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 & Invisalign Teen

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.   Not only does Invisalign offer aesthetic advantages over conventional braces, but Invisalign corrects misaligned teeth more precisely, and often requires fewer appointments and less overall treatment time, at about the same cost as conventional braces.  Dr. Mello has received extensive training in this technique to provide aesthetic orthodontic treatment for adults and teens who can benefit from straight teeth or the repositioning of teeth.   Invisalign and Invisalign Teen are the aesthetic clear way to straighten teeth without braces, and Dr. Mello is one of the top providers of Invisalign in New York City!  To find out more about Invisalign and Invisalign Teen, visit our Invisalign page.

Instant 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
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.

Removable Orthodontics
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.