Welcome to the PDOVA blog, where Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics of Virginia share trusted, caring advice for families in Midlothian and Colonial Heights, VA. Our blog covers a wide range of essential topics — from the importance of early dental visits and strategies for breaking thumb-sucking habits, to explanations of conditions like hyperdontia, tips for cleaning retainers, myths and facts about Invisalign Teen, and specialized guidance for pediatric patients with special needs. Each post is crafted by experienced pediatric dentists and orthodontists, designed to educate, reassure, and support your child’s oral health journey.

Hyperdontia Explained

Hyperdontia Explained Hyperdontia refers to the presence of excess teeth, also called supernumerary teeth, in the mouth. We're born with 20 baby teeth that give way to 32 adult teeth in early childhood. It can occur with either set of teeth, and in many cases only leads to one excess tooth. In these cases, especially [...]

Hyperdontia Explained2025-04-25T11:20:12-04:00

Tips for Cleaning Your Retainers

Retainers Tips It is time to celebrate! Your braces are off, and your teeth are looking fantastic. However, the journey to your perfect smile isn’t over yet. Your orthodontist has custom-made you retainers that will need to be worn per your doctor’s instructions, usually nightly. This important appliance helps maintain the beautiful smile you have [...]

Tips for Cleaning Your Retainers2025-04-25T11:25:29-04:00

Bruxism: What You Need to Know

An estimated eight to 16 percent of adults and about 14 to 20 percent of children have bruxism. This is a complicated-sounding dental term, but the condition is one you've probably heard of: teeth grinding or clenching. Mayo Clinic explains: "Bruxism (BRUK-siz-um) is a condition in which you grind, gnash or clench your teeth. If [...]

Bruxism: What You Need to Know2025-04-29T15:35:23-04:00

3 Myths and Facts About Invisalign Teen

Invisalign Teen Myths and Facts At Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics of Virginia, we receive many questions about Invisalign Teen so we understand that there may be misconceptions about the treatment process. Invisalign Teen is quickly becoming the orthodontic treatment of choice for high school students preferring to avoid the metal of traditional braces. The many [...]

3 Myths and Facts About Invisalign Teen2025-04-28T08:32:39-04:00

5 Facts About Cavities

Facts About Cavities I have cavities. Does that mean my child will also have them? Teeth hardness and softness are genetic dispositions; some types of teeth are more prone to them than others. However, while discoloration and tooth strength are genetic, cavities are not. Sharing food and drink with your child can pass cavity bacteria [...]

5 Facts About Cavities2025-04-28T08:25:45-04:00

How Pediatric Dentists are Trained to Work with Children

When it comes to pediatric dentists, sometimes getting children to attend an appointment is like pulling teeth. Close relatives who may’ve had negative dental experiences may pass on their fears to children; and maybe even initial bad experiences have created a negative connotation in kids' minds when it comes to dentistry. Gifted pediatric dentists [...]

How Pediatric Dentists are Trained to Work with Children2025-04-30T08:38:26-04:00

Why Are More People Seeking Adult Orthodontic Treatment?

Adult Orthodontic Treatment In the past, going to the orthodontist was seen as a rite of passage for older kids and teens. Now, it is common to see people well into adulthood walking in to the orthodontist office. Adult orthodontic treatment is the newest trend. This is because new technology has changed the process of [...]

Why Are More People Seeking Adult Orthodontic Treatment?2025-04-30T09:16:05-04:00

Standard Metal Braces for Malocclusions

Some of our orthodontic patients at Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics of Virginia have moderately to severely misaligned teeth. In these cases, orthodontists may recommend treatment with traditional metal braces rather than aligners. The great news is that “traditional” metal braces have come a long way over the years. They work faster, look better and are [...]

Standard Metal Braces for Malocclusions2025-04-25T11:34:32-04:00
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