Ask Dr. Orchin: What happens if I miss a visit due to summer plans?

Most of us take a vacation during summer and often it can delay a regular orthodontic visit. Please do not worry if your plans take you away from the DC area during summer and you are not able to make it to Dr. Orchin’s office. The worst case scenario is that it will extend your time in orthodontic treatment. Since we use the best wires available, this is minimized because our wires are active over a long period of time. If you will be gone for an extended period (more than 6 weeks), we recommend you come in for a visit prior to leaving and schedule another visit shortly after your return.

In most cases, a delay in one visit does not extend treatment. In fact, having loose/broken brackets and failure to wear elastics are far more likely to extend your time in braces. On that note, please remember not to indulge in hard, sticky and chewy treats while enjoying your vacation. We look forward to seeing you soon and hearing about your adventures!

Fourth of July safety tips from Orchin Orthodontics!

This Sunday - which happens to be Independence Day - Dr. Andrew Orchin and our staff will be busy celebrating our nation's 234th birthday. For most folks, the Fourth of July is a chance to celebrate and commemorate the anniversary of the signing of America's Declaration of Independence. It's also a time for people to pay homage to all our soldiers, past and present - who lost their lives in battle - and the brave servicemen - and women - who continue to place themselves in danger every day so that we may continue to enjoy our freedoms.

Whatever you might be doing over Independence Day weekend, our entire staff would like to offer these safety tips for your well-being.

*Only light one firework at a time, and never have any part of your body over fireworks.
*If you must be out in the heat, limit your activities to morning and evening hours and drink plenty of fluids, but only those that contain little to no sugar. Water is preferable.
*Planning on swimming? Never go into the water unless you know how deep it is.
*If you fall and hit your head and you begin to feel nauseous or lightheaded, seek medical attention immediately.
*Heading out? Remember to wear sunscreen: wearing SPF 15 helps, but you should reapply it every couple of hours, especially after swimming or sweating in the sun.
*Finally, remember to avoid ribs, corn on the cob and other hard or sticky foods that can damage your braces!

We hope these tips help, and we hope you have a great week and a safe and happy Fourth of July weekend! We encourage you to give us a call at (202) 686-5100 for more summer safety tips.

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!