Orthodontic FAQs
Your Questions Answered
Choosing orthodontic treatment is a personal decision, and having the right information makes all the difference. At Hidden Smiles Orthodontic Studio, we take a boutique, aesthetic-focused approach to orthodontics, offering personalized care and advanced treatment options for patients of all ages. We’re here to help you make informed decisions about your orthodontic treatment before it even starts.
Below, you’ll find answers to common questions about our practice, orthodontic offerings and what to expect during treatment. This information is designed to help you feel confident, informed and excited about your smile journey ahead.
We’re a boutique, aesthetic-focused, all-ages orthodontic studio offering personalized and comprehensive treatment options to every patient. Every treatment plan is designed around your comfort, goal and lifestyle and not just your teeth. This means every patient receives expert care in a welcoming environment that focuses on both the appearance and function of your smile.
At Hidden Smiles Orthodontic Studio, we provide comprehensive orthodontic services for every age. Our orthodontic services include Invisalign® clear aligners, InSmile hidden braces, Brava by BRIUS, ceramic clear braces, metal braces. Additionally, we offer teeth whitening, retainers and Neurotoxin for TMJ.
Hidden braces are also known as lingual braces. They are placed behind the teeth, making them virtually invisible during treatment. Hidden braces work like traditional braces but offer a more aesthetic look while still effectively straightening your smile.
Invisalign® clear aligners are an excellent choice for many patients—including adults—who want a discreet and removable option. Dr. Parikh will evaluate your unique needs to see if they’re right for you. Typically, they are best suited for mild to moderate alignment issues. Compliance is a factor in the decision to get Invisalign®, and for best results, they must be worn for the majority of the day except for eating and cleaning.
Most patients experience only mild discomfort after first getting their appliances, an adjustment or switching to a new set of aligners. While soreness should go away on its own in a few days, either use orthodontic wax for braces or take over-the-counter pain relief medication.
The length of your treatment will depend on several factors including the severity of your malocclusion or case, the type of treatment and even your age. Duration of treatment can vary from a few months to one or two years for more complex cases. At your complimentary consultation, Dr. Parikh and our team will provide an estimated treatment timeline so that you know what to expect.
No! We provide orthodontics for all ages, meaning we can treat the whole family, from teens to parents. We also offer early treatment for kids whose oral growth and development benefit from orthodontic treatment while they still have a mix of permanent and baby teeth.
Dr. Mita A. Parikh is a board certified orthodontist, founder and owner of Hidden Smiles Orthodontic Studio. She holds a Doctor of Dental Medicine and a certificate in orthodontics. She is Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, one of the highest distinctions in the field. This demonstrates her clinical skill as well as her commitment to providing exceptional, personalized care for patients of all ages.
Yes! Retainers are absolutely essential and are considered the third phase of treatment. They maintain your new smile and prevent your teeth from shifting after you’ve completed treatment with braces or aligners. You will need to wear your retainers nightly after an initial period of full-time wear. Let’s keep your beautiful smile in place!
Good oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment helps ensure a healthy, beautiful and timely result. Braces require extra diligent care. Patients with braces will need to brush around the brackets and wires after every meal.
If you wear clear aligners, they will need to be removed for eating or drinking anything other than water and for regular cleaning. Before popping them back in, always make sure to rinse them off.
Choosing an orthodontist over a mail-in service ensures personalized treatment plans, expertise, and in-person consultations for tailored care. Orthodontists like Dr. Parikh provides ongoing monitoring, emergency assistance and prioritizes quality results, especially for complex cases. Our friendly team at Hidden Smiles Orthodontic Studio is happy to answer any questions you may have to make sure your orthodontic journey is a pleasant experience.
There are several benefits to pursuing orthodontic treatment such as improved oral health, enhancing your appearance, correcting bite issues and preventing more severe dental complications in the future. Misaligned teeth or jaw discrepancies can lead to bite problems, which may cause discomfort, difficulty chewing, and even speech issues. Orthodontic treatment can correct these issues, improving function and comfort. There is also evidence suggesting that proper dental alignment may contribute to better overall health, potentially reducing the risk of conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes. If you have further questions about how you may benefit from orthodontic treatment, contact us today!
The American Association of Orthodontists recommend your child first get an orthodontic check-up by age seven or at the first sign of an orthodontic problem. This is the perfect time for Dr. Parikh to evaluate your child’s mouth and teeth as she can spot any potential problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present. Early intervention is key to preventing your child from possibly having to go through more intensive treatment later in life. If you have any additional questions about early orthodontic treatment, we are happy to answer them for you at our office in Melville, NY!
Orthodontic problems can arise due to a variety of factors. Genetics play a significant role, as the size and shape of your jaw and teeth are inherited traits. Habits like thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, or mouth breathing can also contribute to misalignment. Early loss of primary teeth or overcrowding can disrupt the proper alignment of permanent teeth. Additionally, oral trauma or injuries to the mouth and jaw can lead to orthodontic issues. We are happy to answer your questions about how orthodontic problems come up during a complimentary consultation as each case may vary.
Believe it or not, your teeth are always moving even just slightly. That’s why we recommend all our patients wear a retainer after your orthodontic treatment. Wearing one ensures all the hard work you put in doesn’t go to waste! However, we understand things can happen—you lose your retainer or maybe fall off your routine. At Hidden Smiles Orthodontic Studio, we are happy to answer your questions and help you get your smile back to where you want it to be. Give us a call at (631) 824-6353 to schedule your complimentary consultation today.
There are many factors that go into the cost of your orthodontic treatment such as the complexity of your case, the type of treatment and the length of time it takes to achieve your desired results. Dr. Parikh will be happy to answer your questions, discuss all your options, including financing, before treatment begins.
Yes! At Hidden Smiles Orthodontic Studio, we believe you can achieve your perfect smile at any age! According to the American Association of Orthodontists, one in four patients receiving orthodontic treatment is an adult. Thanks to the latest advancements in orthodontics, we are happy to provide our adult patients with modernized treatment options to fit your lifestyle! For more questions about adult orthodontics, we suggest you come in for a complimentary consultation in order for Dr. Parikh to create a personalized treatment plan that is tailored to you and your needs.
We get questions like this one quite often, but our answer remains the same: we recommend you wear your retainer for life—even if it’s just at night. Wearing your retainer is crucial to making sure your teeth stay in the desired positions.
We begin with a complimentary consultation where Dr. Parikh will examine your smile, discuss your goals and create a personalized plan. From there, we will explain your options and help you make a confident and informed decision about your treatment with us.
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