The skilled team at Zeifman Orthodontics, we’re proud to offer many different orthodontic treatment options and types of braces to patients of all ages in our Florham Park office. Our expert team is committed to creating personalized treatment plans that are designed specifically for your unique smile! Using the latest techniques and innovative technology, Dr. Zeifman can successfully treat a wide range of orthodontic issues, including

  • Crowded teeth
  • Gaps between teeth
  • Protruding teeth
  • Overbite
  • Underbite
  • Crossbite
  • Impacted teeth

We provide a variety of treatment options to make sure that your journey to a new smile fits both your needs and your lifestyle. Among these options are braces traditional braces, which continue to be the most common type of orthodontic treatment. They’ve gone through quite the transformation in recent years. Not only are today’s braces smaller and more aesthetically pleasing, but they also move the teeth more efficiently, leading to a better orthodontic experience all around! 

If you’ve been exploring braces treatment to improve your oral health and align your smile, you may be wondering what options you’ll have. Your initial appointment with Dr. Zeifman will consist of an orthodontic examination that will help her determine which treatment option is right for you, your smile, and your lifestyle.

Let’s take a closer look at the types of braces we have available, how they differ, and how they can give you a confident smile you’ll love!

A note about traditional braces

Braces really shine when it comes to fixing complex problems with your teeth. They can even close gaps and align teeth faster than other treatments. Who can say no to shorter treatment times? While we can’t guarantee a treatment time, the average is 18-36 months. You’ll see signs that the treatment is working quickly and be inspired to keep working towards your new smile. 

That’s especially important because traditional braces require some maintenance that can be a little tricky at first. You must have an excellent oral hygiene routine during your orthodontic treatment. There are several accessories designed to make cleaning braces easier, such as Waterpik to help rinse any hard to reach areas and ortho picks to assist with flossing. We recommend brushing twice a day for at least two minutes each time and flossing every night before bed.

You’ll also need to avoid some foods, so you don’t damage your braces. Sticky or crunchy foods can break brackets and wires. This won’t last forever, though, and will all be worth it once your braces come off, and you see your beautiful new smile!

In addition to the work you’ll need to do at home, you’ll come into our office every 4-12 weeks for check-up appointments. Dr. Zeifman will change the bands attached to the brackets and replace the wire as well. These check-ups are short, so they won’t keep you from work or school for too long. Though there may be some slight residual soreness after each adjustment, it should only be temporary. These visits are a very important part of the overall treatment plan and help us ensure the best results in the least amount of time, so try your best not to miss them. 

Types of braces

Metal braces

Metal braces are practically the symbol of orthodontics. The reason they’re so popular is the fact that they can often work faster and more efficiently than other treatment options. 

Thanks to a mix of stainless steel, nickel, and other high-quality metals, the brackets are very durable and long-lasting. Since they don’t require some of the more complex technology or expensive equipment that newer treatments do, metal braces also tend to be a slightly more affordable option. The overall strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness of traditional braces keep them the top treatment for orthodontics, year after year. 

Clear braces

Clear braces work by following the same basic principles that metal braces do. But as a bonus, they blend in with your teeth because the brackets are translucent or tooth-colored. While ceramic braces are about the same size and shape as metal braces, they’re better able to blend in with a patient’s natural smile for a more subtle straightening option. 

Although ceramic braces are tough, the material they are made from can be prone to chipping or cracking. Since metal braces can tolerate more pressure than ceramic ones, they may be a better option for those who have severe corrections that need to be made. 

Be aware that ceramic braces are slightly more expensive because they require more precise technique, and they’re a bit more prone to breakage. We believe ceramic braces are generally better suited to adults and older teens. That said, ceramic braces can be an excellent option for many patients. When paired with clear, white, or tooth-colored wires and elastic ties, they are an incredibly discreet and efficient way to straighten smiles! 

Inbrace lingual braces

Inbrace lingual braces are a great alternative to traditional braces because they’re the only entirely invisible, custom-made treatment options. The brackets are placed on the back of your teeth instead of the front. Inbrace works the same way traditional braces do. They apply gentle, continuous pressure to your teeth, so they slowly shift them into the best position for your new smile. This treatment can take anywhere from 6-30 months, depending on how bad your bite or overcrowding is.

Invisalign clear aligners

The Invisalign system consists of clear, removable aligners that are customized to fit comfortably over the teeth. Like traditional braces, the aligners gently move the teeth into the desired positions. This is accomplished by wearing them 20-22 hours per day throughout treatment, and replacing them every 1-2 weeks for the next aligner in the system.

Invisalign offers incredible freedom.  For instance, there are no food restrictions since aligners are removed when eating or drinking. It’s easy to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy since you don’t have to work around wires and brackets. You simply remove the aligner, then brush and floss the way you usually would! 

Types of braces

Find braces that work with your smile at Zeifman Orthodontics

At Zeifman Orthodontics, we know every smile is unique, and what works for one patient may not be the right choice for another. That’s why Dr. Zeifman creates a customized treatment plan for every patient! With her education, skills, and experience, you can be sure that she’ll only recommend the course of treatment that’s best for your smile. 

If you’re in the Florham Park area, we’d love to give you more information on how braces can give you a healthier, straighter smile. Get in touch today to schedule your FREE consultation!