ORTHODONTIC TREATMENTS

Risinger Orthodontics is a leading orthodontic practice serving the Texas Hill Country area for over 50 years! We specialize in orthodontics devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of malocclusions. We utilize the latest technological advances from digital x rays, 3D imaging to Invisalign Invisible Braces. From adults to children, your smile is important to us. Dr. Brad Risinger along with his skilled orthodontic staff will see that you receive personalized expert treatment in a friendly environment.

NEW PATIENT FORM

PHASE I

EARLY TREatment

The early phase (Phase 1) usually begins around age 8 or 9. This phase involves straightening the front permanent teeth and creating space for the remaining permanent teeth to erupt. This reduces the future likelihood of extracting permanent teeth. In addition, if there is a jaw-growth problem, or bite problem such as cross bite, correction is also done during Phase 1.

Your child may need to be assessed even earlier than seven years old if your family dentist recommends an orthodontic evaluation. Thumb sucking, pacifier, tongue thrust and mouth-breathing are habits that may also need early intervention. Early orthodontic treatment may be needed to aid in speech therapy.

The following early signs may be helpful to detect orthodontic problems in your child:

  • Look at your child's teeth. If you see crooked teeth, gaps between the teeth or overlapped teeth, your child may need orthodontic treatment.
  • Ask your child to bite all the way down, keeping their lips open. Do the front top teeth line up with the bottom? Do the top teeth protrude out away from the bottom teeth? Do the top front teeth cover more than 50% of the bottom teeth? Are the top teeth behind the bottom teeth? If you see any of these conditions an orthodontist should evaluate your child.
  • Look at the alignment of your child's jaw. Does the jaw shift off center when your child bites down? If you see any malalignment or shifting of the jaw, your child may have a skeletal concern.

Other common signs include:

  • Early or late loss of primary teeth
  • Difficulty in chewing or biting
  • Mouth breathing
  • Finger or thumb sucking habits beyond age 5
  • Speech difficulty
  • Biting the cheek or roof of the mouth
  • Protruding teeth
  • Teeth that don't meet in a normal matter, or don't meet at all

Note:These are only some of the more obvious signs. Other signs may be much more subtle and require a trained professional to detect.

Some Important Facts About Jaw Growth

  • Dental arch (width) increases an average of 3mm from 5 to 10 years old.
  • After 10 years old the width of the dental arch does not increase, although, it tends to decrease.
  • Expansion of the dental arches is not always possible after the ages of 13 in girls and 15 in boys.
  • Expansion at an early age is a reliable and stable procedure. Expansion also decreases the possibility of teeth becoming impacted during their eruptive phase.
  • Serial extraction of baby teeth is generally not recommended since it only provides a temporary solution to the lack of space.

PHASE II

Pre-teen & Teen treatment

Treatment usually occurs a number of years later when most or all of the permanent teeth have erupted. (Generally age 11-12). The goal of Phase TWO treatment is to achieve optimal alignment and bite of all permanent teeth. Treatment most often consists of straight-forward orthodontic therapy that involves full braces, which give maximum control over the movement of teeth. 

This stage usually can begin when most or all of the permanent teeth have erupted. If necessary this stage will follow the first phase of treatment. At this stage all major skeletal and space corrections are made. Braces will be placed on all of the permanent teeth.

Regardless of the age of the patient the goal of phase II treatment is to bring all of the teeth into optimal alignment and bite correction. This phase is the typical comprehensive teen orthodontic treatment initiated at age 11 to 12. Treatment time can range any where from 12 to 24 months and is usually dictated by the severity of your case and your cooperation.

Adult ORTHODONTICs

treatments

You're never too old to benefit from orthodontic treatment. Today, adults make up about one in every five orthodontic patients.

Orthodontic treatment can help correct crooked teeth or spaces that you've been self-conscious about for years. 

Leaving misaligned teeth untreated may lead to other dental problems such as tooth decay and gum disease, as well as abnormal wearing of tooth surfaces and difficulty in chewing. Orthodontic treatment can assist in keeping good dental health.

Advances in orthodontics have made treatment more comfortable and more successful than ever for people of all ages. Orthodontists work with other dental practitioners - general dentists, periodontists, prosthodontists, oral surgeons - to provide a comprehensive approach to your dental health.

INvisalign®

invisible ALIGNERS

Looking for an alternative to braces? Invisalign is a clear way to straighten your teeth without wearing braces. No wires. No brackets. Invisalign uses a series of clear, custom, removable aligners that straighten your teeth and Invisalign is one of the clearest aligner systems available.

Your Custom Treatment Plan

Dr. Risinger sends your records-your 3D scans, photos, and x-rays-to Invisalign with a prescription for your custom aligners.

Invisalign uses your records to create 3D models of your teeth. Then working with Dr. Risinger every step of the way, and following the precise instructions provided on your prescription, Invisalign maps out a complete treatment plan of gradual adjustment that takes your teeth from where they are currently to where you and your doctor want them to end up.

Phase I - Early Treatment

The early phase (Phase 1) begins around age 8 or 9. This phase involves straightening the front permanent teeth and creating space for the remaining permanent teeth that erupt at age 12. This reduces the future likelihood of extracting permanent teeth. In addition, if there is a jaw-growth problem, or bite problem such as overbite or underbite, correction is also done during Phase 1.

Your child may need to be assessed even earlier than seven years old if your family dentist recommends an orthodontic evaluation. Thumb sucking, pacifier, tongue thrust and mouth-breathing are habits that may also need early intervention. Early orthodontic treatment may be needed to aid in speech therapy.

The following early signs may be helpful to detect orthodontic problems in your child:

  • Look at your child's teeth. If you see crooked teeth, gaps between the teeth or overlapped teeth, your child may need orthodontic treatment.
  • Ask your child to bite all the way down, keeping their lips open. Do the front top teeth line up with the bottom? Do the top teeth protrude out away from the bottom teeth? Do the top front teeth cover more than 50% of the bottom teeth? Are the top teeth behind the bottom teeth? If you see any of these conditions an orthodontist should evaluate your child.
  • Look at the alignment of your child's jaw. Does the jaw shift off center when your child bites down? If you see any malalignment or shifting of the jaw, your child may have a skeletal problem.

Other common signs include:

  • Early or late loss of primary teeth
  • Difficulty in chewing or biting
  • Mouth breathing
  • Finger or thumb sucking habits beyond age 5
  • Speech difficulty
  • Biting the cheek or roof of the mouth
  • Protruding teeth
  • Teeth that don't meet in a normal matter, or don't meet at all

Note:These are only some of the more obvious signs. Other signs may be much more subtle and require a trained professional to detect.

Some Important Facts About Jaw Growth

  • Dental arch (width) increases an average of 3mm from 5 to 10 years old.
  • After 10 years old the width of the dental arch does not increase, although, it tends to decrease.
  • Expansion of the dental arches is not always possible after the ages of 13 in girls and 15 in boys.
  • Expansion at an early age is a reliable and stable procedure. Expansion also decreases the possibility of teeth becoming impacted during their eruptive phase.
  • Serial extraction of baby teeth is not recommended since it only provides a temporary solution to the lack of space.

Phase II - Teen Treatment

Treatment usually occurs a number of years later when most or all of the permanent teeth have erupted. (Generally age 11-12). The goal of Phase TWO treatment is to achieve optimal alignment and bite of all permanent teeth. Second-phase treatment most often consists of straight-forward orthodontic therapy that will align the teeth. Phase TWO involves full braces, which give maximum control over the movement of teeth. The correction of rotated teeth, and any movement of teeth that involves more than simple tipping movements, are best achieved with braces.

This stage usually can begin when most or all of the permanent teeth have erupted into the mouth. If necessary this stage will follow the first phase of treatment. At this stage all major skeletal and space corrections have been made. Braces will be placed on all of the permanent teeth and the the alignment stage will begin.

Regardless of the age of the patient the goal of phase II treatment is to bring all of the teeth into ideal alignment. This phase of treatment is the typical comprehensive teen orthodontic treatment initiated at age 11 to 12. Treatment time can range any where from 12 to 24 months. The treatment time is usually dictated by the severity of your case and your cooperation.

Adult Orthodontics

You're never too old to benefit from orthodontic treatment. Today, adults make up about one in every five orthodontic patients.

Here's why: Looking good.

Orthodontic treatment can help correct crooked teeth or spaces that you've been self-conscious about for years. It can give you the confidence and pride that come with straight teeth and a great smile.

Maintaining Dental Health.

Leaving misaligned teeth untreated may lead to other dental problems such as tooth decay and gum disease, as well as abnormal wearing of tooth surfaces and difficulty in chewing. Orthodontic treatment can help you keep good dental health.

Advances in orthodontics have made treatment more comfortable and more successful than ever for people of all ages. Orthodontists work with other dental practitioners - general dentists, periodontists, prosthodontists, oral surgeons - to provide a comprehensive approach to your dental health.

Its NEVER Too Late To Be Your BEST 

Oral Hygiene Tips for Orthodontic Patients

Brushing and flossing after every meal and snack is the only way to prevent plaque build up, tooth decay, and gum disease. Additionally, teeth with braces or other dental appliances need special care. Your goal is a beautiful smile with healthy, white, straight teeth, and in order to obtain it good tooth cleaning habits are imperative. Braces,wires, bands and retainers all can trap food particles and make it difficult to brush or floss away plaque. Plaque is a sticky layer of harmful bacteria, food, saliva and debris which, if allowed to build up, can attack your teeth and gums, causing cavities and gum disease.

Invisalign®

Invisalign® takes a modern approach to straightening teeth, using a custom-made series of aligners created for you and only you. You’ll achieve a great smile with little interference in your daily life. The best part about the whole process is that most people won't even know you're straightening your teeth.

ClearCorrect

Looking for an easy alternative to braces? ClearCorrect is the clear, simple way to straighten your teeth without wearing braces.No wires. No brackets. Clear, convenient comfort.Uses a series of clear, custom, removable aligners that will straighten your teeth in a short amount of time.ClearCorrect is one of the clearest aligner systems available.

The Easy Way To Straighten Teeth

Your Custom Treatment Plan

Dr. Brad sends your records-your impressions, photos, and x-rays-to ClearCorrect with a prescription for your custom aligners.

ClearCorrect uses your records to create exact 3D models of your teeth. Then working with Dr. Brad every step of the way, and following the precise instructions provided on your prescription, ClearCorrect maps out a complete treatment plan of gradual adjustment that takes your teeth from where they are currently to where you and your doctor want them to end up.

Once completed, you and Dr. Brad will be able to preview the projected results of your treatment in your "treatment set-up," a computer representation of your teeth before and after treatment.

Retention

Retention is the final part of your orthodontic treatment.

Your retainer holds the teeth in their final position.

Once your teeth are in place, your retainer keeps them there. Otherwise, they will slip back toward their old position.

Important

  • You will wear your retainer(s) at night while you sleep or exactly as you were instructed by Dr. Brad.
  • Remove your retainer(s) and store in the protective case when eating.
  • Bring your retainer(s) to each appointment.
  • Keep your retainer(s) CLEAN. Gently brush your retainer when you brush your teeth. This should be done at least two times a day.
  • No chewing gum please -- it sticks to the plastic.
  • Never leave your retainer out of your mouth except in its case. Don't leave it lying around or wrapped in tissue. It could get lost or thrown away, especially at restaurants. Never leave it in hot water or near a hot surface; it could change shape and then it won't fit.

Lower Bonded Retainer

Bonded retainers are cemented directly to the inside surface of your lower 6 front teeth. This is one of the best ways to prevent your lower teeth from shifting as it is permanentlyl attached. Patients with bonded lingual retains must be careful with their bite as the bonding material may break due to incorrect biting and cause teeth to shift quickly. When brushing, make sure to carefully clean the inside of your lower teeth as well as the wire and have regular cleanings at your dentist.

Hawley Retainer

A removable upper retainer that has a wire and colored acrylic for the palate. This retainer is a great choice if color matters, since you get to pick your color!

Invisible Retainer

The upper retainer is a transparent removable retainer that fits over the entire arch of the teeth. Similar to ClearCorrect trays, the retainer has no wires.

They are inexpensive to replace and are to be worn during the sleeping hours or as advised by Dr. Brad.

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