Dr. Kenneth Murphy has been in practice in Hackettstown and Succasunna, New Jersey since June of 1979. He received his dental degree from Columbia University, where he graduated with honors. While attending Columbia, he was awarded an Award for Excellence in Orthodontics. Dr. Murphy obtained his post-doctoral orthodontic degree from Columbias Honors Program.
How are braces billed to Insurance? Our office takes care of all billing to the Insurance companies. Unlike most offices who do not take care of all form submissions and payments! How do i know my Insurance coverage? Just E-mail Doreen!
Orthodontists are dental specialists who diagnose and treat problems with the position, alignment or spacing of the teeth, and related irregularities in the face and the jaw. We use a number of special treatments, including braces and other oral appliances, to correct these problems.
There are two good reasons: aesthetics and function. Having an attractive smile not only changes the way people see you it enhances your own self-image as well. Orthodontic treatment also allows your teeth to function better and makes it easier to keep them clean, which can improve your overall health.
You're never too old to begin orthodontic treatment but if you start at an earlier age, your problems may be easier to treat. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that a child who may need orthodontic treatment should come in for a first visit around age 7.
Teeth that are protruding, crowded together or erupting out of position are clear indications that treatment is needed (View Examples). Less obvious signs are mouth breathing, frequent biting of the cheek or palate, speech difficulties, and thumb sucking that goes past 3-4 years of age. If teeth don't meet properly when the mouth closes, or if jaws make sounds or shift as they move, this may also indicate an orthodontic problem.
Having braces put on is generally painless. Some people experience minor aches and pains in the first couple of days or so, as they adjust to wearing their appliances; periodic adjustments may sometimes cause soreness as well, though it typically lasts only a short time. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to alleviate any discomfort, but are usually unnecessary.
If your teeth are severely crowded (because your mouth is too small to properly accommodate all of them) or if you have impacted teeth (teeth that are trapped beneath the gum line by other teeth) then extraction may be necessary. In the case of younger patients, early treatment may make extraction unnecessary.
Yes you should pass up the types of foods that could damage or become trapped in your braces. Some of these include raw vegetables, hard candy, caramel, taffy and ice cubes (fortunately, ice cream is OK). We will give you a list of foods to avoid.
In a word: Yes. Of course, whether you wear braces or not, we recommend you wear a mouthguard when playing most sports. Musicians are generally able to play their instruments just as they did before, but they may need a short adjustment period after getting braces.
You do in fact, it's more important than ever! Keeping teeth free of plaque (and potentially, decay) can be challenging when you're wearing braces. Your dentist can help you avoid these problems with frequent cleanings and exams.
Almost always, the answer is yes: If you don't wear a retainer, your teeth can rapidly shift out of position and then all the effort put into your treatment is lost! Your retainer helps you maintain that good-looking smile for a lifetime.
Orthodontic care is a long-term investment in your health and well-being. Yet its cost hasn't increased as fast as many other consumer prices, and many financing options are available that make orthodontic care affordable. Weighed against the true cost of living with problem teeth, orthodontic treatment can be a wise investment indeed.
The Magic of Orthodontics Proper alignment of the teeth is basic to Smile Design. Their position dictates how they work together and affects the way you look and smile. Only orthodontic treatment can move teeth into the right position. Simply put, when things look right, they probably are right. Learn the basics of smile analysis and design and whether the magic of orthodontics will work for you... Read Article
Orthodontics for the Older Adult Healthy teeth can be moved at any age, so there's no such thing as too old for braces. In fact, nowadays about one out of every five orthodontic patients is an adult. Yet this figure represents only a small portion of adults who could actually benefit from orthodontic treatment... Read Article
Reviews
Rating 4.6 out of 5 based on 20 reviews
Sort by
newest oldest highest lowestMichael "mbardous" Bardello
a year ago
To make a two year long story short, I was able to avoid reconstructive jaw surgery through Dr. Murphy's practice. I had a pretty severe underbite, but Dr. Murphy's treatment and guidance (along with some serendipitous surgery delays), steadily fixed my bite to the point where surgery was no longer necessary. All of the staff are friendly and very well taught; I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Murphy for anyone in the area that needs orthodontic treatment. You won't regret it!
Elaine Maza
2 years ago
Thank you Thank you Dr. Murphy for giving my son such a beautiful smile!! You can see the before and after results of just 2 1/2 years of braces. I never thought they would look so good! Your entire Staff have been so amazing and we are so grateful for you all.
Casey Meyer
2 years ago
My parents sent my brother & I to Dr. Murphy years ago. We still laugh about his quirky but rude comments he'd make to us...insinuating my brother was a poor student due to his lack of follow through with his braces...routinely telling me I COULD be pretty, IF I had a nice smile (I'm beautiful with my smile, which has reverted back to its original state through my lack of retainer usage). Just weird, rude and inappropriate. But effective, I guess, hence the two stars. Parents -- your children will have a beautiful smile (they already do, too!) but just beware he might insult your child on multiple occasions. Can only hope he's changed in the years since I've seen him.
Atlantia Polyak
2 years ago
Dr. Murphy is the best!! Clean environment, the staff is super friendly and really cares about the patients in helping them get the perfect smile and in making a difference in people's confidence. Definitely 5 star worthy!
John Hope
2 years ago
Horrible bedside manner worst experience. Told my kid he had an ugly mouth and was just overall I do not recommend this place I'd rather drive further than deal with this
Karen Kochanski
2 years ago
I sent my daughter ( age 10 ) to Dr. Murphy. I was very concerned about her overbite and wanted to go to a orthodontic specialist that would correct it without changing her pretty profile. Dr.Murphy was recommended to me and I am so thankful for it. He did a wonderful job on her teeth! My daughter always had a nice experience at her appointments. And the staff were lovely! Highly recommend.
Braden Ensinger
2 years ago
Very straightforward and super helpful. They have a great, caring staff and do an exceptionally good job! Would recommend to anyone looking to get braces or considering them.
ZenvoFM
2 years ago
Brace removal was painless and quick. The whole experience I had with my braces was beyond satisfaction. 5 stars
Brandon D Arias
2 years ago
I came in a little over 2 years ago with a very crowded mouth and teeth all over the place. Dr. Murphy always intended to make sure I had the best smile possible, and today he completed that as my braces are removed!
SM
2 years ago
Dr Murphy did a great job at straightening my teeth and the assistants are all nice. Would definitely recommend getting braces from here!
THE DESTROYER
2 years ago
Amazing place. Got my brasis put on and removed here. Would definitely recommend
Katrina C
2 years ago
My son has been going to Dr. Murphy for a palate expander first to fix his overbite and then braces. Today he had his braces removed. What a transformation. We are very pleased with Dr. Murphy's work. The administrative staff and technicians are all great and accommodating for emergency appts.
Brandon D Arias
3 years ago
I came in a little over 2 years ago with a very crowded mouth and teeth all over the place. Dr. Murphy always intended to make sure I had the best smile possible, and today he completed that as my braces are removed!
Casey Meyer
3 years ago
My parents sent my brother & I to Dr. Murphy years ago. We still laugh about his quirky but rude comments he'd make to us...insinuating my brother was a poor student due to his lack of follow through with his braces...routinely telling me I COULD be pretty, IF I had a nice smile (I'm beautiful with my smile, which has reverted back to its original state through my lack of retainer usage). Just weird, rude and inappropriate. But effective, I guess, hence the two stars. Parents -- your children will have a beautiful smile (they already do, too!) but just beware he might insult your child on multiple occasions. Can only hope he's changed in the years since I've seen him.
ZenvoFM
3 years ago
Brace removal was painless and quick. The whole experience I had with my braces was beyond satisfaction. 5 stars
Atlantia Polyak
3 years ago
Dr. Murphy is the best!! Clean environment, the staff is super friendly and really cares about the patients in helping them get the perfect smile and in making a difference in people's confidence. Definitely 5 star worthy!
John Hope
3 years ago
Horrible bedside manner worst experience. Told my kid he had an ugly mouth and was just overall I do not recommend this place I'd rather drive further than deal with this
Braden Ensinger
3 years ago
Very straightforward and super helpful. They have a great, caring staff and do an exceptionally good job! Would recommend to anyone looking to get braces or considering them.
SM
3 years ago
Dr Murphy did a great job at straightening my teeth and the assistants are all nice. Would definitely recommend getting braces from here!
Karen Kochanski
3 years ago
I sent my daughter ( age 10 ) to Dr. Murphy. I was very concerned about her overbite and wanted to go to a orthodontic specialist that would correct it without changing her pretty profile. Dr.Murphy was recommended to me and I am so thankful for it. He did a wonderful job on her teeth! My daughter always had a nice experience at her appointments. And the staff were lovely! Highly recommend.
Load more