Happy Halloween

Just a friendly reminder to keep you teeth and your braces in tact and healthy.  Have a fun, safe, and happy Halloween!

Getting ready for Halloween!

Hey everyone!  Halloween is just around the corner.  Please remember to stick to braces friendly candy and treats to avoid breaking or damaging your braces.  Share our "flossophy" and stay away from hard, stick or chewy foods. 

National Orthodontic Health Month

October is National Orthodontic Health Month (NOHM).  In honor of that, we'd like to share some facts with you courtesy of the American Association of Orthdontics (AAO). 

Today, more than 4 million children and 1 million adults in the United States and Canada are receiving treatment from orthodontists who are members of the American Association of Orthodontists to improve long-term dental health and change facial appearances for the better.  And through continued advancements in orthodontic treatment, patients reap the benefits of better dental health, higher self-confidence and healthy, beautiful smiles.

What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. The technical term for these problems is "malocclusion," which means "bad bite." The practice of orthodontics requires professional skill in the design, application and control of corrective appliances, such as braces, to bring teeth, lips and jaws into proper alignment and to achieve facial balance.

What is an orthodontist?
All orthodontists are dentists, but only about 6 percent of dentists are orthodontists. An orthodontist is a specialist in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Orthodontists must first attend college, and then complete a three to five year dental graduate program at a dental school accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association (ADA). They must then successfully complete an additional two- to three-year ADA-accredited residency program of advanced education in orthodontics. Through this training, the orthodontist learns the skills required to manage tooth movement (orthodontics) and guide facial development (dentofacial orthopedics). Only dentists who have successfully completed this advanced specialty education may call themselves orthodontists.

 

 TRUE OR FALSE

1. Orthodontists are specialists.

 

TRUE: Like their specialist counterparts in medicine (cardiologists, neurologists, gastroenterologists, etc.) orthodontists receive more formal education to be specialists. Orthodontists specialize in straightening teeth and aligning jaws. Like dentists, orthodontists graduate from dental school, but then, to be an orthodontist, it takes an additional two to three academic years of education in an accredited orthodontic residency program. Orthodontists are dentistry’s specialists in straightening teeth and aligning jaws to create optimal function and form. Orthodontists only practice orthodontics.* They treat hundreds of patients a year, drawing on tried-and-true and new orthodontic appliance technologies to get patients to the best results.

2. You should only visit an orthodontist for challenging and complex orthodontic cases. FALSE: Orthodontists have the education, experience and expertise to treat all levels of orthodontic problems. A seemingly “simple” case can be hiding subtle problems that only an orthodontist can recognize. Rely on an orthodontist to diagnose and successfully treat all problems with tooth and jaw alignment.

 

3. Orthodontists do not use clear aligners to straighten teeth. FALSE: Orthodontists are not limited to the use of one kind of appliance (the “tools” used to move teeth and align jaws)—they have knowledge of the full range of orthodontic appliances, and what to use to correct each patient’s orthodontic problem. Orthodontists may use clear aligners, braces and other orthodontic appliances to correct tooth and jaw alignment maladies. Orthodontists know what to use and when to use it because they work with these tools every day. Orthodontists build on their knowledge of orthodontics through on-going continuing education in orthodontic technology and practice.

 

4. Braces aren’t just for kids anymore. TRUE: More than one in five current orthodontic patients is an adult. And braces are just one type of “appliance” (device) that orthodontists use in orthodontic treatment for adults, teens and children.

 

5. If there was a giant, overhead magnet and someone flipped a switch, people wearing braces would fly out of their chairs and stick to the ceiling. FALSE: It would be a really cool party trick, but it couldn’t happen.

 

6. Braces and aligners are painful and take two years or more for the desired result. FALSE: After a brief adjustment period, like breaking in a new pair of shoes, braces and aligners are comfortable. And while every case is different, a 2010 survey** found that the average treatment time for patients is 22 months.

 

 

7. Getting orthodontic treatment means I’ll have to commit to constant doctor visits and inconvenient appointments.

 

FALSE: The average appointment commitment is only once every six weeks.**

8. Braces are ugly, call attention to themselves and would be embarrassing in business settings. FALSE: Today’s braces may be nearly invisible thanks to tiny metal or ceramic brackets and thin wires. Some braces can be completely unseen, mounted on the back (lingual) side of teeth. Besides, like watching your diet or going to the gym, orthodontic treatment is a change for the better. With a healthy smile, you can face your career with confidence.

 

9. Anyone is eligible to join the American Association of Orthodontists. FALSE: Only orthodontists may become members of the American Association of Orthodontists, and 95 percent of all educationally eligible orthodontists in the U.S. are AAO members. To be “educationally eligible” means that the doctor must graduate from dental school, then complete 2-3 years of specialty education at an accredited orthodontic residency program. Only those who successfully complete this extensive education may call themselves “orthodontists.” And only orthodontists may be members of the American Association of Orthodontists.

 

10. Even if I wanted to get orthodontic treatment, it’s too expensive.

 

FALSE: Orthodontists have a variety of payment plans and options to make orthodontic treatment affordable. Plus, 60 percent** of all new patients in 2010 had dental insurance that included orthodontic benefits. Many employers offer options like FSAs (flexible spending accounts) to offset healthcare costs not covered by insurance. Funds in FSA accounts are considered pre-tax dollars.

 

For more information on orthodontics, please do not hesitate to contact us at (619) 591-5950, or visit us at SungaOrtho.com!

Easter EGGStravaganza at Concordia Church and Preschool

On Saturday, April 12th Sunga Orthodontics had the opportunity to spend the afternoon at Concordia's annual Easter Eggstravaganza.  As a sponsor, we had an informational booth at the event.  We brought along our prize wheel with prizes including toothbrushes, water bottles, floss, and more.  We were also available to answer any questions people had about orthodontic treatment and their dental health.  It was a wonderful family event that we brought the whole family to.  Dr. Sunga's husband and two boys joined us, as did my husband, Randy.

The morning started with a bunny run obstacle course for the kids followed by an Easter Egg hunt.  According to Melissa from Concordia Church between700-800 children took part in the egg hunt.  After the egg hunt husbands and the kids joined us at the booth.  Other sponsors of the event include Nothing Bundt Cake, Floaties swim school, and Kid Ventures.  We really enjoy taking part in events like these.  It gives us an opportunity to get out and meet more of the awesome families in our community.   Thanks to Concordia Church and Preschool for including us in your event! 

Lucas, Dr. Sunga, and Johnathan with the Easter Bunny.

Mae, Randy, and Branden with the Easter Bunny.

San Diego Top Dentists

Once again Sunga Orthodontics has made the San Diego Top Dentists list.  The full list is available in the April 2014 issue of San Diego Magazine.

According to the San Diego Magazine website, this is how dentists are chosen:  
If you had a patient in need of a dentist, which dentist would you refer them to?” This is the question we asked thousands of dentists to help us determine who the topDentists should be. Dentists and specialists are asked to take into consideration years of experience, continuing education, manner with patients, use of new techniques and technologies, and, of course, physical results.

The nomination pool of dentists consists of dentists listed online with the American Dental Association, as well as all dentists listed online with their local dental societies, thus allowing virtually every dentist the opportunity to participate. Dentists are also given the opportunity to nominate other dentists whom we may have missed who they feel should be included in our list. Respondents are asked to put aside any personal bias or political motivations and to use only their knowledge of their peers’ work when evaluating the other nominees.
Voters are asked to individually evaluate the practitioners on their ballots whose work they are familiar with. Once the balloting is completed, the scores are compiled and then averaged. The numerical average required for inclusion varies depending on the average for all the nominees within the specialty and the geographic area. Borderline cases are given a careful consideration by the editors. Voting characteristics and comments are taken into consideration while making decisions. Past awards a dentist has received and status in various dental academies (Academy of General Dentistry, American Academy of Periodontology, etc.) can play a factor in our decision.
Once the decisions have been finalized, the included dentists are checked against state dental boards for disciplinary actions to make sure they have active licenses and are in good standing with the board. Then letters of congratulations are sent to all the listed dentists.

We are honored to be a part of a group of such great dentists and professionals.  

Sunga Orthodontics is the FALEO San Diego 2013 business of the year.

Back in February we were honored to learn that we were chosen by the Filipino-American Law Enforcement Organization as their 2013 Business of the year.  We were presented the award at FALEO's 2nd annual membership and scholarship dinner on Friday, February 28th.   The event began at 5PM.  Johnathan headed to the event first with Dr. Sunga and myself (Mae) heading over after the last patient of the day.  Unfortunately we didn't end up making it to the event until after the award presentation so Johnathan accepted the award for us.  It was a great event hosted by 10 News reporter Melissa Mecija and entertainment from the PASACAT dance company.

Johnathan accepting the award from FALEO-SD President Jericho Salvador.

Dr. Sunga with FALEO-SD 1st Vice President Al Ambitio

We became involved with FALEO-SD last year.  FALEO-SD is a non-profit organization comprised mostly of active and retired law enforcement personnel.  FALEO-SD seeks to promote fraternal relationships and cultural awareness among all law enforcement and the communities they serve and protect.  We were introduced to the organization through our cousin Reginald Garcia from Comerica Bank who had just become a member of FALEO. He told us that he joined this organization and thought it was something that we would love to be involved with and support.  He was right.  As a local small business in the South Bay, we strive to support our local organizations, especially those like FALEO-SD that share our same values with regard to strengthening our San Diego community and fostering a family-like support system in both our professional and personal relationships.  FALEO-SD is a great organization headed by awesome people.  They hold awesome events throughout the year.   Just to name a few they held a fundraiser for victims of Typhoon Haiyan and a 5K to help raise health awareness.

We love working with FALEO-SD.  Everyone that we've met through the organization have been wonderful.  Thanks again to the folks at FALEO-SD for the honor and recognition!

Dr. Elaine Sunga Named Preferred Provider of Invisalign® Tooth Straightening System

Dr. Elaine Sunga has joined a select group of dental professionals who have been certified as a “Preferred Provider” of the Invisalign tooth-straightening system. Only clinicians who have undergone a special training course and achieved and maintained a high level of experience in using the Invisalign system are named to this group.

“Invisalign uses a clear, virtually invisible series of removable series of aligners to straighten teeth, without any restrictive or uncomfortable wires and brackets,” Dr Sunga explained. “They are incredibly popular with patients of all ages who appreciate the convenience of the system and how easily it suits their lifestyle.”

Before being authorized to prescribe Invisalign treatment to their patients, dentists and orthodontists must attend a special training course offered by Align Technology, the makers of Invisalign.  The training focuses on clinical principles and successful treatment techniques as well as Invisalign’s unique software and manufacturing process.  After completion of the course, doctors are able to combine their clinical expertise with proprietary 3-D Invisalign software to order a series of nearly invisible, removable aligners that move teeth in precise increments according to the doctor’s personalized patient treatment plan. Doctors can only be named “Preferred Providers” when they have reached a high level of experience with the Invisalign system.

Dr. Sunga has been providing Invisalign treatments to her patients for more than 10 years. To learn more about Invisalign treatment or to schedule a free Invisalign consultation, please call Dr. Sunga’s office at (619) 591-5950 or online at SungaOrtho.com.

iTero

We’ve got exciting news!  We’ve added an iTero scanner to our office.  What’s an iTero scanner?  I’ll tell you.  The iTero is an intraoral digital scanner.  It uses a laser that allows Dr. Sunga and the rest of our team to take scans of our patient’s teeth.  We can then use these scans to make highly accurate, digital 3D images or “study models”.  That means no more messy, goopy impression materials go in your mouth.  This allows you to have a comfortable, impression-free experience.  No more gagging!  iTero has a few other great benefits:

• Fewer, shorter appointments
• Breathe and swallow naturally during the digial 3D scan
• No unpleasant taste
• Greater accuracy eliminates the need for redo appointments
• Faster turn-around time for our Invisalign patients

How does the iTero work?  We use the wand to capture images of your tooth surfaces and gum tissue.  These images are then sent to the computer and processed.  The computer then generates a 3D model of your tooth surfaces and gum tissue.

We spent all day last Thursday training and learning how to use the iTero. 

We’re all very excited to have this new state-of-the-art technology.  We know it will make your experience with Sunga Orthodontics an even better one!

 

Marvelous Molasses Cookies

Just because you have braces, doesn't mean you can't still eat yummy foods.  I found this wonderful recipe online at Metal Mouth Media.  Try it out and let us know what you think. 

Marvelous Molasses Cookies

This was the very first soft-cookie recipe I collected back in the mid-60s. They smell wonderful even before baking, they melt in your mouth, and they never harden up. Yum – the best of gingerbread and ginger snaps in one!

 1 cup shortening

1 cup brown sugar

1 egg

½ tsp salt

½ cup molasses

½ cup warm water

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp cinnamon

½ tsp ginger

2-½ cups flour

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Baking time 11 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine shortening, brown sugar, egg, salt and molasses, using an electric mixer and beating until fluffy. Add cinnamon and ginger. In a small bowl or measuring cup, stir the baking soda into the warm water; add water mixture to the molasses mixture alternately with the flour until well blended.
Drop by tablespoons onto greased cookie sheets. Bake for 11 minutes at 350 degrees. Makes about 4 dozen. Store in a covered container.

Happy Valentine's Day

Wishing everyone a Happy Valentine's Day!  Chocolates (as long as it is nut and caramel free) are a safe and tasty Valentine's treat.  As a reminder please avoid any foods that are hard, sticky or chewy, as these foods risk breaking brackets and wires.  When you consistently break your braces, the braces do not work properly and this causes your treatment to be significantly delayed.  To keep your treatment on track, it is in your best interest to avoid any foods or habits that can cause damage to your braces.  Each time you eat one of these types of foods, it weakens the glue between your appliances and your teeth.  Eventually the glue will fail and the appliance will become loose.  When the appliances are not properly attached to the teeth, they cannot work properly and your treatment becomes compromised. 

Visit us online at Sungaortho.com.