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How to Practice Smiling More — 5 Tips to Promote Happiness

Posted on by Pres mult

Practice smiling? Why on earth would you want to do that? It is condescending when you’re at work and a co-worker says, “Smile, you look grumpy.” What does it matter if you look grumpy? Turns out that it matters a lot. Maybe that co-worker knows something you don’t.

There is a scientific basis that smiling is good for both our emotional and physical beings.

Why Practice Smiling?

Sometimes smiling comes naturally. We witness something funny. Uncle George tells the same lame joke he tells every Thanksgiving. Sometimes we smile just because someone smiled at us and wished us a good day. Unfortunately, the world isn’t always a joy-producing place.

With everything working against us, learning how to practice smiling can have profound effects on our entire body. Sometimes we just need a little pick-me-up to get through a rough day. Whatever reason is behind your need for a smile, the result is always good.

Although it would be awesome to reclaim a bit of our youth, we can’t go back in time. Children smile about 400 times per day while adults may eke out a measly 40 to 50 smiles a day if they are happy. Normal people average about 20 smiles per day! We can, however, practice smiling more.

What Smiling Does to Your Body and Mind

The act of smiling begins a chemical chain reaction in your body. The movement of facial muscles, particularly the zygomaticus major (the “smile” muscle), instructs the brain to release neuropeptides. The three most common are endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine. These little messengers travel through our bodies doing magical things.

Endorphins act as natural pain relievers, which also help to reduce stress. This can also lower blood pressure and have a good effect on your heart rate.

Serotonin and dopamine are your body’s anti-depressants. When you smile and your brain releases these “feel good” chemicals you feel, at least momentarily, a little happier.

Although smiles aren’t a cure-all for everything that ails us, they are a great starting point. Smiles are 100 percent free, easily accessible, and they can spread from one person to the next to create a cacophony of mirth. This is one contagion we like to spread!

Smiling Makes Your Workday Better Too

People who smile seem to have wonderful lives. They have good jobs, great families, they finish their to-do list every day. Everyone seems to like them. It may surprise you that smiling is beneficial to workplace productivity.

Happy workers make the entire work environment more pleasant.

Practice Smiling to Improve Your Immune System

With the COVID-19 pandemic, we are all looking for ways to improve our immune systems. Surprisingly, you don’t need extra vitamins or a healthy diet (although those also help). Smiling can help to boost your immune system.

When we smile or laugh, part of the chemical chain reaction from our brain releases infection-fighting antibodies. These increase our immune cells and our ability to resist illnesses. The benefits of laughter have been compared to the benefits of exercise for improving our immune system.

Improve Your Overall Health

There are many other ways that smiling has a positive impact on your entire body.

Endorphins create an improved mood. When you smile, the muscle movement helps make you feel happier, even if it is a fake smile!

We mentioned pain relief earlier. It has been documented that smiling or laughing decreases pain. Think about taking a spill on an icy sidewalk. If you grumble, it really hurts. If you laugh about how silly you looked going down, you can get up, brush yourself off, and go on about your day. If there happens to be video evidence it’s even better!

Although it is not a substitute for prescribed blood pressure medications if you need them, smiling can lower your blood pressure. When you laugh, there is a momentary rise in blood pressure which triggers an increase in blood flow. As the chemicals from your brain travel through your body, your stress levels decrease along with your blood pressure and heart rate.

Happy people tend to have better relationships, both at work and home. Smiling makes us more likable and more approachable. Having and maintaining better relationships tends to have a good effect on your whole being.

People who smile more tend to look younger. We often associate happiness with youth, so a happy person must be younger, right? Although this one might be just an illusion or trick of the mind, appearing younger is usually not a bad thing in anyone’s life!

Give Yourself a Reason to Smile

Sometimes you just have a horrible day and it is difficult to muster a smile. Those are the days when you need a smile the most! Finding something to smile about might take a bit of effort, but you can do it!

Start with happy memories. Whatever brought you happiness is fair game to bring on a smile when you need it. If you have difficulty using images from your past, you can find plenty of resources in the present day.

Watch a funny movie or TV show. Go to the nearest local comedy show. Spend time with friends or family.

Are your neighbor’s children playing and laughing in their yard? Smile as you watch them have fun. Take a trip to the zoo and watch the antics of the monkeys. No matter where you are, there is always a way to find a small spark of happiness.

How to Practice Smiling More

Look in a mirror. Smile at yourself. Did your reflection smile back at you? See. It’s already working. If you need to practice smiling more to add joy and laughter back into your life there are lots of ways to get help.

Doctors and therapists are recognizing the benefits of smiling and are actually prescribing laugh workshops, laugh yoga, laugh therapy, and even goats. Yes, goats are almost always doing something silly and we can’t help but laugh at them.

There are laugh groups that meet regularly to just laugh. One person starts the merriment, usually with a really bad fake laugh. Someone else laughs at how horrible the first laugh was.

Pretty soon everyone is holding their side, with tears streaming down their cheeks. What started as a bad fake laugh evolves into a true, belly-jiggling round of genuine laughter. It is really good medicine.

Step Out of Your Comfort Zone

If you aren’t quite ready to step out and practice smiling more because you don’t like your smile, Northeastern Braces can help. With braces or Invisalign treatment, the doctors at Northeastern Braces will have your smile picture-perfect in no time.

It is easy to schedule your Free Consultation using our online form. If you would rather speak directly to a Scheduling Coordinator you may call our Newburgh office at (917) 801 3600 or the Newburgh office at (845) 863 0500. We proudly serve the entire area with braces, Invisalign, and general orthodontic care.

Please check out our Orthodontic Blog for more information about our services, dental care tips, and more.

Do Braces Hurt? What to Expect with New Braces

Posted on by Pres mult

One of the first things people getting braces wonder is, “Do Braces Hurt?” The short answer is no, but you experience discomfort. It doesn’t hurt when the doctor affixes the brackets. Your mouth will feel “funny” because of the extra hardware. Let’s look at how braces work.

How Braces Work (Honest, Braces Don’t Hurt)

Braces work using the principle of tension to create the necessary force to move teeth. To apply the tension, you need brackets and an archwire. The doctor affixes brackets to your teeth using a dental bond (glue). That part doesn’t hurt at all. The brackets might feel odd against the inside of your lips and cheeks.

The archwire threads through all the brackets. It is locked in place by clamps on the brackets and small rubber bands (elastics). Although installing the archwire doesn’t hurt, you may experience some discomfort when the doctor begins to tighten the wire. By tightening the wire, the doctor adds tension to move your teeth into alignment.

The doctor will adjust the archwire periodically during your treatment period to continue moving teeth into alignment. Because your teeth will be slightly loose while moving, you may feel discomfort from that, especially if you eat something hard, crunchy, or chewy.

You Will Experience Some Discomfort

Throughout your treatment, you will experience discomfort. Most often, this will occur after an adjustment as your teeth shift to new positions. Normally, this may last a day or two and regular over-the-counter pain relievers will help. If it lasts more than a week or is beyond discomfort and into “pain” you should contact your orthodontist.

Another way to ease some of the discomforts is to use analgesic gels such as Anbesol® or Orajel®. These topical solutions contain numbing agents that can help. Cold compresses or ice packs can also help.

The brackets and wires may irritate your mouth. This is normal and your mouth will adapt. Placing a small bit of dental wax on the bracket that is rubbing will help.

At times, you may experience a broken wire that may poke the inside of your mouth. The brackets may also get loose or come off. While they may cause pain, there are things you can do to ease that until you can have them repaired by the doctor. We’ll discuss quick DIY fixes for comfort shortly.

All in all, it shouldn’t hurt to have braces. If your level of discomfort is painful, please let your orthodontist know.

Dental Wax is Your Friend When Your Braces Hurt

You will receive some dental wax when you get your braces. Keep it with you at all times. We mentioned that placing a dot of dental wax over a bracket that is rubbing will help. Dental wax can also be used to temporarily secure a loose wire or bracket.

If you play a brass instrument in the marching band you will LOVE your dental wax. It can be useful to shield the inside of your lips while playing your instrument. Braces will not interfere with the playing of any of the wind instruments, but your embouchure may get tender. Dental wax to the rescue!

Occasionally, you may have a poking wire. In many cases, a dab of dental wax will allow you to continue your activities without pain. Remember, we do expect you to have some discomfort, but your braces should not hurt.

Tools to Make Life with Braces Easier

With new braces come new habits. We recommend that you create a braces tool kit that you can keep in a little box, container, or even a zippered baggie. Put it in your backpack, briefcase, or purse and keep it with you. The items we recommend putting in your kit are:

  • Dental wax
  • A new pencil with a clean, unused eraser
  • Small, clean nail clippers
  • Interdental brushes
  • Clean tweezers
  • Dental floss and a floss threader
  • Toothbrush and travel-sized toothpaste
  • Collapsible cup (optional)

Although you can purchase pre-made kits, the items listed above will do the job for you to solve almost every orthodontic emergency you may have, at least temporarily. Please be sure to contact your orthodontist before performing do-it-yourself repairs on your braces.

What to Do if Your Braces Hurt

When you first get your braces and right after having an adjustment you may experience more discomfort for a day or two. You may feel soreness when chewing especially. Because the brackets are new, you may develop sores inside your mouth and on your tongue from rubbing.

Taking OTC pain relievers and using analgesic gels will probably be sufficient to ease the pain. You may want to alter your diet a bit, including softer foods such as:

  • Smoothies
  • Frozen yogurt
  • Cold, non-sugary drinks
  • Soup
  • Macaroni and cheese

You can also use a warm salt-water rinse. Simply add about one teaspoon of salt per cup of warm water, swish, and spit. The warm water will soothe your gums. Of course, you want to avoid this if you have open sores inside your mouth. Don’t forget your friendly dental wax for those sore spots.

Proper Oral Hygiene with Braces

We don’t need to tell you about the importance of oral hygiene in general, but we should mention that it increases with braces. The hardware adds extra nooks and crannies where food particles can hide. Keeping your braces clean will prevent food and plaque from collecting in all the extra little spaces around your brackets and under your wires.

Call with Questions

The staff at Northeastern Braces is ready for your call. Always call if any part of your appliance breaks or comes unattached. Our staff may talk you through the steps to repair the problem, at least temporarily, or they may recommend an additional appointment for repair. Although you will be able to handle most emergencies on your own, it is very important to maintain contact with the office.

If you haven’t gotten braces yet, we answered your question, “Do braces hurt,” and it is a perfect time to make an appointment with Northeastern Braces. You can click on any of the handy “Book Online” links on our website or call our offices to speak directly to an appointment Coordinator.

Newburgh Office — (917) 801 3600
Newburgh Office — (845) 863 0500

Also, be sure to check our Orthodontic Blog for more great information on braces, Invisalign, and oral health.

How to Pick Your Next Great Toothbrush

Posted on by Pres mult

Figuring out how to pick your next great toothbrush isn’t rocket science. Or is it? We researched what goes into a good toothbrush and why some brands are better than others. We reviewed manual vs. electric, the size of the bristles, shape of the head, angle of the handle, and other factors. In the toothbrush industry, the race is on to make the most ergonomic toothbrush.

What is “Ergonomic?”

Ergonomics is an applied science that works to create tools and equipment that enhance life, comfort, and reduce injury.

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary definition is a bit more refined:

How-to-Pick-Your-Next-Great-Toothbrush-Definition-of-Ergonomics

Although original ergonomic concepts had a purpose revolving around workplace safety, they have become more commonplace in household applications. You will find the concepts applied to seating, keyboards, toothbrushes, lawn rakes, and even ink pens.

When you look at a toothbrush that says it has an “ergonomic design” it simply means that it incorporates properties that make it easier to use and increases its efficiency.

How the Shape and Size of the Head Make a Difference

In reality, it doesn’t matter that much and is more a personal preference. Whether you prefer a diamond, oval, square, round, or the old rectangle, what matters more is how you use the toothbrush. Split, angled, cross-bristled — there seem to be a million choices out there. The one constant the entire industry agrees on is that you should use a soft-bristled brush.

There is evidence that a smaller round or diamond-shaped head can be more effective in removing food particles and plaque from hard-to-reach molars. The shaped edges fit more comfortably between the teeth and inside of the mouth which makes brushing more comfortable.

Our recommendation here is to find a shape and size that matches your mouth. Using a Sasquatch-sized brush in a Thumbelina-sized mouth won’t achieve optimum results. So, choose your Goldilocks toothbrush head — you know, the one that is “just right.” The important thing is to select one that you will use regularly.

You’ve Seen One Handle, You’ve Seen Them All

Handles also are a matter of preference. There is a wide variety from straight to ergonomically contoured with custom no-slip grips. Rigid handles. Flexible handles. Angled handles. Cushioned. There are even environmentally-friendly bamboo handles! There are four industry-wide classifications for handles on manual toothbrushes:

  • Straight
  • Contra-angle
  • Non-slip grip
  • Flexible

The take-away here is to select the handle that best suits your needs. Find a style that is comfortable to use and allows you to reach the inside of your mouth thoroughly. If you have arthritis or other physical limitations, select something that allows you to work within your abilities to brush all the surfaces of your teeth.

Manual vs. Electric and Battery Powered

Electric toothbrushes, which include battery-operated and sonic toothbrushes, are more effective at removing plaque than manual toothbrushes. That said, they don’t work any better if you don’t use them. So, our recommendation in this area is to select a toothbrush that you will use.

How to Pick Your Next Great Toothbrush

Ignore the hype and all the commercials you see. When you shop, select a toothbrush for the features that you like that includes the ADA Seal. Whether a toothbrush costs $2.00 or $200.00 if you don’t use it is just a dust collector. So select a brush that you will use.

Most manufacturers recommend changing out your toothbrush or toothbrush head once every three months. However, there are instances where you should change earlier, such as after an illness or if you drop it on the floor.

If you have additional questions about how to pick your next great toothbrush, please contact us at Northeastern Braces. We can help you sort through the millions of choices you will see in the dental section of any retailer.

Don’t forget to check our Orthodontic Blog for more information.

How Long Do You Have to Have Braces on For?

Posted on by Pres mult

You’ve just been told you need braces and your first thought was probably, “How long do I have to have braces on for?” Although it may seem like a life sentence, the average time for braces is 12 to 18 months. There are some instances where the time can be as short as six months, and others that may be 36 months or longer.

Type of Braces and How They Work

Traditional metal braces and Clear Braces work on the principle of tension. Brackets are affixed to the patient’s teeth. An archwire routes thru the brackets to create tension, which is the force that shifts teeth into alignment. The archwires are held in place by tiny rubber bands, called elastics.

Over the years, the brackets have become smaller, which leads to greater comfort and a better overall look. Metal braces use metal brackets and wires. Clear Braces use a clear ceramic bracket that blends with the natural coloration of teeth and is less visible.

 

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Invisalign® is a different orthodontic tool that uses almost invisible tray aligners to gently shift teeth into alignment. Invisalign® works using constant pressure which performs the same function as the tension of regular braces. The treatment period for Invisalign Teen® is approximately 6 to 18 months.

What Determines the Length of Your Treatment?

Every mouth is unique. That means that no two treatment plans will be identical. The largest determining factor is the degree of misalignment that you begin with. Minor issues take less time, while complex issues naturally take longer to correct. Other things that affect the length of treatment:

  • Type of braces
  • General oral hygiene
  • Age (adults take longer)
  • Overall physical health

Unfortunately, it is impossible to estimate an exact treatment duration without a complete examination. Using a combination of x-rays, digital images, current, and past medical and dental histories, and a hands-on oral examination, the doctor will map out a custom treatment plan.

Whether you opt for traditional, Clear Braces, or Invisalign®, you will know all the details after completing the initial examination.

How Long Do You Have to Have Braces on For?

The good news is that Northeastern Braces offers a Complimentary Consultation to get you on your way to a straight smile. You can set up an appointment at either of our two locations in the Newburgh and Newburgh. In addition to a complete examination, you will receive information on our recommended treatment plan. This will include the type of treatment, the duration, cost, insurance options, and payment information.

During treatment, appointments for adjustments with the orthodontist happen every four to eight weeks. Between appointments, our staff is always available for questions or concerns. Please don’t hesitate to call either of our offices at (845) 863-0500 (Newburgh) or (917) 801-3600 (Newburgh).

For more information, news, and updates, please visit our Instagram and Facebook pages.

Invisalign or Braces: What’s the Difference?

Posted on by Pres mult

The first question most people ask when exploring Invisalign or Braces is, “What’s the Difference?” While the end goal of both treatment types is the same — a perfectly aligned smile — the way they accomplish that is different. As you research different treatment methods, you will find a lot of technical descriptions. We will attempt to cut through that techno-babble to give you a complete understanding of both Invisalign and Braces.

A Look at Traditional Braces

Understanding how traditional braces work may be the last thing people think about. The biggest concern is normally the cost or that they are so visible. Modern braces are changing, though, so bear with us here.

Braces work using tension. An orthodontist will bond brackets to the patient’s teeth. The wire is placed in the brackets and is held in place by elastics (tiny rubber bands). The tension created when the wire is tightened is what works to shift teeth into proper alignment. Adjustments continue moving teeth as your smile becomes straighter. This principle has been in use since 300 to 400 BC, but improvements and changes are changing the way braces look.

The brackets are now much smaller than they were. That means that even though they are still quite visible, they aren’t so “jump out and grab you” huge that they monopolize your whole face. Many people find the new brackets more comfortable, too. Someone decided that braces should be fun, so they began using colored elastics to secure the wires. Another great advancement is the introduction of Clear Braces.

Patients can now opt for clear, ceramic brackets with traditional braces. These work just like regular stainless steel braces, but the brackets are clear to blend with your natural tooth coloring. They aren’t “invisible” but are much less conspicuous. Using white wires helps them blend in better also. Of course, if you opt for brightly colored elastics to round out the ensemble, that’s on you!

Braces have changed and are definitely worth considering. Talk to the staff at Northeastern Braces to find out more about this tried-and-true treatment method. Your options may surprise you.

A Look at Invisalign

Unlike braces, Invisalign uses almost invisible tray aligners that slide over a patient’s teeth. The SmartTrack material used to create the trays is the result of more than eight years of advanced research and development. The trays use constant pressure to create change. Patients wear a tray set for about two weeks before switching to the next set in sequence.

Trays are designed using computer software that makes adjustments based on a 3D image (or map) of the inside of the patient’s mouth. This allows the trays to gently shift tooth positioning over the duration of treatment.  The constant pressure created by the trays acts in a similar manner to the tensioning created by the wire in traditional braces.

 

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Aside from the near-invisibility, the other big draw to Invisalign users is that the trays are removable. That means that eating and oral hygiene are easier. There are no dietary limitations, although some patients opt for softer foods during the first couple of days using a new tray set. Brushing and flossing are the same as without braces.

Invisalign or Braces: What’s the Difference?

Whether you opt for Invisalign, traditional metal braces, or clear braces, Northeastern Braces will help you find your perfect smile. You can start right now by clicking on any of the convenient appointment links on this website. Alternately, you can call our offices at:

Newburgh: (845) 863 0500
Newburgh: (917) 801 3600

For more information about finding your best smile, see our Orthodontic Blog, Instagram, and Facebook.

Affordable Braces in the Newburgh

Posted on by Pres mult

When looking for affordable braces in the Newburgh, Northeastern Braces should be at the top of your list. With offices in Newburgh and Newburgh, they serve patients throughout the area. Dr. Arthur Kim and Dr. John Paul Dow offer a wealth of orthodontic knowledge and years of experience. Both doctors maintain professional memberships with the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO).

Traditional Braces or Clear Braces

Although most people think of the clunky old metal brackets and wires, changes in the appliances over the years makes wearing braces less traumatic. So, when you hear the word “braces,” please know that the meaning is a bit different these days.

In fact, there are now several different types of braces that patients can select from. Beginning with traditional metal braces, let’s talk about some of the improvements. The first, and most noticeable difference is that the stainless steel brackets are significantly smaller. While still visible, the smaller size makes braces more comfortable.

Clear, or ceramic, braces work the same as traditional braces, using wire to create tension to shift teeth. The clear brackets allow them to blend with the natural coloration of the teeth. This blending effect makes the braces less noticeable, which makes clear braces a popular and affordable choice.

Another option available with both traditional metal and ceramic braces is the ability to add a bit of color. Rubber bands are used to hold the wires in place on each bracket. By using colored bands, known as elastics, patients can support their favorite team, match their wardrobe, or just sport their favorite color!

Northeastern Braces has Affordable Braces in the Newburgh

Keeping braces affordable is a priority at Northeastern Braces. Although we can’t quote an exact price until after an examination, patients will find our pricing lower on average than our competitors. One of the things that we understand is that braces are an investment in your smile.

When you are trying to fit braces into an already-tight budget, rest assured that our staff will work with you to ensure that your braces stay affordable. Our office works with many insurance companies and will help file the necessary forms to get the benefits your policy permits.

If you have an employer-based Health Savings Account (HSA), some of those funds may offset orthodontic costs. Once all discounts, insurance, and saving plan funds have been applied, the adjusted amount can be paid in several ways. With flexible payment plans and other options, affordable braces are available in the Newburgh.

Schedule Your Appointment to Begin

If you are ready to schedule your appointment or arrange one for your child, please use our Contact Form. You can select either the Newburgh or the Newburgh office, complete the form, then submit it. You will be contacted by our scheduling coordinator to finalize the appointment.

We post fun stuff, information, and updates on social media with pages on Instagram and Facebook. Our orthodontic blog also contains a lot of helpful information.

Traditional Braces in the Newburgh/Newburgh

Posted on by Pres mult

Looking for traditional braces in the Newburgh/Newburgh area? Northeastern Braces has what you need and much more. Offering orthodontic care for the entire family including braces, Invisalign, and Clear Braces. With two locations, Northeastern is convenient to the entire metropolitan area.

How Braces Work to Transform Smiles

Understanding how traditional braces work will help you determine if they are right for your smile. Although braces are among the oldest orthodontic appliances, they are also very effective. In fact, braces have been in use since as early as 300-400 BC! There have been a lot of improvements during the intervening years.

Traditional braces work on the principle of tension. The orthodontist affixes brackets to a patients’ teeth. An archwire connects the brackets to one another. The archwires are held in place with small rubber bands called elastics. Tightening the archwire creates tension which causes teeth to shift.

By guiding the shifting of the teeth, an orthodontist can straighten teeth and create a perfect smile. Although the process can take as little as six months, most treatment plans range from 12 to 18 months or longer. The duration depends on the initial degree of misalignment. More severe malocclusions do require longer treatment periods.

Each patient is unique, so every treatment plan is unique. The type of treatment also plays a role in the duration. Although traditional braces are the standard treatment for all malocclusions, other types of appliances are available. During your initial consultation, the doctor will discuss the recommended treatment plan that will provide the best results for you.

Finding the Right Orthodontist for Your Family

Now that you understand a little about how braces work, finding the right orthodontist is also important. Although every office will tell you they are the best, exploring those claims on your own will offer you the peace of mind of knowing you really have the best orthodontist.

Things to look for in a good orthodontist:

  • Years of experience
  • Good patient reviews
  • Association memberships
  • Awards and recognition
  • Offers more than one option for treatment
  • Accepts insurance and offers payment options

One thing you will notice with many orthodontic practices is the offer of a complimentary initial consultation. Although these vary with each office, most offer a diagnostic examination including x-rays, medical history evaluation, and an oral exam. The average savings from this offer can range from $250 to $350 depending on the offer.

 

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If you’re ready to find out more about traditional braces in the Newburgh and Newburgh, contact Northeastern Braces to set up your initial consultation today!

Traditional Braces in the Newburgh/Newburgh

To begin the process of transforming your smile, please use our Contact Form to arrange your appointment. Select the office nearest your location and complete the information, then submit the form. Our scheduling coordinator will contact you to confirm the arrangements.

To learn more about Northeastern Braces, check out more articles on our orthodontic blog. We’re also on social media — Instagram and Facebook — where we post fun stuff, updates, and information.

Invisalign Teen Treatment

Posted on by Pres mult

Invisalign Teen Treatment is increasing in popularity. At Northeastern Braces, we offer Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, and other orthodontic procedures. One of our goals is to help people enjoy a perfect smile. We have two convenient offices and offer a complimentary initial consultation. You have nothing to lose except that crooked smile.

The Development of Invisalign Teen Treatment

Dentists recommend orthodontic treatment for a variety of reasons. Unfortunately, most people hear the word “orthodontist” and immediately think, “Ugh, braces.” Although braces have been a mainstay in the industry since 400-300 BC. Modern braces were developed in 1728 by a physician named Pierre Fauchard. As with most medical and dental procedures, development did not stop there.

Following its introduction in 1999, Align Technology has consistently made improvements to its treatment system. Developing the SmartTrack material currently in use took eight years of research. Biomechanics and Material Science engineers tested over 260 different materials. SmartTrack led the pack because it was able to deliver consistent, reliable results while remaining comfortable and cost-effective.

Within the Invisalign family, Align Technology now has treatment systems for Phase 1 (Early Treatment) and Phase 2 (Teen Treatment) patients. Using all the technology they include in the adult versions, these treatments offer additional specifications that target the needs of younger patients.

While traditional metal braces remain a very effective treatment for straightening teeth, Align Technology is closing the gap quickly. Invisalign is capable of correcting malocclusions from minor to complex. The invisible tray alignment system can effectively correct overbites, underbites, gap teeth (diastema), crooked teeth, and more.

Contact Northeastern Braces if you are ready to begin your journey to a straight smile.

Getting a Jump Start on That Perfect Smile

If you are a parent checking for your teen, or a teen doing your own research, Northeastern Braces can help. We have locations in Newburgh and Newburgh to serve the entire area. With our complimentary consultation, you can find out if Invisalign Teen Treatment is right for you.

Our two doctors, Dr. Arthur Kim and Dr. Michael Nathans have a wealth of experience in the field of orthodontics. While experience counts for a lot, they also stay up-to-date with developing technologies by continuing advanced training programs. Both have a love for orthodontics and helping people achieve dream smiles. Northeastern Braces is a family practice, serving patients from childhood through adulthood.

Schedule with Northeastern Braces Today

To start right now, fill out the appointment request information on our Contact Form. Our appointment coordinator will contact you to verify your appointment. During your first visit, we will discuss insurance and payment options. Whether you are a new or returning patient, Northeastern Braces staff look forward to hearing from you.

Our offices have implemented safety protocols during the on-going COVID-19 pandemic. While we want to see you, we also want to keep our patients and staff safe. Please review our changes before your visit.

Please visit and “like” our Facebook page for news, updates, and information. Also, check out our orthodontics blog for more information on treatment options.

Best Invisalign in the Newburgh/Queens

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When you need an orthodontist, you naturally want the best Invisalign in the Newburgh/Queens that you can find. Searching through the available providers can be tedious, which is why we’re going to tell you how to sort out the best of the best. It begins with determining what Invisalign rating your prospective provider has.

How Invisalign Providers are Receive Ratings

Although Invisalign ratings are the only determining factor when searching for the best Invisalign, they do add confidence in your selection. Some offices proudly proclaim their Invisalign rating on their website, while others don’t. The take-away message is not to disqualify an orthodontist for not displaying their rating level.

Align Technology, the creators of Invisalign, rate doctors based on the number of successful Invisalign treatments they have completed. The ratings are based on a set number of points that are awarded for each successful treatment. There are eight rating levels — the more successful treatments a doctor has, the higher their rating will be.

Before becoming an Invisalign provider, doctors must undergo training and certification by Invisalign. Because of this training, you can always be assured that a provider is certified to work with Invisalign.

Finding the Best Invisalign in the Newburgh/Queens

Although Invisalign is often not the only type of treatment an orthodontist works with, there are several that do specialize in it. The advancement of Invisalign treatment has brought it into the mainstream as a preferred treatment method. The advantages over traditional braces are many.

First on many people’s list is the near invisibility of the tray aligners. There has long been an aversion to the very visible metal brackets and wires of braces. This made treatment of adults less likely. With Invisalign, many adults are seeking treatment. The overall desire for a perfect smile makes treatment more successful for both the patient and the doctor.

While there are several different clear tray alignment systems, there is only one Invisalign. Make sure that you select a certified Invisalign provider.

Another factor in selecting an orthodontist is the cost. While many in the area will have similar pricing scales, you should also see what insurance they accept. Make sure that your insurance is accepted. Most offices also offer payment plans and they may work through Care Credit to assist in paying for treatment. Invisalign is an investment in your smile. While not inexpensive, most offices will work to make sure that payment plans fit within your family budget.

Contact Northeastern Braces to Begin Your Journey

As you research and evaluate providers, Northeastern Braces will consistently rise to the top of the list. When it comes to providing the best Invisalign in the Newburgh and Queens, Northeastern Braces excels.  If you’re ready to begin an Invisalign treatment plan, please contact us.

To begin the process, request an appointment using our online form. If you would rather call us, our phone numbers are (845) 863-0500 at the Newburgh office and (917) 801-3600 for our Newburgh location. Staff at both locations are knowledgeable and eager to offer assistance.

Our offices follow COVID-19 safety protocols for your safety. Please visit and follow us on Facebook for news, updates, and general information. Also, please check out our orthodontic blog for additional information.

Invisalign Treatment South Newburgh NY

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When it comes to Invisalign treatment in the South Newburgh, NY, Northeastern Braces is the best in the area. There are no better orthodontists than Dr. Arthur Kim and Dr. Michael Nathans. With two offices, Northeastern Braces offers top-notch orthodontic care in a warm and compassionate environment.

Exploring Invisalign Treatment

Most people know that Invisalign is a treatment consisting of almost invisible tray aligners. Working gently to realign teeth, Invisalign has been very effective in treating a wide range of orthodontic cases. Using digital images from the iTero scanner, a series of trays gently shift teeth into proper alignment.

Treatment periods can be as short as 6 months, but the average treatment period is 12 to 18 months. During this period, patients wear the alignment trays for 20 to 22 hours per day. Because patients remove the trays for eating and drinking, there are fewer dietary restrictions than traditional braces.

Overall pain is lower also. While patients may feel some discomfort when switching to a new set of aligners, it is generally minor. Patients shift to a new set of tray aligners in succession, approximately every two weeks.

Pros and Cons of Invisalign Treatment

Perhaps the best way to determine if Invisalign is the type of treatment for you is to examine the pros and cons.

Pros of Invisalign treatment:

Some of the advantages of Invisalign treatment in South Newburgh, NY, are:

  1. Comfort and convenience — because the tray aligners are custom for each individual, they are very comfortable.
  2. Almost invisible — which means that the aligners are more attractive than traditional braces.
  3. Convenience — because the alignment trays can be removed, it is easier to maintain a proper diet.
  4. Maintenance is lessened — keeping the trays clean and proper oral hygiene are both easier with Invisalign.
  5. Fewer orthodontist appointments — office visits will be 8 to 12 weeks apart and much shorter per visit.

Invisalign has become more versatile since its introduction in 1999. While it was able to correct only minor problems, it is increasingly able to handle more complex cases over the years. With the addition of spacers and other add-on appliances, Invisalign can now conquer almost all orthodontic alignment problems.

Cons of Invisalign treatment:

As with all goods things, there is always a list of disadvantages that must be included:

  1. Expense — Invisalign treatment can be expensive, but it is in line with traditional braces due to technological advances.
  2. Attachments — while they increase the versatility of Invisalign, some of the attachments can be cumbersome.
  3. Wear-time is 20 to 22 hours per day — this means doing everything but eating and drinking with your tray aligners in place.
  4. Mild discomfort — because the trays shift your teeth, there will be mild discomfort when moving up to a new set of trays.
  5. Longer treatment — because traditional braces can be applied more aggressively, Invisalign treatment may require a longer treatment period.

After your consultation, you can choose between Invisalign and traditional braces. Both processes will be fully explained.

Get Invisalign Treatment in South Newburgh NY

The first step to begin your journey to a perfect smile is to contact Northeastern Braces to set up a complimentary consultation. Click open the online form, complete the information, and submit it to start the process. Alternately, you can contact our office by telephone:

Newburgh office — (845) 863-0500

Newburgh office — (917) 801 3600

Please check out our blog for more great information about Invisalign and other orthodontic procedures too.