Orthodontics – Woodbridge Township, NJ

Why Choose a Board Certified Orthodontist?

In order to become a board-certified orthodontist, Dr. Lai had to graduate from dental school and then complete an orthodontic residency at the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. During this time, she spent hundreds of hours learning how to correct all manner of orthodontic problems for patients in Woodbridge of all ages, giving her a level of experience and expertise that a general dentist simply can’t offer. With her, you can trust that you or your child’s care will be fully tailored from beginning to end, plus the results will last for a lifetime.

Traditional Orthodontics

“Traditional orthodontics” is just another way of saying metal braces, which today, are still the most reliable and affordable solution for crooked teeth and bite problems. They use brackets placed on each tooth connected by a thin wire that is gradually tightened to slowly move them into a more functional and attractive orientation. Thankfully, the braces of today are much smaller and more comfortable than the ones you likely saw growing up!

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Clear/Ceramic Braces

Clear/ceramic braces use the same bracket and wire system as traditional braces, but instead of metal, they are made using translucent or tooth-colored materials. This gives them a much more subtle appearance, to the point that observers may not even notice that someone has braces unless they are standing quite close to them. They offer a perfect solution for patients who could benefit from braces but don’t want them to affect their daily appearance.

Pediatric Orthodontics

A child’s oral development cannot only impact their abilities to speak and eat, but it can also influence their airway and how they breathe while sleeping. Plus, the positions of the baby teeth directly determine whether or not the adult teeth will grow in straight. With pediatric orthodontics, Dr. Lai can ensure that a child’s mouth and jaw grows properly to fix minor problems before they become major ones, which generally, greatly cuts down on the amount of treatment a child needs.

Invisalign®

If you have wanted to straighten your teeth for years, but you’ve avoided doing so because you didn’t want to get metal braces, then Invisalign® was designed just for you. Instead of brackets and wires, the teeth are shifted using a series of custom-made, clear plastic aligners. They practically disappear when worn, meaning you don’t have to worry about friends or coworkers noticing your treatment. Even better, the aligners are removable, so you won’t have to alter your diet or brushing habits throughout the process.

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Spark Clear Aligners

Clear alignment trays are the latest and greatest way to overcome orthodontic issues. They offer the easiest and most convenient way to straighten your smile, all without the metal wires and brackets! While there are plenty of clear aligner treatments to choose from, Spark Clear Aligners have improved this system even more! Their TruGEN™ material ensures that their invisible aligners are clearer, more comfortable, and stain less than other types of aligners.

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Retainers & Oral Appliances

After the teeth have been straightened, a patient will need to wear a retainer in order to keep them in place, because otherwise, they will start to drift back into their original positions. These and other appliances prescribed by Dr. Lai can be used to address very specific orthodontic issues that are beyond the reach of braces and Invisalign®, such as widening the palate to fix crowding, or shifting the back teeth forward to align the bite.

Dentofacial Orthopedics

While orthodontics in Woodbridge is used to change the alignment of the teeth, dentofacial orthopedics is able to alter the orientation of the upper and lower jaws. This kind of treatment can be used to fix issues like a pronounced overbite, underbite, or crossbite. It can help the face appear fuller and more symmetrical, stop TMJ-related pain, and often, enable a patient to avoid corrective surgery.