Orthodontics in New York, NY
Braces, clear aligners, and lingual braces for kids, teens, and adults with ABO board-certified orthodontist Dr. Shawn Gutman.
The right approach at the right time
Dr. Gutman is an ABO board-certified orthodontist and part-time clinical faculty member at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. He treats all types of bite issues, tooth alignment issues, and jaw discrepancies in children, teens, and adults. Every case starts with an exam and a straightforward conversation and, if treatment is indicated, Dr. Gutman recommends the approach that fits the patient's specific needs.
Explore all dental servicesOrthodontics for Kids
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first visit with the orthodontist at age 7. This is when Dr. Gutman can identify developing problems and intervene to prevent more serious issues down the line. We call this Phase 1 treatment. Phase 1 is not necessary for the majority of children. In the rare cases when it is, early treatment can prevent irreversible damage or keep a problem from becoming so complex that invasive or extensive treatment is needed years later.
Orthodontics for Teens
Orthodontic treatment timing is usually optimal around 10 to 14 years old. Around this age, we are able to help affect the growth of the jaws in favorable directions while most permanent teeth are in place. Dr. Gutman treats all levels of complexity and offers several approaches depending on the case and the patient's preferences.
Orthodontics for Adults
Orthodontic treatment isn't always about achieving a beautiful smile—uncorrected bite issues or misaligned teeth can quietly cause long-term issues like abnormal tooth wear, chipped enamel, gum recession, and premature bone loss. Correcting your alignment restores healthy function and helps preserve your oral health at any age.
Treatment Options
Traditional Metal Braces
Standard metal braces use precise, durable stainless steel brackets and archwires to correct complex alignment and bite issues with maximum reliability. They offer a highly effective solution for patients of all ages.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners utilize a custom-crafted series of virtually invisible, removable plastic trays to gradually guide your teeth into alignment without aesthetic compromise. They allow you to eat, brush, and floss normally throughout treatment, making them a discreet and flexible option.
Lingual Braces
Custom-engineered to attach to the back surface of your teeth, lingual braces remain completely hidden from view throughout your entire treatment. They deliver maximum aesthetic benefits without requiring the strict compliance and wear time of removable clear aligners.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces deliver the efficacy and efficiency of traditional braces using translucent, tooth-colored brackets that blend naturally with your teeth.
Palatal Expanders
For kids and teens, palatal expanders gently widen the upper jaw to correct jaw size discrepancies and improve overall bite structure.
Adult Palatal Expansion (MARPE)
Miniscrew-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) for widening the upper jaw in adults. Used when the upper jaw is too narrow/constricted. In certain situations, MARPE can improve nasal airway issues.
Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs)
TADs are tiny, biocompatible titanium pins temporarily placed in the bone to serve as stable anchor points for complex tooth movement.
Functional Appliances
Appliances like Twin Block, headgear, and Herbst devices that redirect jaw growth to correct the position of the upper jaw relative to the lower jaw.
Habit-Breaking Appliances
Devices designed to help children stop habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting that can alter jaw development and tooth position. Typically worn for several months until the habit resolves.
Space Maintainers
Fixed or removable appliances that hold space open after a baby tooth is lost early, preventing neighboring teeth from drifting and ensuring the permanent tooth has room to come in properly.
Gummy Smile Correction
Orthodontic approaches to reduce excessive gum display when smiling. Treatment utilizes TADs to reposition the teeth and bone to improve the show of the gums.
Limited Orthodontics
Targeted treatment focused on just a few teeth, often to reposition them before crowns, implants, veneers, or other restorative work. Dr. Gutman coordinates with Dr. Min and other specialists in the practice.
Orthognathic Surgery Coordination
For significant jaw discrepancies, Dr. Gutman plans and manages the orthodontic setup before and after corrective jaw surgery, working with the oral surgeon throughout the process.
Schedule an orthodontic consultation
Dr. Gutman will evaluate your case, explain what he sees, and outline the options that make sense for your age and situation.