Livingston, NJ Orthodontic Blog

Discover easy daily routines to keep your Invisalign aligners clean and clear. Watch our video for step-by-step guidance from Sacks Orthodontics.

Discover easy daily routines to keep your Invisalign aligners clean and clear. Watch our video for step-by-step guidance from Sacks Orthodontics.

Discover easy daily routines to keep your Invisalign aligners clean and clear. Watch our video for step-by-step guidance from Sacks Orthodontics.

Flossing with braces is easier than you think. Watch our video tutorial and get tips from Sacks Orthodontics on using a floss threader or water flosser.

Struggling to brush with braces? This short guide and video from Sacks Orthodontics show you how to clean around brackets and protect your healthy smile.

Dealing with a poking braces wire? We know it can be uncomfortable, especially if you're stuck at home and can’t get to the orthodontist right away. The good news is, there are a couple of safe, simple things you can do to get relief.

Learn how orthodontics can guide your child’s jaw and facial growth for a healthy, confident smile. Schedule a free consultation at Sacks Orthodontics!

Learn how orthodontics can guide your child’s jaw and facial growth for a healthy, confident smile. Schedule a free consultation at Sacks Orthodontics!

Learn how orthodontics can guide your child’s jaw and facial growth for a healthy, confident smile. Schedule a free consultation at Sacks Orthodontics!

Learn how orthodontics can guide your child’s jaw and facial growth for a healthy, confident smile. Schedule a free consultation at Sacks Orthodontics!

Even if your child’s teeth look straight, they may need braces. Learn the hidden signs of orthodontic issues and book a free consultation today!

If you’re in northeastern New Jersey, schedule an appointment with Sacks Orthodontics. Get started with a free virtual consult or request an in-office consult.

Check out these incredible results before and after Invisalign, and find out why families in Livingston choose Sacks Orthodontics.

Invisalign crystal packets are used to dissolve plaque and kill bacteria that may be growing on your Invisalign trays. The Invisalign crystal packets are formulated to sanitize your trays during everyday use. Bacteria can get trapped in the crevices and cause plague and other issues if not cleaned thoroughly every day. They are completely safe and are specifically made to clean and disinfect your aligners. They are made of safe compounds and are clinically proven to prevent discoloration, staining, and odors from building up.

Did you know your teeth can affect your speech? Misaligned teeth can cause speech problems that can linger into adulthood without proper treatment. Your speech depends partly on where your tongue is placed on your teeth. If your teeth are crooked, your tongue won’t hit them properly.

At Sacks Orthodontics, we care about your comfort. We want to help you have the best orthodontic experience. One such tool is dental wax for Invisalign.

Are elastics safe to use? What’s the point of elastics? Do rubber bands hurt? We're happy to answer these questions about elastics & more at Sacks Orthodontics!

Sacks Orthodontics in Livingston, NJ will work with you to make your orthodontic costs affordable because you deserve to have the smile of your dreams! 

You may be wondering what a canker sore is, how you get them and how you can get relief from them. Sacks Orthodontics in New Jersey is here to help!

The fact is: Flossing is super important, whether you have braces or not. Find out how to floss like a boss at Sacks Orthodontics!

Sacks Orthodontics in Livingston, NJ offers interest-free financing, low down payments, sometimes even no down payments.

We’re sure you’ve noticed that we have a new look! At Sacks Orthodontics, we’re always thinking about you, our patients, and that includes making it easier for you to find out more about us. That’s why we’ve created a website that is faster, easier to navigate, and better tells the story of Sacks and our exceptional team! 

DentaGrafix retainers are new and one-of-a-kind retainers. While other basic retainers consist of the ordinary transparent color, DentaGrafix allows patients to have creative freedom with their retainers by choosing from various colors and designs to be placed in the back molar portion device. DentaGrafix is clear in the front and, as said on their website, a party in the back.

DentaGrafix retainers are new and one-of-a-kind retainers. While other basic retainers consist of the ordinary transparent color, DentaGrafix allows patients to have creative freedom with their retainers by choosing from various colors and designs to be placed in the back molar portion device. DentaGrafix is clear in the front and, as said on their website, a party in the back.

Proper upkeep and good oral hygiene are essential in keeping your Invisalign aligners clean, invisible and odor free. The aligners can be easily removed for eating and drinking, however, failing to properly clean your aligners afterwards can result in discoloration and a buildup of bacteria. To maintain clarity, it is good to periodically clear debris from your aligners with a soft toothbrush and water.

Choosing to straighten your teeth is a big decision that affects not only your appearance, but your lifestyle as well and the benefits of having properly aligned teeth extend far beyond a confident smile. Straightening your teeth can significantly affect your overall dental health. As an adult, you may be looking to improve your smile for business and/or social reasons. Or maybe you are a teen or the parent of a teen looking for an effective yet modern-day solution for improving your smile. Either way…Invisalign or Invisalign Teen can provide a simple way to accomplish your goals without having to put your life on hold.

Real orthodontic emergencies are very rare, but we're here to help with these common issues including: loose archwires, poking archwires, loose brackets, loose bands, lost separators, swallowed appliances, broken retainers, sore teeth, sore gums, and more.

Choosing to straighten your teeth is a big decision that affects not only your appearance, but your lifestyle as well and the benefits of having properly aligned teeth extend far beyond a confident smile. Straightening your teeth can significantly affect your overall dental health. As an adult, you may be looking to improve your smile for business and/or social reasons. Or maybe you are a teen or the parent of a teen looking for an effective yet modern-day solution for improving your smile. Either way…Invisalign or Invisalign Teen can provide a simple way to accomplish your goals without having to put your life on hold.

All orthodontists must be licensed to practice, but at this time only 1 in 3 orthodontists have continued on to complete Board Certification. The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) certification process signifies a unique achievement—a significant step beyond the two to three years of advanced education required for a dentist to become a specialist in orthodontics. The process requires the orthodontist to demonstrate actual accomplishments in patient care with detailed case reports on the treatment provided for a broad range of patient problems. Board certification is a voluntary achievement that all orthodontists do not choose to pursue. In order to become board certified by the ABO, an individual orthodontist is thoroughly interviewed by a highly respected panel of examiners to demonstrate their orthodontic knowledge, clinical skills and judgment.

You will notice that it is much harder to keep your teeth clean with braces. Food becomes caught in the brackets and between your teeth and can only be removed by brushing and flossing. If plaque remains on the teeth for any time, it can leave a permanent white scar on the surface. Brushing after meals should become part of your daily schedule. Use a soft toothbrush and brush at a 45-degree angle on the tooth circularly, below, and above the brackets.

Dr. Eric Sacks is proud to have appeared in many local publications!

"One of the few board-certified orthodontic specialists in the area, Dr. Eric Sacks combines advanced, proven treatments with years of skillful care to create exceptional patient experiences and beautiful, customized smiles."

The beauty of the Invisalign treatment is that it slowly shifts and straightens your teeth using various sets of plastic aligner trays without traditional metal braces. These trays are removable, thin, and clear, which makes them essentially unnoticeable. What was once the only way to straighten your teeth is now a thing of the past, and you can carry on living your life without having to deal with bulky, metal braces in your mouth 24/7. Although Invisalign treatment times can vary, they take about 12 to 18 months to complete, with the first signs of results showing in as early as a few weeks. Can you imagine a straighter smile in just a few weeks from wearing lightweight plastic over your teeth?

Retainers are appliances used to keep your teeth straight once your orthodontic appliances have been removed. Some retainers are cemented in place, but most are removable. The type of retainer you have been given has been chosen and designed specifically for you! Without retainers, your teeth will move back to the way they were before you received orthodontic treatment. We worked hard as a team to get your teeth straight. Let's work as a team to keep them that way!

Eating proper foods, minimizing sugar intake, and getting enough sleep are essential during orthodontic treatment.

Many patients who have an overbite take into careful consideration whether to choose a standard wire braces treatment or Invisalign to correct their smile. Some people may prefer going the more traditional route and choose wired braces, which for the most part come with much more care restrictions than Invisalign. Invisalign is able to repair a patient’s overbite and ensure a straight beautiful smile in minimal time. While it is easier to correct an overbite in younger patients, clients of all ages may use Invisalign to fix their overbite.

About 15% of the population smoke cigarettes or regularly use tobacco products in the United States alone. About 50% percent of all Americans are on Invisalign treatment or highly considering it. Many of those considering Invisalign treatment are concerned about whether they can continue to smoke while wanting to straighten out their smiles. The truth is many orthodontists, and doctors highly recommend avoiding smoking at all costs due to its effects on oral and general health. 

There are several benefits of having properly aligned straight teeth that most people are unaware of. Although a majority of patients who receive orthodontic treatment do so for a more confident and cosmetically attractive smile, having straight teeth can positively impact your overall oral health.

The iTero scanner is one of many intra-oral scanners used in orthodontic offices. While iTero was not the first brand to introduce intraoral scanners to the world of dentistry, it is one of the most advanced, easy-to-use, and accurate scanners on the market. Although they may seem expensive, iTero scanners are worth it in the end as they provide the most accurate information in a matter of minutes. Additionally, it is safer than any other machine as it does not expose patients to radiation like other scanners.

Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign Teen aligners are removable, which means you can go ahead and eat all the things you love without worrying about breaking a bracket or losing a rubber band. Cheers! It’s your life, keep it that way!

Whether you’re considering Invisalign treatment for yourself or someone else, knowing more about the entire process can help you be more confident in your decision to choose Invisalign. During your initial consultation, you and Dr. Sacks will discuss your concerns to determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign. We will take x-rays of […]

With the holiday season among us, we have compiled a list of tips and reminders on caring for your Invisalign aligners. This is a time of year where a variety of foods and drinks are in abundance, but that doesn’t have to ruin the progress of your Invisalign treatment. Remember that Invisalign aligners are meant to move your teeth over time gradually, so if you’re not wearing your aligners during this holiday season, then the treatment will not be as effective. Taking good care of your aligners requires a bit of care and patience.

Many patients who have an overbite take into careful consideration whether to choose a standard wire braces treatment or Invisalign to correct their smile. Some people may prefer going the more traditional route and choose wired braces, which for the most part come with much more care restrictions than Invisalign. Invisalign is able to repair a patient’s overbite and ensure a straight beautiful smile in minimal time. While it is easier to correct an overbite in younger patients, clients of all ages may use Invisalign to fix their overbite.

With the holiday season around the corner, the time of festivities and tradition typically follow along with it. Especially the holiday foods and treats that consist of baked goods and flavorful feasts. The experience and joy the holidays bring are very tempting and irresistible, especially for people with braces and Invisalign. Although many may believe that their orthodontic treatment is restricted to the types of food they are allowed to eat, Invisalign aligners provide a flexible treatment that will ensure the patient indulges this holiday season with minimal worry.

Invisalign First is a treatment plan created by Align Technology that targets young children and their growing teeth. While Align Technology is known for developing clear liners that adults more commonly use, this treatment was designed to straighten and protect the teeth of young children to prevent dental problems in the future. The treatment helps expand the patient’s jawline to open up space for incoming teeth but also helps prepare the child for phase 2 of Invisalign treatment if necessary. Children can begin Invisalign First from as young as 6 years to up to 10 years of age. The total cost of this treatment can vary between 2000 dollars up to 7000 dollars depending on the patient’s dental status. Invisalign First is designed to take anywhere from 6-18 months to complete the treatment.

Halloween is right around the corner, and along with it comes the tempting flavors of desserts, treats, and most importantly, candy! For many, these treats have almost no effect besides raising their blood sugar or giving them a sugar rush, but for those who have braces and Invisalign, eating candy may be something to reconsider.

The adhesive used for attaching the braces to your teeth sets rapidly at first but takes 24-hours to cure completely. You can eat anytime after leaving our office. However, we ask that you be mindful of the suggested list of foods harmful to the braces. Until you become accustomed to eating with your new braces, you may find it beneficial to follow a diet consisting of soft foods.

Thinking about getting orthodontic treatment? Then you’ve come to the right place. Researching your treatment options can get a bit overwhelming, but we are here to make it simple. If you have already started to look at your options, then you’ve most likely come across treatments like traditional braces and Invisalign aligners. Traditional metal braces are a good option for those with complex issues like severe overcrowding. Braces are usually made up of metal brackets and wires, but there is also a ceramic option for those looking for a more subtle tooth-colored look.

Braces are one of the most effective methods used to straighten out teeth. However, you may not know that there are actually four main types of braces: metallic or traditional braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, and Invisalign. We will cover what they are, what each type offers, their drawbacks, and how much you could expect each type to cost. Please consult with your dentist and orthodontist beforehand to determine which is best for you or your children. Prices will vary depending on location and orthodontist.

Choosing to straighten your teeth is a big decision that affects not only your appearance, but your lifestyle as well and the benefits of having properly aligned teeth extend far beyond a confident smile. Straightening your teeth can significantly affect your overall dental health. As an adult, you may be looking to improve your smile for business and/or social reasons. Or maybe you are a teen or the parent of a teen looking for an effective yet modern-day solution for improving your smile. Either way…Invisalign or Invisalign Teen can provide a simple way to accomplish your goals without having to put your life on hold.

There are many ways to get the perfect smile, but the most common options are Invisalign and braces. Both are great treatments, but the one obvious difference is the appearance of the two. Braces have a wire-like appearance and sit in the fronts of your teeth and are far more obvious, whereas Invisalign utilizes a set of clear plastic trays that go over your teeth and are not visible. Invisalign is great for correcting less complicated alignments for people who are looking to have a more aesthetically pleasing smile without putting as much pressure on the tooth.

Remember there is an adjustment period, so even though it feels awkward now, you will be used to the appliance and feeling better in a few days. Find more tips about your new MARA appliance by reading more.

Sleep Apnea find it more difficult to gain the same experience. These disorders cause the blockage of airways during sleep which may cause a temporary loss in breathing and can lead to extreme snoring and disruption in sleeping patterns during the night along with drowsiness, dry mouth, and headaches throughout the day.

When considering Invisalign, one of the first questions people tend to have is, “How much will it cost?” The good news is that most individuals are pleasantly surprised to discover that the cost of Invisalign treatment is usually comparable to the cost of traditional braces.