As orthodontists in Washington D.C., we understand the importance of a healthy smile. At Orchin Orthodontics, we offer state-of-the-art treatment in a kind, comfortable, and caring environment, with a focus on orthodontics and braces for children and adults. With our convenient location, getting that healthy smile in Washington D.C. has never been easier. Let us show you the benefits of braces and ask us about Invisalign as well!
Your dentist may have discussed with you the benefits of having healthy teeth and proper jaw alignment. Crooked and crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain. This can result in tooth decay, worsen gum disease and lead to tooth loss. Other orthodontic problems can contribute to abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, inefficient chewing function, excessive stress on gum tissue and the bone that supports the teeth, or misalignment of the jaw joints. These can lead to chronic headaches and face or neck pain. Treatment by an orthodontist can be less costly than the additional care required to treat dental problems arising as a result of orthodontic problems. For most people, a beautiful smile is the most obvious benefit of Orthodontics. After your braces come off, you'll feel more self-confident.
Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile. One of every five patients in orthodontic treatment is over 21. Jaw surgery is more often required for adult orthodontic patients because their jaws are not growing. Adults also may have experienced some breakdown or loss of their teeth and bone that supports the teeth and may require periodontal treatment before, during and/or after orthodontic treatment. Bone loss can also limit the amount and direction of tooth movement that is advisable.
It's best for the orthodontist to see children by age 7 to advise if orthodontic treatment is required and the best time for that patient to be treated. The first permanent molars and incisors have usually come in by that time and crossbites, crowding and other problems can be evaluated. When treatment is begun early, the orthodontist can guide the growth of the jaw and guide incoming permanent teeth. Early treatment can also regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches, gain space for permanent teeth, avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions, reduce likelihood of impacted permanent teeth, correct thumb-sucking, and eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems. In other words, early treatment can simplify later treatment.
By placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, braces slowly move teeth to a corrected position. This is a great time to wear braces! Gone are the days when a metal band with a bracket was placed around each tooth. At
Orchin Orthodontics we use Speed braces, which are about one third the size of regular braces, are much easier to clean, and don't require elastic ties to hold the wires in place, thus making them much easier to clean while moving the teeth much faster and with less discomfort than traditional braces. Wires are also less noticeable than they used to be and the latest materials move teeth faster with less discomfort to patients.
Treatment time typically ranges from one to three years, depending on the growth of the patient's mouth and face and the severity of the problem. Patients grow at different rates and will respond variously to orthodontic treatment, so the time to case completion may differ from the original estimate. The patient's diligent use of any prescribed rubber bands is an important factor in achieving the most efficient treatment. Interceptive, or early treatment procedures, may take as few as six months.
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People have been brushing their teeth for thousands of years! In fact, the first “toothbrush” was created around 3000BC! Ancient civilizations used a thin twig with a frayed edge to rub against their teeth for cleaning.
Dr. Andrew M. Orchin graduated from American University with a B.A. in Communications. He received his D.D.S. degree from Howard University College of Dentistry, and then spent two years as a post-graduate resident in Orthodontics at the Children's National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. At Children's Hospital he was a member of the Craniofacial Team, treating many patients with cleft lips and cleft palates. He also worked with leading experts in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders.
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