Proudly serving the North and South Shores of Long Island, Lindenhurst Orthodontics is your trusted family orthodontist. We are committed to providing gentle, effective, and patient-focused care for every member of your family.
Every patient is more than a visitor in our office—we treat each person like family. We offer a full range of orthodontic treatments for children, teens, and adults, including braces and Invisalign. Using advanced technology and comprehensive techniques, we deliver orthodontic care you can trust and results you’ll be proud to show.
Today’s traditional metal braces are more comfortable and effective than ever. Made from high-quality stainless steel, they use metal brackets and archwires to gradually straighten your teeth. You can also personalize your smile with colorful elastics for a fun, unique look.
Ceramic braces are made from clear materials, making them less noticeable than traditional metal braces. They are often chosen by older teens and adults who want a more discreet option. While visually subtle, ceramic braces require extra attention to oral hygiene, as they are larger and more fragile than metal braces. For this reason, they are typically used on the upper front teeth rather than the lower teeth.
Self-ligating braces are made from the same materials as traditional braces but do not require elastics. This means fewer appointments and less friction on your teeth. Available in metal, ceramic, or clear brackets, these braces are the same size as traditional metal braces but use a specialized clip to guide the archwire. The clip reduces pressure on the teeth and minimizes the need for adjustments since there are no elastics to replace.
Clear aligners are a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable trays that straighten your teeth much like braces. Because they are removable, you can eat and drink freely during treatment, and brushing and flossing are easy. Made without metal, clear aligners are gentle on your mouth and reduce the risk of irritation.
Lingual braces are placed behind the teeth, making them completely invisible when you smile. Each set is fully customized to fit the shape of your teeth, with metal appliances made specifically for you. They are an excellent option for athletes, models, actors, musicians who play wind instruments, and adult professionals seeking a discreet orthodontic solution.
Starting orthodontic treatment at a young age can promote a lifetime of oral health and wellness. We recommend that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7 to identify any early treatment needs while baby teeth are still present.
Even if your child’s teeth appear straight, an underlying issue may only be detected by an orthodontist. We can evaluate your child’s bite, oral development, and other potential concerns. Early treatment can help prevent problems by guiding jaw growth, correcting harmful oral habits, and more. Scheduling an early orthodontic evaluation gives your child the best chance for a healthy, confident smile.
If you notice any of the following in your child, it’s a good idea to consult your orthodontist:
Early or late loss of baby teeth
Speech difficulties
Trouble chewing or biting
Biting the cheek or roof of the mouth
Mouth breathing
Facial imbalance
Shifting or clicking jaws
Teeth grinding or clenching
Phase 1 treatment is designed to prevent more serious dental issues later on. By addressing jaw structure while your child is still growing, an orthodontist can create space for permanent teeth and correct bite problems. A child’s bite is generally established by age seven, allowing us to assess potential crowding early.
Phase 1 treatment offers several important benefits:
Guides jaw growth in a positive direction
Reduces the risk of injury to protruding upper front teeth
Enhances appearance and boosts self-confidence
Simplifies or shortens later orthodontic treatment
Corrects speech issues
Preserves space for erupting permanent teeth
Worried your teen will feel self-conscious about braces? Invisalign® Teen provides a discreet alternative to traditional metal braces, barely noticeable to friends and family.
This clear aligner system has transformed modern orthodontics, fitting seamlessly into your teen’s busy lifestyle while effectively straightening teeth.
Teens everywhere are enjoying the advantages of clear, removable aligners. Key benefits include:
Fewer office visits
No food restrictions
Easier to maintain good oral hygiene
Discreet, aesthetic appearance
Invisalign® Teen features a blue compliance indicator on each aligner. As the aligner is worn, the blue dot gradually fades, signaling it’s time to move to the next set. This feature helps parents and your orthodontist ensure the aligners are worn the recommended 20–22 hours per day.
Many adults pursue orthodontic care to improve both their oral health and their confidence. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, one in four orthodontic patients is over the age of 21. Adults across the country are taking advantage of the benefits of orthodontic treatment—and now you can too.
Orthodontic treatment isn’t just for teens—adults can benefit too. Issues like a bad bite or malocclusion, where teeth don’t fit together properly, can lead to crowded or spaced teeth, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Proper orthodontic care can help prevent these problems while creating a healthier, more attractive smile.
Today’s treatment options for adults are comfortable, effective, and tailored to your needs. Available types of braces include:
Clear braces
Ceramic braces
Self-ligating braces
Lingual (behind-the-teeth) braces
Invisible aligners
Traditional metal braces
In children and teens, the jawbones are still developing, making orthodontic treatment easier to guide and manage. In adults, jaw growth is complete, and surgery may sometimes be needed to achieve certain results. Adults are also more likely to experience bone or gum loss from long-term periodontal disease.
Other key differences include:
Adult teeth may shift or become worn over time. Proper orthodontic treatment can address missing or worn teeth.
Some adults had partial orthodontic treatment as children but never completed it. Adult treatment allows them to achieve the healthy, confident smile they always wanted.
Adults and children have different needs, and we tailor care to ensure each patient receives the most appropriate and effective treatment.
Orthognathic surgery is designed to correct jaw irregularities, enhancing chewing, speech, breathing, and facial balance. Because the position of the jaw directly affects the teeth, braces are an essential part of the overall treatment plan.
Since jaw growth typically finishes by age 16 in girls and 18 in boys, surgery is generally reserved for adults or older teens. Your orthodontist may recommend this approach for patients with bite problems or for those seeking improvements in facial symmetry and appearance.
Orthognathic surgery is performed in a hospital setting by an oral surgeon and can take several hours, depending on the complexity of the procedure.
For lower jaw surgery, the section of the jaw behind the teeth is separated, allowing the front portion to be moved forward or backward as needed.
In upper jaw surgery, the jaw may be shifted forward or backward, or raised and lowered. Certain adjustments may involve separating the jaws and adding or removing bone to ensure proper alignment, function, and long-term stability.
After orthognathic surgery, most patients can return to school or work within about two weeks. Healing continues over the next 4 to 8 weeks, at which point your orthodontist will make the final bite adjustments. In most cases, braces are removed within 6 to 12 months after surgery.
For many patients, the greatest benefit of orthognathic surgery is a healthy, attractive smile that lasts a lifetime. Whether the goal is to correct a bite issue, malocclusion, or jaw irregularity, surgery combined with orthodontic care can restore both function and confidence.
A palatal expander gradually widens the upper jaw by applying gentle pressure to the upper molars with each adjustment. The illustrations below demonstrate how and when to make these adjustments properly. Once the desired expansion is achieved, the expander remains in place for several months to stabilize the results and prevent the jaw from shifting back.
In a well-lit area, tilt the patient’s head back.
Place the key in the hole until it is firmly in place.
Pushing the key towards the back of the mouth, you will notice the fender rotate and the new hole will appear. The rotation stops when the key meets the back of the expander.
In a well-lit area, tilt the patient’s head back.
You can also download these instructions in a printable PDF document here.
At Lindenhurst Orthodontics, our goal is to provide orthodontic care that meets your needs and goes beyond your expectations. Dr. Nissenbaum and his team are committed to delivering personalized attention, taking the time to fully understand your unique situation.
We make sure you understand every procedure and answer all your questions before beginning treatment. In our warm and welcoming office, you can expect to be treated with professionalism, kindness, and respect.
We also offer Spanish-speaking services to ensure every patient can receive the orthodontic care they need.
Your retainer is a vital part of maintaining the results of your orthodontic treatment. This removable appliance is custom-made to help your teeth stay in their new positions while the surrounding bone and gums adjust. We also offer permanent retainers for long-term maintenance.
If your retainer is lost or broken, there is a fee to replace it. Please contact our office promptly so a replacement can be made. Delaying replacement may result in teeth shifting, for which we cannot assume responsibility.
For the first three to six months, retainers should be worn 24 hours a day, seven days a week, except during meals. During the following 12 months, we recommend wearing your retainer every night at bedtime.
After that period, nighttime wear can often be reduced. Adult patients, however, should continue nightly wear indefinitely, as adult teeth are more prone to shifting after braces are removed.
Taking proper care of your retainers is key to maintaining the results of your orthodontic treatment. We’re here to guide you so you can preserve the smile you’ve worked hard to achieve.
Some important tips for caring for your retainer include:
Remove your retainer when eating or drinking sugary beverages.
Brush your retainer with toothpaste when you brush your teeth.
Keep retainers away from heat.
Never wrap your retainer in a napkin or leave it on a table while eating.
Always store your retainer in its protective case.
Bring your retainer to every orthodontic appointment.
Lindenhurst Orthodontics is proud to offer iTero Digital Impressions, eliminating the need for messy putty impressions.
For patients considering Invisalign aligners, precise impressions are essential for effective treatment planning. The iTero system captures incredible detail—comparable to watching HDTV instead of standard definition.
Using the iOC Scanner, we can quickly capture the contours of teeth and gums, producing an accurate digital scan in minutes. This non-invasive process is perfect for patients using Invisalign or other clear aligners, providing a comfortable experience without traditional putty materials.
The iTero handheld wand creates a detailed 3D digital image of your teeth, pausing whenever necessary. The non-invasive scan allows you to breathe and swallow comfortably, and adjustments can be made at any time. The wand is highly accurate, making “redoing” impressions very rare. You can even watch your 3D scan appear on the screen in real time as the orthodontist moves the wand.
Unlike traditional impressions that must be sent to a lab, the digital scan is transmitted electronically and is available in the Invisalign ClinCheck system the very next day. This 3D model can be used with all Invisalign tools, including the Invisalign Outcome Simulator, which lets you preview your potential new smile before treatment begins.
The significant benefits of iTero™ teeth scanning are as follows:
No More Putty Impressions – Say goodbye to the goopy, uncomfortable experience of traditional impressions and enjoy a more comfortable process.
Exceptional Accuracy – Eliminates distortion caused by movement, removal, or disinfection, providing precise results every time.
Real-Time Onscreen Visualization – The scan appears on the screen as it happens, allowing immediate adjustments to achieve the perfect orthodontic image.
Single-Use Imaging Shield – Ensures maximum cleanliness and safety for every patient.
View the video below to learn more about iTero™ scanning:
At Lindenhurst Orthodontics, our fully digital office keeps you connected and involved throughout your orthodontic journey. Located in Lindenhurst, New York, we are committed to keeping our patients informed so they can make confident decisions about their care.
Whether you have questions about your treatment or want to learn more about our practice, our team is here to help. We have experience working with patients of all ages, dedicated to helping everyone achieve their healthiest, most beautiful smile.
