrowded teeth.
Gaps between teeth.
Overbites.
Underbites.
Cross bites.
Open bites.
Jaw joint problems (TMJ).
Orthodontic relapses after previous treatment.

Orthodontics for Different Age Groups

We offer treatments suitable for children, teens, and adults, and each age group has slightly different needs.

There is no upper age limit for treatment, provided your teeth are strong and healthy.

Children’s Orthodontics

Early intervention orthodontics, also known as kids’ orthodontics, can begin as early as age 5 or 6. It aims to correct problems before a child’s adult teeth erupt and while we can still guide the growth of their jaws.

A pediatric orthodontist may recommend treatment for your child if they have issues such as thumb or finger sucking, mouth breathing, or tongue thrusting, which are affecting their jaw alignment and growth.

Sometimes, early children’s orthodontist treatment can avoid the need for braces later or may form part of a two-stage program. In this case, they might still need braces during their teens, but it’s more likely that this is to correct more cosmetically oriented issues. Therefore, treatment will be completed more quickly.

Teen Orthodontics

This is the most common age to receive orthodontic treatment, and braces options can vary from traditional metal braces to more discreet Invisalign aligners.

Adult Orthodontics

Adult orthodontics is becoming increasingly popular thanks to the introduction of systems like Invisalign. Clear aligner systems can provide excellent results discreetly with minimal effect on everyday life.

FAQs

Will Dental Insurance Cover the Cost of Orthodontic Treatment?

Dental insurance will almost certainly cover at least part of the cost of orthodontic treatment, provided it will help improve oral health. Some adult orthodontic systems are more cosmetically oriented and may not be covered, but because they are quite fast to complete, they can be very affordable.

How Long Will Treatment Take to Complete?

Treatment can take anywhere from just a few months to two years. The complexity of the orthodontic issues requiring correction determines the length of treatment. Many adults can complete treatment within a year or less.

Must I Wear a Retainer after Braces?

Wearing a retainer is essential, as without it, your teeth will likely shift back into their original positions. A retainer is comfortable to wear, and discreet solutions are available.

If you’ve been searching for orthodontics near me, look no further, as NYC Dentistry Center can provide a complete range of solutions for you and your family, regardless of age.

How Long Will Treatment Last?

Provided you wear your retainers after completing orthodontic treatment, you can expect the results to last for many years or for the rest of your life. Be prepared to wear your retainers at least once or twice a week to maintain the results. Otherwise, there is a risk that your teeth could drift out of place over time, an issue known as orthodontic relapse.

NYC Dentistry Center
6 E 45th Street, 8th Floor, Suite 2
New York, NY 10017
(212) 810-9264

Updated on Dec 25, 2025 by

Dr. Navid Rahmani, DDS (Periodontist) of NYC Dentistry Center

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