Braces Franklin Lakes, NJ
Expert Braces Care for Every Age
Orthodontic treatment is a significant step towards improving both dental health and overall confidence. At Smiles by Lorino Orthodontics, we believe in more than just straightening teeth—we aim to enhance your entire smile experience, delivering results that benefit you long after treatment ends.
Located conveniently in Franklin Lakes, NJ, we provide comprehensive braces Franklin Lakes NJ options designed for children, teens, and adults. Our focus is on creating a comfortable, supportive environment, where your concerns are heard, and your treatment plan is built with care.
Serving the Franklin Lakes, NJ Community with Orthodontic Excellence
Choosing Smiles by Lorino Orthodontics means opting for expertise right in your own community. We take pride in serving patients across Franklin Lakes and surrounding areas with personalized care that is attentive and reliable. Our practice offers a full range of modern braces options, making it easier to find the right fit for your lifestyle.
With years of experience and a commitment to patient comfort, we make orthodontic care accessible and convenient for families in Franklin Lakes. Whether you’re looking for a trusted orthodontist nearby or exploring options for yourself or a loved one, Smiles by Lorino Orthodontics is a place you can rely on for excellent care and outstanding results.
Types of Braces We Offer
At Smiles by Lorino Orthodontics, we understand that each patient’s needs are unique, which is why we offer a variety of braces options to fit different lifestyles and preferences.
Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are the most widely used orthodontic treatment option. Made from high-quality stainless steel, these braces consist of metal brackets and archwires that apply steady pressure to move teeth into their correct positions. Metal braces are extremely durable and can correct even the most complex orthodontic issues, making them a trusted choice for both children and adults.
Advantages of Traditional Metal Braces:
- Highly effective for severe misalignment or bite issues
- Durable and strong, making them less prone to breakage
- Option to personalize with colorful elastics for a more fun and individualized look
Self-Ligating Braces
Self-ligating braces offer a modern twist on traditional metal braces. Instead of elastic bands, these braces use a special clip to hold the archwire in place. This design reduces friction, allowing for smoother tooth movement and often shorter treatment times. Self-ligating braces are an excellent choice for patients looking for a more efficient treatment process.
Advantages of Self-Ligating Braces:
- Fewer adjustments needed, potentially leading to shorter treatment times
- Reduced friction results in a more comfortable experience
- Easier to clean since there are no elastics to trap food particles
Clear (Ceramic) Braces
Clear braces are made from a translucent ceramic material that blends in with your teeth, making them less noticeable than metal braces. This option is popular with both teens and adults who want a more subtle treatment while still receiving the benefits of traditional braces. Though they are less visible, clear braces are just as effective as metal braces in correcting a wide range of orthodontic issues.
Advantages of Clear Braces:
- More discreet than metal braces, offering an aesthetically pleasing option
- Effective for treating a variety of orthodontic problems
- Made from durable, stain-resistant ceramic materials
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are a removable, nearly invisible alternative to braces. Custom-made to fit snugly over your teeth, clear aligners gradually shift your teeth into place without the need for metal brackets or wires. This option is perfect for patients seeking a flexible, discreet treatment solution that allows them to remove the aligners for eating, drinking, and cleaning.
Advantages of Clear Aligners:
- Virtually invisible, making them a popular choice for adults and image-conscious teens
- Removable for easier eating and oral hygiene maintenance
- No restrictions on food since aligners can be taken out during meals
Braces for Children
Orthodontic care for children is an important step in ensuring healthy teeth development and preventing future dental issues. At Smiles by Lorino Orthodontics, we recommend bringing your child for an orthodontic evaluation around age seven, as advised by the American Association of Orthodontists. Early treatment helps to guide jaw growth, create space for emerging teeth, and address habits such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting, which can cause long-term problems if left untreated.
Some signs that your child may benefit from an early orthodontic visit include:
- Crowded or misplaced teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Mouth breathing
- Thumb sucking or tongue thrusting
- Popping or clicking jaws
- Misaligned bite (overbite, underbite, or crossbite)
Addressing these concerns early allows us to plan the most effective treatment, potentially reducing the need for more complex procedures in the future.
Braces for Teens
For teenagers, braces are often seen as a key part of achieving a confident, healthy smile. At Smiles by Lorino Orthodontics, we offer a range of modern braces options that make the process less intimidating and more comfortable than ever before. Teens can choose from traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces, or even clear aligners, depending on their needs and preferences.
Life with braces doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With today’s advancements, treatment is more comfortable, and teens can even personalize their braces with colored bands to suit their style. It’s important to follow proper care routines to ensure the best results and avoid any unnecessary delays in treatment.
Here are some important care tips for teens with braces:
- Avoid sticky, chewy, or hard foods that can damage braces (e.g., gum, popcorn, nuts)
- Brush and floss regularly to maintain healthy teeth and gums
- Visit the orthodontist for regular adjustments to keep the treatment on track
- Wear any additional appliances (like rubber bands) as prescribed
Braces for Adults
Orthodontic treatment isn’t just for teenagers—adults can also benefit significantly from braces. At Smiles by Lorino Orthodontics, we see many adult patients who want to improve their smiles and correct long-standing dental issues.
Braces for adults not only improve the appearance of your smile but also contribute to better dental health by correcting bite issues and reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Thankfully, modern advancements have made treatment options more discreet and comfortable, making it easier for adults to fit braces into their daily lives.
What to Expect During Your Braces Treatment
At Smiles by Lorino Orthodontics, we want to ensure that your experience with braces is as smooth and straightforward as possible. From the initial consultation to the day your braces come off, our team will guide you through each step of the treatment process.
- Comprehensive Consultation: Your journey begins with a thorough consultation. During this visit, we will examine your teeth, take necessary X-rays or digital scans, and discuss your orthodontic concerns. Based on this assessment, we’ll recommend the best braces option to suit your needs and lifestyle.
- Personalized Treatment Plan: After gathering all the necessary information, we’ll develop a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific goals. This plan will outline the type of braces you’ll receive, the expected duration of treatment, and the steps involved in achieving your desired results.
- Braces Application: Once the treatment plan is finalized, we’ll carefully apply your braces. The process is straightforward, and our team will ensure you’re comfortable and understand how to care for your new braces from day one.
- Regular Adjustments: Throughout your treatment, you’ll have follow-up appointments for adjustments. These visits are important to track your progress, tighten the braces, and make any necessary modifications to keep your teeth moving in the right direction.
- Final Results and Retainers: Once your braces come off, you’ll receive a custom retainer to help maintain your new smile. We’ll also provide detailed instructions on how to care for your teeth post-treatment to ensure long-lasting results.
Caring for Your Braces
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is crucial to ensure your braces treatment progresses smoothly. At Smiles by Lorino Orthodontics, we provide you with all the tools and guidance you need to keep your teeth and braces clean and healthy throughout your treatment.
Brushing
STEP 1: Position Your Toothbrush
Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle towards the gum line. This allows you to clean around both the brackets and your gums effectively.
STEP 2: Brush Gently in Circles
Use a gentle circular motion to brush along the gum line and around each bracket. Make sure to cover all the surfaces of your teeth: front, back, and chewing surfaces.
STEP 3: Focus on Each Bracket
Clean around each bracket individually, making sure to remove any food particles or plaque buildup.
STEP 4: Brush the Inner Surfaces
Tilt your toothbrush vertically and use up-and-down strokes to clean the inner surfaces of your front teeth.
STEP 5: Don’t Forget Your Tongue
Brush your tongue as well to help maintain fresh breath and remove bacteria.
Flossing
STEP 1: Use a Floss Threader
Thread the floss through a floss threader to guide it under the wire of your braces. This helps you reach between the teeth without damaging the braces.
STEP 2: Slide the Floss Between Your Teeth
Once the floss is under the wire, gently slide it between two teeth. Be careful not to snap the floss into the gums.
STEP 3: Form a C-Shape
Curve the floss around the side of one tooth in a “C” shape, and gently slide it up and down to remove any trapped food or plaque.
STEP 4: Move to the Next Tooth
Gently pull the floss out, re-thread it under the wire, and move on to the next space between your teeth. Repeat this process for each tooth.
Consider a Water Flosser
For additional convenience, especially if you find traditional flossing difficult, using a water flosser can help effectively clean between your teeth and around your braces.
Avoiding Certain Foods
To protect your braces and avoid damage, there are certain foods you should avoid. Hard, sticky, or chewy foods can break brackets or bend wires, which may prolong your treatment. Here’s a guide:
- Avoid: Chewy foods (bagels, licorice), crunchy foods (popcorn, chips), sticky foods (caramel, gum), and hard foods (nuts, hard candies).
- Safe to Eat: Soft foods like yogurt, pasta, mashed potatoes, and steamed vegetables. Cut fruits into small pieces to avoid biting directly into them.
Managing Discomfort
It’s normal to experience some discomfort after getting braces or following adjustments. You can ease mild soreness by rinsing with warm salt water or using over-the-counter pain relievers. If a bracket or wire causes irritation, orthodontic wax can be applied to the area for relief.
Protecting Your Braces During Sports
If you’re active in sports, it’s important to protect your braces and teeth by wearing a mouthguard. We can help you find the right mouthguard for your sport, ensuring your teeth are safe while you stay active.
Book Your Braces Franklin Lakes NJ Consultation
At Smiles by Lorino Orthodontics, we are committed to helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile with braces that fit your lifestyle and needs. If you’re looking for top-quality braces options, personalized care, and a practice dedicated to long-term results, we invite you to schedule your consultation today.
Let Smiles by Lorino Orthodontics be your trusted partner in orthodontic care in Franklin Lakes, NJ!