Orthodontist at Elite Dental Associates in Hazlet NJ

An orthodontist works to straighten your teeth and improve how your bite fits together, making daily activities like chewing and speaking easier. At Elite Dental Associates, we offer personalized treatments designed to address concerns such as crooked teeth, spacing, or jaw alignment. Our team is ready to support your orthodontic care from start to finish.

---

Who is an Orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who helps guide teeth and jaws into better positions. Many people visit an orthodontist when their teeth are crowded, crooked, or spaced too far apart. Others need help with jaw alignment, which affects chewing and speaking. Orthodontists use specialized skills and tools to create balance in the mouth.

The process begins with a full evaluation:

• Bite Analysis: We check how your top and bottom teeth come together.
• Alignment Check: We assess if teeth need straightening to improve function and hygiene.

Orthodontic treatment is not only about aesthetics. Straight teeth make brushing and flossing easier, reducing the risk of decay and gum disease. A balanced bite also reduces jaw strain, preventing discomfort when eating.

Each plan is designed for your specific needs. Some treatments take a few months, while others may take longer, depending on how your teeth move. Regular visits help us check progress and make minor adjustments to guide the teeth into their ideal positions.

---

Common Types of Orthodontic Treatments and How They Help

We use different treatments to fix tooth and jaw problems. The right option depends on your specific alignment needs.

• Traditional Braces: A common choice using small brackets and wires to slowly move each tooth. Braces are highly effective for treating a wide range of issues, from simple to complex.
• Clear Aligners: Removable trays that gently shift teeth over time. Many patients prefer aligners because they are nearly invisible and can be taken out for meals and brushing. They work best for mild to moderate alignment problems.
• Orthodontic Appliances: Some patients need special devices to guide jaw growth or correct bite issues. These are often used in younger patients to ensure proper development.
• Retainers: Used at the end of treatment to keep teeth from shifting back. Retainers ensure that the progress made stays in place permanently.

---

Key Benefits of Orthodontic Care

Orthodontic care offers benefits that improve both daily life and long-term oral health.

• Improved Function: When teeth meet properly, food breaks down more easily, supporting better digestion.
• Better Hygiene: Straight teeth are easier to brush and floss, reducing the risk of plaque buildup and cavities.
• Clearer Speech: Proper alignment often leads to clearer speech, as some sounds are difficult to produce when teeth are out of place.
• Jaw Comfort: Correcting an uneven bite reduces strain on the jaw muscles, helping prevent long-term joint pain.
• Facial Balance: Properly aligning the jaws can enhance the natural symmetry of the face.

Many patients also enjoy feeling more confident once their teeth are aligned. At Elite Dental Associates, we help guide your teeth into positions that support a lifetime of health.

---

What to Expect During Your Orthodontic Evaluation and Treatment Plan

Your orthodontic journey begins with a detailed evaluation. During this visit, the orthodontist checks your teeth, bite, and jaw movement. Photos, X-rays, or digital scans may be used to better visualize your mouth. These images help the orthodontist understand exactly how your teeth sit and what changes are needed.

Next, the orthodontist explains your treatment options. You may choose braces, aligners, or other appliances depending on what will help your teeth the most. Each plan includes an estimated timeline and step-by-step goals.

Once treatment begins, regular visits are scheduled to track progress. Small adjustments are made to guide the teeth in the right direction. These visits help ensure the movement stays steady and comfortable. Treatment can take several months or longer, depending on how your teeth respond.

When your teeth reach their new positions, the active part of the treatment ends. You’ll likely receive a retainer to help keep the teeth from shifting back. Wearing a retainer is an important part of maintaining your smile's health for years to come. By the end of the process, chewing, speaking, and cleaning your teeth often become much easier and more comfortable.

---

Modern Technology That Makes Orthodontic Treatment More Precise

Orthodontic care has improved with new tools and technology that make treatment more accurate and comfortable. Digital scanning is one of the biggest advances. It replaces old-style molds with quick, detailed images that show the exact shape of your mouth. These scans help create aligners or braces that fit better and feel smoother.

Computer programs are used to map how your teeth will move over time. This gives the orthodontist a clear plan and helps reduce guesswork. It also lets patients see a preview of how their teeth will look after treatment.

3D printing is increasingly used to create aligners and custom appliances. This technology allows for exact designs that match your bite and tooth shape.

Advanced wires and bracket materials also help guide teeth more gently and efficiently. These materials apply a steady force that supports natural movement and may reduce treatment time.

Together, these tools help orthodontists create better-fitting, more effective treatment plans that improve comfort and accuracy.

---

Orthodontics Vs. Other Ways to Improve Tooth Position

Orthodontics is one of the most trusted methods for improving tooth and jaw alignment. It focuses on moving the actual teeth into healthier positions rather than simply covering them. This makes it different from other cosmetic treatments.

Dental veneers, for example, change the look of teeth but do not move them. They work well for minor shape or color concerns, but cannot correct bite issues. Crowns can restore damaged teeth, but they also do not guide teeth into new positions.

Orthodontic treatment:

• Corrects crowding and spacing.
• Improves bite alignment.
• Reduces uneven tooth wear.
• Supports long-term oral health.

Some people choose a mix of treatments. For example, orthodontics can first align the teeth, and veneers can later adjust the shape or color if needed.

---

How to Care for Your Teeth During Orthodontic Treatment

Good care during orthodontic treatment helps keep your teeth and gums healthy. Braces and aligners work best when the mouth stays clean and free of plaque. Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day are important habits that help protect your teeth.

Here are helpful tips you can follow:

• Brush carefully around brackets or aligners to remove food particles.
• Use floss aids if you have braces to reach tight spaces.
• Rinse with water after meals to wash away loose debris.

If you’re using clear aligners, clean them daily to remove buildup. Always store them in a case when not in use to prevent them from getting lost or damaged. Avoid sticky or very hard foods if you have braces, since these can break wires or crack brackets. If a wire becomes loose or a bracket breaks, contact your orthodontist right away to have the issue corrected.

Regular dental visits are still important. Your dentist will check for early signs of cavities or gum changes while your teeth are shifting. Good care makes treatment smoother and helps protect your results once everything is aligned. At Elite Dental Associates, we guide you on proper care so your orthodontic treatment stays on track.

---

Meet Your Doctor

• Joseph Terranova
• Greg Campi
• Manreet Kaur

---

Payment and Insurance

If you have questions about payment or insurance, you can contact us anytime. Our team will explain your choices clearly and easily. We want you to feel comfortable at every step, so we’re always here to help you understand your options and make the process as smooth as possible.

---

Contact Information:
Elite Dental Associates
1 Bethany Rd Suite 54
Phone: (732) 264-6202