Whether you’re trying to give your child the best start or you’re getting around to correcting your own teeth, braces offer solutions to the toughest teeth alignment problems. At Forest Hills Orthodontic Associates, Dr. Mizrahi specializes in orthodontics and ensures that his patients in Forest Hills, Queens, New York, get perfectly aligned teeth that serve them well for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions About Braces

When are Braces Necessary?

While straight teeth are crucial to a winning smile, they also play a much larger role in your overall health and wellness. Malocclusion, which is the term for teeth that don’t line up properly, can lead to problems with speech or chewing, and it can also create issues in your temporomandibular joints on either side of your jaw.

There are three main types of malocclusion:

  • Class 1, which is a small overbite
  • Class 2, which is a severe overbite
  • Class 3, or an underbite

In addition to preventing functional problems, straighter teeth afford you a lifetime of easier cleaning, which wards off tooth decay.

When Should I Get Braces for My Child or Myself?

If you’re looking into braces as an adult, there’s no time like the present to get started. Dr. Mizrahi offers several options to adult patients that get their teeth in line quickly and discreetly.

When it comes to children, you should work with Dr. Mizrahi as soon as they start losing their baby teeth and their secondary teeth begin erupting. Once your child’s teeth are all in, Dr. Mizrahi reviews their final placement and determines whether your child might benefit from braces. Typically, most kids get braces between the ages of 10 and 14.

What Are the Options in Braces?

If you’ve determined that you or your child needs braces, there are plenty of options to choose from, including:

Metal Braces

These are the most cost-effective solution for straightening teeth, and they rely on wires, brackets, and rubber bands to slowly move your teeth into place.

Ceramic Braces

These braces work much like metal ones do except they’re harder to detect. Instead of metal, these braces are made from ceramic, which mimics the natural color of your teeth.

Damon Braces

Damon braces are a great option for those of us looking for a more hands-off approach in regards to ligation. These braces will straighten your teeth into place without the need for rubber bands or constant adjustment from Dr. Mizrahi.