Featured patient review for Orchin Orthodontics!

At Orchin Orthodontics, we love hearing from current and past patients! And lately, we have been getting some pretty great patient testimonials on our Google Local page! We thought we'd share one with you today! Have a great rest of the week, and remember that our Redskins contest wraps up on Friday!

The Best Team Within 200 Miles‎‎

It gives me great pleasure to write about the Orchin practice. My son has been a patient for several years and has come out of the process of evaluation, monitoring, adjusting, and even more adjusting, with a beautiful smile that he is proud to flash at any girl who will notice. Unlike several other practioners, I never felt rushed despite the slow growth of my son's permanent teeth. I also was never pushed to pay and did not feel proceedures were done to increase revenue. I was especially impressed with how efficiently the office is managed. Wait times are minimal. Whatever schedule changes we required, sometimes with little notice, were cheerfully switched for a new time. I trust the care my son receives there and highly recommend the practice.

- S. Wilder

Orchin Orthodontics, dispelling the myths about braces

At Orchin Orthodontics, we know there are quite a few myths about orthodontics (and orthodontists) circulating around these days. But before you buy into those myths, Dr. Orchin and our team think you should get the facts first! We came across a great site that helps set the record straight. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have some excellent information on the myths and facts of braces, and we encourage you to check them out today!

We hope everyone has a safe and scary Halloween!

Donate your Halloween candy at Orchin Orthodontics to support our troops overseas!

Orchin Orthodontics is proud to announce that we will be participating in Treats for the Troops this year. As all of our patients know, not all candy is appliance-friendly. We are asking our patients to donate the treats they are not supposed to eat so we may give them to a parent who will ship them to our Troops in the Middle East.

We will start taking donations immediately after Halloween through November 15th. Any and all donations will be appreciated and enjoyed, but here is a reminder list of the candy our patients with fixed appliances (braces, Maxillary expanders, lower lingual holding arches and retainers) should not be eating while they undergo orthodontic treatment:

*Mike & Ikes
*Starbursts
*Skittles
*Now and Laters
*Tootsie Rolls
*Jolly Ranchers
*Twizzlers
*Gummy Bears
*Caramel
*Taffy
*Sour Patch Kids
*Milk Duds
*Gobstoppers
*Chewing gum
*Hard candy
*Lollipops
*Fruit Roll-ups
Anything hard, sticky or chewy

Thank you very much for sharing your Halloween goodies with our Troops - we know they will appreciate the sweets. Also, if you have extra candy of any kind, we will be happy to send that as well!

- The Orchin Orthodontics Team

October recipe of the month: Paula's famous cinnamon buns!

 

Check this out! Paula Shoyer makes her famous cinnamon buns - we are lucky enough to have this family as part of our practice. Paula has honored us with homemade treats as well. Absolute Heaven!

And here are some braces-friendly treats we think you'll enjoy this Halloween season.

- The Orchin Orthodontics staff

Ask Dr. Orchin: What, exactly, are wisdom teeth?

Dr. Andrew Orchin had the pleasure to be quoted in an e-book titled, "The Wise Guide to Wisdom Teeth Extraction" by Dr. H. Ryan Kazemi, a dental colleague of ours.

Here's what Dr. Orchin had to say about Dr. Kazemi's book:

"What a great contribution to the profession of dentistry. A comprehensive, yet clearly written and simple to understand resource for patients to read and learn all about all aspects of wisdom teeth and how to treat them. My patients and I will both benefit from having read this informative overview. Thank you!"

Wisdom teeth are a type of molar that is found in the very back of your mouth and are the last molars to develop. There are four wisdom teeth: upper left, upper right, lower left, and lower right. These teeth usually appear in late teens or early twenties but may become impacted (fail to erupt) due to lack of room in the jaw or angle of entry. The removal of wisdom teeth has become so commonplace that it is almost a rite of passage for young adults.

Our team at Orchin Orthodontics encourage you to read Dr. Kazemi's book, or ask us if you have any questions!

October is National Orthodontic Health Month!

For our staff at Orchin Orthodontics, it's hard to believe October is already upon us! October marks National Orthodontic Health Month, and this month-long event is organized by our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO.

We know there are many treats can cause havoc for trick-or-treaters who are going through treatment at Orchin Orthodontics, and these treats may cause damage that could prolong your treatment time. The AAO recommends our patients avoid the following Halloween treats:

• Caramel
• Nuts
• Popcorn (including un-popped kernels)
• Taffy
• Jelly beans
• Hard pretzels
• Licorice
• Bubblegum
• Taco chips
• Ice

If you damage your braces, please give Dr. Andrew Orchin and our staff a call immediately. Typically, small problems can be solved by giving us a call. Loose brackets or wires can usually be made more comfortable by applying some wax until the you can come into our office, located at 5301 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Suite 200.

Ask Dr. Orchin: What's sooooo cool about braces?

Braces today are “cool” and—many would say—even “fun.” These were among the findings of a 2010 nationwide survey of moms whose children are going through or have had orthodontic treatment. New technologies such as SureSmile, Invisalign and SPEED braces, advanced computer software, color options, and even popular celebrities—Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning and Serena Williams, to name a few—sporting stylish braces are making orthodontic treatment more comfortable, fashionable and cool for today’s teens.

The study, conducted on behalf of our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists, found 86 percent of moms reporting that braces are cooler today than when they were children. Sixty-nine percent of moms also said wearing braces makes their children feel cool, and 81 percent reported their children’s experience with orthodontic treatment as either positive or extremely positive.

Different color options and the ability to change colors, for example, provide exciting ways for young patients to customize appearances. That enthusiasm helps them to feel good about their orthodontic treatment with Dr. Andrew Orchin, and may contribute to the success of treatment.

Has your child or teen visited Orchin Orthodontics for a consultation? If not, please give us a call at (202) 686-5100 and let Dr. Orchin and our staff help your child begin the journey to a gorgeous smile!

Win 2 Club Level Redskins tickets at Orchin Orthodontics!

Dr. Orchin wants to know: Are you ready for some football?

Starting tomorrow, September 1st, become a fan of Orchin Orthodontics on Facebook by November 12th and you’ll be automatically entered for a chance to win two Club Level tickets to the Redskins vs. Tampa Bay game at FedEx Field on Sunday, December 12th at 1 p.m. (the prize includes an orange parking pass).

BUT WAIT! There are more ways to qualify for the tickets!!

* Refer a friend to Orchin Orthodontics, and you'll get ONE ENTRY

* Write a short testimonial on our Facebook wall, and you'll get ONE ENTRY

* Post a VIDEO testimonial to our Facebook wall, and you'll get TWO ENTRIES

* Write a short review on our Google Local page, Yahoo page or Bing listing, and you'll get TWO ENTRIES

* Update your Facebook status when you visit our office, and you'll get ONE ENTRY

GOOD LUCK everyone! Let us know id you have any questions! Go Redskins!

Dr. Andrew Orchin, reminding you to wear your mouth guards

With the hot and sultry Dog Days summer here for another four weeks, our staff at Orchin Orthodontics would like to take this time to remind all our young athletes wearing braces to take care of both your mouth and appliances while participating in contact sports (and non-contact sports) this fall. After all, we know this is a busy time of year sports-wise, whether kids are playing soccer in the park or practicing for high school football.

Remember, only by using a mouth guard can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. All you have to do? Ask us. Dr. Orchin 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 working hard to move your teeth, which means that any fitted mouth guard will work against us and slow down or halt your orthodontic progress.

Happy Wednesday and don't forget about our "Lost Retainer" contest! We are looking for the funniest/most unusual story about how your retainer was lost, and will award the person who gets the most votes "likes" on our Facebook page with a $50 Visa gift card!

Play the "Lost Retainer" Contest on our Facebook page!

Retainers come in pretty handy after you’re done with your orthodontic treatment. But we also know they aren’t hard to lose. With our new patient contest, we’re asking you to share your story with lost retainers!

We are looking for the funniest/most unusual story about how your retainer was lost, and will award the person who gets the most votes "likes" on our Facebook page with a $50 Visa gift card!

Head to Facebook.com/OrchinOrthodontics and share your story! Good luck!

What are our SureSmile patients saying?

Now that we are well underway with SureSmile treatment at Orchin Orthodontics, we have some additional information from our SureSmile patients that will be beneficial to our patients who are getting ready for their scans to start the SureSmile process.

All of our patients agree that they are very impressed with the movement created by their SureSmile wire. Most patients reported being fairly sore the first day or two after having their first wire inserted. The discomfort was soothed by taking Advil® or Tylenol® and keeping foods on the softer side (fish, meatloaf, pasta and shredded chicken are among the favorites).

Cold temperatures relax the wires, so SureSmile recommends eating cold food and beverages to ease the ache. The flip side is to eat hot food and beverages to speed up the movement of the wires to push through the ache faster.

We have had patients try both and they report each method works so you decide which you would like to try. All SureSmile patients agree that any discomfort was well-worth it to see great results in such a brief time period. A patient just left our office and is so excited to get his braces off three months early due to SureSmile! Most patients need two-to-three wires and have told us that the subsequent wire changes are similar to traditional wire changes here. It is the first wire that packs a punch!

For more information on SureSmile and to find out if you're a candidate, please give us a call at (202) 686-5100! Happy Monday!

Orchin Orthodontics, encouraging you to join the Braces Brigade!

Calling all current and former Orchin Orthodontics patients! How would you like to get a $100 American Express gift card for blogging about your experience with braces? Thanks to our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists, here's your chance! The AAO is proud to offer the Braces Brigade campaign, giving you the opportunity to share your orthodontic journey at Orchin Orthodontics with the world!

From now through August 31st, we're looking for patients, as well as parents of orthodontic patients, to join the Braces Brigade and blog about their unique experience in braces. Just head to the AAO's Braces Brigade page to sign up and get started blogging. If you happen to be under 18, your parents must fill out a consent form along with your official entry, giving you permission to enter the contest.

Dr. Andrew Orchin and our staff encourage you to apply for the Braces Brigade today! Have fun and GOOD LUCK!

Orthodontics: Part science and part artwork

Most people are unaware that orthodontics is a blend of science and art. That being said, it is very important to find an orthodontist that uses the best, most advanced mechanics available and also has an artistic eye. It is essential to communicate with your orthodontist and tell him or her what you would like your smile to look like after orthodontic treatment is complete.

Everyone has a unique face and style - we have had some very special requests over the years and do our best to honor your vision and give you the smile you dream of. Dr. Andrew Orchin listens to his patient’s wishes and concerns. He treats each patient as an individual. Orchin Orthodontics is not a volume business – we do not believe in “the more patients the better” philosophy. You will not be a number when you come to our office. In fact, our entire team takes the time to get to know you on a personal level. We love that our patients share their lives with us.

The biggest compliment we hear is that our patients love being here and are sad when their orthodontic work is complete because they will not be coming to our office as often. Dr. Orchin has also inspired many of his patients to follow in his footsteps to become an orthodontist – now that shows what an incredible impact he has on our patients' lives! Call us today at (202) 686-5100 for a consultation so you can meet Dr. Orchin and the incredible team here at Orchin Orthodontics.

Happy Monday!

Orchin Orthodontics want to know: What do you love about summer?

With summer 2010 in full force, Dr. Andrew Orchin and our team at Orchin Orthodontics thought we’d ask: What’s your favorite part of summer? Is it the warm weather? The free time you get? Spending quality time with friends and family? Grilling barbecue in the backyard?

Dr. Orchin and team would like to know what makes your summer here in Washington D.C. truly special. Let us know by posting on our Facebook page or by giving us a call!

Ask Orchin Orthodontics: How much do braces cost?

That is a question we get a lot at our office and it does not have a simple answer. Just as every patient is individual, so are their treatment plans which directly affects the investment for orthodontic treatment. Some patients do not require full orthodontic treatment while others find themselves in braces for more than 2 years.

Our treatment fee reflects the amount of orthodontic work required to complete the treatment plan. The only way to find out how much braces will cost is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Andrew Orchin. During your consultation, Dr. Orchin will perform a complete oral examination, listen to your concerns, explain how he will address your concerns and correct any orthodontic problems found during the exam.

Dr. Orchin’s findings will include the cost of orthodontics and how long the treatment will take to complete. With the addition of SureSmile, some of our patients are completing treatment in less than 12 months! Call us today at our convenient location here in Washington D.C. at (202) 686-5100 for a consultation and discover how quickly we can make you smile!

Dr. Orchin and team, reminding you to wear your retainers this summer!

As we start our summer, Orchin Orthodontics wants to remind our patients in retainers that it is very important to continue to wear your retainer as prescribed even while away for vacations and camps.

If you are away from home and only wearing your retainer at night, here is a helpful tip – after removing and brushing your retainer in the morning, place it back in the case and then put it with your PJ’s or on your pillow. That way you have a reminder to put your retainer back in at night.

We wish you safe travels and adventures this summer!

The Orchin Orthodontics Team

Orchin Orthodontics at the 110th AAO Annual Session

To better serve our phenomenal patients with the highest quality orthodontic care possible, Dr. Orchin and our team at Orchin Orthodontics are committed to continuing education in the never-dull world of orthodontics.

One of the ways Dr. Orchin and our remarkable staff improve our service is by attending important conferences, meetings and seminars, and from today through next Tuesday, we will be attending the AAO Annual Session right here in Washington D.C. The AAO Annual Session is always an educational event and happens to be one of the largest orthodontic conventions in the world - one that allows us to consult with orthodontists from around the country (and Canada) and stay up-to-date on all the latest technologies and orthodontic treatment options available. This, in turn, allows Orchin Orthodontics to give you, our wonderful patients, the best treatment experience possible.

If you've got an appointment scheduled with Dr. Orchin soon, we invite you to ask us about our thoughts about the conference, including what we learned and how continuing education and acquisition of new technology helps us treat you more effectively.

Have a great weekend!

Talkin' elastics with Dr. Orchin

The purpose of elastics (rubber bands) is to apply a force on selected teeth to help them “fit” better and correct your bite. Elastics can move teeth in a way that cannot be done with braces alone. Failure to wear your elastics, as instructed, will result in treatment running
longer than expected. It may also affect the finished orthodontic treatment result.

When you first start wearing the elastics, they may make your teeth sore. If you continue wearing them as instructed, that discomfort will go away in a couple of days.

If you break or lose a rubber band, replace immediately. Always carry a spare pack of rubber bands in your pocket. You will be asked to wear your elastics either full-time or every night.

FULL-TIME WEAR

Rubber bands are to be worn 24-hours per day, except when brushing your teeth, unless stated otherwise by Dr. Orchin or your orthodontic assistant. Please wear your elastics all the time. Remove them only for brushing and flossing your teeth. Insert new elastics after brushing and flossing. Try to keep fresh elastics on your teeth
at all times (they lose their force after several hours).

NIGHT-TIME WEAR

Please wear your elastics every night (sleep in them). Now let’s go back and repeat that together – wear your elastics every night (not some nights).

If you lose your elastics or run out, just call our office or email us and we can send you more.

Why the big deal? Because these elastics are your ticket to the fastest, most ideal result you can get. Unfortunately, they just don’t work unless they are worn as prescribed.

By wearing your elastics as instructed, you will be doing your part in keeping your orthodontic treatment on schedule.

Common Elastic Patterns

Ask Dr. Orchin: When should my child come in for a visit?

At Orchin Orthodontics, knowing when to treat patients is just as important as knowing how to treat patients.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children see an orthodontist by age seven. This allows the orthodontist to make an early assessment for possible skeletal problems such as a severe cross-bite (narrow jaw), overjet (protrusive upper teeth), underbite (upper front teeth are behind the lower front teeth), or any other problem that is best treated while the patient is growing. Dr. Orchin uses appliances that are designed to capture growth and correct the malocclusion. Dr. Orchin has the experience to know when it is best to start treatment and when to step back and allow Mother Nature to do her work.

If you or a family member is already in treatment with Dr. Orchin, we are able to schedule a no charge look-see appointment for a younger sibling. This is our way of introducing Dr. Orchin to the patient while he gets a baseline reading on the patient. Please call us at 202-684-9227 for an appointment!