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Huntington Office
When considering orthodontic treatment, we know you want the best for your smile. Properly aligned, healthy teeth are important to your overall health and the confidence that comes with a beautiful smile can be life-changing. While many people rely on their dentist to provide an orthodontic evaluation, there are numerous benefits of choosing an orthodontic expert for your smile!
At Shiney Smiles Orthodontics, Dr. Michael Sheinis is proud to offer high-quality orthodontic care to patients of all ages throughout Huntington, Woodbury, and the surrounding communities. Dr. Sheinis is committed to creating healthy, beautiful smiles in our community by providing exceptional, personalized care to families just like yours. To learn more about the differences between a general dentist and an orthodontist and how our team can help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted, keep reading below!
Education, Training, and Experience
Dentists and orthodontists both start their careers in dental school. However, that’s where they go their separate ways. Dentists will go directly to practicing general dentistry, while orthodontists have about two to three additional years of specialized education to complete. They spend this time learning to identify and treat misalignment of the teeth and jaws. During this time, they also:
- study how a mouth grows and matures throughout one’s life
- learn biomechanical techniques to successfully maneuver the teeth with braces and aligners
- develop their diagnostic skills
- work on numerous case studies
As you can see, there’s quite a lot that goes into becoming an orthodontist! And while there are exceptions to every rule, most general dentists will not possess this level of training and experience. That being said, all dentists do receive some basic level of orthodontic training in dental school and are capable of providing limited orthodontic assessment and care to their patients. These dentists will often sharpen their skills with continuing education seminars and workshops.
The downside to this is that workshops and seminars can’t quite cover the same extensive material in the same depth as the years of specialized education and training an orthodontist receives. Dentists with orthodontic experience will still lack the level of specialization and expertise of a dedicated orthodontist.
More Treatment Options For Your Smile
Many people begin their orthodontic process by considering their dentist for treatment. It’s human nature to lean towards the familiar and when you’ve already built a relationship with a care provider, of course, you would consider them first! However, before you move forward with orthodontic treatment from your dentist, you should consider the benefits of choosing an experienced orthodontist at Shiney Smiles Orthodontics. These include:
- a wider variety of treatment options, like metal braces, clear braces, and clear aligners like Invisalign
- a customized treatment plan created just for you based on your unique needs, lifestyle, and desired results
- more efficient treatments and visits, since orthodontics is their main focus
- the best possible outcome for your smile, especially if your case is complex or severe
At Shiney Smiles Orthodontics, our only focus is providing high-quality orthodontic care and treatment. Dr. Sheinis performs countless teeth straightening procedures and works constantly to stay on top of his game. Our entire team also stays up to date on the latest in industry practices by regularly enrolling in continuing education courses. Our Huntington and Woodbury offices are each equipped with the latest orthodontic equipment, allowing us to provide patients with high-quality care and stunning results. Treatment options include:
Invisalign
The Invisalign system is made up of a series of unique, made-to-order plastic aligners that are nearly invisible and completely removable. Unlike traditional braces, no brackets or wires are needed to move your teeth! This gives you more freedom and flexibility that traditional braces just can’t beat. Designed to fit snugly but comfortably over your teeth, Invisalign provides a subtle and comfortable, yet highly effective, orthodontic experience. When worn the recommended 20-22 hours per day, and changed out weekly with the next in the set, these aligners will gradually move your teeth into the desired positions.
Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are still the most widely used orthodontic appliance, and have come a long way in recent years! They are typically made of a mix of high-grade stainless steel, nickel, and other durable, mouth-safe metals. Bands wrap around the back molars, and smaller metal brackets are cemented to the front surfaces of the other teeth. Then, a thin, springy metal wire runs through the brackets and may be fixed to the brackets by flexible elastics, metal ties, or another type of clasp. All of these components come together to gently guide your teeth into the desired positions over time.
Clear Braces
Also called ceramic braces, these function in the same way metal braces do, but are made of clear materials instead of stainless steel. Because they are less visible than traditional braces, they’re popular with older teens and adult patients who tend to be less excited about adding braces to their look. They are larger and more brittle than their metal counterparts, so we tend to use them on the upper front teeth more often than the lower teeth.
Lingual braces
InBrace is an excellent cosmetic option for patients who want a more subtle way to straighten their smiles. These braces are attached to the backs of your teeth and are completely personalized for you. InBrace is designed to move teeth more quickly and efficiently than other treatment methods might.
Specialized Care Produces the Best Smiles
As a patient, you have the right to choose the healthcare provider you feel most comfortable with. But when it comes to the way your smile looks, feels, and functions, we think it makes sense to find an orthodontist who has specialized education and training in how to safely and effectively move your teeth – and we have one of the best! While some dentists can provide orthodontic services, Dr. Sheinis has years of experience specifically in creating healthy, beautifully aligned smiles.
Orthodontic care with an experienced orthodontist can also help you avoid any unnecessary complications. Orthodontists are more likely to notice small things that a general dentist might overlook and will recommend an appropriate treatment plan for your unique needs. This can reduce treatment times and lessen the chance of any complications. The treatment plan itself will be time-effective, affordable, and built around your unique smile.
Trust Your Family’s Smiles to Shiney Smiles Orthodontics
When you trust an experienced orthodontist with your family’s smiles, you can feel confident that you’ll receive only the best care and treatment options. Our team will take all the time you need to ensure that you understand your treatment and feel confident in your care. We strive to provide a welcoming environment and unmatched service from your first appointment to your last! And since our only focus is orthodontics, we’re able to give our patients nothing but the best.
If you’re ready to take the first step towards a healthier smile, we would love to meet you! When you schedule your initial consultation with our office, you’ll receive a thorough evaluation by Dr. Sheinis and a treatment plan customized to your needs and goals.
This consultation is completely cost and pressure-free! Even if you decide not to start your orthodontic treatment right away, our team will be happy to answer any questions or address any concerns you have to help you make the best choice for your smile.
Your family deserves a lifetime of healthy smiles. Get in touch today to schedule your free in-office or virtual exam!