At Staten Island Pediatric Dentistry, we offer orthodontics for patients of all ages because straight teeth are as important for adults as they are for children. Dr. Sara Skurnick is our orthodontist, and she has over 30 years of experience treating patients of all ages with crooked, crowded, or overlapped teeth. She would love to meet with you or your child to see how she can help you both achieve your best smiles.

Why Is Orthodontic Treatment Important?

Straight teeth are healthy teeth, regardless of age. Whether you have a child who can benefit from braces or you'd like to fix your own teeth, orthodontic treatment will improve your smile and your oral health.

Orthodontic treatment for children aims to create adequate space in the jaw to allow permanent teeth to emerge in more favorable positions. Teeth that are straight and evenly spaced allow for easier brushing and flossing, help your child speak clearly, and help them chew comfortably.

Adults experience the same oral health benefits of orthodontic treatment. Beautiful, straight, even teeth make a person feel confident about presenting their smiles to the world.

Early Orthodontic Treatment for Children

The American Academy of Orthodontists recommends that children have an orthodontic evaluation at about age seven. This is the mixed dentition phase, where the first permanent molar has erupted, but baby teeth are still in place. The position of the first permanent molars allows our orthodontist to predict what your child's treatment needs may be in the future.

Not all children need braces, but many can benefit from interceptive or early orthodontics that creates enough space in the jaw for permanent teeth to erupt correctly. By using treatments like palatal expanders, retainers, space maintainers, and ensuring timely loss of baby teeth, it is often possible to shorten orthodontic treatment times or avoid the need for braces altogether. Dr. Michelle and Dr. Yelena work closely with Dr. Sara to ensure that your child begins orthodontic treatment at the perfect time and dental age.

If your child does require treatment, they are not limited to metal braces. We have several options in traditional braces (like clear or ceramic) and also clear aligners! Children can also create their own look by choosing their favorite color of bands to express their own unique smiles.

Traditional Orthodontics for Adults

It's not uncommon for an adult to need traditional braces to correct bite or alignment issues. Invisalign® clear aligners are popular because they're convenient, but Dr. Skurnick evaluates each person to determine if it is the right fit for them. She always gives her patients an honest and intelligent recommendation, and for more complex orthodontic issues, there are times where her best recommendation might be traditional braces.

Straightening your teeth as an adult improves your smile aesthetics, but there are other benefits:

• Help you speak, chew, and breathe properly
• Minimize wear and tear on teeth
• Correct malocclusions (bite misalignments)
• Balance your dental bite
• Relieve headaches and TMJ pain

If you're an adult who needs braces, you will appreciate that modern ceramic brackets are much less noticeable than metal and blend more discreetly with your smile.

Invisalign and Clear Aligners for Adults and Teens

Clear braces are perfect for older teens and adults who want a more discreet way to straighten their teeth. Instead of brackets and wires, Dr. Sara can achieve a perfect smile using a series of customized crystal-clear aligners designed to move your teeth gradually.

With clear aligners, we can address many of the same issues as with traditional orthodontics, like overbites and underbites. When you choose Invisalign or clear aligners, you'll appreciate that they blend so well into your smile that most people won't notice them. You'll also enjoy the convenience of removing your clear aligners for meals and for brushing and flossing.

Treatment times with clear aligners usually average about 12-18 months.

Please Schedule an Appointment with Our Orthodontist

Dr. Skurnick has provided exceptional orthodontic treatment to patients in Staten Island and surrounding areas for 30 years. She enjoys working with children and adults and helping them achieve their healthiest, straightest smiles

If you would like to schedule an orthodontic evaluation for your child, or you'd like to learn more about Invisalign and clear aligners, please call Staten Island Pediatric Dentistry at (718) 761-7316.