Orthodontics in Woodhaven
Crowded front teeth, a bite that wears unevenly, a gap that never closed on its own — these are the everyday reasons people in Woodhaven ask us about straightening treatment. Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that moves teeth and corrects how the upper and lower jaws meet. At our office at 22500 Allen Rd., we provide general orthodontics for children, teenagers and adults, with Dr. Ila Sayed, our board-certified orthodontist, working alongside our general dentists so that straightening care and routine care happen under one roof.
General orthodontics covers the full range of tooth movement: closing spaces, relieving crowding, correcting rotated teeth, and improving how the bite comes together. We offer traditional metal braces and clear aligners, including Invisalign, so the approach can be matched to the situation and to what a patient is willing to wear every day.
Straight teeth are easier to keep clean, since crowded or overlapped areas trap plaque where a brush and floss struggle to reach. A bite that meets evenly spreads chewing forces more predictably across the teeth rather than concentrating them in a few spots. And many of our Woodhaven patients simply want to feel comfortable smiling in photos, at work, or at school. All of those are reasonable reasons to start.
Children are often the first group we evaluate. Because we see patients from age one through the teen years, our general dentists watch how permanent teeth come in during routine exams and can flag crowding or bite concerns early, then refer internally to Dr. Sayed without sending your family somewhere new. We also treat children with special healthcare needs, and we take the time that requires.
Adults make up a large share of orthodontic patients today. Some had braces years ago and saw teeth shift back. Some are preparing for crowns, veneers or implants and want teeth positioned well first — something our restorative team coordinates directly with our orthodontist. We also accept orthodontic transfer patients, so if you moved to the Woodhaven area partway through treatment, we can pick up where your previous provider left off. And if you finished treatment elsewhere but lost or broke a retainer, we provide retainers for patients treated elsewhere, made and adjusted in our on-site dental lab.
What the Process Looks Like
It starts with a complimentary consultation. We examine your teeth and bite, take the records we need, discuss whether braces or aligners fit your goals, and explain what the treatment would involve before you commit to anything.
From there, treatment follows a predictable rhythm. Braces are placed and adjusted at periodic visits; aligners are worn in a planned sequence of trays, changed on schedule, with check-ins to confirm teeth are tracking as expected. Throughout, you continue regular cleanings and exams with our hygienist and general dentists, which matters more than usual during orthodontics because appliances make brushing and flossing harder.
- A free consultation to review your teeth, bite and options
- A recommendation for metal braces or clear aligners based on your case and preferences
- Regular adjustment or tray-change visits to keep treatment on track
- Ongoing cleanings, exams and fluoride treatments during active treatment
- A retainer at the end, made and maintained with help from our in-house lab
Retainers and Life After Braces
Finishing active treatment is not the end of orthodontics. Teeth have a natural tendency to drift, so a retainer holds the result in place. We'll tell you how to wear yours and how to care for it, and because our lab is on site, repairs, relines and replacements don't require shipping your appliance away and waiting.
We also make night guards and sports guards here, which comes up often for patients who grind their teeth or whose kids play contact sports. Keeping those appliances fitting correctly is part of protecting the work you invested in.
Paying for Orthodontic Care in Woodhaven
We accept all major PPO insurance plans and file orthodontic claims as a General Practitioner (GP). We'll run a complimentary insurance benefits check so you know what your plan covers before treatment begins, and we welcome self-pay and cash patients.
For families without insurance, our in-house membership plan is $199 a year for adults and $99 a year for ages 17 and under. It includes exams, X-rays, two cleanings and two fluoride treatments a year at 100%, plus 20% to 50% off other treatment, with no annual maximum, no deductibles, no waiting period and no pre-authorizations. CareCredit financing is also available, and we accept cash, checks, Visa, Mastercard and American Express. Se habla español.