Understanding the Different Phases of Braces Treatment

risingermarketing on March 26, 2025

Orthodontic care and treatments follow a step-by-step process to ensure the overall goal is achieved and you have a straighter and healthier smile. While patient conditions and situations differ, the phases that each individual goes through are quite similar. If the result you’re after is aligned teeth, then braces treatment might be for you. Let’s explore the various stages of this orthodontic solution so you know what to expect.

Pre-Braces: Consultation, Assessment, and Treatment Plan

Before you become ready for your braces, you and your orthodontist must prepare a few things. During the first consultation, your teeth and their position will be assessed to study the specific treatment that suits you. Your teeth and gum health will also be checked.

As part of your clinical orthodontic evaluation, X-rays will be performed. Orthodontic X-rays show the roots of your teeth and jawbones and allow your orthodontist to check for underlying oral health issues. If there is a sign of gum disease or any other problems, they must be treated first before your braces are applied.

After the initial assessment, you will be asked to return for a second consultation. This is where a detailed treatment plan will be presented to you. It will include all the available options for you, after which you or your parents will have to decide if you wish to proceed. The orthodontist will then explain all the stages you will go through and answer any of your questions.

Treatment Stage

This is the active phase of your treatment, starting with the application of the braces. Dental glue will be applied to each tooth so the brackets will adhere properly. Next, the archwires will be added once the brackets are in place.

The first phase of treatment involves leveling and aligning your teeth into the desired position. To ensure your teeth keep moving correctly, you will be scheduled for visits every four to eight weeks for braces adjustments.

Once alignment has been achieved, gaps and bites in your teeth will be addressed next. The final stage of your treatment involves fine-tuning the alignment and bite. Depending on your treatment, a fixed or removable retainer will be recommended by your orthodontist, which you must use after your braces are removed.

Post-Braces

After removing your braces, you must wear your retainers full-time for at least three months. After this period, your orthodontist will check if you need to continue wearing it full-time or only for 12 hours a day. You will also make regular dental visits to see if your teeth are maintained in the correct position.

Ask Us Anything About Your Smile Journey

If you want to know anything about the stages of your orthodontic treatment, do not hesitate to reach out to us at Risinger Orthodontics in Glastonbury, Connecticut. We’d be more than happy to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have.

Adult Invisalign Treatment: Is It Worth It?

risingermarketing on November 5, 2024

Adult Invisalign Treatment: Is It Worth It?

November 5, 2024
Dr. Risinger

More and more adults are realizing that it is not too late to invest in a healthier and straighter smile. Clear aligners, particularly the brand Invisalign, have made this possible and more accepted. If you are wondering if this type of orthodontic treatment is worth the money and effort, this article is for you. Let’s explore what Invisalign is, why it is a popular option, and whether it is a worthwhile choice.

Invisalign: An Overview

Invisalign are clear, plastic, custom-made aligners used to straighten teeth and correct bite problems. They can also address crowded teeth and gaps. You wear them for 22 hours a day and change your aligners every few weeks to shift your teeth into their desired position based on your treatment plan.

What Are the Treatment’s Features?

The aligners are thin, lightweight, and comfortable to wear. Unlike metal braces, they do not have wires and brackets that sometimes irritate the cheeks and gums. They are also removable, allowing you to eat anything you want without worry. This feature makes cleaning very easy and maintenance convenient.

Another feature of Invisalign is the precision of its technology. Before even starting the treatment, you can see a virtual representation of the final results due to the advanced digital planning and scanning technologies.

Why Is It Popular?

The subtlety of the aligners, because they are clear and almost invisible, appeals to many individuals. You can have your teeth straightened without it being too noticeable, which is one of the top reasons why there are lots of adult Invisalign users. It is especially beneficial to professionals who want a discreet orthodontic solution.

Its near-invisibility, combined with other features like comfort, convenience, and efficiency, is what makes it a preferred treatment for many people. This modern solution allows anyone to upgrade their smiles without compromising their lifestyles.

Is Invisalign Worth It?

Many people, both younger and older ones, have seen great results from Invisalign. But deciding if it is for you comes down to whether the benefits and features of this treatment fit your goals, lifestyle, and budget.

While Invisalign cannot fix all orthodontic issues, it is a very effective treatment for many conditions. Having straight teeth helps reduce the risk of gum disease and tooth decay and prevents major problems, contributing to overall health and well-being.

Schedule a Consultation With an Invisalign Diamond Top 1% Provider

Invest in your smile with the help of Risinger Orthodontics in Glastonbury, Connecticut. Book a consultation today to discuss your goals and the treatment that suits your specific needs.

Why Go to an Orthodontist for Invisalign or Braces?

risingermarketing on October 2, 2024

Why Go to an Orthodontist for Invisalign or Braces?

October 2, 2024
Dr. Risinger

If you have misaligned or crooked teeth or any similar condition, and you want a straighter smile, various dental treatments are available to address them. Depending on the severity of your case, the two most common options are wearing braces or Invisalign. The next step is to find out which treatment is right for you by consulting a dental professional.

In relation to this, one popular question that people seem to be asking is: Should I go to a dentist or orthodontist for Invisalign or braces? General dentists are knowledgeable and skilled dental professionals, but orthodontists have the advanced training, experience, and expertise in correcting alignment and bites. Here are additional reasons to consult an orthodontist:

Orthodontists Have a Deeper Understanding of Dentofacial Concerns

Beyond dental school, orthodontists complete special training focused exclusively on the movement of facial bones, teeth, jawbones, and soft tissue. This results in an in-depth and comprehensive knowledge of dentofacial orthodontics and orthopedics.

Selecting an Experienced and Trusted Dental Service Provider

Many patients share overwhelmingly positive experiences when consulting with an orthodontist. This is due to their specialized knowledge and ability to adequately answer all questions regarding tooth movement and every step of the treatment process.

Ensuring Long-Term Satisfaction and Peace of Mind

When you choose an orthodontist as your provider, with their hands-on experience and concentrated expertise, you are making a worthwhile investment in your oral health and overall wellness.

Investing in Proper Treatment for Great Results

Orthodontists are better positioned to deliver the best treatment since aligning bites and straightening teeth is their focus and what they do best. You can think of it this way: just as a general doctor is not a surgeon, a general dentist is not an orthodontist.

Work With the Leading Orthodontist in Glastonbury, Connecticut

Turn to Risinger Orthodontics for a full range of treatment options and comprehensive orthodontic care for children, teens, and adults. We have been in business for several decades, and we are passionate about providing exceptional services and the best possible patient experience. Contact us today to book a free consultation.

Learn the Difference Between Metal Braces and Ceramic Braces

Risinger Orthodontics on September 3, 2024

Learn the Difference Between Metal Braces and Ceramic Braces

September 3, 2024
Dr. Risinger

Years ago, metal braces were the traditional—and sometimes the only—treatment for people with misaligned or crooked teeth and other orthodontic issues. Due to advancements in technology, however, other types of braces have been developed, providing patients with more orthodontic solutions. One such option is ceramic braces.

If you or someone you know is exploring any of these two treatments, it might be confusing or even overwhelming to understand each one. To help you figure out these two types of braces, let’s look at how they work and differ.

Metal Braces: Stainless Steel Brackets Bonded to Your Teeth

These work through the arch wires, which apply consistent pressure on the brackets attached to the teeth to align them over time. They can address even the most complex bite malocclusion cases, with treatment usually taking anywhere between 18 and 24 months. Do note, though, that this will depend on the patient’s condition and specific needs.

From being too noticeable and, at times, uncomfortable, traditional metal braces have become smaller, sleeker, and more compact, providing additional comfort and convenience to patients. But there’s no avoiding the aesthetic impact, given that they are visible metal brackets.

They remain the most common option despite the availability of other types of braces and aligners. One factor might be the cost; they are almost always the cheapest solution.

Ceramic Braces: Clear Braces That Are More Discreet

These are made from translucent materials, with pressure gently and gradually applied to the teeth to align them without being noticeable. Treatment duration can take from 18 to 36 months, in some cases taking longer than metal braces to achieve the desired results. While they are suitable for most orthodontic patients, in extreme cases or those where major changes are required to the teeth’s structure, they might be less effective.

Because they are nearly invisible, many prefer ceramic to metal braces since they help maintain a normal appearance while undergoing treatment. They are also generally more comfortable and less painful than metal, as they do not irritate the gums or sides of the mouth.

The higher-quality materials used in these braces affect their cost, making them more expensive than the metal option.

Let Risinger Orthodontics Help You Achieve Your Smile Goals

At Risinger Orthodontics in Glastonbury, Connecticut, we believe that cost shouldn’t stand in the way of achieving a straighter and brighter smile. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to assess which treatment suits you best and discuss financing options that fit your budget.