Two-Phase Treatment

As parents, we all want our children to have healthy and beautiful smiles. That’s why it’s important to address any orthodontic issues early on, before they become more complex and difficult to treat.

At Rising Stars, we offer a specialized treatment known as two-phase orthodontic treatment. This approach involves two stages of treatment, with the first phase starting at a younger age and the second phase beginning once all permanent teeth have erupted.

In some cases, children may require early intervention to address certain orthodontic issues. These can include problems with jaw growth and alignment, crowding, and spacing issues. By addressing these problems early on in the first phase of treatment, we can help guide facial growth and development, create space for permanent teeth to come in properly, and prevent more serious issues from developing later on.

Two-phase orthodontic treatment offers many benefits for children and their long-term oral health. By starting treatment early, we can often avoid the need for more extensive and invasive treatments later on. This can save your child from potential discomfort, time spent in braces or corrective devices, and even costly procedures.

Additionally, two-phase treatment can help improve your child’s self-esteem and confidence by addressing any orthodontic issues that may be affecting their smile. With a beautiful smile comes a boost in self-esteem, which can have a positive impact on all areas of your child’s life.

Phase 1

During Phase 1, we may use a variety of orthodontic appliances based on your child’s unique needs. Braces, expanders, or space maintainers may be used to rectify existing misalignments, make room for incoming adult teeth, and correct unfavorable oral habits. For example, a palatal expander might be used to widen the upper jaw and alleviate crowding or crossbites, while a space maintainer can ensure that space left by a prematurely lost baby tooth remains open for the incoming permanent tooth.

Resting Period

Following the first phase, children enter a resting period where no active orthodontic treatment is conducted. This period is equally important as it gives the remaining permanent teeth the space and time they need to erupt naturally and take their rightful positions in the mouth. This phase carefully respects the natural pace of a child’s growth, avoiding unnecessary intervention and making the most of the body’s inherent development processes.

During the resting period, we will continue to monitor your child’s progress, ensuring that teeth are emerging correctly and maintaining the space created in the first phase. It’s important to remember that your child’s cooperation in wearing their removable appliance or retainer, as prescribed during this time, is vital for maintaining the results achieved in Phase 1.

Phase 2

Once all permanent teeth have erupted, the second phase of treatment begins. This typically involves braces or other corrective devices to fine-tune your child’s smile and ensure all teeth are in their proper positions.

During Phase 2, which typically starts between the ages of 11 and 15, the goal is to ensure that each tooth has an exact location in the mouth where it is in harmony with the lips, cheeks, tongue, and other teeth. This precise alignment allows for an optimal bite, efficient chewing, better oral health, and an aesthetic appearance. At this stage, we may utilize full upper and lower braces, or possibly clear aligners, depending on your child’s specific needs and the complexity of their case.

Once the second phase is completed, the braces will be removed, and your child will graduate to a retainer. This will help to maintain the new alignment and prevent any regression. The journey to a beautiful and confident smile doesn’t end here; regular dental check-ups and appropriate dental hygiene are crucial for maintaining the results achieved through two-phase orthodontic treatment.

Teeth Whitening

Do you find yourself hiding your smile because of stained or discolored teeth? Are you tired of using over-the-counter whitening products with minimal results? Look no further! At Rising Stars, we offer professional take-home teeth whitening kits that will give you the bright smile you deserve.

While there are many options for teeth whitening on the market, professional teeth whitening is the most effective and safest method. Over-the-counter whitening products often contain harsh chemicals that can cause damage to your enamel and gums if not used properly. Our take-home kits are customized to your specific needs, ensuring a safe and comfortable whitening experience.

Why Professional Whitening?

At Rising Stars, we prioritize the health and safety of our patients above all else. Our take-home whitening kits are available through a consultation with our trained professionals. This allows us to assess your dental health and determine the best course of action for achieving your desired results. We also provide thorough instructions on how to use the kit for optimal results.

Our take-home whitening kits are designed to effectively remove stains and discoloration caused by food, drinks, smoking, and natural aging. With consistent use, you can achieve a smile that is several shades brighter! Plus, our gentle formula ensures minimal sensitivity during and after the whitening process.

TMJ Treatment

As a leading pediatric dentistry and orthodontics practice, Rising Stars is committed to providing the best possible care for our patients. This includes comprehensive treatment options for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

The temporomandibular joint connects your jawbone to your skull and allows you to open and close your mouth. When this joint is not functioning properly, it can lead to a range of issues such as pain, stiffness, clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth, difficulty chewing, and even headaches or earaches. These symptoms can greatly impact a person’s daily life and overall well-being.

There are many factors that can contribute to the development of TMJ disorders. These include:

• Trauma or injury to the jaw joint
• Teeth clenching or grinding (bruxism)
• Arthritis
• Misaligned teeth or bite
• Stress and tension in the jaw muscles

Treatment Options

At Rising Stars, our team of experienced dentists and orthodontists are trained in the latest techniques for diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders. We understand that every patient is unique, so we take a personalized approach to finding the best treatment option for each individual.

Some common treatment options for TMJ disorders include:

• Lifestyle Changes — Making changes to habits such as teeth clenching or posture can help relieve symptoms.
• Physical Therapy — Exercises and techniques to relax the jaw muscles and improve joint function can be beneficial.
• Oral Appliances — Custom-made mouthguards or splints can help alleviate pain and protect teeth from grinding or clenching.
• Orthodontic Treatment — Correcting misaligned teeth or bites with braces or other orthodontic appliances can improve joint function and alleviate symptoms.
• Surgery — In severe cases, surgery may be recommended to repair or replace the joint.

If you are experiencing symptoms of a TMJ disorder, don’t wait to seek treatment. Our team at Rising Stars is dedicated to providing effective and personalized care for all our patients. We understand the urgency of addressing TMJ disorders and we are here to help relieve your pain and restore function to your jaw joint.