Integrative Orthodontics is about more than just straight teeth...
WE ARE ABOUT HEALTHY CHILDREN
We concentrate on the things that help children be healthy and grow up with straight teeth.
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You see, crooked teeth are only part of the problem...
Here's what else to look for in your child...(Hover over the pix)
At the Raphael Center, we don't think crooked teeth are just inherited.
Teeth come in crooked because of habits (there are four major ones). Change these habits and the teeth can grow in straighter...often without braces at all. Wouldn't that be nice?
Plus, there are lots of health benefits to healthy habits.
Here's how we do it...
We teach kids healthy habits...
...now, what doctor does that?
In a kid-friendly place...
... nothing dental office scary here.
Using an easy to follow plan...
...with step by step instructions to follow at home.
Let's hear how Dr. Raphael says it...

Less mouth breathing
Getting the lips to close and the tongue to rest on the palate changes facial growth for the better.

Better facial profile
Good facial growth leads to a more attractive face and the teeth can easily come in straighter.

Better airway...
Good facial growth opens up the breathing spaces so you can sleep better, think clearer, and perform activities with less fatigue.

Better breathing and sleep...
The way you breathe - day and night - affects your sleep, your mood, your behavior....everything!

Straighter teeth...
And the icing on the cake is straighter teeth...naturally. No braces for this case.
Yes, we are also a full-service orthodontic office that does:
Myobrace
ALF
Biobloc
SOMA
FAGGA/RAGGA
Homeoblock/POD
Myomunchee
Healthy Start
Damon braces
Clear Aligners, including Invisalign
Surgically-facilitated Orthodontics Treatment (SFOT)
Adult Expansion an Opening Extraction Spaces
and all that good stuff.
We have private practitioners on the campus that do:
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Myofunctional Therapy
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Craniosacral and Craniofascial Therapies
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Chiropractic
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Thermography
Dr. Raphael is a specialist in orthodontics (NJ Specialty Permit # 3684) and is widely regarded as a leader in this field.
And if you're really into details...
FAQ
When should I bring my child to see you?
Most people think this answer has to do with the stage or age of the teeth. It does not.
Isn't 4 years old too early to start orthodontics?
Yes, if all you care about is straight teeth, that can be easily done later.
What are the goals of your treatment?
Simply, we want to teach the four healthy habits that help the jaws, face, and airway grow the best (we knew you were curious): That is: they should be able to
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Breathe through their nose comfortably, -
Hold their lips together without strain, -
Have the tongue resting on the palate and -
Be able to swallow using just the tongue and not the facial muscles.
Will my child still need braces?
Sometimes, yes. Our "home run" is when the teeth grow in straight and no braces are needed. But sometimes, people still want that perfect Hollywood smile and we can give that to you with braces or aligners.
Is this expensive?
If you come early enough and avoid the use of braces, you can save thousands of dollars. However, the later you come and the more damage we have to heal, the more the cost.
Your first visit...
Since we look at more than teeth, there is a lot more information to gather before we decide if we're right for each other.
We want to know:
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Your biggest concerns and goals
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Your health history
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Your sleep habits and quality
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Your birth and feeding history
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How well you breathe, night and day
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How your jaws have grown
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How well your tongue works in speaking, breathing, and swallowing
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What your posture is like
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The other professionals helping with this problem.
One of the aftermaths of the pandemic is that we try to do as much of this remotely from your home as we can. You will begin with a phone discussion with our Treatment Coordinator. She will help you gather this information and assemble the portfolio Dr. Raphael will use to assess your case.
Then when you come to our office for x-rays and other tests, you can be here for a much shorter time.
Finally, you will meet with Dr. Raphael for an in-depth discussion of your situation and all the possible solutions. Our broad-based service will allow you to choose the option that fits your needs and desires the best.

Pandemic Special
Our At-Home-Only program lets you get treatment started in a fast, economical way so that the current situation doesn't have to make you delay your child's treatment.
Ask our Patient Coordinator for more details.
The Raphael Center for Integrative Orthodontics
1425 Broad Street
Suite C
Clifton NJ 07013
NJ Specialty # 3684