When is a general or pediatric dentist just not enough?

Can a general or pediatric dentist perform orthodontic treatment? The legal answer is "yes." More and more general and pediatric dentists are taking on orthodontics as a way to increase their business and client base.

But... should you allow a general or pediatric dentist to treat you or your family with orthodontics? While we realize this is a personal decision, we feel it is very important that the practitioner you choose is certified by the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). Being a member of the AAO ensures that the professional you have selected to perform treatment has completed four years of dental school and a minimum of two years in an accredited residency program. AAO orthodontists are better qualified and have more extensive training in the movement of teeth than any of their peers.

Orthodontists should be the only professional performing Dentofacial Orthopedics. What is Dentofacial Orthopedics? Dentofacial orthopedics involves the guidance of facial growth and development, which occurs largely during childhood. The most common appliances utilized by Orchin Orthodontics to accomplish this movement are Maxillary Expanders, Reverse Pull Headgears and Twin Blocks. Dentofacial Orthopedics requires the care, skill and judgment that both Dr. Andrew M. Orchin and Dr. Jeremy D. Orchin are known for.

The patient must be closely monitored during treatment, requiring Dr. Orchin to take measurements and stop the movement as soon as the desired results are achieved. Orchin Orthodontics continues to monitor the patient’s growth and development until the patient is ready to be evaluated for further orthodontics if necessary. Often we can negate the need for further orthodontics utilizing Dentofacial Orthopedics. It is important to remember that a well-trained orthodontist knows when to treat as well as when treatment is not indicated or is not essential (more of an aesthetic issue).

If you've been thinking about orthodontic treatment, please give us a call!

Ask Orchin Orthodontics: What are SPEED Braces?

SPEED Braces are a miniaturized metal bracket. The reduced size minimizes lip and cheek irritation and is more aesthetic and hygienic than traditional braces. In addition, SPEED Braces are efficient because their springs apply a light continuous force (stored energy) that means less discomfort and pain throughout orthodontic treatment. With patient cooperation, SPEED Braces also reduce time in treatment for patients.

Hygiene: SPEED eliminates the two most common food traps: "tie-wings" and "ligature ties." Additionally, the clean lines of the SPEED design have resulted in a smooth rounded silhouette that is easy for all patients to keep clean.

Aesthetics: SPEED Braces are 1/3 the size of traditional metal braces

Comfort: SPEED improves patient comfort in two ways:
SPEED's smooth rounded design minimizes soft tissue irritation
SPEED permits the use of extremely light forces by eliminating the high frictional resistance caused by ligature ties

The result... more comfortable treatment for patients!



SPEED's Self-Ligating design eliminates the need for tie-wings. This permits significant appliance miniaturization. With all of the benefits to SPEED Braces, it seems an obvious choice for Orchin Orthodontics to use them. Why doesn’t every orthodontist use SPEED Braces?

SPEED Braces require additional training for the orthodontist since they are not routinely used during orthodontic residency. Bracket placement on the tooth is different for SPEED Braces than it is for traditional braces. In addition, since SPEED Braces use stored energy, lighter wires are utilized. All of these factors contribute to a fairly steep learning curve for both the orthodontist and orthodontic assistants. Rest assured that Dr. Orchin and his team have mastered SPEED Braces. In fact, Orchin Orthodontics has been using SPEED Braces for about 20 years.

If you have any questions about SPEED Braces, or about your treatment with Dr. Orchin, please give us a call. We look forward to hearing from you!

Orchin Orthodontics, the leader in Orthognathic surgery

Orchin Orthodontics has the most experience with Orthognathic surgery (jaw surgery) patients in the DC area (perhaps even the entire East Coast). We successfully complete 50-70 cases every year. Most orthodontists only complete a fraction of that over their entire careers. What does that mean to our patients? We have the knowledge to correctly diagnose a skeletal discrepancy and determine if Orthognathic surgery is indeed indicated. This is important because so many orthodontists attempt to camouflage the skeletal discrepancy rather than proceed with a surgery case. Camouflaging this condition is almost always doomed to failure which can lead to further deterioration of the teeth and underlying structures (gums and bones). The alignment of the teeth may also relapse necessitating retreatment of the orthodontics combined with Orthognathic surgery.

Knowing when to start the orthodontics in preparation for orthognathic surgery can also be tricky if we are treating a teenager. It is important to know when to get started. If orthodontic treatment is initiated too soon and the teenager is still growing, the patient will either need to hold in braces until his/her growth is complete and they are ready for surgery or the braces will have to be removed and then placed again when growth is complete. Neither of these options is attractive since it requires longer time in treatment which is something all patients want to avoid. Orchin Orthodontics strives to get all patients finished with treatment as quickly as possible because it is healthier for the teeth and gums and gives him/her a beautiful smile to enjoy longer.

If you are considering Orthognathic surgery or you have been told that you need jaw surgery, give us a call to schedule your consultation today. Orchin Orthodontics is the place for you. We will explain our treatment plan in a way you will understand and we will keep you informed every step of the way. We have the care, skill and judgment needed to deliver the results you demand. You will love your new smile.

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.

Snow cream recipe, from Orchin Orthodontics

With a storm that has crippled our community and dropped three feet of snow (and another storm looming), the team at Orchin Orthodontics thought we'd post a fun recipe for our patients. With stormy weather, it's a perfect time for "snow cream."

Ingredients:

*8 Cups snow
*1 teaspoon vanilla
*1 can sweetened condensed milk

Mix and serve immediately. Add toppings if desired. And remember to stay warm and safe!

Orchin Orthodontics, now open at 7 a.m.!

We invite you to start your day with a smile. Did you know that Orchin Orthodontics opens at 7 AM? We know how very busy our patients and their families are and we have listened to them. Our patients requested mornings because so many students are involved in sports and other after school activities. We open early so that we may see as many patients as possible on their way to school and work.

With Orchin Orthodontics, 24/7 access to your account

Access to your account, 24/7. Sounds convenient, doesn’t it?

Patients at Orchin Orthodontics enjoy access to their account, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on our web site. You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, all from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages! Just see what some of our patients are saying about this innovative service:

"I needed to know what my remaining payments were in order to determine the amount I should have deducted through my flexible benefits plan--the payment history made that quite easy." ~ Ben G.

"It is simple and easy to you. Saves making a phone call." ~ Richard O.

"So far, just reviewing care & treatment information. Ability to review payment information online will come in handy later." ~ Richard A.

"New patient, but having account/appointment info online is VERY helpful." ~ William B.

You, too, may sign up for this convenient service on our web site by clicking the "Patient Login" button on our homepage. Please call the team at Orchin Orthodontics if you have any questions!