Orthodontists are qualified dentists, who after graduating from dental school, go on to additional full-time university-based education in an accredited orthodontic residency program supervised by orthodontists. That training lasts at least two academic years. By learning about tooth movement (orthodontics) and guidance of facial development (dentofacial orthopedics), orthodontists are the uniquely educated experts in dentistry to straighten teeth and align jaws.

Orthodontists diagnose, prevent and treat dental and facial irregularities. Orthodontists limit their practices to orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. That means that orthodontic treatment is what they do, and that is all they do. Orthodontists treat a wide variety of malocclusions (misaligned aligned teeth and/or jaws). They regularly treat young children, teens and adults.

Because orthodontists can spot subtle problems with jaw growth or teeth while a child still has primary, or baby, teeth present, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children get a check-up with an orthodontist no later than age seven. Although only a few orthodontic problems need to be corrected at that age, an early exam allows the orthodontist to offer advice and guidance as to when the appropriate age to start treatment would be. Certain problems are best addressed at a specific developmental stage. Dr. Rider feels it is important to treat at the appropriate time so as to minimize the length of treatment.

Early treatment or interceptive orthodontics involves treatment in the mixed dentition (when baby teeth and a few permanent teeth are present). It usually involves simpler types of treatment and not full braces as is needed when all the permanent teeth erupt. Some of the benefits of early treatment are:

Yes. The most important aspect of treating adults is to make sure there is not active gum disease prior to starting orthodontic treatment. Retaining or holding the result is also very important and long term retention is suggested. Adults can receive the same quality result as children.

Although braces do affect some musical instruments, the effect is only for a short period of time. Usually you will be back to your level of play in two weeks. In most cases, it would be advised to have your braces put on far in advance of any recital or competition.

If the sport you are participating in normally uses a mouth guard, we recommend you continue to use one. If you do not normally wear a mouth guard with a particular sport, then it is not necessary to start wearing one once you have gotten braces. Your teeth are actually very protected by the braces if you should have a contact injury.

The average orthodontic treatment time is 20 to 24 months. Of course, some treatments will be slightly longer, or shorter, depending on the individual. Dr. Rider tries to keep treatment time as short as possible.

Retainers are an extremely important part of orthodontics. Retainers should be worn 20 to 24 hours a day immediately after braces are removed. The hours will be reduced after a period of time as instructed by Dr. Rider. There are usually several retainer options including clear retainers, fixed retainers and standard acrylic retainers. Our goal is to make you happy, as retainers are so important. Long term retainer wear is usually suggested to prevent future tooth movement.

Dr. Susan Rider is a graduate of Ridge High School. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from New York University magna cum laude and was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. Dr. Rider received her dental degree from the University of Michigan where she was elected to the elite dental honor society, Omicron Kappa Upsilon. She completed a general practice residency at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania before starting her orthodontic specialty training. Her orthodontic training was completed at St. Louis University where she received a master of science in dentistry degree.

Dr. Rider has been in the private practice of orthodontics since 1991 in the New York metropolitan area. She has an office in Fort Lee, NJ where she works part time with her partner, Drew Lombardi, DMD. The website for this office is 201braces.com. She also enjoys teaching orthodontics at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine where she has been an assistant clinical professor since 2005. In 2002, Dr. Rider became a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. Her professional memberships include the American Association of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association and their New Jersey chapters. She donates her services to needy children by participating in the Donated Orthodontic Services Program (DOS).