Mark Your Calendars: Orchin Orthodontics' Invisalign Day Is Coming Soon!

Does your smile make you smile?

Join us for Invisalign Day on Thursday, February 19, 2009 from 7:30 AM to 12 noon!

Come discover and explore what Invisalign can do. We at Orchin Orthodontics are excited to tell you about new technology that makes Invisalign ideal even for more complex cases.

We are offering complimentary consultations and no additional charge for initial records!

Call 202-609-8948 today as space is limited and we would love to include you!

Introducting Exciting New Services from Orchin Orthodontics!

Orchin Orthodontics proudly announces exciting new products and improvements in existing treatment! Dr. Andrew Orchin recently returned from a continuing education course focusing on Invisalign. Did you know that more complex cases are now perfect for Invisalign? In fact, if you were previously told that Invisalign was not an effective treatment option for you, now is the perfect time to return for another consultation to learn how it may now an ideal treatment for you.

Orchin Orthodontics was one of the first practices in the country to begin using the Invisalign Teen product. The results are amazing and all our patients are happy with the aligners. Invisalign Teen is a wonderful product that has the ability to be widely used. The only caveat to this is that the teenager must be both responsible and compliant if the aligners are to work. You know your teenager the best and we urge you to take it under advisement before beginning Invisalign Teen. Nothing is more disappointing for our doctors, parents and patients than not being able to complete a case.

Dr. Andrew Orchin also attended a course that focused on TAD’s (Temporary Anchorage Devices) and the use of a laser in orthodontics. TAD’s are used in more comprehensive orthodontic cases. Dr. Andrew is now able to move teeth in ways he never could before. A TAD is a micro implant (about the size of the head of a pin) that is painlessly (only a topical numbing gel is needed) placed and removed by Dr. Andrew right in the office. Dr. Andrew will be using a laser to assist in the eruption of teeth. Many times orthodontic treatment comes to a halt when waiting for a tooth to erupt. Often this tooth is just under the surface of the gum. Dr. Andrew can now use a laser to gently make a small window in the gum tissue for the tooth to easily pass through. This is great news because it means the patient will complete orthodontic treatment in a shorter period of time which is always welcome news!

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!

Orchin Orthodontics Presents Toothbrush Trivia!

People have been brushing their teeth for thousands of years! In fact, the first “toothbrush” was created around 3000BC! Ancient civilizations used a thin twig with a frayed edge to rub against their teeth for cleaning.

The first toothbrush with bristles – similar to today’s toothbrushes – was invented in 1498 in China. Brushes were made out of bone or bamboo with bristles made from the hairs on the back of a hog’s neck.

It wasn’t until 1938 that the first nylon bristle toothbrush was introduced and people quickly became aware of practicing good oral hygiene.

Here are some other interesting facts about your toothbrush (and toothpaste):

• Most people are said to use blue toothbrushes over any other color
• The first toothpaste was used in 500 BC in China and India
• On average, children smile about 400 times per day
• Your toothbrush should be replaced every two months
• The first known toothpaste was used in 1780, Crest was introduced in the US in 1955 and Colgate in 1873

Now That I Have Braces, What Can I Eat? - Washington DC

You just got braces and the orthodontist has informed you that over the next several months you will want to avoid eating anything sticky, hard, crunchy, or chewy. What does this leave for you to eat? Lettuce? Nothing?

Luckily, there was someone else wondering the same thing when she first got braces! Brenda Waterman, 13, decided she was going to find a way to have her cake and eat it too, so she created a variety of “braces-friendly” recipes that allow you to enjoy your favorite treats without interfering with your orthodontic care! Her cookbook, “The Braces Cookbook: Recipes you (and your Orthodontist) will Love,” gives patients a variety of delicious recipes, safe to eat with braces; plus additional tips and advice for packing lunches, what to eat at parties, and braces-friendly restaurant dishes! There’s even a section with tips for dealing with the soreness that can occur when your braces or appliance are adjusted. Enjoy the foods you love – even with braces!
Here is a delicious, sneak peek recipe from “The Braces Cookbook:”

Wonderful Waffles

Forget the recipe that came with your waffle iron – this recipe will redefine fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. The secret to delicious waffles is letting the batter "sit" for five minutes before pouring into the waffle iron. Top cooked waffles with syrup, jam, fresh fruit or even whip cream. Makes about 5 servings!

Preheat your waffle iron according to the directions. You may want to lightly spray it with vegetable oil before heating.
• 3 cups flour
• 2 Tbl + 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 Tbl sugar
• 4 cups milk
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
In a large bowl, whisk (or use electric mixer on low) together all ingredients. Let batter sit for about five minutes to activate the baking powder.

When waffle iron is ready, pour about 1/3 cup of batter onto each of the four squares (experiment with your iron – you don't want the batter overflowing). Gently close the cover and set your timer as the manufacturer suggests. Do not lift the cover while they bake. When done, carefully lift one edge with a flat spatula and pull the waffle away from the iron. Keep waffles warm on a plate under a clean dishtowel while the others bake.

$1.50 for a Cavity

Vending machines are a quick way to satisfy hunger. You put in $1.50 and you get back a candy bar, bag of chips or even a soda…but that’s not all! Vending machines not only dispense sweet treats and caffeine bursts, but they also dispense cavities!

Every time you chow down on that chocolate bar the bacteria in your mouth have a party feasting on the sugar. The sugar quickly turns into acid; that’s right, ACID!!! The acid sits on your teeth and eats away at the tooth’s natural enamel (the stuff that protects your tooth from decay). When this enamel is eaten away by the acid on your tooth, you get a cavity! Brushing your teeth after eating a sugary treat can help prevent cavities; but before you indulge remind yourself: “can’t brush? Hold the sugar!”

When choosing a snack, consider these nutritional options that will not only satisfy your hunger and that “sweet tooth”, but won’t cause acid build up resulting in cavities:

• Fresh Fruits (berries, oranges, melon, pears, etc)
• Soft Bread
• Milk (low or non-fat)
• Cheese (low or non-fat)
• Sliced meat

Are There Teeth Grinders in Your House?

Grind, grind, grind, grind. If you live with a teeth grinder, especially a night grinder, you may be familiar with this unpleasant sound. Other symptoms of teeth grinding (technically called “bruxism”) include:

• Sensitivity in the teeth
• Tightness or pain in the jaw
• Dull headaches, earaches, or facial pain
• Chipped, worn down, or loose teeth

People frequently grind their teeth in response to stress, so taking measures to reduce or eliminate stress can help solve the problem. Here are some things you can try to stop grinding:

• Cut back on caffeine and alcohol
• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
• Relax right before bedtime with a warm bath or shower
• Help your jaw learn to relax by quitting any chewing habits (pens, pencils, gum)
• When clenching or grinding happens during the day, place your tongue between your teeth to serve as a reminder to avoid the habit

If grinding goes untreated, it can lead to chipped teeth, worn enamel, chronic pain, or even TMJ, a painful jaw disorder. If the teeth-grinder in your house can’t stop, make an appointment to see us by calling 202-609-8948. Dr. Orchin can help determine the cause of the problem and possibly even prescribe a custom mouthpiece to help break the habit.