ORTHODONTICS
Orthodontic care in Paramus for kids, teens, and adults
Clear aligners, modern braces, and early treatment — planned by a board-certified orthodontist, coordinated with your child's dentist.
Orthodontic care in Paramus for every age, planned by Dr. Lee Wu, our board-certified orthodontist. From a first evaluation around age 7 to braces, clear aligners, and retainers, your child's orthodontist and dentist share one chart and one plan — so nothing gets lost between offices.
What's included
Early evaluation, around age 7
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic check by age 7. Most kids don't need anything yet — but a few benefit from early, Phase 1 treatment that guides jaw growth while it's still easy to shape.
Braces
Modern metal braces move teeth precisely and handle the full range of cases, from simple crowding to bite correction. They're sleeker and more comfortable than the braces you might remember.
Clear and ceramic braces
Tooth-colored brackets that blend with the natural teeth, so the braces barely show. A popular pick for teens and adults who want the results without the shine of metal.
Clear aligners
Custom, see-through trays that shift teeth gradually and come out for meals and brushing. A good fit for many mild-to-moderate cases — a consultation confirms whether they suit your smile.
Expanders
A palatal expander gently widens a narrow upper jaw to make room for crowded teeth and correct certain crossbites. It's most often used while a child is still growing.
Retainers
Teeth like to drift back. After braces or aligners come off, a custom retainer holds the new smile in place — and we show your family exactly how to wear and care for it.
TMJ treatment
Jaw pain, clicking, or trouble opening wide can point to the jaw joint (the TMJ). We look at the bite and jaw together and talk through options if your child's symptoms call for it.
Advanced techniques for complex cases
When a case needs extra control, temporary anchorage devices (TADs) — small titanium anchors — help move teeth precisely, for challenges like a gummy smile. Dr. Wu reviews every case before recommending them.
What to expect at the visit
- 1 A consultation and full exam — teeth, jaw, and bite — to see what your child needs, and just as often what they don't need yet.
- 2 A clear plan from Dr. Wu: which treatment, roughly how long, and what the visits look like, explained before anything starts.
- 3 Regular check-ins to adjust and track progress, scheduled around school and coordinated with your child's dental checkups under the same roof.
- 4 A finish line: retainers and a simple plan to keep the new smile where it belongs.
Why parents choose Say Cheez for this
- Your child's orthodontist and pediatric dentist share a hallway, a chart, and a plan — no outside referral, no starting over with strangers.
- Dr. Lee Wu is a board-certified orthodontist (American Board of Orthodontics) who graduated summa cum laude from Boston University.
- We start early: a quick evaluation around age 7 often means simpler treatment later — and we'll tell you honestly when the right move is to wait.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
At what age should my child first see an orthodontist?
Around age 7. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by then. Most kids just get monitored, but early evaluation catches the few issues that are easier to guide while the jaw is still growing.
Do you treat adults, or just kids and teens?
All ages. We plan clear aligners, ceramic and metal braces, and retainers for adults too — whether you're straightening teeth for the first time or revisiting treatment from years ago.
What's the difference between braces and clear aligners?
Braces are fixed to the teeth and handle the widest range of cases. Clear aligners are removable trays that are nearly invisible and come out to eat and brush. A consultation is the best way to see which fits your smile.
What are retainers and expanders for?
An expander gently widens a narrow upper jaw to make room for teeth, usually while a child is growing. A retainer is worn after treatment to hold the finished smile in place so teeth don't drift back.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
It depends on the case and the treatment. Many patients are in braces or aligners for roughly 12 to 24 months. You'll get a personalized estimate at your consultation, before anything begins.
Are temporary anchorage devices (TADs) safe?
Yes. TADs are small, well-tolerated titanium anchors used only in more complex cases to move teeth precisely. Dr. Wu reviews your child's case carefully before ever recommending them.
What is Phase 1 (early) orthodontic treatment?
Phase 1 is a short, targeted round of treatment done while a child still has mostly baby teeth — usually ages 6 to 10 — to guide jaw growth or make space, so bigger problems are prevented later. Not every child needs it; Dr. Wu recommends it only when acting early genuinely helps.
Is Invisalign a good option for my teen?
For many teens, yes — clear aligners are nearly invisible and come out to eat and brush. The one requirement is consistent wear, about 20–22 hours a day, so they suit a motivated teen well. A consultation with Dr. Wu is the best way to know if your teen's case is a fit.
How does paying for orthodontic treatment work?
Orthodontics is handled a little differently from routine dental care — many families use out-of-network or PPO orthodontic benefits, and we'll help you make the most of yours. Call us at (201) 345-3637 and we'll walk through your options and any financing together.