What Does an Orthodontist Do?
An orthodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on correcting bite alignment and tooth positioning. Unlike general dentists who handle cleanings, fillings, and overall oral health, orthodontists complete an additional two to three years of specialized training after dental school. This extra education prepares them to diagnose and treat conditions like crowding, spacing issues, overbites, underbites, and crossbites.
If your teeth don’t line up the way they should, or if chewing feels awkward, an orthodontist can help. These specialists use braces, clear aligners, and other appliances to guide teeth into their proper positions over time. Board-certified orthodontic specialists like Dr. Stephen Bosonac and Dr. Brian Bosonac combine know-how with the latest technology to create lifelong smiles for patients of all ages at their Clark, NJ practice.
If you’re considering care for yourself or your child, learning what an orthodontist does is a good place to start when you want a smile that feels as good as it looks.
How Orthodontic Treatment Works: From Consultation to Final Results
Orthodontic care at Bosonac Orthodontics follows five steps: initial consultation, custom planning, appliance placement, regular adjustment visits, and retention. Here’s what you can expect from start to finish:
What Happens During the Initial Consultation?
Your smile starts with a free consult. During this visit, Dr. Stephen or Dr. Brian takes digital photos, X-rays, and digital scans of your teeth. No goopy, gaggy impressions here. These images help create a full picture of your bite and tooth alignment.
Your Custom Smile Plan
Using the information gathered, Dr. Stephen and Dr. Brian develop a custom smile plan tailored to you. They’ll explain which issues need correction, recommend the best option for your situation, and give you a realistic timeline. No surprises. You’ll know exactly what to expect before any work begins.
What Happens When Appliances Are Placed?
Once you’ve decided to move forward, it’s time to get started. For braces, this means placing brackets and wires on your teeth. For Invisalign, you’ll receive your first set of custom aligners. Either way, the team ensures everything fits comfortably and walks you through what the first few days will feel like.
Why Are Regular Adjustment Visits Important?
Progress happens through consistent care. You’ll return to the practice every four to eight weeks for adjustments. These visits allow Dr. Stephen and Dr. Brian to monitor movement and make any necessary changes to keep things on track.
The Retention Phase
After your teeth reach their final positions, you’ll transition to retainers. This phase is essential for maintaining your results. The team will explain how often to wear your retainers and schedule follow-up visits to make sure your smile stays put. Retainers lock in the work your braces or aligners did, so your teeth don’t drift back.
Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment for Clark, NJ Families
Orthodontic care delivers real, lasting benefits that go well beyond a straighter smile. Patients who complete their care typically experience better oral hygiene, reduced jaw discomfort, and a noticeable boost in confidence. Proper alignment also protects your teeth from uneven wear and makes daily brushing and flossing more effective. Here’s a closer look at what proper alignment can do for you:
How Do Straighter Teeth Improve Oral Health?
- Better oral hygiene. Straight teeth are easier to brush and floss. When teeth overlap or crowd together, food particles and plaque hide in hard-to-reach spots, raising your risk of cavities and gum disease.
- Reduced jaw discomfort. A misaligned bite puts extra stress on your jaw joints and muscles. Correcting bite issues can relieve chronic discomfort, including headaches and TMJ symptoms.
- Less uneven tooth wear. When your bite is off, certain teeth absorb more pressure than others. Over time, this leads to chips, cracks, and worn enamel.
- Proper alignment also supports long-term gum health, since straight teeth allow gum tissue to fit more snugly around each tooth.
How Does Orthodontic Care Boost Confidence and Fit Your Lifestyle?
- Boosted confidence. A smile you’re proud of changes how you carry yourself. Many patients report feeling more self-assured in social and professional settings after their care wraps up.
- Kids, teens, and adults all benefit from orthodontic care, making it a great option for the whole family. At Bosonac Orthodontics in Clark, modern options make it easier than ever to find something that fits your lifestyle.
- Faster results with modern technology. Today’s tools mean more efficient tooth movement and fewer visits. Digital planning and advanced materials help get you to your final smile faster than you might expect.
Comparing Orthodontic Options: Braces vs. Invisalign vs. Clear Braces
Your smile has options. Here’s how the most popular choices at Bosonac Orthodontics compare:
| Feature | Metal Braces | Clear Braces | Invisalign |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Most noticeable | Less visible (tooth-colored brackets) | Nearly invisible |
| Best For | Complex cases, all ages | Teens and adults wanting discretion | Mild to moderate cases |
| Removable | No | No | Yes |
| Dietary Restrictions | Yes (avoid hard, sticky foods) | Yes (avoid hard, sticky foods) | None (remove to eat) |
| Comfort | Adjustment period needed | Similar to metal braces | Smooth plastic, minimal irritation |
| Care Duration | 12-24 months typically | 12-24 months typically | 12-18 months for most cases |
How Do Metal Braces Work?
Metal braces are still the most popular choice, and that makes sense. Modern braces are lighter, stronger, and more comfortable than ever. They work well for even the most complex cases and give Dr. Stephen and Dr. Brian precise control over tooth movement. This time-tested treatment delivers reliable results for kids, teens, and adults alike.
What Are Clear Braces?
Clear braces offer a discreet way to straighten your teeth without the look of metal. They work just like metal braces but use tooth-colored or clear brackets that blend with your teeth. Many teens and adults prefer this option because it’s less noticeable while still providing the same effectiveness. The brackets sit right on your teeth, so there’s nothing to remove or keep track of.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign uses clear aligners to apply gentle force and move teeth into the right position. You can remove them to eat, brush, and floss. Serious comfort and discreet care make Invisalign popular with adults and teens who want flexibility. As diamond Invisalign providers, Dr. Stephen and Dr. Brian at their Clark, NJ practice have the experience to handle all kinds of alignment issues.
The team at Bosonac Orthodontics helps determine which option works best based on your specific diagnosis, lifestyle, and goals.
How Much Does Orthodontic Treatment Cost?
Orthodontic costs vary based on several factors. Most care falls within a general range, but your specific investment depends on what your teeth actually need.
Factors that influence cost:
- The type of appliance matters. Invisalign and clear braces may cost differently than metal braces, so it’s worth comparing during your free consult.
- Case complexity. More severe alignment or bite issues require longer care and more visits, which affects the total.
- Care duration. Longer plans naturally cost more than shorter ones, and Dr. Stephen and Dr. Brian will walk you through the expected timeline upfront.
- Insurance coverage. Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of orthodontic care, especially for kids under 18. How much does your plan cover? That’s something the team can help you figure out during your first visit.
Making care affordable:
Most practices offer free initial consultations so you can get an accurate estimate before committing. At Bosonac Orthodontics in Clark, NJ, flexible financing options break the total cost into manageable monthly payments. Some offices also offer family discounts when multiple family members need care.
Don’t let cost concerns keep you from exploring your options. A free consult gives you all the information you need to make a confident decision without any obligation.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Orthodontic Treatment?
Anyone with crooked teeth, bite issues, gaps, or jaw discomfort may be a good candidate, regardless of age. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends kids have their first evaluation by age seven, when baby teeth and permanent teeth are both present. Early intervention can guide jaw growth and create space for incoming teeth.
The teen years remain the most common time for care, since most permanent teeth have erupted and the jaw is still growing. Teens have plenty of options, from metal braces to Invisalign.
There’s no age limit on a great smile. More adults than ever are seeking orthodontic care. Age doesn’t matter here. Discreet options like Invisalign and clear braces make it easier to fit into professional and social life.
How Do You Know If You’re a Good Candidate?
You may be a good candidate if you have:
- Crooked or crowded teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- An overbite, underbite, or crossbite
- Difficulty chewing or speaking
- Jaw discomfort
A consultation determines your candidacy based on your oral health and goals. At Bosonac Orthodontics in Clark, Dr. Stephen and Dr. Brian, both board-certified orthodontists, evaluate your teeth, discuss your concerns, and recommend the right plan for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontic Treatment
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Between 12 and 24 months for most patients, though this varies based on complexity. Simple alignment issues may resolve faster, while more significant bite corrections take longer. Dr. Stephen or Dr. Brian provides a timeline during your initial free consult.
Does getting braces hurt?
Mild discomfort for a few days after placement or adjustment visits is normal. It fades quickly. Over-the-counter relievers and soft foods help during the adjustment period, and most patients find it short-lived and manageable.
Can adults get braces or Invisalign?
Yes. Your teeth can move at any age, so it’s never too late to straighten your smile. Many adults choose Invisalign or clear braces for a more discreet experience. At Bosonac Orthodontics in Clark, NJ, Dr. Stephen and Dr. Brian work with adult patients regularly and tailor each smile plan to fit busy schedules and professional lifestyles.
How do I choose the best orthodontist?
Look for board-certified orthodontists with specialized training and real-world experience. Consider the technology they use, since digital scans and imaging lead to more precise care. Read patient reviews to understand what others have experienced. Practices like Bosonac Orthodontics offer board-certified specialists with five decades of smiles and a welcoming environment where you’re never a number. That personal touch, the kind where the team knows your name and remembers your last visit, makes a real difference.
Do orthodontists offer free consultations?
Many do, including virtual consult options for added convenience. This initial visit lets you learn about your options, get a cost estimate, and ask questions without any financial commitment. It’s the best way to find out whether orthodontic care is right for you. Bosonac Orthodontics offers a free consult at their Clark and Brick, NJ locations, so getting started is simple.