What are patients saying about Orchin Orthodontics?

Dr. Andrew Orchin and our team love hearing from past and current patient who are delightfully happy about their new smile. And lately, Orchin Orthodontics, serving the greater Washington DC area, has been getting some pretty great patient testimonials! We thought we'd share some with you today! Happy Monday!

"Professional, friendly environment. Honest opinion." ~ Jane C.

"The entire staff is truly warm and friendly. Also, I can be in an out in a very timely manner." ~ Sara H.

"The quality of orthodontic work performed on other patients that I know personally was excellent!" ~ Richard S.

"Professionalism, attention to detail, ease of getting in touch." ~ Lynne P.

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

"Thorough. Personable. Extremely well-organized office." ~ Patricia R.

Please feel free to contribute your own thoughts about our office! Dr. Orchin and team love getting patient testimonials!

Mouth guards and sports injuries, with Orchin Orthodontics

At Orchin Orthodontics we know how important it is to protect your face while playing sports. Spring is around the corner, and the spring months bring an increase in outdoor activities and a greater chance of damaging your precious mouth and pearly whites. Dr. Andrew and our team also know sports-related injuries are common among children. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, 70 percent of parents said their biggest worry is that their child will get hurt while playing sports.

That’s why Orchin Orthodontics is doing our part to spread the word that facial sports injuries can be avoided simply by reminding your kids to wear mouth guards. Ask us—Dr. Andrew will provide a mouth guard for any patient in active treatment at no additional charge. In addition, the AAO has provided the following tips for keeping your kids safe on the field. Please remind them to:

• Wear mouth guards during contact sports
• Wear a helmet
• Stretch before and after a game or practice
• Wear protective eye wear
• Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
• Be observant—even as a spectator

All of these can reduce injuries. Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Be sure to avoid mouth guards that custom form to your teeth as these will resist any tooth movements Dr. Andrew is trying to achieve. Lastly, please give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at Orchin Orthodontics.

Oral Piercing: Is It Worth It? Orchin Orthodontics Explains

Piercing, like tattooing, is one of today’s popular forms of “body art” and self-expression. If you’re thinking about getting a piercing – or if you already have one or more – we at Orchin Orthodontics want to share some health risks you should know about.

Your mouth contains millions of bacteria, and infection is a common complication of oral piercing. Just touching your mouth jewelry (tongue barbells and lip and cheek labrettes) can lead to infection. Many people who have piercings tend to regularly touch them – which is a perfect opportunity for bacteria from hands to enter piercing sites. Also, food particles that collect around piercing sites can lead to infection.

Pain and swelling are other possible side effects of piercing. Your tongue – the most popular piercing site in the mouth – could swell large enough to close off your airway! Piercing also can cause uncontrollable bleeding or nerve damage. Damage to the tongue’s blood vessels can cause serious blood loss.

The hoop, ring, stud, and barbell-shaped jewelry can hinder your ability to talk and eat. Some people also develop a habit of biting or playing with their piercings – which can lead to cracked, scratched teeth; gum damage and recession; and sensitive teeth. There may also be a need for restorations, such as crowns or fillings, and additional dental treatment due to piercings.

Consider the potential pitfalls of piercing carefully before getting one. Keep in mind that it will be an added responsibility to your life, and will need regular upkeep. Make sure that you’re committed to the task of taking care of it for the full healing period and beyond.

If you have an oral piercing, pay special attention to it. Clean the piercing with antiseptic mouthwash after eating, and brush the jewelry when you brush your teeth. Of course, let us know at Orchin Orthodontics if you have any questions.

Dr. Andrew Orchin Stays Ahead of the Curve in the Field of Orthodontics

Dr. Andrew Orchin is very active in staying current with the ever-changing dental industry. He is on the Board of the District of Columbia Dental Society. He is the Chairman of the Membership Committee of the DC Dental Society. He also belongs to numerous local multi-disciplinary study clubs, including the DC Millennium Study Club and the Renaissance Study Club. He is also an active member in the prestigious national study club The Sculman Study Group.

Dr. Orchin is currently the chairman of the Local Arrangements Committee for the 2010 American Association of Orthodontists Annual Session, which will be held in Washington, DC and is expected to draw 25,000 visitors.
He is also on the faculty of the Washington Hospital Center orthodontic residency program, where he teaches twice a month.

Dr. Andrew Orchin recently became certified to use soft-tissue lasers and purchased a laser for his practice. This will enable Orchin Orthodontics to provide the latest and most modern care in the field of orthodontics.

He has also taken numerous continuing education courses in the placement of Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs), otherwise known as mini-implants, which dramatically changes the mechanics of traditional braces.

Dr. Orchin is annually awarded a certificate by the DC Dental Society recognizing that he has accomplished at least 50 hours of continuing education per year, and in fact completes at least 100 hours per year.

All of Dr. Orchin's patients and potential patients can feel comfortable knowing that he continues to stay ahead of the curve in the ever-changing world of dentistry and orthodontics. He also strives to work with other dentists and specialists who share his commitment to staying continually active and aware in order to benefit his patients.

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.

Orchin Orthodontics Reminds You That Regular Checkups Are Important!

Are you brushing your teeth twice a day? If yes, that’s great; but, don’t forget that it’s also important to visit the dentist every six months in addition to your normal orthodontic appointments. Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health. Your dentist can:

• Check for problems that might not be seen or felt
• Detect cavities and early signs of decay
• Treat oral health problems early
• Show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth

During an oral exam the doctor will check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If you have not been to the dentist in the last six months, it’s time for you to schedule an appointment!