Virginia Family Dentistry has 5 orthodontists within the practice who are experienced in treatment with both braces and Invisalign. Our orthodontists see patients of all ages and work directly with our general dentists to provide complete dental care to our patients.

Virginia Family Dentistrys Orthodontists will perform your care with the highest quality of materials and methods, while maintaining a level of comfort and affordability. Our ultimate goal is a smile that enhances the appearance, health, comfort, and self-esteem of our patients.

Orthodontists are dental specialists who diagnose, prevent and treat dental and facial irregularities to correctly align teeth and jaws. Orthodontists complete 2-3 additional years of education and training after graduating dental school. Virginia Family Dentistry has 5 orthodontists within the practice: Dr. Dwight Buelow, Dr. Richard Marcus, Dr. Allison Purcell, Dr. Melanie Spears, and Dr. Taylor Varner.

Orthodontics is the specialty of dentistry focused on the diagnosis and treatment of dental and associated facial irregularities. The results of orthodontic treatment can be beautiful smiles, improved dental health and an enhanced quality of life for many people of all ages. Orthodontic problems, which can result from genetic and environmental factors, must be diagnosed before treatment begins. Proper diagnosis involves taking photographs, x-rays, and dental impressions, which enables our orthodontists to make informative decisions about the form of treatment necessary.

Treatment typically lasts from 6 to 30 months, depending on age and the severity of the orthodontic problem. Outstanding results are also dependent on maximizing the coordination of care between you and our practice. We are committed to delivering the best possible service in order for you to achieve your orthodontic objectives.

Our orthodontists provide orthodontic treatment for children, adolescents and adults. We follow the guidelines established by the American Association of Orthodontists by recommending that an orthodontic evaluation take place about age 7 for all children. This evaluation can help to determine the best time to begin any necessary treatment.

Many progressive treatments are now available for patients 7 to 11 years of age, that provide significant benefits, especially when jaw irregularities are present. These treatments may also prevent certain conditions from worsening. Treating children with these types of problems during their growth stages allows our practice to achieve results that may not be possible when face and jaw bones have fully developed. This treatment can simplify and shorten treatment time for later corrective orthodontics. This treatment is commonly referred to as interceptive or phase one treatment.

Please contact our office if you have any questions. The timing of your treatment is very important. You or your child may or may not be ready for treatment. Therefore, an evaluation will allow us to better understand your needs.

Braces use constant, gentle pressure, which over time, move teeth into their proper positions. Your braces are at work every moment of your orthodontic treatment. The two main components of your braces are: the brackets that are placed on your teeth and the main archwire that connects them. The bracket is a piece of shaped metal or ceramic that we affix to each tooth. The archwire is bent to reflect your ideal bite. In other words, it reflects the way we want you to look after treatment.

The wire threads through the brackets and, as the wire returns to its original shape, it applies pressure to move your teeth. Picture your tooth resting in your jawbone. With pressure on one side from the archwire, the bone on the other side remodels. The tooth moves in that direction, and new bone grows in behind.

In order to help fix your bite elastics may be worn. Elastics (rubber bands) exert the proper force that creates the right amount of pressure to move teeth. In order for this force to remain constant, elastics must be worn as directed and changed every day.

Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums, which will gradually destroy the support of your natural teeth. There are numerous types of periodontal disease, each requiring different treatment approaches. Dental plaque is the primary cause of gum disease in genetically susceptible individuals. Daily brushing and flossing will prevent most periodontal conditions.

Why is oral hygiene so important? A study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that about half of Americans 30 years or older have some form of periodontal disease. This equals approximately 64.7 million Americans and the prevalence only increases in adults aged 65 and older to 70.1 percent.

Adults over 35 lose more teeth to gum diseases than from cavities. Three out of four adults are affected at some time in their life. The best way to prevent cavities and periodontal disease is by good tooth brushing and flossing techniques, performed daily and routine visits with your dentist.

Meet our Periodontists Virginia Family Dentistry has three Periodontal Specialists within the practice. Dr. Carl Block, Dr. Danielle McCormack, and Dr. Stephanie Voth work with General Dentists to provide comprehensive care for their patients.

Periodontal disease and decay are both caused by bacterial plaque. Plaque is a colorless film, which sticks to your teeth at the gumline. Plaque constantly forms on your teeth. By thorough daily brushing and flossing you can remove these germs and help prevent periodontal disease. If not carefully removed by daily brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into a rough, porous substance known as calculus (or tartar).

Bacteria found in plaque produces toxins or poisons that irritate the gums, which may cause them to turn red, swell and bleed easily. If this irritation is prolonged, the gums separate from the teeth, causing pockets (spaces) to form. As periodontal diseases progress, the supporting gum tissue and bone that holds teeth in place deteriorate. If left untreated, it eventually leads to teeth becoming loose and tooth loss.

The best way to prevent gum disease is effective daily brushing and flossing as well as regular professional examinations and cleanings. Unfortunately, even with the most diligent home dental care, people still can develop some form of periodontal disease. Once this disease starts, professional intervention is necessary to prevent its progress.

Meet Our Endodontists Virginia Family Dentistry has three Endodontic Specialists within the practice. Dr. Paige Holbert, Dr. Deepika Ganesh, Dr. David Wozniak, and Dr. Steven Forte work with General Dentists to provide comprehensive care for their patients.

A root canal is one of the most common dental procedures performed, well over 14 million every year. This simple treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent the need of dental implants or bridges. At the center of your tooth is pulp. Pulp is a collection of blood vessels that helps to build the surrounding tooth. Infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep decay, cracks and chips, or repeated dental procedures. Symptoms of the infection can be identified as visible injury or swelling of the tooth, sensitivity to temperature or pain in the tooth and gums. If you experience any of these symptoms, your dentist will most likely recommend non-surgical treatment to eliminate the diseased pulp.

During a root canal, the injured pulp is removed and the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned and sealed. The tooth will then be restored with a crown or filling. Root Canal therapy usually involves local anesthesia and may be completed in one or more visits depending on the treatment required.

Your restorative dentist will decide on what type of restoration is necessary to protect your tooth. When your root canal therapy has been completed, you should contact the office for a follow-up restoration within a few weeks of completion of the root canal. It is rare for endodontic patients to experience complications after routine endodontic treatment or microsurgery. If a problem does occur, however, we are available at all times to respond. To prevent further decay, continue to practice good dental hygiene.