Orthodontic Treatment in Newark, NJ
Gentle Dental of NJ
Newark, NJ 07105
Looking for a trusted orthodontist in Newark’s Ironbound neighborhood? You’re in the right place! At Gentle Dental of NJ, we help patients of all ages achieve straight, healthy smiles with our comprehensive orthodontic services. Our experienced orthodontic team offers both traditional braces and Invisalign® clear aligners, using a gentle approach that keeps you comfortable at every visit. We even offer evening appointments, so scheduling your visit in Newark is easy for busy families and professionals.
Why Straighten Your Smile?
Orthodontic treatment is about more than just cosmetic appearance, a well-aligned smile also improves your oral health and confidence. Crooked or crowded teeth can be hard to clean, leading to cavities or gum issues. A bad bite (malocclusion) might cause jaw pain or uneven tooth wear. By correcting these problems with braces or aligners, you’re investing in a healthier, easier-to-maintain smile. Plus, nothing beats the boost in self-esteem when you can flash a perfectly aligned grin!
Our Orthodontic Services
At Gentle Dental of NJ, we provide orthodontic solutions personalized to your needs. When you come in for a consultation, our orthodontist will examine your teeth and bite, and explain the best treatment options for you. We offer:
Traditional Braces (Metal & Ceramic)
Modern braces are smaller, more comfortable, and more effective than ever. Braces use metal or clear ceramic brackets affixed to the teeth, connected by wires that apply gentle pressure to gradually move teeth into the right position. They’re great for correcting a full range of issues from crooked teeth to complex bite misalignments. Today’s braces can even be customized with tooth-colored brackets or fun color elastics.
Invisalign® Clear Aligners
If you prefer to straighten your teeth more discreetly, Invisalign might be your ideal choice. Invisalign uses a series of removable clear plastic aligners instead of brackets and wires. No metal, no wires, and the aligners are nearly invisible when worn. You take them out to eat, brush, and floss meaning no dietary restrictions and easy cleaning. Invisalign is popular with teens and adults in Newark who want a subtle way to fix crooked teeth or mild bite issues. Not sure if Invisalign is right for you? Our orthodontist will evaluate your smile and let you know if you’re a good candidate.
What to Expect During Treatment?
We believe an informed patient is a happy patient! Here’s what you can expect when you begin orthodontic treatment with us:
Friendly Consultation
Your first visit is a consultation where we’ll take a look at your teeth (often with photos or an X-ray) and discuss what you want to achieve. We’ll explain whether you need braces or if Invisalign is an option, and we’ll answer all your questions.
Customized Treatment Plan
If you choose to proceed, we’ll create a personalized plan. Every smile is different. Some treatments take 6 to 12 months, others 18 to 24 months or more, depending on complexity. We’ll walk you through the timeline and costs upfront.
Regular Check-ins
Orthodontic adjustments or check-ins happen every few weeks. If you have braces, you’ll visit us about every 4 to 6 weeks so we can adjust wires, change elastics, and keep your treatment on track. These visits are typically short. Invisalign patients usually come in every 6 to 8 weeks so we can monitor progress and give you the next sets of aligners.
Getting Your Braces or Aligners
When it’s time to start, we’ll schedule an appointment to place your braces or to give you your first set of Invisalign trays. For braces, bonding the brackets is painless; no injections or drilling needed. You might feel mild soreness the first week as teeth begin moving. For Invisalign, you’ll get several sets of aligners and wear each set for about 1 to 2 weeks. We’ll ensure they fit correctly and teach you how to use and care for them.
Your New Smile Reveal
Once treatment is complete, we remove the braces or you finish your last aligner. It’s time to celebrate your brand-new smile! We’ll polish your teeth, take some after photos, and fit you for retainers. Many of our patients tell us it’s a life-changing moment seeing their transformation.
How long does orthodontic treatment usually take?
Treatment length varies per individual. On average:
- Kids/Teens: Braces typically last about 18 to 24 months. Some minor corrections can be faster, especially with good compliance like wearing rubber bands. Teen Invisalign treatments can be similar in length, assuming aligners are worn properly.
- Adults: Many adult cases finish in roughly 12 to 18 months, but more severe issues can take around 2 years. Invisalign for adults with mild crowding might even be as short as 6 to 9 months.
Remember, these are general ranges. When we see you, we’ll be able to give a more precise estimate. We’ll also explain ways to keep treatment on track (e.g., keeping up with appointments and proper appliance care). The good news is that with modern techniques, treatment times are often shorter than they used to be, and we aim to make every visit efficient.
Ready for Your New Smile? - Visit Our Newark Office
Investing in a straight smile is a decision you’ll never regret. As a leading provider of Ironbound orthodontics, Gentle Dental of NJ is here to help every step of the way. We combine the personal touch of a neighborhood dental office with the expertise and technology of a specialty practice. The result? You get the best orthodontic care with the convenience of staying close to home.
Our office is conveniently located at 290 Ferry Street, Suite B2, Newark, NJ 07105, in the heart of the Ironbound community. We’re just a 5-minute walk from Newark Penn Station and right next to ample patient parking. When you visit us, you’ll notice our friendly atmosphere and a team that speaks your language. We have English, Spanish, and Portuguese speakers on staff to make every patient feel at home.
Why wait to get the smile you or your child have dreamed of? Call us at (973) 817-8888 to schedule your orthodontic consultation today. Remember, your initial orthodontic consultation is free of charge, and we’ll provide an honest assessment with no pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I or my child needs braces?
Common signs include crooked or crowded teeth, gaps, an overbite or underbite, or any difficulty with biting/chewing. We follow the American Association of Orthodontists guideline recommending that children get an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. However, it’s never too late for teens and adults of any age can benefit from orthodontics. If you’re unsure, come in for an evaluation (it’s quick and free); our orthodontist will give an honest opinion. Even if a child isn’t ready for braces yet, we’ll monitor their growth and advise the perfect timing.
What’s the difference between braces and Invisalign?
Both methods straighten your teeth effectively, but they go about it differently. Braces are affixed to your teeth and work 24/7. It is great for all types of cases, including complex ones. Today’s braces can be metal or tooth-colored (ceramic) for a less noticeable look. Invisalign uses clear, removable aligners that you take out to eat and brush. They’re nearly invisible, which adults and older teens love. Invisalign is best for mild to moderate adjustments and for patients who are disciplined about wearing them 22 hours a day. During your consultation, we’ll help you compare which option suits your lifestyle, treatment needs, and budget. We can customize a plan that works best for you.
Do braces hurt?
You might feel some soreness or discomfort for a few days after each adjustment or when you start a new Invisalign tray. This is normal and means the teeth are moving. But it’s usually mild and manageable. We call it orthodontic workout soreness. You can use over-the-counter pain relievers if needed, but many patients don’t find it necessary after the first week. Today’s braces use gentle, continuous forces, and our techniques are designed to minimize pain. We truly take extra care to make sure you’re comfortable at every step. If you ever experience something more than mild soreness, let us know; we’ll adjust things to help.
How much do braces or Invisalign cost, and do you offer payment plans?
We understand cost is a big concern. The price can vary depending on the complexity of your case and the type of appliance. In Newark, braces and Invisalign costs are fairly similar on average, ranging roughly from $3,000 for minor alignment to $6,000+ for comprehensive treatment. The good news: we accept most insurance plans, which can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expense if your plan covers orthodontics. Our treatment coordinator will verify your insurance benefits for braces or Invisalign and give you a clear breakdown. For any remaining balance, we absolutely offer affordable payment plans. We can often start treatment with a low down payment and spread the rest over monthly installments with 0% interest financing. We also accept CareCredit and FLEX/HSA cards. Our goal is to make sure finances don’t stand in the way of your new smile. We’ll work with you to find a payment option that fits your budget!