RTOrtho

Reichheld Ting Orthodontics: Our Family to Yours

Reichheld Ting Orthodontics: Our Family to Yours

 

At Reichheld Ting Orthodontics we are a family practice that cares for its patients as if they are one of our own - and we have a long history of doing just that. 

RTO was founded by Dr. John Reichheld, Sr. back in the 1960’s. Dr. John was a pioneer, ahead of his time; from offering a colorful fun atmosphere in the office before it was common to generously supporting his Lowell community, his legacy lives on with his sons and grandsons who now work at the practice - joined by their long-time friend and partner, Dr. Brain Ting. 

Inspired by their father, Dr. Jay and Dr. Steve studied to become orthodontists themselves and similarly, Dr. Steve Jr and Dr. Tim followed in their footsteps. Together with Dr. Brian Ting they continue the care and community building that Dr. John started. Dr. Jay will tell you that it is a real thrill to see the children or former patients and to continue a legacy of creating beautiful smiles for more than 50 years.

So just who is it that RTO treats? We believe that everyone deserves to smile confidently and that means we treat patients of every age! 

 

• Early Orthodontics: Did you know that the American Association of Orthodontics recommends that children see an orthodontist at age 7? At RTO we agree because starting early means that we can help catch irregular growth and help guide maturing jaws towards alignment that can help shorten treatment in the long run. 

 

• Teens: At RTO we know that a straight smile can do wonders for your teen’s confidence...remember, we’ve watched as generations of patients have been treated by our family members! We offer traditional braces as well as Invisalign Clear Aligners because we know that every teen is different and every case requires a unique treatment plan. If you have questions about treatment options, we’re happy to answer! 

 

• Adults: You may be surprised to learn that adults are our fastest growing population of patients. Not only do they love the convenience of being treated at the same place as their kids, they know that we are going to help them achieve the smile they’ve always wanted. We’re pleased to offer our Smile Touch-Up option for those that are yearning for small adjustments and we strive to help make that an affordable option - particularly for families that are in treatment together. 

 

If you’re looking for an orthodontic practice that has the years of know-how combined with fresh top-notch education and ideas, that is a top rated Invisalign provider (Diamond+ status!), that can treat every member of your family AND that will treat them as family...look no further. Click below to schedule a complimentary consultation with us at RTO. We can’t wait to meet you and your family.

CLICK BELOW OR CALL US TODAY - we can start virtually or in person - your choice! 

Seventh Birthday Approaching? Time For a Visit to the Orthodontist!

Many parents associate braces and orthodontics with their teen years but you may be surprised to learn that the best time for your little one to have their first orthodontic visit is around their 7th birthday. We know, we know - they’re still running around the jungle gym and definitely not exhibiting any tween behavior (at least we hope not for your sake!). That said, the American Association of Orthodontics recommends children be seen by an orthodontist at age seven and we at Reichheld Ting Orthodontics absolutely 

agree. 

 

Why by age seven?

 

By age 7, your child’s mouth has matured enough for a trained orthodontic eye to spot current and future issues. We can then make corrections that will help guide their jaw and teeth into a healthier place for an easier straight smile later on. 

 

There are many benefits to starting orthodontic treatment as a child; these include shorter treatment time, fewer impacted permanent teeth and reduced chance of needing to remove teeth. That’s because with early orthodontics we can:

 

• Guide teeth into desired positions early 
• Guide jaw growth
• Minimize crowding/creating room for erupting teeth
• Correct the results of oral habits like thumb and finger sucking 

 

At Reichheld Ting Orthodontics, we think of early orthodontics as a two phase solution. 

 

• Phase 1 works with your young child to make space for his or her permanent teeth. 
• Phase 2 begins once those teeth have arrived. 

 

If you recommend early orthodontics for my child, does that mean they won’t need braces as a teen? 

 

Early treatment (phase 1) can begin the correction of significant problems, prevent additional problems from developing, and simplify future treatment, but oftentimes, additional treatment is still necessary. That said, children who have undergone early orthodontic treatment typically wear braces or Invisalign for a shorter period of time in the teen years than those who have not undergone early intervention. This makes life easier for both them, and you, as both of your schedules get busier and busier. 

 

And, rest assured that your child will be in great hands, when they reach phase 2. At Reichheld Ting Orthodontics, we are Invisalign Diamond+ Providers - that means Invisalign considers us to be in the top 1% of providers in the country. With that kind of experience, you know who to trust with your Invisalign treatment. Plus, our doctors are Board Certified!

 

If I bring my child to you at age 7 are you definitely going to recommend early orthodontics? 

 

Nope! Every child is different and we customize every treatment plan to the individual. Early treatment does not necessarily benefit all children. Certain types of orthodontic problems can be more easily and efficiently corrected in the teen years when all permanent teeth have come in; some skeletal orthodontic problems should not be addressed until growth is more advanced or complete. We can develop a customized treatment plan based on each individual child’s needs.

 

In order to create a custom treatment plan for your child, we need to see you! Click below to schedule a complimentary consultation with us. We can’t wait to meet you and your seven year old! 

CLICK BELOW OR CALL US TODAY - we can start virtually or in person - your choice!  

Trust Your Invisalign Treatment to a Diamond Plus Level Provider

 

More and more people are turning to Invisalign to discreetly get the orthodontic treatment they need. But did you know that not all Invisalign providers are the same?

 

The benefits of Invisalign have been proven over the last 20 years. In place of traditional metal brackets and wires, Invisalign provides patients with nearly invisible plastic appliances, so that they can feel confident in their smile throughout the treatment process. Our orthodontists use precision technology to make a high-resolution, interactive image of your teeth. They will then produce a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan that creates the pathway to your better smile utilizing a series of 3D printed clear aligners.

 

Like your healthy new smile, we at RTO shine at Invisalign. That’s because we have achieved Diamond+ level status from Align Technologies - the makers of Invisalign. What does it mean to be a Diamond+ provider of Invisalign? Glad you asked.

 

A practice achieves Diamond+ level status when Invisalign considers them in the top 1% of providers in the country. It is the highest tier for any Invisalign provider. It means that the orthodontist has seen and treated more cases than most other Invisalign providers and achieved excellent results. In fact, a Diamond+ Invisalign provider gets to this level only after treating hundreds of cases successfully and must continue to treat upwards of 400 cases each and every year to maintain this status!

 

With that kind of experience, you know who to trust with your Invisalign treatment.

 

At RTO, you’ll receive the benefit of Dr. Steve, Dr. Jay, Dr. Brian, Dr. Tim, or Dr. Steve Jr.'s combined experience as well as our excellent support team! While you will have the same doctor throughout your smile journey, we always compare notes in order to make sure our patients’ treatment plans are receiving the benefit of our shared knowledge.

 

If you’re ready to take the first step toward a healthier, more beautiful smile, and want the advantages that only Invisalign can give to you, trust your treatment to RTO, a Diamond+ level provider.

 

CLICK BELOW OR CALL US TODAY FOR A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION - we can start virtually or in person - your choice! 

 

Invisalign - The Clear Choice for Orthodontics During Social Distancing

 

We live in strange times - gestures once taken for granted - handshakes, hugs, fist bumps - are now taboo; even our smiles are often hidden behind masks. But that doesn’t mean no one is seeing your smile. COVID-19 has meant socially distancing ourselves but it has also meant a boom in social media. Humans are social creatures and we’ve found new and creative ways to connect even while apart. 

 

More selfies, virtual school, virtual meetings, and video chats are happening than ever before, which means we are even more up close and personal with our smiles. We all want to feel confident on screen - teens and adults alike. Self confidence is a huge factor in teen development and Invisalign has been found to increase teen confidence both during treatment and once they’ve achieved the smile they always wanted. 

 

There is no reason to wait on getting the smile of your dreams for you or your child; and at Reichheld Ting Orthodontics, we have combined the technology of Invisalign with our amazing doctors and staff as well as very stringent safety protocols to make sure you are as safe as possible while achieving that smile. 

 

Why is Invisalign a great choice right now?  

 

While we are all allowed out and about, fears are still running high. We still need to be careful about what we touch, where we spend our time, and with whom. Invisalign allows for a more socially distanced approach to orthodontics, while still making sure you get the expertise of a trained and specialized orthodontist like Dr. Steve Sr., Dr. Steve Jr., Dr. Tim, Dr. Brian, or Dr. Jay. To get started, we use a 3D scanner to take images of your teeth and bone structure in order to map out a customized treatment plan and to build custom aligners that will help straighten your smile - invisibly. That means less time in your (or your child’s) mouth to get started. 

 

Once your treatment plan is put in place, you will receive clear aligners to wear 22 hours a day - no skimping or treatment will take longer! We will want to see you for appointments, just like with braces, but with Invisalign we can space those appointments further out! 

 

While we’d rather see each and every one of our patients all the time, we are doing our part to flatten the curve and keep everyone healthy and safe. Invisalign allows us to help you attain the smile of your dreams in the safest way possible - it’s the clear choice. Not just any practice can do this, at RTO we have the expertise with both orthodontics and technology to help you get that smile - in fact, we have attained Invisalign Diamond Plus status! That means we’ve treated more cases with Invisalign and have more expertise than any other practice in our area. Not only that, we’re in the top 1% of Invisalign providers nationwide! That means you’ll be with the best of the best - we’re more highly trained than a regular dentist and you’ll have the benefit of seeing a real doctor in person, unlike you would with any mail order orthodontic services. 

 

Our fun and friendly office may look a bit different than it used to, but we’re still cooking up ways to make you feel the love while you’re here! 

 

There is so much that we’re depriving ourselves of these days, don’t let the smile of your dreams be one of those things. We have flexible financing and low down payments.

 

Call us today to schedule a free consultation - we can start virtually or in person - your choice! 

CLICK BELOW OR CALL US TODAY FOR A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION

Smile Touch-Up; Minor Fixes, Major Benefits

Many of the parents in our practice had braces in the past (but didn’t wear a retainer) and lost the straight smile they once had. Many other adults have simply never been happy with their smile. Maybe you’ve never considered orthodontics as an adult because you can’t imagine wearing metal braces to client meetings - virtual or (shudder) in-person; maybe it’s because it’s a big time and financial commitment to undergo years of braces as an adult. 

Whichever boat you fall into, we have good news! Our team doesn’t want any roadblocks in the way of you having a beautiful smile… or having it back again. 

That’s why we’re offering Smile Touch-Up to the adults of our community, where the RTO team and doctors will address only the elements of your smile that are most important to you. That means shorter treatment times and reduced fees - as low as $1890 for one arch or $2890 for two! Plus we offer flexible financing options.

People won’t notice you’re wearing them

We custom 3D print a series of clear aligners to straighten your teeth. And, unlike traditional braces that you might have had as a kid, our clear aligners are removable. You take them out briefly when you eat or brush your teeth - that means no food caught between brackets and no flashbacks to the middle school cafeteria for you. Most of the time your aligners will stay in so they can do the work of moving your teeth. The good thing is that they are virtually invisible so people won’t even notice you’re wearing them.    

While we do offer full orthodontic treatment for adults at our practice, we find that many just don’t want to make that commitment. Whether it’s financial or time restraints, our Smile Touch-Up is a great option. 

Together we will figure out which elements of your smile are most important to you. We’ll agree on a course of treatment to fix only those areas, and we’ll set an estimated timeline. Because of the limited nature of the adjustments we are able to improve your smile in a much shorter timeframe than for those looking for full orthodontic treatment. 

You’re not alone

Adults are getting braces more than ever before. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) says that adults are getting orthodontic treatment in record numbers, and not all of them for the first time either. Not only that, patients are reporting that after treatment they feel better about themselves and their social lives. Most would recommend seeking out treatment for other adults. Major benefits! 

See an Expert

There are many services out there claiming they can mail you aligners and fix your teeth. We strongly believe that even the smallest changes to your mouth should be done under the in-person care of a trained and certified orthodontist, and the AAO agrees. Dr. Steve Sr., Dr. Steve Jr., Dr. Tim, Dr. Brian, and Dr. Jay each has extensive schooling in both dentistry and orthodontics (with degrees from institutions such as Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Boston University Dental School. Colgate University, College of the Holy Cross, and Trinity College) as well as specific training in treatment with clear aligners. 

Make sure you know who it is that is making changes in your mouth. What looks like a small fix could domino into major issues without a trained orthodontist looking at the full picture. 

No Obstacles

At Reichheld Ting Orthodontics we have treated thousands of teens and adults with clear aligners. We know what we’re doing and we’ve treated cases that are both difficult (Full Treatment) and simpler (Smile Touch-Up). Our team strives for clinical excellence in a friendly and welcoming environment. We appreciate that you have a busy schedule and will make sure to have you in and out as quickly as possible - time is important to us! …. It’s one of the reasons why we offer Smile Touch-Up.

Speaking of time, most of our Smile Touch-Up appointments are scheduled at 10 week intervals. And, if you’re away for longer periods of time - we’re talking to you, college students - we can even work with you to ensure your geography doesn’t get in the way of treatment with us. 

 

Sound like this is for you? 

If you’re interested in talking about whether you’re a candidate for Partial Treatment with clear aligners click the button below. We’d be happy to explore this option with you, free of charge.

CLICK BELOW OR CALL US TODAY FOR A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION

 

Think Before You Pierce your Lip!

Before you get an oral piercing, consider the results of a study made by oral surgeons at the University of Barcelona, Spain. Dentists investigated patients with a lip piercing on only one side of their mouth. This is a perfect way to see what changes and effects the piercing has since one side is unaffected. Their gums and general oral condition were observed and compared to healthy, normal side. The results indicate considerable risks to your long-term dental health from piercing a lip.

The most frightening statistic was the prevalence of cracked teeth with piercings. Twenty percent (one in every five patients!) had tooth fractures and cracks on the side of their mouth with a piercing. Cracks in your teeth can directly lead to nerve damage and a root canal and even the loss of your tooth.

The dentists also discovered that patients’ gums were damaged on the piercing side and were experiencing greater levels of gum recession from the teeth. Gum loss leads to an increased risk of tooth decay and tooth loss.

While many people feel that a lip piercing improves their beauty, it will never improve your dental health. RTO would like to remind you that nothing improves your looks better than a full set of healthy teeth!

 

This is recession! 

 

These are fractured teeth!

 

Infection? Yes that too!!

Teeth: Top Target for Bullies

Bullying among adolescents and teenagers has increased to epidemic proportions in recent years, mainly due to the advent of social media, like Facebook and Twitter, and it can leave harmful and lasting effects, such as depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Kids may be targeted for bullying for a variety of reasons: everything from shyness to weight to socioeconomic class to physical appearance, including their teeth. A recent study in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics found a significant prevalence of bullying related to students’ dental and/or facial appearance. The study of 920 children in the country of Jordan revealed that teeth were the number-one targeted physical feature for bullying, with half of the children identifying their dental appearance as the cause of the bullying. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) released a statement that a panel of 12 high-ranking AAO members reviewed and concurred with the study’s findings, and indicated that the experiences of the Jordanian children can easily translate to the experiences of American kids, as many orthodontists have treated young patients who were teased or bullied because of their teeth. The AAO believes that early orthodontic treatment on a child being bullied for his or her dental appearance can have a major beneficial psychological effect on the child.

 Reprinted with permission of The Massachusetts Dental Society

Early Action to Prevent Trouble Later!

 

 

These are a few of the early problems that we see in young children.  It is so very important to understand that early diagnosis and treatment will save time, money and deliver the best esthetics and function in the long run. 

Check out RTO in this post from the Lowell Macaroni Kid website!

Lowell Macaroni Kid is a free weekly newsletter and website focused on kid-friendly events and information in the greater Lowell area. They gather together all kinds of local family events and activities each week, and add useful information about classes, family-focused businesses, book and product reviews, recipes, crafts, school and camp guides and more.

Visit the Macaroni Kid at:  http://lowell.macaronikid.com

 

 

Are Braces In Your Child's Future?

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Reichheld Ting Orthodontics can help!

By: Barbara Evangelista

What's the best age for your child's teeth to be evaluated by an orthodontist?  You may be surprised to learn that an evaluation at 7 -- yes, seven -- years old can have a significant impact on the length and expense of orthodontic treatment. Fortunately, the experts at Reichheld Ting Orthodontics (www.straightteeth.com) provide FREE annual evaluations, including diagnostic x-rays, digital photos, measurements, and recommendations, at their three offices in Billerica, Lowell and Westford.

Why is it best to evaluate your child's teeth at such an early age?  According to Dr. Jay Reichheld, "In many children, we can make a small adjustment at an early age, such as arranging for the dentist to remove a couple of baby teeth to provide the space for adult teeth to grow in straight. We can also use short-term orthodontic treatments to correct problems quickly before they lead to larger issues that will take much longer and be more costly to correct.  Early evaluations and treatments help us to predict growth and treat issues quickly, so that later orthodontic work is less complicated and has a better result."

We have recently begun our adventure in the world of orthodontia, when my 10-year-old son got braces on his upper teeth.  The lower set of braces will be placed in about 6 months.  Ben has a whole variety of orthodontic issues, including malocclusion and crossbite (his upper and lower teeth don't meet correctly), a narrow upper jaw, overbite, and -- unusually -- a completely missing adult tooth (one of his top incisors, so very visible).   I have been so impressed with Reichheld Ting right from Ben’s first visit when he was 9.  Their office is warm and welcoming, and they offer free coffee and video games to help pass the time for waiting kids and adults.  All of the doctors and staff are clearly top-notch in their fields, and their advice on how to handle Ben’s missing adult tooth was very helpful.  Dr. Jay’s recommendation to remove two teeth to give other adult teeth room to grow was spot-on.  Ben’s dentist removed the baby teeth during an intense but fairly quick procedure that showed that Ben is made of tough stuff, and we saw good results within a few months.  I expected Ben to need braces at 11 or 12 and was surprised to hear at his evaluation in October that he was ready to get braces.  We’re pleased that he will be done with his orthodontic treatment by 7th grade; it will be nice for him to have straight, gorgeous teeth when he’s entering those difficult early teen years.  

Ben’s evaluations and treatment have been easy so far.  One of the great things about RTO is that they make orthodontic treatment fun for kids. At every annual evaluation, kids get to spin the wheel and earn Sharky Bucks.  Once treatment has started, patients earn more Sharky Bucks by arriving on time, wearing their RTO t-shirt, going to the dentist every 6 months, and doing a good job cleaning their teeth and braces.  Patients can redeem their Sharky Bucks for gift cards for local stores and restaurants.  Ben loved to spin the Sharky Bucks wheel at his evaluations and hit the big bucks, which we tucked away for a future gift card.  He was a bit nervous about having his braces put on but not scared.  The whole process took about an hour, including a very helpful review of how to brush and floss his teeth and braces, what he can and cannot eat and how to make eating easier, and what to look out for.  His teeth and jaw were sore for a couple of days, but he has adjusted very quickly and is taking far better care of his teeth now than he was before (the hygienist showed him some very effective photos of what can happen if you DON’T take care of your teeth and braces).

  

Not only does Reichheld Ting Orthodontics (RTO) offer braces for children and teens, they also offer treatments for adults.  If you've been frustrated with your teeth's appearance for years or even experience pain from misalignment, RTO can address those issues with Invisalign or standard braces.  If your child is being evaluated, schedule an evaluation for yourself at the same time.  Many adult patients find it ideal to treat their own orthodontic needs when their children are being treated -- you save time by scheduling appointments together, share your experiences and tips, and both of you end up with gorgeous teeth!

One of the first things parents think of when they consider braces for their children is the cost.  There are many ways to make the cost of orthodontic treatment more palatable (so to speak).  By bringing your child in for free annual evaluations starting at age 7, you'll be informed early about potential problems and learn which issues really aren't worrisome.  You'll also learn about early treatment options that will save you and your child time and money down the road.  When your child is ready for orthodontic treatment, RTO offers no-interest payment plans, or a discount if you're able to pay upfront for treatment in one payment.  They accept most major credit cards too.

The experts at RTO have been caring for patients in the greater Lowell area for over 40 years and have built longterm relationships with many local families.  They have annual events for all clients, including an RTO day at Canobie Lake, a pumpkin decorating contest, an annual movie party at Showcase Cinemas, and an Ice Cream Social.  They’re also very involved with the community, regularly hosting Red Cross blood drives, serving as an official Toys for Tots donation center (donate from 11/1 to 12/18), and supporting local fundraisers.  They sponsor local community education programs, including workshops on using the internet safely and other teen- and parent-focused topics.

If you’d like to learn more about Reichheld Ting, visit their website at www.straightteeth.com or their Facebook page atwww.facebook.com/rtortho.  To schedule an evaluation, call the Billerica office at 978-670-5900, the Lowell office at 978-453-3872, or the Westford office at 978-692-5799, and be sure to mention that you learned about RTO on Macaroni Kid.  If your child isn’t quite ready for orthodontic treatment but you’d like to be kept informed and reminded about evaluations, ask the appointment coordinator to add your name and email address to their mailing list so that you receive annual reminders.

 

Look Everyone! No Braces!! Straight Teeth!

Hello RTO faithful! My name is Carla and I work as an assistant in the Westford office. I bet you haven’t even noticed, (and that is the biggest point!), but I have been wearing Invisalign aligners for the last 4 months!!  I have to say how amazed I am that people in and out of work don’t notice. Even the patients that I am caring for, and their mothers and fathers, do not see them.  I have been explaining process of wearing braces and treatment and home care for 4 months and not a single person has “seen” that I am straightening my teeth invisibly.  Like so many of you I had braces before but didn't wear my retainer.   My teeth moved and I just didn’t love my smile anymore so the Docs at RTO suggested I use Invisalign to get back to perfect.  The aligners are not obvious, easy to maintain and do not affect my speech.   

For anyone considering getting back to where you were, Invisalign is really that easy! Feel free to post any of your questions here on our blog!

I am so happy I chose Invisalign!  Next time you’re here see if you can see them.  Keep smiling!