Treatment Options
Orthodontics in Livingston, NJ
Straight, healthy smiles for teens and adults — with traditional wired braces or virtually invisible clear aligners like Invisalign.
A straighter smile is more than cosmetic
Orthodontic treatment moves crowded, spaced, tilted or protruding teeth into their ideal positions. The results are the smile you want to show off — but the benefits go much deeper than looks. Properly aligned teeth are easier to brush and floss, which lowers your long-term risk of cavities, gum disease and enamel wear. A balanced bite protects the jaw joint (TMJ), reduces uneven wear on individual teeth, prevents chipping, and can even relieve chronic headaches, jaw clicking and neck tension caused by an imbalanced bite.
At ProCare Dental, orthodontics is not a one-size-fits-all product. Every case begins with digital 3D scans, panoramic imaging, a full bite analysis and a conversation about what you actually want to change. From there, our doctors design a treatment plan around your smile goals, your lifestyle, and your budget — and walk you through exactly how long treatment will take before you commit. We treat teens, working professionals, parents, and adults who never had braces the first time around, all with the same calm, judgment-free approach that defines the rest of our practice.
Option 1
Traditional wired braces
Traditional braces remain the most predictable, most versatile orthodontic system available today. Small brackets are bonded to the front of each tooth and connected by a thin archwire. At each visit, our team adjusts the wire or swaps in a new one, gradually guiding every tooth into its planned position. Because the brackets are physically attached, they work 24 hours a day — nothing to remember, nothing to take out, nothing to lose.
Modern braces bear almost no resemblance to the bulky metal “train tracks” of a generation ago. Today’s brackets are significantly smaller, lower-profile and more comfortable against the lips and cheeks. We offer stainless-steel braces for classic durability at the lowest price point, as well as tooth-colored ceramic braces that blend in with your enamel and are far less visible in photos. Teens can choose colored elastic ties at each adjustment for a personal touch.
Where wired braces shine
- Severe crowding or rotation
- Complex bite corrections
- Large gaps between teeth
- Precise vertical tooth movement
- Patients who won't wear removable trays
- Growing teens and pre-teens
Adjustment visits typically happen every 4 to 8 weeks and take 15 to 30 minutes. Most full-treatment cases finish in 12 to 24 months. When the braces come off, we bond a thin retainer wire behind the front teeth and provide a clear removable retainer for nighttime wear to keep your new smile locked in for life.
Option 2
Clear aligners — Invisalign
Invisalign is a system of custom-molded, medical-grade clear plastic trays that gently shift your teeth into position. You wear each tray for about one to two weeks, then move on to the next in the series. Because the aligners are virtually invisible, most people you meet will never know you are straightening your teeth — a huge draw for working professionals, brides and grooms, and anyone who felt they had missed their window for braces.
At ProCare Dental, every Invisalign case starts with a fast, comfortable iTero 3D intraoral scan — no messy putty impressions. We then build a digital treatment plan that shows you an animated preview of your final smile before you decide to move forward. Your custom aligners are manufactured and ready to pick up within a few weeks.
Why patients choose Invisalign
- Virtually invisible in photos and meetings
- Removable for eating, brushing and flossing
- No wires or brackets to irritate cheeks
- Fewer in-office adjustment visits
- Digital preview of your final smile
- Great for mild-to-moderate crowding or spacing
The trade-off is discipline: Invisalign only works when you actually wear it. Aligners need to be in your mouth for 20 to 22 hours a day, coming out only for meals, drinks other than water, and brushing. Patients who commit to full-time wear see beautiful, predictable results in as little as 6 to 18 months. Learn more about Invisalign at ProCare Dental.
Braces vs. Invisalign at a glance
| Feature | Wired braces | Invisalign |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Visible (ceramic option is subtle) | Virtually invisible |
| Removable | No — bonded to teeth | Yes — for eating & cleaning |
| Best for | All cases, including complex | Mild to moderate cases |
| Compliance needed | Automatic — works 24/7 | Must wear 20–22 hrs/day |
| Diet restrictions | Avoid hard/sticky foods | None when trays are out |
| Office visits | Every 4–8 weeks | Every 8–12 weeks |
| Typical duration | 12–24 months | 6–18 months |
Not sure which option is right for you? A complimentary consultation at our Livingston office is the fastest way to find out. We’ll scan your teeth, review your bite, and give you an honest recommendation — even if that means suggesting the option with the lower price tag.
What to expect at ProCare Dental
- 01Free consultationWe meet, listen to your goals, examine your teeth and bite, and take digital scans and photos — no obligation.
- 02Personalized plan & quoteYou receive a clear treatment plan, digital preview when possible, timeline, and an all-in price with financing options.
- 03Start treatmentWe either bond your braces or hand you your first set of Invisalign trays. You leave knowing exactly how to care for your smile.
- 04Regular check-insShort, comfortable visits every 4–12 weeks let us track progress and keep everything on schedule.
- 05RetentionOnce teeth are aligned, we deliver retainers to protect your investment for life.
Orthodontics FAQs
- Am I too old for braces or Invisalign?
- No. A large share of our orthodontic patients are adults in their 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond. Healthy teeth and gums can be moved at any age, and modern brackets and clear aligners make treatment far more discreet and comfortable than the metal-heavy braces of the past.
- How long does orthodontic treatment take?
- Most cases at ProCare Dental complete in 6 to 24 months. Mild spacing or crowding may finish in as little as 3–6 months, while complex bite corrections can take up to 2 years. We give you a personalized timeline at your consultation.
- Do braces or Invisalign hurt?
- You should expect mild pressure or tenderness for a few days after each adjustment or new aligner tray. Over-the-counter pain relievers, soft foods and orthodontic wax handle almost every case. Most patients report the discomfort is very manageable.
- Does insurance cover orthodontic treatment?
- Many PPO plans include a lifetime orthodontic benefit, often between $1,000 and $2,500. We verify your coverage before you commit, apply HSA/FSA funds, and offer CareCredit monthly financing so treatment fits your budget.
- Do you treat children as well as adults?
- Yes. We provide early orthodontic screenings for children starting around age 7, phase-one interceptive treatment when appropriate, teen braces and Invisalign Teen, and full adult orthodontics. Every plan is tailored to age, growth and lifestyle.
Ready for a straighter smile?
Book a free orthodontic consultation at ProCare Dental Livingston. We’ll scan your teeth, walk you through your options, and give you a clear plan — with no pressure.
Book your free consultationOr call (973) 533-1777 — we speak Spanish too.