Edgewater Orthodontist: Expert Braces & Clear Aligners
What Does an Edgewater Orthodontist Do?
An Edgewater orthodontist diagnoses and treats misaligned teeth and jaws using braces, clear aligners, and bite correction. At Capan Orthodontics, Dr. Natalie A. Capan is a board-certified orthodontist who serves children, teens, and adults from Edgewater and the surrounding Bergen County area. Every smile plan is built around your goals and comfort.
So what makes an orthodontist different from a general dentist? Orthodontists complete two to three additional years of specialty training after dental school. That training focuses entirely on tooth movement, jaw development, and bite function.
Dr. Capan brings 25 years of expertise to every visit at our Englewood Cliffs office, just minutes from Edgewater. She's a graduate of Harvard, Columbia, and the University of Pennsylvania, and she holds board certification from the American Board of Orthodontics.
Our team treats many kinds of cases, from simple spacing concerns to more involved bite issues. Options include modern metal braces, clear braces, Capan Custom Clear Aligners, and hybrid treatment. Whatever direction fits your smile, we walk you through it step by step. You can also explore our dedicated braces and clear aligner pages to learn more about each choice.
Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic care does more than straighten teeth. It shapes how you chew, how clearly you speak, and how easily you breathe at night. For Edgewater families, that means real, lasting value at every age.
Here's what a properly aligned smile can do for you:
- Boost confidence. Straighter teeth often lead to more smiling, better photos, and a stronger sense of self-image.
- Protect your bite. Aligned teeth reduce uneven wear on enamel and lower stress on your jaw joints.
- Ease jaw discomfort. Correcting bite issues can help relieve tension, headaches, and clicking sounds.
- Improve daily hygiene. Straight teeth are easier to brush and floss, which lowers your risk of cavities and gum disease.
- Support better function. Proper alignment helps with chewing, clear speech, and healthy airflow.
- Encourage long-term health. Early intervention can prevent bigger dental concerns down the road.
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, treatment can benefit patients of nearly any age, as long as the teeth and supporting structures are healthy. That's why we see everyone from second-graders to grandparents at Capan Orthodontics.
Every smile is unique, and so is your treatment. Some families come in for cosmetic goals, while others want to address discomfort, breathing concerns, or oral health risks. All of it matters, and all of it is welcome here in Edgewater and Englewood Cliffs.
Our Orthodontic Treatment Process in 3 Easy Steps
Our orthodontic process at Capan Orthodontics has three easy steps: a free consult with digital scans, a custom smile plan built around your goals, and active treatment followed by retention. Most cases finish in 12 to 24 months. Edgewater families can also choose a virtual consult for added convenience.
Here's how each step works:
Step 1: Free Consult and Digital Exam
Your first visit is a free consult with Dr. Capan. We take digital scans, digital X-rays, and photos of your smile, all without messy impressions. You'll get a clear picture of where your teeth are today and what's possible.
Step 2: Custom Smile Plan
Next, Dr. Capan builds your smile plan around what your teeth need and what you want. That may mean modern metal braces, clear braces, Capan Custom Clear Aligners, or hybrid treatment. We'll walk you through timing, costs, and no-interest financing so there are no surprises.
Step 3: Active Treatment and Retention
Once treatment begins, you'll visit us every 4 to 8 weeks so we can track progress and make adjustments. When your teeth reach their new home, we move into the retention phase with custom retainers to keep everything in place. No surprise fees for retainers or routine X-rays during treatment.
Prefer to start from home? Our virtual consult option is a good fit for busy Edgewater families who want an easy first look before coming in.
Who Is a Candidate for Orthodontic Treatment?
Almost anyone with healthy teeth and gums can be a candidate for orthodontic care. That includes children, teens, and adults. If you're wondering whether treatment is right for you or your child, the best next step is a free consult with our Edgewater orthodontist.
We treat many concerns, including:
- Crowding that happens when teeth overlap or twist due to limited space
- Gaps between teeth that affect appearance or function
- Overbite, where upper teeth cover the lower teeth too far
- Underbite, where lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth
- Crossbite that shows up when upper and lower teeth don't line up correctly
- Impacted canine teeth that need guided eruption
- Airway concerns tied to narrow jaws, mouth breathing, or restless sleep
The American Association of Orthodontists and Dr. Capan recommend that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. Early treatment can make future care easier, improve oral health, and create long-term stability. It doesn't always mean starting braces right away; it just means we can watch growth and step in at the right time.
Why Choose Capan Orthodontics in Edgewater
Choosing an Edgewater orthodontist is a big decision, and we want you to feel confident from your first phone call to your final retainer check. Capan Orthodontics is your home for bright smiles & warm hearts, and we offer orthodontic care that puts you first.
Here's what sets us apart for Edgewater families:
- Board-certified expertise. Dr. Natalie A. Capan is a board-certified orthodontist and a graduate of Harvard, Columbia, and the University of Pennsylvania.
- 25 years of smiles. Families across Bergen County have trusted our care for decades.
- Full range of treatment options. Choose from modern metal braces, clear braces, Capan Custom Clear Aligners, or hybrid treatment.
- Emergency support. If a bracket loosens or a wire pokes, we're here to help quickly.
- Flexible scheduling. In-person and virtual consult options work around busy family calendars.
- Family feel. We welcome families warmly at every visit, because you're more than a patient. You're part of the family.
Our Englewood Cliffs office is a short drive from Edgewater, and every visit is designed to feel warm, welcoming, and easy. This is where the magic happens.
Quick Comparison: Treatment Options at Capan Orthodontics
| Option | Best For | Look | Removable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Modern Metal Braces | Wide range of bite and alignment concerns | Visible brackets | No |
| Clear Braces | Adults and teens wanting a lower-profile look | Tooth-colored brackets | No |
| Capan Custom Clear Aligners | Mild to moderate cases, discreet treatment | Nearly invisible trays | Yes |
| Hybrid Treatment | Complex cases needing both approaches | Combination | Partial |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does orthodontic treatment cost in Edgewater?
The cost of orthodontic treatment depends on the type of care you choose and the length of your smile plan. At Capan Orthodontics, we offer accessible prices, no-interest financing, and no surprise fees for retainers or routine X-rays during treatment. Your free consult includes a full breakdown so you know exactly what to expect.
How long do braces or aligners take?
Most orthodontic treatment takes between 12 and 24 months, though timing varies based on your bite, age, and goals. Simple cases can finish sooner, while more involved cases may take a bit longer. Dr. Capan will give you a realistic timeline at your first visit.
Are clear aligners better than braces?
Neither option is universally better. They're just different tools for different smiles. Capan Custom Clear Aligners are removable, discreet, and great for many adults and teens. Braces work well for a wider range of bite issues and don't require you to remember to wear them. In some cases, hybrid treatment gives you the strengths of both.
Does insurance cover orthodontics?
Many dental insurance plans include some level of orthodontic coverage, especially for children and teens. Our team helps you understand your benefits and file claims so you can get the most from your plan. We also offer no-interest financing to make treatment easier to fit into your budget.
At what age should my child see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists and Dr. Capan recommend a first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. At that age, enough permanent teeth have come in for us to spot early signs of crowding, crossbite, or jaw growth concerns. Early evaluation doesn't always mean early treatment, but it does help us plan ahead.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
Your best smile starts today. If you're ready to meet with an Edgewater orthodontist, Dr. Capan and the team at Capan Orthodontics would love to welcome you to our Englewood Cliffs office, just minutes from Edgewater.
Book your free consult in person or choose our virtual consult option from the comfort of home. There's no obligation and no pressure, just a friendly conversation about your smile goals.
Call us at (201) 569-9055 or request your visit online. We can't wait to meet you.