Imagining Your Life With Invisalign

Are you wondering what Invisalign treatment is really like, and what effect it will have on your day-to-day activities? Will it slur your speech? Will people know you're in treatment? You're not alone in your concerns! Following are a list of questions and answers for anyone pondering Invisalign treatment.

How exactly does Invisalign work?

Using 3-D computer imaging technology, Invisalign creates a series of custom-made, clear aligners exclusively for your teeth, based on the treatment plan that we specify for you. Each aligner moves teeth incrementally and is worn for about two weeks, then replaced by the next in the series until the final position is achieved.

Will I experience pain during treatment?

Most people experience temporary discomfort for a few days after a new aligner is placed. This feeling of pressure is normal and is a sign that Invisalign is working by sequentially moving your teeth to their final destination.

Can other people see that I'm in treatment?

One of the benefits of Invisalign is that the aligners are clear. You can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing.

Can I smoke during treatment?

We discourage smoking while wearing the aligners as they may become discolored.

Are there any foods I cannot eat while in treatment?

You can eat normally during the entire course of treatment. One of the advantages of Invisalign is that the aligners are removable. Simply take the aligners out before each meal, brush when you're finished eating, then reinsert the aligners afterward.

What about chewing gum?

We recommend removing your aligners for all meals and snacks, as gum and other chewy substances can stick to the aligners.

How often must I wear my aligners?

Aligners should be worn all day, except when eating, brushing, and flossing.

Will my speech be affected by the aligners?

As with any orthodontic treatment, aligners may temporarily affect your speech. If this does happen, your tongue will adjust within a day or two and your speech should return to normal.

How can I clean my aligners?

The best way to clean your aligners is by brushing and rinsing them in lukewarm water.

How often must I visit your office during treatment?

For most patients, visits every 4-6 weeks are frequent enough for us to determine that your treatment is progressing properly. Dr. Orchin will provide you with a specific schedule that supports your individual treatment plan.

Katherine Heigl Struggles with Crooked Teeth

Everyone struggles with little imperfections. Making crooked teeth straight, stained teeth sparkling white and chipped teeth smooth is part of what we do as orthodontists. The sense of renewed self confidence that comes to my patients after having some sort of reconstructive work is what makes our job worthwhile.

Consider Katherine Heigl, award winning actress, and considered by many the Grace Kelly of our day. She describes struggling with crooked teeth her whole life until finally there came a point when she said "enough is enough!" She decided to do something to straighten her teeth.

We think you will enjoy this clip. Please feel free to leave comments, tell me what you think! Have you ever struggled with this same problem? Have you felt the relief of smiling to reveal a straight, bright smile after hiding crooked ones for so long? Contact us so we can hear your story, or help you create a new beautiful smile and a story of your own!



--Orchin Orthodontics

Gum Disease Can Sneak Up On You -- Orchin Orthodontics

It’s easy to tell when you have a cavity; but unfortunately, gum disease can exist in your mouth without you even knowing. In fact, you can have the beginning stages of gum disease without noticing any pain or discomfort. Since gum disease can be undetectable, it’s important to watch for warning signs in order to prevent the disease from worsening!

Signs to watch for from Orchin Orthodontics:

--Gums that appear red or swollen
--Gums that feel tender
--Gums that bleed easily (during brushing or flossing)
--Gums that recede or pull away from the teeth
--Persistent bad breath
--Loose teeth
--Any change in the way teeth come together in the biting position
--Any change in the way partial dentures fit

If you or someone in your family is showing these signs, make an appointment right away by calling Orchin Orthodontics. We can diagnose the problem and begin treatment to save your teeth and give you back a healthy mouth!

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!

Invisalign for Teens and Complex Cases -- Dr. Orchin, Washington DC

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 instead of using 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!

Orchin Orthodontics Patient Reviews

Orchin Orthodontics provides superior orthodontic treatment to Washington D.C. residents. Just see what their patients have to say!Smiles greet us when we walk in. Dr. Orchin and his staff are friendly and patient with our "hectic" and sometimes scared little darlings.
-Peter H.

They are so friendly and the staff is soooo responsive that I feel like family when I come there :)
-Eliot B.

The quality of orthodontic work performed on other patients that I personally know was excellent! That is why I chose Orchin Orthodontics.
-Richard S.

They entire staff is truly warm and friendly. Also, I can be in and out in a very timely manner.
-Sara H.

Orchin Orthodontics provides a friendly and very clean environment. They are known to be the best.
-Dick S.

Is Invisalign® Really Customized for Each Patient? - Washington, DC

Yes, it is, and that’s part of what makes it work. To find out if you are the right candidate for Invisalign treatment, the first thing we do is to take an impression of your teeth as they are now and digitize it. Using special software, we look at the current positioning of your teeth and compare it to the way your teeth should look.

Next we use special software to map out the exact path your teeth will take from the beginning of your treatment to the end. Based on the results, a set of custom aligners are created just for your teeth. Throughout the course of treatment, you will be required to wear these clear, removable aligners one at a time; each one moving your teeth closer and closer to their final, perfectly aligned position. And since the aligners are virtually invisible, nobody around you will even know you are wearing braces!

Dr. Orchin is a certified Invisalign provider. If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment, give us a call at 202-609-8948.