Just a friendly reminder to keep you teeth and your braces in tact and healthy. Have a fun, safe, and happy Halloween!
Sunga Orthodontics and Team
Call us today to schedule your free consultation (619) 591-5950.
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Friday, October 31, 2014
Monday, October 27, 2014
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.
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
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.
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!
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Easter EGGStravaganza at Concordia Church and Preschool
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. |
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
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.
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.
Monday, April 7, 2014
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 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!
Sunday, April 6, 2014
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.
“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.
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