Ask Hunt Orthodontics: When is my child due for a visit?

Parents often just assume that they can wait until their child has all of his or her permanent teeth to visit Hunt Orthodontics for a consultation, only to discover treatment would have been much easier if started earlier. Did you know the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven?

That’s right—seven.

Ok, so what’s so great about age seven, you ask? Enough permanent teeth have arrived for the Doctors Hunt to make a determination about whether any problems are present. The first molars have come in, providing an opportunity to check for malocclusion, or what our doctors call “bad bite.” Also, the incisors have begun to come in, and problems such as crowding, deep bites and open bites can be detected.

When done at an early age, orthodontic evaluation provides one of two positive outcomes: For some, early identification or problems will lead to easier or shorter orthodontic treatment in the future. For others, a healthy prognosis will provide immediate peace of mind. Early evaluation, of course, may signal a need for early treatment. For some children, early treatment can prevent physical and emotional trauma. Aside from spurring on years of harmful teasing, misaligned teeth are also prone to injury and are detrimental to good oral hygiene. So, if your child is nearing his or her seventh birthday, give us a call at Hunt Orthodontics to schedule an appointment.

Fun fact time with Hunt Orthodontics

Relax, it's Friday! (Yes, it really is!) And you know what that means: Fun fact Friday! At Hunt Orthodontics, we know everyone loves fun facts. The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, has come up with some fun facts about orthodontics that Drs. Hunt and our team at Hunt Orthodontics thought you might enjoy. Have a fantastic weekend everyone!

• There are nearly 4 million people in orthodontic treatment throughout the United States. Three out of four are younger than 18.

• The first mechanical treatment for correcting irregular teeth was suggested by Gaius Plinius Secundus (A.D 23-79).The American Association of Orthodontists is comprised of more than 12,000 members in the United States, Canada and abroad.

• The time required to complete orthodontic treatment ranges from 12 to 36 months depending on the nature and severity of the problem.

• Of the 160,000 dentists in the United States and Canada, 8,000 are practicing orthodontists.

• The cement that attaches the braces to the teeth is now made with a special fluoride-releasing substance.

• Wires activated by body heat used in today's braces originally were developed by NASA for use in the space program.

• Famous orthodontic patients include: Dr. Joyce Brothers, Hale Irwin, Cher, Diana Ross, Phyllis Diller, Chelsea Clinton, Whoopi Goldberg, Daisy Fuentes and Brandi.

Hunt Orthodontics, reminding you April is National Facial Protection Month

With spring here, many children, teens and adults in Greenville will once again pick up the ball, bring the bat out of seasonal retirement, and lace up their cleats to hit the fields for the return of spring sports! April is National Facial Protection Month, and during this time, Drs. Hunt urge our young athletes in treatment to play it safe when out on the field. Beware, though: Nearly 60,000 people injure their faces annually while participating in sports activities, and teenagers account for 80 percent of all sports-related trips to the emergency room.

The above video from our pals at the American Association of Orthodontists outlines five important tips that can help you stay safe out on the field this spring. The doctors Hunt will tell you protective gear is vital for anyone engaging in tooth or mouth-threatening activities. If you have any further questions about any of the tips offered in the video, please contact our staff by calling 864-268-2800.

The importance of regular checkups, from Drs. Hunt

Our team at Hunt Orthodontics want to know: Is your child brushing his or her teeth twice a day? If yes, that’s great! But, don’t forget that it’s also important for your child to visit the dentist every six months in addition to brushing their teeth a couple times a day (and coming in to see Dr. Hunt, obviously). If your child will be visiting the dentist for the first time, it’s important to bring them in after their first tooth comes through, and no later than their first birthday. Drs. Hunt will tell you regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health. Your dentist can:

• Check for problems that might not be seen or felt
• Detect cavities and early signs of decay
• Treat oral health problems early
• Show your child how to properly brush and floss their teeth

During an oral exam the doctor will check the health of your child’s mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If your child has not visited the dentist the last six months, it’s time for you to schedule an appointment! Have a terrific weekend!

Talking retainers with Hunt Orthodontics

If you recently completed treatment at Hunt Orthodontics, our professional team would like to congratulate you! Now that your braces have been removed, Drs. Hunt will provide—or have provided you—with retainers. After braces are removed, teeth can shift out of position if they are not stabilized.

Retainers provide that stabilization. They are designed to hold teeth in their corrected, ideal positions until the bones and gums adapt to the treatment changes, Drs. Hunt say. Wearing retainers exactly as instructed is the best insurance that the treatment improvements last for a lifetime.

If you have additional questions about retainers or your treatment here at Hunt Orthodontics, please give us a call at 864-268-2800. Our staff would love to hear from you!