Staten Island Braces™ Staten Island Braces™ & Invisalign Staten Island Braces™ & Invisalign

Frequently Asked Questions

What is orthodontics?
How is an orthodontist different than a dentist?
Can anybody be treated?
What is Invisalign?
Will braces interfere with playing sports?
Do braces interfere with playing musical instruments?
Should I see my general dentist while I have braces?
Why can’t the orthodontist attach the braces strongly enough that the braces don’t come off during eating?
Do braces hurt?
What can I expect on the initial visit to the orthodontist?
Can I get insurance to help pay for orthodontic treatment?
Are braces uncomfortable?
When do you recommend extraction of teeth?
How long do you have to wear braces?
Will orthodontics change my lifestyle?
What are some potential benefits of orthodontics?
What are some signs that braces may be needed?
What happens when treatment is complete?
What should be done in an emergency situation?
What does being Board Certified by the American Board of Orthodontics mean?

What is orthodontics?

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.

How is an orthodontist different than a dentist?

An orthodontist is a specialist who has completed two or three years of advanced education following dental school to learn the special skills required to manage tooth movement and facial development.

Can anybody be treated?

Yes, and at any age too. However, orthodontics is most successful when carried out in children whose teeth and bones are still actively growing.

What is Invisalign?

Drs. Esposito & Saccaro are Certified Invisalign Providers. Consider Invisalign to get the beautiful straight teeth you’ve always wanted – without braces. A complimentary consultation with Drs. Esposito & Saccaro can determine if Invisalign is right for you. Invisalign uses a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners that no one can tell you’re wearing. So you can smile more during treatment as well as after. Invisalign is made with 3-D computer imaging technology, and has been proven effective. Not only are the aligners invisible, they are removable, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment, plus brushing and flossing are no problem. And no metal and wires usually means you spend less time in your doctor’s office getting adjustments. Invisalign also allows you to view your own virtual treatment plan when you start, so you can see how your straight teeth will look when your treatment is complete. You wear each set of aligners for about 2 weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move little by little, week by week until they have straightened to the final position Drs. Esposito & Saccaro have prescribed. You’ll visit about once every 6 weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned. Learn more about Invisalign on their web site at www.invisalign.com.

Will braces interfere with playing sports?

No. We do recommend, however, that patients protect their smiles by wearing a mouth guard when participating in any sporting activity. Mouth guards are inexpensive, comfortable, and come in a variety of colors.

Do braces interfere with playing musical instruments?

No. However, for some instruments (most wind instruments) there is an initial adjustment period. If necessary, special lip-protector or dental wax can be used during the adjustment period.

Should I see my general dentist while I have braces?

Yes, you should continue to see your general dentist periodically as he recommends for cleanings and dental checkups.

Why can’t the orthodontist attach the braces strongly enough that the braces don’t come off during eating?

A balance must be obtained between keeping the bracket on and getting the bracket off. The orthodontist needs to remove your braces at the end of the orthodontic treatment. If the orthodontist attaches your braces too firmly, removal of the braces could be difficult and possibly cause damage to the teeth upon removal. About 5% of brackets loosen or are lost during treatment.

Do braces hurt?

Braces have been progressively improved over the last 20 years. They are more comfortable now than they have ever been. Our initial arch wires are space-age, very resilient nickel titanium and are only .013 mm in diameter. These wires deliver very light forces. Research on tooth movement has proven that light forces move teeth more efficiently and effectively than heavy forces. There may be slight discomfort a few hours after the initial placement of the braces and when new vectors of force are applied to the teeth. This discomfort seldom requires more than over-the-counter Tylenol and soon subsides. Though most patients experience some tenderness of the teeth during their first week in braces, the presence of the braces goes largely unnoticed after the first week.

What can I expect on the initial visit to the orthodontist?

The first appointment will take approximately 1 hour. At this stage we will use the time to assess your problems, take two x-rays, and discuss the treatment plan that will be necessary and the optimum time to start treatment. We will also take into account your own concerns, your dental development and your oral hygiene. Patients who are not ready to start treatment will be reviewed at a later date. For those who are ready to start immediately, we will make an appointment to take dental records which includes dental study models and photographs. For your convenience braces may be fitted at that session too.

Can I get insurance to help pay for orthodontic treatment?

Many dental plans now include orthodontic benefits. You will need to check with your employee benefits department or your insurance agent to determine your eligibility. If you need assistance call us. Our staff may be able to help you.

Are braces uncomfortable?

Each person finds braces quite different. Placing braces takes about an hour. However, it is a relatively painless procedure. The following couple of days the teeth may be uncomfortable however they soon settle down and you get used to the new feeling. Patients generally adjust very quickly to the braces and, before you know, it is just another part of everyday life.

When do you recommend extraction of teeth?

When it will improve your smile, facial appearance, and the health of your remaining teeth. Extractions, when needed, can be compared to removing “a few bad apples from the barrel”. You don’t want a few bad apples spoiling a barrel full. We extract teeth when you will be better off without them.

How long do you have to wear braces?

Bite problems are like finger prints. No two problems are identical. Your treatment time will depend on the (1) complexity of your problems, (2) the combined efforts of you and your doctor, (3) your biological response to treatment, and (4) the experience and skill of your doctor. If you keep your appointments, wear and take care of your appliances, maintain good oral hygiene, dental care and diet, your treatment time will be minimized. Clean teeth rooted in healthy bone and gums really do move faster! The better you are about wearing and taking care of your braces, the sooner your teeth will improve.

Will orthodontics change my lifestyle?

You’ll have to avoid extremely hard and sticky foods. These foods can get caught on the braces and can mechanically damage your braces. Softer foods are much better. You’ll have to spend a few extra minutes cleaning your braces after meals. But, for the most part, you’ll find braces don’t cramp your style. You’ll still have fun. You’ll still be able to sing, play your musical instrument, smile, play sports and of course, kiss.

What are some potential benefits of orthodontics?

A more attractive smile Reduced appearance-consciousness during critical development years Better function of the teeth Increase in self-confidence Increased ability to clean the teeth Improved force distribution and wear patterns of the teeth Better long-term health of teeth and gums Guide permanent teeth into more favorable positions Reduce the risk of injury to protruded front teeth Aid in optimizing other dental treatment.

What are some signs that braces may be needed?

Upper front teeth protrude excessively over the lower teeth, or are bucked Upper front teeth cover the majority of the lower teeth when biting together (deep bite) Upper front teeth are behind or inside the lower front teeth (underbite) The upper and lower front teeth do not touch when biting together (open bite) Crowded or overlapped teeth The center of the upper and lower teeth do not line up Finger or thumb sucking habits which continue after six or seven years old Difficulty chewing Teeth wearing unevenly or excessively The lower jaw shifts to one side or the other when biting together Spaces between the teeth.

What happens when treatment is complete?

All of our patients enter a two year retention program following completion of fixed orthodontic treatment. Retainers are delivered at the end of treatment, final records are taken and reviewed and periodic follow up visits are scheduled to assure the beautiful result achieved with braces will last for a life time.

What should be done in an emergency situation?

If an orthodontic emergency arises (broken braces, something cutting, poking in the mouth) call our office. After speaking with our answering service, someone will return your call as soon as possible. Obviously, if an emergency is of a life threatening nature it is advised to call 911 or immediately visit the nearest emergency room.

What does being Board Certified by the American Board of Orthodontics mean?

Drs. Esposito & Saccaro are both Board Certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. Only 25% of orthodontists are Board Certified.

Board certification is a process by which an individual orthodontist is voluntarily examined by his/her peers as to orthodontic knowledge and clinical skills. The passage of the examination process is a demonstration to the dental profession and the general public of the orthodontist’s pursuit of continued proficiency and excellence in orthodontics.

The certification process involves a thorough Written Examination covering all areas of information on which an orthodontist should be knowledgeable. Successful passage allows the orthodontist to present treated cases which will be evaluated by expert examiners of the Board during a Clinical Examination. Certification is now awarded for a time-limited period and the orthodontist must re-examine on a periodic basis to retain the board certified status.