Orthodontics consists of diagnosing and treating malocclusions or "bad bites" such as teeth crowding, spaces between teeth, overbites and under bites. These conditions may be inherited or caused by trauma, habits such as nail biting or thumb sucking, and drifting of loose teeth due to gum disease. Misaligned teeth contribute to poor dental health because they are hard to clean. Difficulty in cleaning can lead to decay and gum disease, chewing problems and jaw, head and neck aches. Teeth that are in proper alignment are more attractive, younger looking and healthier. There are several ways in which teeth can be guided into proper position within an efficient treatment time to create a pleasing facial balance. The good news is that teeth can be moved at any age! This has helped many of our patients by building their self-confidence and helping them with their social and professional success.

Dr. Mello is specifically trained in orthodontic care and can assess your specific needs and explain the best type of braces for your case. During the initial consultation, you'll be able to talk to her about the specific changes you would like to make in your appearance. She will explain the different options available to you, the procedure itself and its risks and limitations. She will discuss cost estimates, since they vary according to length and difficulty of the case. Patient references are always available.




Invisalign is the aesthetic clear way to straighten teeth without braces, utilizing a series of removable appliances called aligners that are each worn for about two weeks- 24 hours a day, except when you are eating, brushing or flossing. Invisalign is virtually undetectable, so no one will know you are in treatment. Dr. Mello has received extensive training in this technique to provide aesthetic orthodontic treatment for adults and teens that can benefit from straight teeth or the repositioning of teeth for proper placement of Invisalign is the aesthetic clear way to straighten teeth without braces, utilizing a series of restorations. Dr. Mello is one of the top providers of Invisalign in New York City!

Aligners are made of a clear, thin, medical grade polymer that is virtually invisible when worn. Since they are removable, you can eat, brush and floss normally. Our patients really love this! Each aligner moves your teeth little by little until you get to the end of treatment and a new beautiful smile. The lack of brackets and wires as well as very gradual movement makes Invisalign a more comfortable and less painful way to move teeth than traditional orthodontics.

A great feature of the Invisalign process is the use of advanced 3D computer technology. Invisalign combines proven orthodontic science with 3D computer graphics to project teeth movement. Each one of your aligners is precisely calibrated and manufactured to fit snugly over your teeth and gently move them through every stage of your treatment plan. Both you and Dr. Mello can view your treatment plan on the computer, from beginning to end- even before you begin treatment.

Invisalign has been proven effective in both clinical research and on thousands of patients in private practices worldwide. Current research supports that in many cases orthodontic treatment is actually faster with Invisalign as compared to traditional orthodontics. The average adult Invisalign case lasts approximately 6 months to 1 year, depending on the complexity of the case. Over 100,000 patients have gone into treatment with Invisalign.

Most appointments take just 15-30 minutes. Invisalign fees are comparable to traditional braces. Orthodontic insurance covers Invisalign usually to the same extent as traditional orthodontics.



With modern dental technology, uneven teeth can be reshaped and laminated with high tech ceramics. We call this instant orthodontics, using veneers or laminates instead of braces to make teeth look straight. It can close large gaps and correct some overcrowding in as little as 1-2 days. It is typically a pain-free procedure requiring only the use of local anesthetics. You are a candidate for this if you would like your teeth to look straighter and cannot commit to the time for conventional orthodontics. The extent to which this approach can be used depends on how crowded and crooked the teeth are to begin with. Sometimes a combination of limited orthodontics and ceramic enhancement may be the best choice.


Traditional Orthodontics involves the use of metal brackets that are bonded to the front of your teeth. Wires and elastic bands are used to apply pressure to move your teeth into proper alignment. A popular alternative to metal brackets are ceramic brackets; these brackets greatly reduce that "metal mouth" look. With traditional orthodontics, most cases can be completed in 6-18 months, depending on the severity of the original condition and the treatment outcome desired.


With Removable Orthodontics, the patient wears a removable retainer-like appliance that has various springs and attachments on it to create pressure to move the teeth into proper alignment. The use of these appliances is case-selective and in most cases cannot achieve what traditional or Invisalign orthodontics can do. But for many cases, this is an excellent option provided patient compliance is excellent.