Orthodontic questions.
Answered clearly.

Orthodontists specialize in straightening teeth and correcting bite problems using braces, clear aligners, and other appliances. We complete 2–3 years of additional training after dental school focusing specifically on tooth movement and jaw alignment.

Dentists provide general dental care — cleanings, fillings, crowns. Orthodontists specialize exclusively in straightening teeth and correcting bites, with 2–3 additional years of full-time residency training beyond dental school. It's similar to the difference between a general doctor and a specialist.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends all children have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. This doesn't mean treatment starts at 7 — it allows us to catch problems early while jaw growth is still on our side. If your child has mouth breathing, snoring, crossbite, or severe crowding, come in before age 7.

No. There is no age limit. We treat adults in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond. If your teeth and gums are healthy, you're a candidate.

It depends on your case. We give you an exact timeline at your consultation — not a range.

• Early treatment (children): 9–18 months
• Teens: 18–24 months
• Adults: 12–24 months

You'll feel pressure and mild soreness for 2–3 days after getting braces placed or starting new Invisalign aligners. This is manageable with over-the-counter pain reliever and soft foods. After the initial adjustment period, treatment is generally comfortable.

No. You can schedule a consultation directly with us anytime — no referral required.

Dr. Gonchar personally examines your teeth, bite, and jaw. We take a 3D digital scan, present all applicable treatment options with exact timelines, verify your insurance on-site, and give you your exact out-of-pocket cost. The consultation takes 45–60 minutes and is completely free.

It's free. No cost, no obligation, no hidden fees.

No. Take all the time you need to decide. There is no pressure, no deadline, and no expiration on the information we give you at your consultation.

Required: your dental insurance card (if you have orthodontic coverage), photo ID for adult patients, and a parent or legal guardian for all patients under 18. Helpful but not required: a list of questions, recent dental X-rays, list of medications.

We help you decide at your consultation based on your case complexity, lifestyle, and preferences. Both options are presented with exact timelines and costs so you can make an informed comparison.

Yes. We offer virtual consultations via video call for initial questions. If you decide to move forward, we'll need to see you in person for a complete examination, 3D scan, and exact cost confirmation.

Phase 1 (also called early interceptive treatment) is orthodontic care for children ages 7–11 who still have a mix of baby and permanent teeth. The goals are to guide jaw growth, create space for incoming permanent teeth, correct crossbites before they cause damage, and address airway concerns — all while bone is still developing and most responsive to treatment.

No. Many children can wait until all permanent teeth come in (around age 12–13). We only recommend Phase 1 when there is a specific clinical benefit to acting during growth — such as correcting a crossbite, expanding a narrow jaw, or addressing an airway issue. We will tell you honestly which applies to your child.

Sometimes. Many children need Phase 2 (comprehensive braces or Invisalign) after Phase 1, but Phase 2 is typically shorter and simpler because Phase 1 addressed the major structural issues. Some children don't need Phase 2 at all. We give you an honest, case-specific projection.

Phase 1 braces at Morristown Braces typically range from $2,500–$3,500. Phase 1 Invisalign First ranges from $4,000–$5,500. If Phase 2 is needed later, $1,500 from your Phase 1 payment is credited toward Phase 2. Your exact cost is confirmed at your free evaluation.

Invisalign First is a clear aligner system designed specifically for children ages 7–11 in the mixed dentition phase (baby teeth and permanent teeth together). It includes built-in room for erupting permanent teeth, blue compliance indicators, and is designed for early jaw and alignment issues — not just cosmetic correction.

A palatal expander is a device that gently widens the upper jaw. It's used to create space for incoming permanent teeth, improve nasal breathing, and correct crossbites. It's most effective while the palate is still growing — typically before age 12. Most children feel pressure (not pain) and adapt within a few days.

Yes — and you don't need to wait until age 7. Mouth breathing is often related to a narrow upper jaw, and early evaluation can determine whether orthodontic intervention could improve nasal breathing and support healthier jaw development. Dr. Gonchar holds a NYU Craniofacial Fellowship with a focus on airway and jaw development in children.

It depends on the case complexity and your teenager's maturity level. Braces work for all cases and don't require any compliance effort — they're on 24 hours a day. Invisalign Teen is nearly invisible but requires consistent wear of 20–22 hours per day. Both are presented with exact costs and timelines at your consultation.

Invisalign Teen includes blue compliance indicators — small dots on the aligners that fade from blue to clear with wear time. Dr. Gonchar reviews these at every appointment. If compliance becomes a persistent problem, switching to braces is an option.

Invisalign Teen includes six free replacement aligners. Contact us immediately and we'll order a replacement. We'll advise whether to wear the previous aligner or move to the next one in the interim.

Yes. We recommend wearing an orthodontic mouthguard during contact sports. For Invisalign patients, remove aligners before contact sports and wear a regular mouthguard.

Metal and ceramic braces for teenagers at Morristown Braces typically range from $4,500–$6,500. LightForce custom braces range from $6,500–$8,500. Invisalign Teen ranges from $3,500–$6,500. Your exact out-of-pocket cost (after insurance) is confirmed at your free consultation.

Many parents worry about this, and it's a valid concern. Most teenagers adapt quickly — and many feel proud that they're actively improving their smile. Adults frequently regret not getting braces during their teenage years. We also offer ceramic and LightForce options that are significantly less visible than traditional metal brackets.

No. There is no age limit for orthodontic treatment. We treat adults of all ages. Healthy teeth and gums are the requirement — not any particular age.

Treatment time depends on case complexity, not age. Adults often finish in the same timeframe as teenagers for comparable cases.

Absolutely. Orthodontic relapse is one of the most common reasons adults seek treatment. It is often faster to correct than the original treatment — many relapse cases are resolved in 6–12 months with Invisalign.

Ceramic braces and Invisalign are both very discreet. Most colleagues and clients won't notice ceramic braces at conversational distance, and Invisalign is nearly invisible. Many professionals successfully complete orthodontic treatment without it affecting their careers.

Usually yes, but it depends on your specific situation. We'll assess at your consultation and give you a direct answer about what's possible.

You'll feel pressure and mild soreness for 2–3 days after getting braces placed or starting new Invisalign aligners. This is manageable with over-the-counter pain reliever and soft foods. After the initial adjustment period, treatment is generally comfortable.

No. You can schedule a consultation directly with us anytime — no referral required.

All kinds: 

• Traditional metal braces — $4,500–$6,500
• Ceramic (clear) braces — $4,500–$6,500
• LightForce custom 3D-printed braces — $6,500–$8,500
• Lingual braces (placed behind teeth) — $8,000–$12,000, by consultation only

LightForce is the only fully customized 3D-printed bracket system in orthodontics. Each bracket is individually designed from a digital scan of your mouth — meaning a more precise fit, fewer adjustments, and more predictable movement for many patients. Treatment often takes 12–18 months versus 18–24 for traditional braces. Morristown Braces is one of the only certified LightForce providers in Morris County.

Every 4–6 weeks for adjustments. Appointments typically take 20–30 minutes.

Call us during office hours and we'll schedule a repair — usually the same day or next business day. It's not typically a true emergency unless it's causing significant pain. Use dental wax to cover any sharp edges and keep it comfortable until your appointment.

You need to avoid hard foods (ice, hard candy, nuts, popcorn), sticky foods (caramel, gum, taffy), and foods you bite directly into (apples — slice them; corn on the cob — cut it off). Most foods are fine with modification.

For most cases — including crowding, spacing, overbite, underbite, and crossbite — Invisalign delivers clinically equivalent results to braces when worn as directed for 20–22 hours per day. For severe rotations or very complex bite issues, braces may be more appropriate. We'll tell you honestly which applies at your consultation.

20–22 hours per day. Aligners are removed only for eating, drinking anything other than plain water, and brushing.

Rinse aligners when you remove them. Brush gently with a soft toothbrush and clear, unscented soap. Rinse with cool water — never hot (it warps the plastic). Soak once a week in Invisalign cleaning crystals or unscented denture cleaner.

Call us right away. We'll tell you whether to wear the previous aligner or move to the next one while we order a replacement. Invisalign Teen patients have six free replacement aligners included.

No — remove aligners for coffee, tea, and all colored or hot drinks. Hot drinks warp the plastic; colored drinks stain it. You can drink plain, cold water with aligners in.

Your exact out-of-pocket cost — after insurance — is confirmed at your free consultation.

• Phase 1 braces (children): $2,500–$3,500
• Phase 1 Invisalign First: $4,000–$5,500
• Metal or ceramic braces: $4,500–$6,500
• LightForce custom braces: $6,500–$8,500
• Invisalign: $3,500–$6,500

Yes. We work with most PPO dental insurance plans with orthodontic benefits. We verify your coverage on-site at your consultation and handle all claim filing — no paperwork required from you.

Most plans cover 50% of orthodontic treatment up to a lifetime maximum of $1,000–$3,000. Your exact benefit is verified at your consultation.

We do.

• Low down payment + monthly installments over the treatment period
• 0% interest financing through CareCredit for qualified applicants
• Pay-in-full discount: save 5%
• FSA and HSA eligible

It depends on your case. We give you an exact timeline at your consultation — not a range.

• Early treatment (children): 9–18 months
• Teens: 18–24 months
• Adults: 12–24 months

Yes. 10% discount for active military, veterans, police officers, firefighters, and EMTs.

Yes. Orthodontic treatment qualifies for both Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts, allowing you to use pre-tax dollars toward your treatment cost.

Braces: every 4–6 weeks for adjustments (20–30 minutes). Invisalign: every 6–12 weeks for progress check-ins — many of which can be done virtually through the Invisalign app.

Yes — and you should. Continue regular dental cleanings and check-ups every 6 months throughout orthodontic treatment. Braces make teeth harder to clean, so professional cleanings are more important, not less.

If you move locally, you can continue treatment with us. If you move far away, we'll help you transfer to a trusted orthodontist near your new location and provide complete records for a smooth transition.

Talk to us immediately. We can usually adjust your payment plan or pause payments temporarily during a financial hardship. Please don't stop coming to appointments — that affects your treatment outcome regardless of the payment situation.

Full-time for the first 2–3 months after treatment (remove only for eating and brushing). After that: every night indefinitely. Teeth naturally shift throughout life — wearing your retainer nightly is what keeps your results permanent.

Your teeth will shift — it's that simple. How much depends on how long you stop and your individual biology. If you've stopped wearing your retainer, call us. A new retainer may be enough if caught early; significant shifting may require minor retreatment.

Call us immediately. The longer you go without wearing a retainer, the more teeth can shift. We make replacement retainers for anyone — even if you were not treated here. No records from your previous orthodontist are required.

Yes — and many patients do. After braces, wait 1–2 weeks for gums to settle. After Invisalign, you can begin right away. We offer Opalescence take-home and KöR in-office whitening. Learn about teeth whitening →

True orthodontic emergencies include severe pain that won't ease, injury to the mouth or jaw, excessive bleeding, visible swelling, or signs of infection. Call us immediately at (973) 998-6266. After hours, follow the voicemail prompts. For medical emergencies, go to urgent care or the ER.

Not a true emergency. Use the dental wax we gave you to cover the bracket and keep it comfortable. Do not try to remove or reattach it. Call us during office hours and we'll schedule a repair — usually same day or next business day.

Cover it with dental wax. If the wire is very long and wax isn't working, you can carefully clip it with clean nail clippers. Call us during office hours to schedule a wire adjustment.

Call us as soon as possible — the same day. We'll advise whether to wear the previous aligner or move to the next one while we order a replacement. Invisalign Teen patients have six free replacement aligners included.

Don't panic — a small bracket will pass naturally through the digestive system. Call us during office hours to schedule a replacement. If you experience any breathing difficulty or significant pain, seek medical attention immediately.

Only for true medical emergencies — severe pain unrelated to normal soreness, injury, excessive bleeding, or signs of infection. For typical orthodontic issues (broken bracket, poking wire, lost aligner), call our office first. Emergency rooms are not equipped to address most orthodontic issues.