Friday, March 26, 2010

Breaking down myths about orthodontics with Drs. Hunt

Drs. Hunt are both well-aware that there are a lot of myths flying around the topic of orthodontics. But, before you buy into those myths, our doctors think you should get the facts first! We came across a great site the other day that helps set the record straight. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have some excellent information on the myths and facts of orthodontics. We encourage you to check them out today!

If you have any questions about orthodontics or your treatment at Hunt Orthodontics, feel free to give us a call at our convenient Greenville office.

Monday, March 15, 2010

Patient question for Drs. Hunt: Am I too old for braces?

Absolutely not. Recently, our staff at Hunt Orthodontics read a fascinating statistic: adults getting braces has jumped 24 percent from just 14 years ago! In fact, did you know one of every five patients in orthodontic treatment is over the age of 21?

In an age—and society—where looks matter as much as anything, and at a time when evenly-aligned teeth might be the difference between getting a job or a promotion, adults are choosing to invest—wisely—in orthodontics. While orthodontic treatment is often associated with teens, adult orthodontics and braces at our Greenville office can achieve amazing results for adult patients. With treatments such as Invisalign, you can have your teeth straightened less noticeably. In addition to Invisalign, there is an exciting new orthodontic treatment for adults and adolescents called "Wilckodontics" or Accelerated Osteogenic Orthodontics (AOO) that Dr. Hunt, Jr. has brought to our patients that can move the teeth 3-4 times faster than conventional orthodontic treatment. Average treatment times can be anywhere from 3-8 months for completely aligning the teeth and bite.

After the initial examination and diagnostic records, the Doctors Hunt will be able to determine the best possible treatment for your individual needs. At your consultation, we can outline the treatment plan, time of treatment expected, and financial arrangements. A large percentage of our patients are adults, and they agree that it's never too late to improve their greatest asset: THEIR SMILE!

If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, Drs. Hunt and our team would love to have you visit for a consultation. Give us a call to set one up!

Friday, March 12, 2010

This March, what are you up to? From Hunt Orthodontics

It’s almost springtime! The daffodils and buttercups are on their way, the birds are chirping, the sun is warming up and the smell of freshly-cut grass is wafting from baseball fields all across Greenville. Drs. Hunt and our staff thought this would be a good time to ask: What are your plans for March?

Are you ready for spring? Are you participating in school sports this year? Do you have exciting plans? We’d love to know them all! You may share your stories or plans with our team here, on our Facebook fan page or by giving us a call!

P.S. While you’re on our Facebook page, become a fan of Hunt Orthodontics! Have a terrific weekend!

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Ask Hunt Orthodontics: Now that I have braces, what can I eat?

You just got braces and Drs. Hunt have informed you that over the next several months you will want to avoid eating anything sticky, hard, crunchy, or chewy. What does this leave for you to eat? Lettuce? Nothing?

Luckily, there was someone else wondering the same thing when she first got braces! Brenda Waterman, 13, decided she was going to find a way to have her cake and eat it too, so she created a variety of “braces-friendly” recipes that allow you to enjoy your favorite treats without interfering with your orthodontic care! Her cookbook, “The Braces Cookbook: Recipes you (and your Orthodontist) will Love,” gives patients a variety of delicious recipes, safe to eat with braces; plus additional tips and advice for packing lunches, what to eat at parties, and braces-friendly restaurant dishes! There’s even a section with tips for dealing with the soreness that can occur when your braces or appliance are adjusted. Enjoy the foods you love – even with braces!

Here is a delicious, sneak peek recipe from “The Braces Cookbook:”

Wonderful Waffles

Forget the recipe that came with your waffle iron – this recipe will redefine fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. The secret to delicious waffles is letting the batter "sit" for five minutes before pouring into the waffle iron. Top cooked waffles with syrup, jam, fresh fruit or even whip cream. Makes about 5 servings!

Preheat your waffle iron according to the directions. You may want to lightly spray it with vegetable oil before heating.
• 3 cups flour
• 2 Tbl + 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 Tbl sugar
• 4 cups milk
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

In a large bowl, whisk (or use electric mixer on low) together all ingredients. Let batter sit for about five minutes to activate the baking powder.

When waffle iron is ready, pour about 1/3 cup of batter onto each of the four squares (experiment with your iron – you don't want the batter overflowing). Gently close the cover and set your timer as the manufacturer suggests. Do not lift the cover while they bake. When done, carefully lift one edge with a flat spatula and pull the waffle away from the iron. Keep waffles warm on a plate under a clean dishtowel while the others bake.

Enjoy! From Hunt Orthodontics