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Early Treatment

WHAT IS HYPERDONTIA?

When a child is born, he or she will have 20 primary teeth and 32 permanent teeth. But sometimes kids are born with additional teeth, and our team at Dunegan Orthodontics calls this oral condition “hyperdontia”. Primary teeth are the first set of teeth that erupt in your child’s mouth, typically by the time your […]

When a child is born, he or she will have 20 primary teeth and 32 permanent teeth. But sometimes kids are born with additional teeth, and our team at Dunegan Orthodontics calls this oral condition “hyperdontia”. Primary teeth are the first set of teeth that erupt in your child’s mouth, typically by the time your child reaches the age of 12. Permanent teeth then take the place of the primary teeth and are usually fully-erupted by the time your son or daughter reaches 21 years of age. Anyone who develops more than 20 primary teeth or more than 32 permanent teeth has hyperdontia, and the additional teeth are known as supernumerary teeth.

While the cause of hyperdontia is not entirely clear, it is believed that there may be a genetic factor. Oral professionals have found that patients with extra teeth often have syndromes like cleidocranial dysplasia, Ehler-Danlos syndrome, Gardner Syndrome, or cleft lip and palate. The prevalence of hyperdontia affects between one and four percent of the population in the United States, and the majority of cases are limited to a single tooth.

So, what is the best way to deal with hyperdontia? It really depends on the case. The treatment plan your doctor suggests varies according to the potential problem posed by the supernumerary teeth, as well as their type. Orthodontic treatment may certainly help, but extraction can also be a good option. We recommend that children receive an oral evaluation or checkup no later than the age of seven. In addition to a hygiene evaluation, this helps ensure your child does not experience hyperdontia problems.

If you suspect you or your child may be suffering from hyperdontia, please give us a call to set up an appointment!

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SUPPORT OUR FOOD DRIVE

Our goal is to provide families with fresh food for the holidays! Please donate to our food drive this November to support the Haymarket Regional Food Pantry Spread the news to your friends and loved ones that they have a chance to donate to an awesome local cause this holiday season!! This is a great […]

Food DriveOur goal is to provide families with fresh food for the holidays!

Please donate to our food drive this November to support the Haymarket Regional Food Pantry

Spread the news to your friends and loved ones that they have a chance to donate to an awesome local cause this holiday season!!

This is a great opportunity to make a difference in our community and we encourage you to join this effort to help local familes!

Please bring your food donation to our office during business hours, now until November 20, 2015.

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PREPARING FOR BRACES

We’re both feeling anxious about my child’s “braces day” Braces are a big investment for parents – but they’re also a huge commitment for you child. All of the different types of braces require ongoing maintenance an can mean that, for the time being, certain foods will need to be avoided. Before any style of […]

We’re both feeling anxious about my child’s “braces day”

Braces are a big investment for parents – but they’re also a huge commitment for you child.

All of the different types of braces require ongoing maintenance an can mean that, for the time being, certain foods will need to be avoided. Before any style of braces are applied it’s essential you talk to your child and explain the full process. Make sure they understand that looking after their braces properly can mean a speedier treatment time, less discomfort, and a fantastic smile when it’s over!

Here are some important steps to set up for the big day:

  • Fix any simple tooth or gum issues at your dentist before your orthodontist applies braces. e.g. fixing cavities, checking for gum problems, or conducting a professional cleaning
  • Braces for children are usually covered by private health insurance as long as your policy includes standard orthodontic work
  • Make sure you address any questions or concerns you may have about how you or child should care for their braces once you get home

Your orthodontist and technician will provide you with lots of information​ to take home but don’t be afraid to ask any questions if you are unsure.

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TASTY “ORTHODONTIST APPROVED” HALLOWEEN TREATS

Two of every three adults in the United States made plans to participate in Halloween festivities last year. This year, with October 31 falling on a Saturday, the festivities promise to be even bigger. For the millions of kids and adults who are being treated by orthodontists, the temptation to eat sticky, gooey treats are […]

Spider DipTwo of every three adults in the United States made plans to participate in Halloween festivities last year. This year, with October 31 falling on a Saturday, the festivities promise to be even bigger. For the millions of kids and adults who are being treated by orthodontists, the temptation to eat sticky, gooey treats are challenging.

Orthodontists report that their busiest days of the year are those following Halloween. Emergency appointments are scheduled to repair damage done to braces and other orthodontic appliances for patients who gave in to the temptation of indulging in off-limits, hard, sticky, crunchy, or chewy Halloween treats. But there are delectable ways to safely enjoy the holiday. To help folks in and out of orthodontic treatment, we’ve provided some fiendishly delicious recipes to help party goers of all ages enjoy the season. These recipes are “orthodontist approved” and not only are they tasty, each one makes a great visual for any Halloween party spread.

Scary Skull and Ghastly Ghost Cookies

Mummy Pizza Biscuits

Spooky Spider Web Bean Dip

Dr. Dunegan knows kids of all ages want to enjoy some Halloween fun! These recipes taste as good as they look!

Find even more here: Orthodontist Approved Recipes

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Braces

THE EVOLUTION OF BRACES

Did you know that even in ancient times, people wanted to improve the look and function of their smiles? At Dunegan Orthodontics we think of modern orthodontic appliance as sleek, efficient technology, but this was not always so! Take a look at the highlights of the evolution of  braces. Ancient Times: From Greece to Rome […]

Did you know that even in ancient times, people wanted to improve the look and function of their smiles? At Dunegan Orthodontics we think of modern orthodontic appliance as sleek, efficient technology, but this was not always so! Take a look at the highlights of the evolution of  braces.

Ancient Times: From Greece to Rome

  • According to The Angle Orthodontist, Aristotle and Hippocrates first thought about methods for straightening teeth between 400 and 300 BC.
  • The Etruscans, in what we know as Italy, buried their dead with appliances that maintained spaces to prevent the collapse of their teeth and jaws during life. Archaeologists have discovered mummified remains in various locations that have metal bands wrapped around the teeth.
  • A Roman tomb was discovered in which the teeth were bound with gold wire, including documentation of the wire’s use as a dental device.

18th Century: A French Development

  • ​​French dentist Pierre Fauchard is acknowledged as the father of modern dentistry. In 1728, he published a book that described various methods of straightening teeth. Fauchard also used a device known as a “blandeau” to widen the upper palate.
  • Louis Bourdet was another French dentist who published a book in 1754 that discussed tooth alignment. Bourdet further refined the blandeau and was the first dentist to extract bicuspids, or premolar teeth between canines and molars, for the purpose of reducing tooth crowding.

19th Century: Orthodontics Defined

  • Orthodontics ​​started to become a separate dental specialty during the early 19th century. The first wire crib was used in 1819, marking the beginning of modern orthodontics.
  • During this period, gold, platinum, silver, steel, gum rubber, vulcanite, and occasionally wood, ivory, zinc, and copper were used – as was brass in the form of loops, hooks, spurs, and ligatures.
  • Edward Maynard first used gum elastics in 1843 and E.J. Tucker began making rubber bands for braces in 1850.
  • Norman W. Kingsley published the first paper on modern orthodontics in 1858 and J.N. Farrar was the first dentist to recommend the use of force over timed intervals to straighten teeth.

20th Century: New Materials Abound

  • Edward Angle developed the first classification systems for maloc​​clusions (misaligned teeth) during the early 20th century in the United States, and it is still in use today. Angle founded the American Society of Orthodontia in 1901, which was renamed the American Association of Orthodontists in the 1930s.
  • By the 1960s, gold was universally abandoned for stainless steel.
  • Lingual braces were the “invisible” braces of choice until the early 1980s, when tooth-colored aesthetic brackets made from single-crystal sapphire and ceramic became popular.

Today

As we arrive in the present, you need only to look at your own braces to see how far we’ve come. Your treatment plan was probably created with a 3D​ digital model, and we’re likely using a computerized process to customize your archwires. Perhaps you have clear aligners, self ligating brackets, or highly resilient ceramic brackets with heat-activated wires.

Orthodontics has come a long way from the days of Aristotle, and even the bulky wrap-around braces of just over 60 years ago. Regardless of your specific treatment plan, the development of high-tech materials and methods has made it possible for your orthodontic experience to be as effective, efficient, and comfortable as possible. Call our office to schedule your first Orthodontic consultation!

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IS ADULT ORTHO RIGHT FOR YOU?

Adult patients who seek orthodontic treatment usually fall into one of two camps: those who did not undergo orthodontic treatment as child or those who had braces at one point and stopped wearing retainers for one reason or another. At Dunegan Orthodontics, we are happy to offer a variety of treatment options to straighten our […]

Adult BracesAdult patients who seek orthodontic treatment usually fall into one of two camps: those who did not undergo orthodontic treatment as child or those who had braces at one point and stopped wearing retainers for one reason or another.

At Dunegan Orthodontics, we are happy to offer a variety of treatment options to straighten our patients’ teeth. Dr. Dunegan and staff believe you’re never too old to straighten your teeth. And we have many adult patients who are currently undergoing treatment. In fact, did you know that roughly 30 percent of orthodontic patients these days are adults?

Invisalign® is a great treatment option for adults. The Invisalign® aligners are easy to wear and are not visible to most people. Plus, Invsalign’s® clear aligners are removable, so there are no restrictions on what you can eat during treatment. When considering Invisalign, we tell adults to determine if they can be diligent about wearing the aligners at all times and make them part of their lifestyle for the duration of treatment.

If you have been thinking about obtaining a beautiful smile, please give us a call for an initial consultation. Dr. Dunegan and the team welcome children, teens, and adults alike. Call us today for an appointment!

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Uncategorized

NATIONAL ORTHODONTIC HEALTH MONTH

What does the month of October mean to you? For people in the northern hemisphere, October is when weather starts to get a little chilly; heavy jackets might come out of storage and summer clothes get packed away. You might start making plans for the upcoming holidays or looking at the beautiful changing autumn scenery. […]

National Orthodontic MonthWhat does the month of October mean to you? For people in the northern hemisphere, October is when weather starts to get a little chilly; heavy jackets might come out of storage and summer clothes get packed away. You might start making plans for the upcoming holidays or looking at the beautiful changing autumn scenery. October means something a little different to the team at Dunegan Orthodontics because this is National Orthodontic Health Month. During October, orthodontic office throughout the country work together to promote their services and inform the community about the important work we do.

National Orthodontic Health Month is an awareness campaign created cooperatively by orthodontists and other dental health professionals. During this month, we make a special effort to promote dental health and orthodontic health in particular. This is a great time to get your questions answered by dental professionals in your community and to learn more about exactly what an orthodontist can do for you and your family. Events held in connection with National Orthodontic Health Month are also an opportunity for us orthodontists to come out and meet other community members. Dunegan Orthodontics recently participated in Haymarket Day, and will also be at the Linton Hall Community Fun Fair on October 17 this year. Meeting one of us in person before your checkup is a great way to find out what kind of person you’ll be seeing during your appointment.

Meeting Dr. Dunegan, Dr. Langguth, or Dr. Lu in a relaxed “meet and greet” atmosphere can be especially helpful for any young orthodontic patients in our family. Kids of all ages-and their parents!-can feel anxiety about going to the dentist. Getting to know the person you have an appointment with can make the experience a lot less stressful for everyone. We don’t want anyone to avoid seeing a dental professional for regular checkups just because they don’t know who we are. Just meeting and talking with the orthodontist you’ll be seeing may be enough to make you fell more comfortable about your upcoming appointment.

Dental health is something that affects everyone; healthy teeth and gums contribute to a healthy smile and lifetime of comfort and well-being. Orthodontists are just one of the various dental practitioners you could visit at some point in your life, so taking a little time to learn who we are and what we do is certain to be a helpful experience. We look forward to seeing you this fall at community events and at our office!

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