Braces Specialist

Do properly aligned teeth offer benefits beyond a beautiful smile?

Yes. Proper tooth alignment not only creates a beautiful smile, but can prevent a wide range of oral health issues. This includes irregular wear and tear on your teeth and jaw pain. Properly aligned teeth are also easier to brush and floss, which reduces the likelihood of developing gum disease and cavities.

What is Invisalign®?

Invisalign is a breakthrough in orthodontic treatment. Virtually invisible, pain free and removable, the system uses a series of customized, clear plastic aligner trays to gradually move teeth into their proper position. Approximately every two weeks, you’ll receive a new set of customized aligners made from a mold of your teeth. Dr. Puri recommends wearing your aligners for 20-22 hours per day and removing them only when eating or brushing your teeth. Invisalign can correct many, though not all, alignment problems. The number of aligners and duration of treatment is different for each patient, and ranges for six months to two years.    

How does Six Month Smiles® work?

The answer is in the name: This treatment will give you a clearly defined, healthy smile in approximately six months. Dr. Puri uses the Six Month Smiles method to fit your mouth with virtually invisible, clear, adult braces that apply mild pressure to quickly remove spaces and gaps in your teeth. To determine whether you’re a candidate or this innovative orthodontic system, book a consultation with Dr. Puri. He will assess whether Six Month Smiles can work for you, as well as, answer any questions.

How do I know if I need metal braces?

While Invisalign and Six Month Smiles are excellent for treating many alignment issues, in some cases traditional metal braces are still the best option, especially if you require major alterations to your bite or have severe dental misalignment. Dr. Puri’s comprehensive experience in orthodontics has provided him with the insight to help you find the best option for your orthodontic needs.

Dr. Puri's NJ specialty permit number is 5192.

When Do I Need My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

For the majority of people, their wisdom teeth come in during their late teens or early twenties. This age can vary, however, since some people get them when they are younger, older, or do not get them at all. The most important signal that you need your wisdom teeth removed is not age, but rather if you experience any pain, gum swelling, infection, abscess, or if it starts to erupt. If you notice any of these symptoms, consider making an appointment to have your needs evaluated.

Why Do I Need My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

There are two scenarios in which it would be necessary for your wisdom teeth to be removed: if the tooth is unable to emerge from your gums or if it can only emerge partially. If your tooth is trapped in your gums it will become impacted, which can then cause the formation of cysts around the tooth. This will then damage the surrounding nerves, roots, and bone. An impacted tooth may also damage surrounding teeth by pushing them, resulting in crowding and bite problems. In the case that the tooth can only partially emerge, it is likely that you will experience gum inflammation. This inflammation creates the perfect environment for bacteria to grow, causing gum disease and cavities. Not only will all of these issues harm your dental and overall health, but they will also result in a need for extra treatments, and therefore costs, that could be otherwise avoided by removing your wisdom teeth.

What Does It Mean If My Tooth Is “Impacted”?

A wisdom tooth is impacted if it does not have enough room to emerge and break through the gum fully. Impacted teeth are problematic because they can cause crowding and shifting of surrounding teeth, cavities, gum infection, or cysts.

What Is the Recovery Process?

While recovery time varies from patient to patient, the average time for full recovery is about 7-10 days. You can expect to return to certain everyday activities sooner—you can carefully brush your teeth after 24 hours and resume other activities, such as working and exercising, after a few days. The recovery process also includes following pain management directions from the dentist, which may involve icing your jaw or utilizing pain medication. While you recover, it is normal to experience swelling, but if you experience anything you are unsure of, for instance, dry sockets or bone spurs, contact our office, and we will be able to examine the area.

If you live in or near Hamilton or East Orange, NJ, and would like to discuss the benefits of orthodontics with a dentist near you, call Academy Dental or request an appointment online today.