&align Orthodontics

Retainers are “nighttime for a lifetime,” and we are happy to help provide you with additional or replacement retainers. We are also available to discuss options for fixed (or “permanent”) retention. In some cases, touch-up treatment may be needed prior to placing fixed retainers.

Our classic metal option uses high-quality braces, gentle pressure that is healthy for the teeth and the roots, and allows for even our most complex treatment plans to finish with brilliant results. Visits are typically every 4-8 weeks apart, and colors are changed each visit.

Clear braces are made from ceramic; they are esthetic, highly effective, and let you feel more comfortable smiling while in treatment. We typically combine clear braces on top with metal on bottom, allowing for better long-term health of the edges of the upper teeth. Functionally, there are few differences between Metal and Clear braces. Visits are typically every 4-8 weeks apart.

Aligners are our most esthetic treatment option. The plastic aligners are a removable treatment modality that patients can insert and remove on their own. However, there are fixed pieces of dental filling material attached to the teeth, known as “attachments.” Because the plastic can be removed for brushing, aligners tend to be healthier for your teeth, gums, and roots long term. For more complex treatment plans, sometimes braces and aligners are combined into hybrid treatment plans. Visits are typically every 4-12 weeks apart.

Teeth tend to yellow during most orthodontic treatments, due to decreased access to cleaning the teeth. Ask about our in-office whitening options and at-home whitening gels!

Sometimes, comprehensive treatment is not the goal. Maybe you just need a small task accomplished — setting up space or bone for dental work, making slight improvements by a certain date, or touch-up re-treatment. We are happy to discuss how we can best help you achieve your goals.

For some patients, orthodontic treatment needs to be combined with orthognathic surgery for optimal results. This type of treatment requires careful planning and timing, excellent communication between your orthodontist and oral surgeon, and a supportive team that will work tirelessly to achieve great results. We are here to help guide you through these more involved treatment modalities, and discuss treatment alternatives, if possible.

Expanders are a form of treatment that help widen the upper jaw. In some cases, creating space for crowded teeth is an added benefit of an expander. Expanders may have favorable effects on growth and the airway. In non-growing individuals, alternative forms of expansion may be needed. We are happy to review the benefits and indications for an expander if needed for your treatment.

Habit breakers are designed to discourage finger habits (nail biting, thumb-sucking), forward tongue posture, and object-related (pencil, blanket) habits. These types of habits, if left untreated, can have major effects on not only the teeth, but also overall growth in children. We always advised that patients must be emotionally ready to stop habits once and for all, and then habit breakers and other treatment options to discourage habits can be attempted. Beware – if habits ever come back, the teeth will shift!

The gums will change in size and shape with treatment. They will become lower and thinner in some areas, and higher in other areas. Most commonly, the gums may overgrow and become inflamed during treatment in the present of inadequate brushing. Ask our team members how to improve at-home hygiene techniques in order to minimize overgrowth of the gums. If the gums do change in size and shape, we sometimes temporarily remove wires to allow the swelling to decrease. Alternatively, it is important o know that 6-8 weeks after braces are removed, the gum swelling will decrease significantly, simply because patients have better access to brushing their teeth. We do offer in-office gum reshaping procedures to level out the gums and reduce them – this is called a gingivectomy. If the gum levels are too low or too thin and gum tissue needs to be added back, or if a more complex gingivectomy is needed, we will refer you to a gum specialist.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that the first orthodontic consultation is conducted at age 7. Although most children do not need any treatment at that age, a small percentage of children present with orthodontic problems at a young age. Typically, if treatment is done at such an early age, it is kept brief (

When most people think of getting braces, they are usually thinking about Comprehensive Orthodontic Treatment, also known as Phase 2 treatment (not Phase 1 treatment, described above). Treatment goals are very thorough, and including alignment of the teeth, alignment of the jaws, and improving jaw function such that the teeth and bite are stable long-term. Sometimes, in order to achieve optimal long-term results and keep your teeth healthy for the rest of your life, orthodontists do recommend procedures from other dental offices — exposures, extractions, dental prosthetic work (implants, bridges, composite bondings). We will gladly communicate with the rest of your dental team to ensure your treatment goes smoothly.

A board-certified specialist in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Dr. Shahabuddin is committed to helping all her patients achieve a brilliant and healthy smile. She has a passion for the esthetic side of dentistry and understands that designing a smile is an art.