Ask Dr. Orchin: What happens if I miss a visit due to summer plans?

Most of us take a vacation during summer and often it can delay a regular orthodontic visit. Please do not worry if your plans take you away from the DC area during summer and you are not able to make it to Dr. Orchin’s office. The worst case scenario is that it will extend your time in orthodontic treatment. Since we use the best wires available, this is minimized because our wires are active over a long period of time. If you will be gone for an extended period (more than 6 weeks), we recommend you come in for a visit prior to leaving and schedule another visit shortly after your return.

In most cases, a delay in one visit does not extend treatment. In fact, having loose/broken brackets and failure to wear elastics are far more likely to extend your time in braces. On that note, please remember not to indulge in hard, sticky and chewy treats while enjoying your vacation. We look forward to seeing you soon and hearing about your adventures!

Orchin Orthodontics present: Frequently asked questions

Patients in orthodontic treatment ask questions. They want to know specifics, they want to know logistics and they want to make sure they've made the right decision. With Orchin Orthodontics, they can be rest assured they have. Here are a sample of most frequent questions that patients ask our dedicated staff. If you have a question, but don't see it on the list below, please give our office a call and one of our staff members will be happy to answer any question you may have!

Q: Do braces hurt to put on?
A: No, it does not hurt to put braces on. The sealant we brush on the teeth to help hold the bracket on smells bad for a few seconds. The appointment for full braces is an easy visit that lasts about 90 minutes and the patient leaves with brackets and wires.

Q: Do braces hurt?
A: No, You may have some soreness by dinner time. Many patients report that their teeth feel loose or achy. We recommend you keep your food soft for the first couple of days. For example, if you want red meat, have hamburger instead of steak. Take Tylenol, Advil or whatever you take for pain. It may a few days to adjust to braces. Some patients find it helpful to repeat these steps after having their wires changed. Every patient is unique and you will figure out what works best for you.

Q: How often do I have to come in for adjustments?
A: The time will vary, but it’s usually every 6-8 weeks. You will be informed of the date you are due for your next visit before you leave the office. In order to secure the time you prefer, we strongly encourage you to stop at the front desk to schedule that appointment before leaving the office. Remember that most of the patients in the office with you are due to return for another visit about the same you are.

Q: Do you have colored braces?
A: No, We utilize SPEED Braces which are about 1/3 the size of traditional braces. SPEED Braces do not need external colored elastics to hold the wires in because they are very high tech and have integrated clips that secure the wires.

Q: Can I get colors?
A: No, SPEED Braces only come in silver metal. On occasion we use a “chain” and the chain comes in many color choices – we will let you choose your favorite color.

Q: Will my teeth be stained after the braces come off?
A: Not if you follow our brushing and flossing techniques and maintain regular dental cleanings with your general dentist. If we notice that your hygiene needs improvement, we will revisit the brushing and flossing techniques with you and may recommend you see your dentist every 3 or 4 months for a professional cleaning while in active orthodontic treatment. Please remember we are trying to help you, not criticize you. It is our intention to give you the best result possible. We do everything we can to minimize the time our patients wear braces which also helps avoid staining of the teeth.

Q: Will the braces affect my speech?
A: No, braces do not usually interfere with articulation.

Q: How long will my braces be on?
A: Every treatment plan is different, so the length time varies. Dr. Orchin will let you know how long you can expect to be in braces before you start treatment.

Q: What do I do if something breaks?
A: If you are uncomfortable, call the office. If we are closed, there will be a number on our voicemail to reach the doctor. If you are comfortable, please wait until your next scheduled appointment.

Q: If I play sports, do I need a new mouth guard or can I wear the one I already have?
A: If you wear a mouth guard, we will provide one for you (at no additional charge). It is important that you do not use one of the fitted “boil at home” mouth guards while you are in orthodontic treatment. We are moving your teeth which means that any fitted mouth guard will work against us and slow down or halt your orthodontic progress.

Q: Will the braces irritate my mouth?
A: Yes, sometimes your mouth will get irritated from the brackets until it becomes callused. SPEED Braces have rounded edges to help minimize the discomfort but there is still and adjustment period. If your mouth becomes sensitive, we provide wax for you apply which helps with the irritation. We will automatically give you wax the day we place the brackets. You may pick up extra wax if needed at your next appointment or any drug store (near the dental floss).

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.