Category Archives: 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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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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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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What Is the Best Age to Start Orthodontic Treatment?

Why Timing Matters in Orthodontics Parents often wonder: “When should I bring my child to the orthodontist?” It’s a common question—and an important one. While orthodontic treatment can work wonders at nearly any age, there’s an ideal window for identifying potential problems and setting kids up for a healthy, confident smile. At House of Orthodontia, serving Brooklyn and Manhattan, we help families understand how timing impacts results, costs, and overall oral health. The Recommended Age for a First Orthodontic Checkup According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), children should have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Why so early? At this stage, kids usually have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth, which makes it easier for orthodontists to spot developing bite issues, crowding, or jaw growth imbalances. Early detection = easier treatment: Some problems are simpler to correct when caught early. Monitoring growth: Even if no...
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Fast & Effective Orthodontics for Complex Cases in Brooklyn Heights

Straightening teeth isn’t always simple. Some patients deal with overcrowding, bite issues, or impacted teeth that call for special attention. These cases need a different approach, one that moves beyond standard braces and timelines. In Brooklyn Heights, orthodontists use advanced tools and methods to make Complex Orthodontics faster and more effective. With new techniques and smart planning, even the toughest alignment problems can now be corrected with less hassle and better results. What Makes a Case Complex? Orthodontists consider several issues to be complex. These cases often include severe crowding, impacted teeth, jaw misalignment, and open bites that resist standard treatment. Patients who have missing teeth, a history of trauma, or habits like thumb-sucking may also need special care. Treating these problems used to mean surgery or long treatment periods. Today’s technology gives orthodontists better control, allowing them to treat cases that once seemed difficult. Common Complex Issues 1. Severe...
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