Blog

What Is a Palatal Expander and What to Expect?

Hearing that you may need a palatal expander often raises questions. What does it do? Will it be uncomfortable? How long will it take? At House of Orthodontia in Brooklyn, expansion appliances are a proven and effective option for adults and teens seeking to correct jaw imbalances, create space for proper alignment, or enhance breathing. This treatment is not just for children. With advanced digital planning and precision appliances, jaw expansion can now be achieved comfortably for adults as well. This guide explains what to expect during treatment and includes expert insights to help you feel confident and informed. What Is a Palatal Expander? A palatal expander, sometimes called a jaw widening device, is a small orthodontic appliance that gently broadens the upper jaw to improve bite alignment, balance, and symmetry. It corrects issues such as crowding, crossbite, or a narrow arch that prevents teeth from fitting properly. The appliance...
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Adult Orthodontics in Brooklyn and Manhattan: It’s Never Too Late for a Great Smile

Breaking the Myth About Braces and Age When many people think of orthodontics, they picture teenagers with braces. But the truth is, more adults than ever are seeking treatment. In fact, 1 in 4 orthodontic patients today is an adult. At House of Orthodontia, our Adult Orthodontics services help patients across Brooklyn and Manhattan discover that it’s never too late to achieve a healthier, more confident smile. Why Adults Are Choosing Orthodontics Now Adults often delay orthodontic treatment for years, sometimes decades. Common reasons for finally starting include: Correcting a smile they’ve always wanted to improve Shifting teeth due to aging, injury, or incomplete treatment as a teen Improving oral health and bite function Boosting confidence for work, relationships, or life milestones Modern Options for Adult Orthodontics Today’s orthodontic solutions are more discreet, comfortable, and flexible than ever before. Popular Choices for Adults: Invisalign®: Clear aligners that are nearly invisible...
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Which Type of Braces Is Right for Your Lifestyle?

A Personal Choice Beyond Straight Teeth Orthodontics isn’t one-size-fits-all. While every type of braces can straighten teeth effectively, the best choice depends on your age, lifestyle, and personal preferences. At House of Orthodontia, we guide patients in Brooklyn and Manhattan through these choices every day helping kids, teens, and adults find the solution that works best for them. For a detailed look at all available braces, visit our types of braces page. Metal Braces – Best for All Ages, Especially Kids and Teens Metal braces are the most reliable option and often recommended for children and teens. Lifestyle Fit: Great for kids who may not keep track of removable aligners. Strong enough for complex orthodontic cases. Fun customization with colored elastics appeals to younger patients. Ceramic Braces – Ideal for Adults and Older Teens Ceramic braces work like metal braces but use clear or tooth-colored brackets for a less noticeable...
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Accelerated Orthodontics: How to Straighten Teeth Faster in NYC

The Demand for Faster Smiles Braces and Invisalign are life-changing, but let’s face it most patients would love to finish treatment sooner. Thanks to modern technology, that’s now possible. At House of Orthodontia, we offer accelerated orthodontics innovative solutions that safely reduce treatment time while maintaining the same high-quality results. What Is Accelerated Orthodontics? Accelerated orthodontics refers to techniques and devices designed to move teeth faster than traditional methods. Instead of waiting years for results, patients may complete treatment in a fraction of the time, sometimes up to 50-60% faster. To learn more about our complete treatment options, visit our orthodontic treatment overview. Propel® – Micro-Osteoperforation for Faster Movement Propel® is a groundbreaking treatment that stimulates bone remodeling around teeth. Using gentle, micro-perforations, Propel creates tiny channels that accelerate the body’s natural ability to move teeth. Benefits of Propel®: Shorter treatment times with braces options or Invisalign treatment Safe, comfortable,...
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How Orthodontic Treatment Improves More Than Just Your Smile

More Than Straight Teeth When most people think of orthodontics, they picture straighter teeth and a more attractive smile. And while that’s true, orthodontic treatment goes much deeper. At House of Orthodontia, we see orthodontics as a tool not just for enhancing appearance, but also for improving health, function, and long-term confidence. The Oral Health Benefits of Orthodontics Orthodontic care isn’t only about looks, it's also about creating a healthier mouth. Easier to Clean Teeth: Straight teeth reduce hard-to-reach areas, lowering the risk of cavities and gum disease. Healthier Gums: Proper alignment means less crowding and irritation along the gumline. Less Wear and Tear: Correct bite alignment prevents uneven pressure that can wear teeth down prematurely. Improved Bite Function and Comfort Misaligned teeth can cause bite issues that affect chewing, digestion, and even jaw comfort. Orthodontic treatment helps by: Correcting overbites, underbites, and crossbites Reducing strain on the jaw joints...
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Braces vs Invisalign: Which Option Is Right for You?

Introduction: A Common Dilemma for Families and Adults If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, chances are you’ve asked yourself: “Should I go with braces or Invisalign?” Both options are proven, effective, and widely available, but the right choice depends on your lifestyle, goals, and orthodontic needs. At House of Orthodontia, serving patients in Brooklyn and Manhattan, we offer both braces and Invisalign—customized for kids, teens, and adults. Traditional Braces – Time-Tested and Reliable Braces have been the standard in orthodontics for decades. Today’s options are far more advanced and comfortable than the bulky versions of the past. Types of Braces We Offer: Metal Braces: Durable, effective for even complex cases. Ceramic (Clear) Braces: Blend with natural teeth for a more discreet look. Lingual Braces: Placed behind the teeth for hidden treatment. Advantages of Braces: Work for all orthodontic cases (from mild to severe). Precise, predictable results. Often less expensive than aligners....
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Will Invisalign Work for Me?

Dr. Alikhani, Dr. Lien, and the professional team at the House of Orthodontia have developed a list of thoughtful questions to help you decide if Invisalign work treatment in Cobble Hill, NY, is right for you. How Do I Know if Invisalign Is Right for Me? Am I responsible? To be treated effectively with Invisalign work, you need to accept the responsibility of caring for the trays. Not only do the trays need to be kept clean, but you also need to keep track of them while they are not being worn. Because the aligners are removable and clear, they can easily be misplaced or accidentally thrown out. It is also important to remember to put them back in your mouth after eating or brushing. A new set of tray aligners is exchanged for the old set in approximately two-week intervals as part of the course of treatment. How much...
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How Does Thumb Sucking Affect Teeth?

If you have an infant, you can’t help but wonder about the impact of thumb sucking. You’ve probably even asked some friends, “How does thumb sucking affect teeth?” Thumb sucking is a safe behavior up until a certain age, but then, it becomes dangerous. Get the answer to, “How does thumb sucking affect teeth?” so you’ll know what to do moving forward. How Does Thumb Sucking Affect Teeth in Infants? When you ask people, “How does thumb sucking affect teeth?” you’re probably a little torn. You know that thumb sucking soothes your child, so the thought of making him or her stop is a bit unsettling. Fortunately, children can safely suck their thumbs up to the age of 4. Up until that point, children can enjoy the soothing benefits without hurting their teeth, jaws, or mouths. This early phase of thumb sucking is considered developmentally normal and rarely causes any...
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