Straight teeth are only part of the story—your bite should be healthy, stable, and comfortable. At Blue Dental Clinic on the Upper East Side, orthodontic treatment is planned around both esthetics and function, using modern aligners and braces to create confident smiles that last.

Why choose us for orthodontics

• Bite-first planning: We analyze alignment, jaw relationships, and wear patterns—not just crowded teeth.
• Choice of systems: Invisalign®/clear aligners, ceramic (tooth-colored) braces, and metal braces for complex movements.
• Teen & adult expertise: Growth guidance for adolescents and discreet options for professionals.
• Comfort & clarity: Gentle techniques, clear timelines and costs, and insurance-friendly support.

Who orthodontics can help

• Crowding or spacing
• Overbite, underbite, open bite, or crossbite
• Rotations and flared teeth
• Relapse after past orthodontics (lost retainer)
• Excess wear, chipping, or jaw discomfort from a misaligned bite

Treatment options

• Invisalign® / Clear Aligners: Nearly invisible, removable trays changed every 1–2 weeks; great for social comfort and easy hygiene.
• Ceramic (Clear) Braces: Low-visibility brackets with tooth-colored wires available; precise control for many cases.
• Metal Braces: Time-tested reliability for complex movements and efficiency.
• Limited (cosmetic) Alignment: Shorter plans targeting the smile zone for select adults.
• Interdisciplinary Care: Coordinated plans with restorative, periodontal, or implant treatment when needed.

The orthodontic process

1. Consultation & records: Photos, digital scans/impressions, and X-rays as indicated.
2. Customized plan: We review options (aligners vs. braces), expected timeline, and fees.
3. Active treatment: Regular progress checks; refined tooth movement for ideal bite and esthetics.
4. Finishing & detailing: Fine-tune midlines, edges, and bite contacts.
5. Retention: Custom retainers to protect your new smile—clear, fixed, or a combination.

How long does it take?

Most comprehensive cases take 6–18 months; limited cosmetic alignment can be faster. Complexity, biology, and aligner/braces wear compliance affect timing—we’ll map a realistic plan from day one.

Retainers: keep results locked in

Teeth have memory. We provide a retainer strategy tailored to you (nighttime wear for clear retainers; fixed/l bonded options where helpful) and simple habits to maintain alignment.

Comfort & daily life

• Discomfort: Light pressure or tenderness is common for 1–3 days after adjustments or new aligners.
• Eating & hygiene: Aligners come out to eat/brush; braces patients get a kit and tips for easy cleaning.
• Sports & music: Mouthguards for contact sports; aligner wear can be planned around performances.

Cost & insurance

Fees depend on case complexity and system (aligners vs. braces). Many PPO plans include orthodontic benefits, especially for dependents. We verify coverage in advance, provide transparent estimates, offer payment options, and submit claims on your behalf.

FAQs

Invisalign or braces—what’s better?
Both work. Aligners are discreet and removable; braces can be more efficient for certain tooth movements. We’ll recommend the best fit for your goals and lifestyle.

Will I need teeth removed?
Only when space or biology demands it. We’ll also explore expansion, IPR (tiny enamel reshaping), or limited movement to avoid extractions when possible.

How many hours do aligners need to be worn?
Typically 20–22 hours/day—remove only to eat, drink anything but water, and brush/floss.

Can adults get braces or aligners?
Absolutely. Healthy gums and bone allow tooth movement at nearly any age; we tailor options for discretion and comfort.

What happens after treatment?
Retention. We provide clear guidance and retainers to keep your smile and bite stable long term.



Ready to start straightening?

Book an orthodontic consultation at our Upper East Side office. We’ll compare aligners and braces for your case, outline timelines and costs, and design a plan that fits your life—and your best smile.