Park Avenue Orthodontics

Learn More About Orthodontic Options

Are you looking for information on the various approaches to orthodontic treatment or want to know more about when your child should begin orthodontic treatment? If you’re interested in more information on orthodontic terminology, TMJ treatments, or the various treatment options for orthodontic patients, then check out some of these great resources. 

• Learn more about the field of orthodontics and treatable conditions with this Colgate.com overview. 

• Why should you choose Damon Clear braces? Visit their website to find out! 

• Visit this link for more information on passive self-ligating brackets from the Damon System. 

• Find out why children should undergo orthodontic evaluations by age seven with this overview from the American Dental Association. 

For more information on our services, give Park Avenue Orthodontics a call at (917) 720-4917.

When is the Best Time to Begin Orthodontics for Children?

According to the American Dental Association, oral malocclusions—or bad bites—typically become noticeable between ages six to twelve as a child’s permanent teeth begin to erupt. While orthodontic treatment often begins between the ages of eight and fourteen, children should have an orthodontic evaluation no later than age seven as earlier treatments can help provide optimal results. 

Why Age Seven Is Ideal

An orthodontist or dentist can identify problems with a child’s emerging teeth and jaws early on, often while the primary or baby teeth are still present. This not only means that having a child undergo an orthodontic screening by age seven can help identify signs of malocclusions, but also means that  it can help provide the best orthodontic results with the least amount of expense and treatment time. 

Benefits of Early Orthodontic Evaluation

Early orthodontic evaluation provides a number of benefits. For example, early intervention helps to guide the growth and development of a child’s teeth, preventing serious dental problems later on in life. A child’s first molars erupt by age seven, establishing their back bite. It’s important to allow an orthodontist to evaluate both front-to-back and side-to-side relationships between the teeth and look for signs of an overbite, open bite, gummy smiles or over-crowding of the teeth. Additional benefits of interceptive or early treatment include:

• Creating facial symmetry by influencing jaw growth
• Creating room for crowded erupting teeth
• Preserving space for un-erupted teeth
• Reducing the need for teeth removal
• Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
• Reducing overall treatment time with braces 

The best way to determine if your child is a candidate for orthodontic treatment is to schedule an appointment with their NYC orthodontist. For the very best orthodontic treatments in Manhattan, contact Park Avenue Orthodontics online or call us directly at (917) 720-4917.

Terminology Every Orthodontic Patient Should Know

Orthodontic treatment is a great way to improve the appearance and alignment of your teeth. However, there are certain terms that every orthodontic patient should understand before undergoing treatment, including: 

• Archwires: Archwires refer to wires engaged in orthodontic attachments, such as those that are affixed to the crowns of two or more teeth and help to guide the movement of the teeth. 

• Orthodontic Bands: Orthodontic bands are thin metal rings, usually composed of stainless steel, that secure orthodontic attachments to the tooth. These bands are closely adapted to fit the natural contours of a tooth before being cemented into place. Orthodontic attachments such as wires are then welded or soldered to the fixture. 

• Brackets: A bracket is an orthodontic attachment secured to a tooth by bonding or banding to engage the archwire and hold it in place. These brackets are typically made from metal, ceramic, or plastic depending on which method of braces is desired. 

• Elastics: Elastics, or rubber bands, are attached to brackets and used to help move teeth in the prescribed directions. Elastics require a strict level of patient involvement and responsibility. Your orthodontist will provide instructions as to how to wear them and how often. 

• Ligating/Self-Ligating: Ligating braces are those that require the use of small bands to hold the archwires in place, whereas self-ligating braces are those that utilize a small door to hold the wire in place rather than a band.  Damon Clear and Damon Steel braces are perfect examples of self-ligating braces and provide a much faster, more aesthetic treatment option. 

• Retention: Retention refers to the passive treatment period following active orthodontic correction, in which a patient uses retaining appliances, such as a fixed or removable retainer, to maintain the position of their teeth once braces have been removed. 

Are you ready to revitalize your smile? Let the orthodontists with Park Avenue Orthodontics educate you on the benefits of braces and the Invisalign system. Contact our Manhattan office at (917) 720-4917 for more information.

Modern Orthodontics Wipes Away Years and Tears

Why are approximately 1 in 4 people wearing braces today as an adult?? 

WIPE AWAY YEARS 

Given today’s emphasis on anti-aging in a society where the life expectancy has drastically increased, many adults are seeking ways of improving their appearance.  Orthodontics is clearly one of the answers to not only improve one’s smile, but also decrease facial wrinkles and lines to give the face a more youthful appearance.  By eliminating crowding with the expansion of the upper and lower dental arches, the smile becomes wider and reduces the natural aging wrinkles that develop around the mouth.  With today’s high technological braces and appliances, orthodontic treatment times are greatly reduced and the wearing of appliances is less uncomfortable and noticeable then ever before. 

Patients leave the office with a beautiful smile and more youthful appearance!

WIPE AWAY TEARS 

The number of people suffering from temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) and associated musculo-skeletal asymmetry is staggering and is increasing.  Many people search endlessly for solutions to resolve their pain and discomfort, never realizing that orthodontic treatment can be a solution.  TMD sufferers often come for an orthodontic evaluation in tears of pain, sadness and frustration.  Symptoms include but are not limited to:

• Headaches
• Tinnitus (ringing in ears)
• Partial hearing loss
• Dizziness and fullness in ears
• Clenching or grinding of teeth
• Jaw, facial, neck and back muscular pain
• Clicking or popping of the jaw when opening or closing
• Locking of jaw 

Today’s leading edge orthodontic technology and research offers the patient advanced treatment options for the treatment of TMD.  Multiple case studies and patient testimonies demonstrate drastic relief from the pain and discomfort following current orthodontic treatment regimens.  The very patient who may initially come to the office in tears of pain, very often finishes treatment in tears of joy with the ability to resume a normal pain free lifestyle, with the additional benefit of a beautiful healthy smile.

By Dr. Janet Stoess-Allen, DMD at Park Avenue Orthodontics in Manhattan. 

Park Avenue Orthodontics Answers, What is TMJ?

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, it is estimated that more than 10 million individuals suffer from TMJ in the United States. If you suspect that you’re suffering from TMJ, then it’s time to contact your orthodontist. Consider this overview on the causes and treatment options of TMJ to learn more: 

Defintion: TMJ, or temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders, are a group of conditions that cause dysfunction and pain in the jaw joint and subsequent muscles. These conditions are often the result of problems with the jaw bone itself, jaw joints, or the surrounding facial muscles that control an individual’s chewing and biting motions. 

Causes: TMJ can be caused by a number of factors, including:

• Bruxism is teeth grinding resulting from muscle spasms and inflammatory reactions. Bruxism may also be the result of changes in the normal height or stimuli of the teeth, changes in the chewing muscles, or misalignment of the teeth themselves.
• Clenching is continually biting down on items while awake, including pencils, pens, fingernails, or chewing gum. Some individuals clench their teeth against each other rather than against an object, causing a constant pounding on the jaw joint. Many cases of teeth clenching can be attributed to stress.
• Osteoarthritis may cause TMJ because it breaks down the cartilage between the jaw joint, permanently eliminating the natural cushioning and forming new bone at the surface of the joint. Individuals with rheumatoid arthritis, or an inflammation of the joints, may also suffer from TMJ as the cartilage and jaw bones erode over time. 

Treatment Options

• An orthodontist can treat TMJ by aligning the teeth symmetrically, providing harmony between the bilateral temporomandibular joints and the teeth and stabilizing the bite. Using advanced diagnostic measures of bioelectronics instrumentation, bite plate manipulation, and cone beam CT scanning, an orthodontist can gradually bring teeth into a new position and alleviate the symptoms of TMJ. 

If you’re suffering from TMJ or TMD, then you’ll want to seek the best orthodontic care possible. Let our Manhattan dentists and orthodontists with Park Avenue Orthodontics help alleviate your painful symptoms by calling (917) 720-4917 today.