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“What Do Orthodontics And Science Have in Common? Everything!”

“What Do Orthodontics And Science Have in Common? Everything!” Many people have had their teeth straightened with braces, however few realize that orthodontics involves a great deal of fundamental science and fast-moving technology. Orthodontics is a type of mechanical engineering inside the mouth – involving metal braces, plates, and wires. Today’s orthodontists have to understand […]

“What Do Orthodontics And Science Have in Common? Everything!” Many people have had their teeth straightened with braces, however few realize that orthodontics involves a great deal of fundamental science and fast-moving technology. Orthodontics is a type of mechanical engineering inside the mouth – involving metal braces, plates, and wires. Today’s orthodontists have to understand and apply a good deal of specialist science – everything from genetics to metallurgy.

Orthodontics involves more than achieving a beautiful smile; our jaws and teeth are used for talking and chewing, so orthodontics is also concerned with how facial anatomy affects these functions. Here are several examples of scientific fields that are relevant and apply to orthodontics: genetics, growth and development, physiology, microbiology, biomechanics, metallurgy and materials science, physics, and radiology.

The amount of force need to move a tooth depends on the size and type of movement (turning or sliding). The moving force also needs an anchor, so a group of teeth and appliances are selected and used for anchorage. The orthodontist’s task is to find the best combination of force and anchorage to achieve the correct movements. The forces used in orthodontics come from archwires. At first the archwires need to be quite elastic to start individual teeth moving. Later on, the wires are more rigid to ensure stability. Orthodontists can choose wires made from a variety of metallic materials:

·         Stainless Steel: this is easy to shape and has high rigidity so it provides stability

·         Nitinol alloys: these nickel-titanium alloys have very high elasticity. They produce weak but constant force suitable for the alignment phases. However, they cannot be soldered.

·         Shape-memory alloys: these metals have variable elasticity depending on the temperature. The can be bent for insertion into the mouth; once there they ‘try’ to recover their initial shape, exerting force on the teeth.

As you can see, orthodontists need to be knowledgeable scientists to keep up with the innovations of their discipline. If a child has a lot of questions for the orthodontist, he or she may be an inspired, aspiring materials scientist.

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Debunking Myths about Invisalign Teen

At Dunegan Orthodontics in Gainesville, VA, we receive many questions about Invisalign Teen; so we understand that there may be misconceptions about the treatment process and we are debunking these myths about Invisalign Teen!  Invisalign is quickly becoming the orthodontic treatment of choice for high school students preferring to avoid the metal of traditional braces. The […]

At Dunegan Orthodontics in Gainesville, VA, we receive many questions about Invisalign Teen; so we understand that there may be misconceptions about the treatment process and we are debunking these myths about Invisalign Teen!  Invisalign is quickly becoming the orthodontic treatment of choice for high school students preferring to avoid the metal of traditional braces.

Invisalign Teen

The many reasons teens request Invisalign treatment include:

  • Virtual invisibility.
  • Removability.
  • Lack of dietary restrictions.
  • Easier cleaning and flossing.
  • Fewer and shorter appointments.

Here are some common misunderstandings about Invisalign Teen that we would like to clarify so that you rest assured that it is a viable option for your child.

MYTH #1: “It Costs More.”

It doesn’t. Invisalign Teen costs about the same as traditional braces, and your dental insurance may already cover some of the costs. Your treatment plan will include a breakdown of all applicable fees, and we will inform you of all costs before treatment starts. For your convenience, we accept payment by cash and check, as well as Visa, MasterCard and Discover credit cards. 

We thoroughly explain your options so that we can accommodate your needs. We are pleased to offer in-house financing options to help make your treatment more affordable. We offer an orthodontic discount for those who pay in full upfront and for multiple family members receiving treatment.

MYTH #2: “It Doesn’t Work as Well.”

But it does! It works great. Every two weeks your teen will switch out his/her custom made Invisalign Teen aligners for the next set, until the teeth are gradually guided into their optimal positions. Invisalign is used to treat mild-to-severe cases of underbite, overbite, overcrowding and gaps between teeth.

No wires, brackets or elastics, which might break or need replacement, are involved in the Invisalign Teen system. This makes Invisalign Teen a highly effective, efficient treatment.  

MYTH #3: “It’s More Difficult to Keep Up With.”

The removable aspect of Invisalign Teen may seem a bit challenging to keep track of. However, you may be surprised at just how easily Invisalign will merge into anyone’s lifestyle. It can act as a mouthguard when playing sports. It can also be taken out for important pictures and playing instruments.

If your teenager loses a set of aligners, no worries! There are six replacement aligners are included in most Invisalign treatment packages. Invisalign is also easier to keep up with in terms of time. Our patients and parents spend 30 percent less time at our office, as aligners only need to be progressively supplied at an appointment every 8 to 10 weeks.

While Invisalign Teen will need to be worn exactly as your orthodontist recommends, it is easier to ensure patient compliance with the Invisalign system than with metal braces! Invisalign Teen comes with a blue compliance indicator that will help you and your teen keep track of how much time he or she is wearing the aligner (which should be 22-23 hours daily, with a two-hour window for eating, brushing and flossing).This indicator also lets you know when to replace your aligners with a new set.

Dunegan Orthodontics encourages all potential orthodontic patients to ask questions and educate themselves about the many orthodontic treatment options available (our website can help). We offer a complimentary orthodontic consultation to evaluate your jaw alignment and any bite issues, as well as plan the best treatment option for you. Please request your complimentary consultation online or contact us at (703) 753-4996.

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