When Are Two Phases of Treatment Necessary?

Usually patients in orthodontic treatment already have their permanent teeth – but in some cases we have to start treatment earlier, even before the patient’s permanent teeth come in. We call this “two-phase treatment.”

When we have patients with clear developmental problems at an early age, it’s best to start work when they are young, before the problems get bigger and more difficult to treat. Examples include an upper or lower jaw that is not growing correctly, or a mouth growing in a way that doesn’t leave enough room for all the permanent teeth to come in.

In these cases we will start early and do one round of treatment – phase one – while the patient still has “baby teeth.” Phase one usually does not involve braces, but can include a different type of appliance that helps the jaw grow into place properly, such as a retainer. We’ll follow up with phase two usually a few years later, when permanent the patient’s permanent teeth have come in. Phase two often does involve braces and sometimes headgear.

In order to catch early problems, we recommend that children have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven (and so does the American Association of Orthodontics). However, if your dentist or pediatrician sees any sign that early treatment might be necessary, he or she may recommend your child visit an orthodontist even sooner. For more information about two-phase orthodontics, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Orchin please call 202-609-8948 and visit our web site.

Everybody Benefits from Braces!

Braces aren’t just for pre-adolescents and teenagers anymore! Anyone, at any age, can benefit from orthodontic care; whether it is correcting a problem not treated in your younger years, or catching a problem early.

To ensure the best overall treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive an orthodontic consultation as early as age seven. If a problem is evident, taking action early can spare a lot of treatment and expense down the road.

If you never received orthodontic treatment when you were young, don’t worry! You’re never too old for a beautiful smile. Set up an appointment for a consultation and find out how adult orthodontics will transform your smile, and your life!

OrthoCAD™ - Indirect Bonding Washington D.C.

Indirect Bonding using OrthoCAD™ technology
In order to assure that each bracket is placed on the tooth in the exact desired location (down to a fraction of a millimeter), Orchin Orthodontics uses a virtual computer set-up of the patients teeth to accurately position the braces. This template is then transferred to the patients' real teeth in a quick, painless and efficient manner called "Indirect Bonding".

Speed Braces

A progressive, esthetic Orthodontic appliance that is up to 3 times smaller than standard braces. They are comfortable, hygienic, esthetic and efficient. If you have heard of Damon braces, or Smart-Clip braces, or any other self-ligating braces (braces that do not use elastic rings to hold the wire in place), Speed braces were the first of these types to use the technology and they move your teeth more quickly with less discomfort and are much smaller, therefore much less noticeable!

Meet the Doctors! Drs. Jeremy and Andrew Orchin

Dr. Jeremy D. Orchin received his B.S. and D.D.S. degrees from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Following two years as a captain in the Army Dental Corps, he completed his two year post-graduate program in Orthodontics at Columbia University in New York. Since then, he has been practicing orthodontics, exclusively, in Washington, DC. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and is on the Senior Attending Staff of Washington Hospital Center.

Dr. Jeremy Orchin is active in many professional organizations, including the American Association of Orthodontists, the Angle Society of Orthodontists, and the American Dental Association and DC Dental Society. He has lectured nationally and internationally, and has been influential in the use of state of the art SPEED braces and computer and digital technology.

His daughter, Laura, is an attorney and works for The Nature Conservancy as State Director for Idaho. Jonathan, his youngest son, is a graphic designer, plays competitive golf and is an accomplished artist. Dr. Orchin and his wife, Susan, enjoy golf, yoga, exercising, movies and travel.



Dr. Andrew M. Orchin graduated from American University with a B.A. in Communications. He received his D.D.S. degree from Howard University College of Dentistry, and then spent two years as a post-graduate resident in Orthodontics at the Children's National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. At Children's Hospital he was a member of the Craniofacial Team, treating many patients with cleft lips and cleft palates. He also worked with leading experts in diagnosing and treating TMJ disorders.

Dr. Andrew Orchin is a Board Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, and is on the faculty of The Washington Hospital Center Orthodontic Residency Program. He is a member of many local and national organizations, including the American Association of Orthodontists and the American Dental Association. He also serves as the Chairman of the Membership Committee for the DC Dental Society and as the Chairman of the Government Affairs Committee for the Middle Atlantic Society of Orthodontists.

He and his wife, Janine, have two sons named Max and Leo. Their family enjoys traveling together, playing with their Goldendoodle dog Milo, swimming, cooking, movies and being together.