From Kissing to Metal Detectors: Braces Myths Unraveled -- Orchin Orthodontics

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) sets the record straight on some of the biggest myths surrounding braces and orthodontic treatment. Currently more than four million children and one million adults in North America wear braces. Below are the answers to some of the most popular – and strange – questions AAO members have received from their patients during the past year and us at Orchin Orthodontics wanted to share them with you:

If two people with braces kiss, can their braces become locked together?

With today’s smaller sleeker braces it is extremely difficult – almost impossible – to lock braces while kissing. Also, braces are not magnetic, which means any “attraction” felt is on the part of the wearers, so pucker up!
Teen with braces

Will my braces set off the metal detectors in the airport?

You are cleared for takeoff – the lightweight materials used in braces will not affect metal detectors.

Can braces rust?

No. Today’s braces are made of new stronger materials, like titanium alloy, and will not rust.

Will my braces interfere with radio signals or electronic devices?

No. Radio-loving gadget fanatics can rest easy.

Can I play a musical instrument?

Yes – that is if you could play a musical instrument before you got braces.

Will braces increase my chance of being struck by lightening?

No. With or without braces the chances of a lightening strike remain the same which, in the U.S. in any one year, according to nationalgeorgraphic.com, is one in 700,000.

Now that I have braces, can I still play sports?

Yes, but be sure to wear a mouth guard. Mouth guards are one of the least expensive pieces of protective equipment available. Not only can mouth guards save teeth, they may also protect against jaw fractures. Mouth guards are advisable for anyone, whether they wear braces or not.

Will my braces attract unwarranted attention from fish?

Scuba aficionados take heart: there is no need to cancel your next dive. The small brackets used in today’s braces, especially ceramic or tooth-colored brackets, will not attract attention from unsavory fish or sea life.

Once braces are removed, my teeth will remain straight forever, right?

Wrong. Teeth move throughout one’s lifetime, therefore it is important to hold on to retainers and wear them as prescribed by your orthodontist to maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.

Dr. Andrew Orchin

Dr. Andrew Orchin recently returned from a three day continuing education course dedicated to Invisalign treatment.

While Orchin Orthodontics was one of the first practices in the country to begin using the Invisalign Teen product, newer innovations and technologies were unveiled at this course that allow even more complex cases to be treated with Invisalign versus traditional metal braces. Most teenagers can still benefit from the traditional method of metal braces, especially if their bite is off and needs to be corrected with rubber bands. But newer methods allow Invisalign to correct many of the problems it initially couldn't handle. The Invisalign Teen product is a great way to get that smile that makes you smile, in a clear, comfortable manner. Invisalign is also great for most adult treatments, including closing spaces, alleviating crowding and even preparing for dental implants.

Please give Orchin Orthodontics a call at 202-686-5100 to learn more!

Marvelous Molasses Cookies for Everyone From Orchin Orthodontics

Check out this brace friendly recipe from Brenda and Pam Waterman in their book, The Braces Cookbook: Recipes You (And Your Orthodontist) Will Love.

Anyone with braces knows that it's important to avoid sticky foods, crunchy foods, hard foods, chewy foods, and so on. It's easy to look at the list and think, "What can I eat?" The Watermans' new book tackles that question with creative and thorough answers in the form of 50 braces-friendly recipes, plus additional tips and advice – enough to reassure any doubter.

Marvelous Molasses Cookies

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
* 1/2 tsp salt
* 1/2 cup molasses
* 1/2 cup warm water
* 1 tsp baking soda
* 1 tsp cinnamon
* 1/2 tsp ginger
* 2 1/2 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 four dozen. Store in a covered container.

Meet Our Mascot Cody at Orchin Orthodontics

You may have seen Cody, our cockapoo mascot, hanging out in the office lately. Cody is Dr. Jerry's dog, and he loves lounging about at Orchin Orthodontics. He can't wait to see you at your next visit to our office.