Orthodontic care and solutions offer so much in achieving a healthy, confident smile. There are many different types of care besides just braces, although braces are certainly the most common. It doesn’t matter if you are a child, teen, or adult, access to these solutions can correct so many issues and ultimately improve the quality of life and boost self confidence in the process. Getting braces in New Jersey can feel a little daunting if you don’t know what to expect, but the good news is there is plenty of support to help you along the way.

If you’re consider braces in central NJ for you or your child, this guide is for you. Learn everything about your options, the treatment process, and even proper care or choosing a provider when you search braces near me right here in this guide!

Understanding Orthodontic Treatments

Getting braces in NJ is not the same as seeing your regular dentist. This type of treatment goes above and beyond regular cleaning or cavity fillings. Instead, orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that is specialized in diagnosing, preventing, and correcting dental and jaw misalignments. That’s a broad category and there are many different solutions or treatments that fall under the umbrella. Just know that if it has to do with alignment, it’s likely going to be an orthodontic treatment.

These are some common issues that treatments might address:

• Crooked or crowded teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Overbites, underbites, or crossbites
• TMJ disorder
• Jaw misalignment

The solution used for your scenario is going to be customized to meet your needs. Braces can handle a lot of varying needs, but there are also different appliances that might be integrated into your treatment. It simply depends on what you are dealing with.

An Overview of Braces and Orthodontic Solutions

We mentioned that there are several different types of treatment options. It’s a broad category, so there are various solutions to meet unique needs. Below, we provide an overview of many orthodontic solutions and what they do. Know that this is not an exhaustive list. It also may have options that your provider does not offer as well.

• Metal Braces: this is the most traditional and common solution, highly-effective at handling multiple need and great for complex cases. This approach consists of metal brackets adhered to the teeth and connected by specific wires. The wires are attached using bands that might have different colors.
• Ceramic Braces: these function almost entirely like metal braces, but the bracket is clear or tooth colored, making the overall set of braces slightly less noticeable to the world. These do still have a wire and bands.
• Lingual Braces: an uncommon solution and not offered by all office. However, it is nearly invisible because the braces are attached to the backside of the teeth instead of the front. This does take longer and it requires specialized expertise, which is why it is less common.
• Clear Aligners: when the case is mild to moderate, aligners can be effective. These are clear, removable trays custom built for your teeth and gradually adjusted to achieve the desired results. They are great for a discreet and reliable solution.
• Palatal Expanders: also known as a teeth expander, this appliance fits into the upper jaw and is turned daily by a key to gradually expand the upper jaw and provide more room when needed.
• Herbst appliance: an appliance commonly used to correct overbites by moving the lower jaw forward to improve placement and develop a chin where there may not have been one before.
• Retainers and Preventative Solutions: retainers are primarily used after treatment is completed to help retain the effects of treatment and prevent any further issues from occurring.

Choosing the Right Orthodontist

Your experience getting braces in New Jersey should be a positive one. It’s ok to shop around and find an orthodontist that best meets your needs and preferences. You want to choose someone who has the expertise you are looking for, but also who will provide kind and compassionate care. We all have different preferences and that’s perfectly alright. Do a little comparing and find someone that works for you!

Here are a few tips you can consider when choosing a provider:

• Credentials and expertise with a track record of orthodontic care
• Treatment options that will meet your unique needs
• Use of modern technology and techniques to provide the best care for accuracy, comfort, and effectiveness
• Payment options to meet your budgetary constraints
• Insurance that is covered by your plan

Take some time to get to know the details. Rarely do you have to rush to get braces in NJ. You have the time to do some basic research, peruse the providers, and choose a good fit. Ask around, read some reviews, and consider the available options for your personal preferences.

What to Expect During Treatment

The process for treatment is going to be tailored to your unique needs. No two orthodontic cases are exactly the same. Providers are trained to assess and diagnose your unique issues and they will create a treatment plan based on that assessment. Have some grace if something has to change during treatment as not every single movement of your teeth or jaw is entirely predictable. Sometimes, our bodies don’t cooperate the way the providers hope they will and this might extend treatment times.

Overall, the general process will look like this:

1. An initial consultation to discuss needs and goals, evaluate your teeth, and take impressions and scans for preparing treatment
2. Placing braces, aligners, or any other appliances that are part of your treatment process
3. Regular adjustments as instructed by your orthodontist throughout treatment
4. Retention of treatment with retainers to maintain the hard-earned efforts

It is so important to follow the instructions of your provider throughout treatment as this will ensure you get the best possible results.

Caring for Your Braces

As you go through the braces process, be sure to follow all recommendations on eating and drinking habits as well as daily care and cleaning. Here are a few tips:

• Avoid hard and sticky foods that might cause damage or leave residue
• Brush and floss regularly
• Use a water flosser to help get those hard-to-reach places

Small changes to your daily habits can make a big difference so keep that in mind and just do your best to be compliant throughout the process.

Conclusion

Getting braces in New Jersey is a journey and one that provides a lot of great benefits for your oral health needs. You deserve to have a positive experience and a healthy smile when the work is done. Choose a great orthodontist and start your journey to experience those results for yourself!