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Orthodontics

At Herndon Dental Design, we understand that a confident smile is more than just an attractive feature; it's a reflection of your overall health and well-being. That's why our team of experienced dental professionals offers comprehensive orthodontic services to help you achieve the straight, healthy smile you've always wanted.

What is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial irregularities. These issues can include crooked teeth, misaligned jaws, and incorrect bites. By using customized appliances such as braces or clear aligners, our team of dental professionals at Herndon Dental Design can gently guide your teeth into their proper positions, improving both the function and appearance of your smile.

Why Choose Orthodontic Treatment?

A well-aligned smile not only boosts your confidence but also offers numerous health benefits:

  • Easier oral hygiene: Straight teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
  • Better bite function: Properly aligned teeth allow for better chewing, speaking, and digestion.
  • Reduced wear and tear: When teeth meet correctly, they're less prone to excessive wear and damage.
  • Improved oral health: A well-aligned bite supports good periodontal health, reducing the risk of gum disease and bone loss.

The Importance of Early Orthodontic Treatment

While orthodontic treatment can be effective at any age, early intervention offers several advantages. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7 to identify potential issues and determine the best time for treatment.

Early treatment allows our team to:

  • Guide jaw growth: By guiding your child's jaw development, we can prevent more serious problems from occurring later on.
  • Create space for erupting teeth: Early intervention can create room for permanent teeth to erupt properly, preventing crowding and impaction.
  • Correct harmful habits: By addressing oral habits like thumb-sucking or tongue thrusting early on, we can prevent them from causing long-term damage to your child's smile.

Types of Orthodontic Appliances

At Herndon Dental Design, we offer a variety of orthodontic appliances to suit each patient's unique needs and preferences. Our team will work with you to determine the best treatment option for your specific case:

Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces are still a popular choice due to their durability and effectiveness. They consist of brackets, archwires, and tiny rubber bands that gently guide your teeth into their correct positions.

Ceramic Braces

Similar in size and shape to traditional metal braces, ceramic braces offer a more discreet option as they blend in with the color of your teeth. They are an excellent choice for image-conscious teens or adults who want a less noticeable orthodontic treatment.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are attached to the back surfaces of your teeth, making them virtually invisible from the front. This option is ideal for patients who want a completely discreet orthodontic treatment but may require some adjustment time due to their unique placement.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners like Invisalign offer a removable and nearly invisible alternative to traditional braces. Custom-made from smooth, comfortable plastic, clear aligners gently guide your teeth into their correct positions over time. They are an excellent option for adults or teens who want a discreet orthodontic treatment with minimal impact on their daily life.

What to Expect During Orthodontic Treatment

Once you've chosen the right orthodontic appliance for your needs, our team will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific case. Throughout your treatment, we'll monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that you achieve the best possible results.

Here's what you can expect during your orthodontic journey:

  • Initial consultation: During your first appointment, our team will evaluate your oral health, discuss your treatment goals, and take X-rays, impressions, and photographs to create a detailed treatment plan.
  • Brace placement: Once we've determined the best course of treatment for your needs, we'll schedule an appointment to place your braces or clear aligners. This process typically takes about 1-2 hours.
  • Regular adjustments: Throughout your treatment, you'll visit our office every 4-8 weeks for a quick adjustment. During these appointments, we'll tighten your archwires or swap out your clear aligners to ensure that your teeth are moving as planned.
  • Retention phase: After your braces or clear aligners have successfully straightened your teeth, our team will provide you with a retainer to wear for a specified period. Retainers help maintain the results of your orthodontic treatment and prevent your teeth from shifting back into their original positions.

The Benefits of Choosing Herndon Dental Design for Your Orthodontic Needs

At Herndon Dental Design, we're committed to providing our patients with exceptional care in a warm, welcoming environment. Our team of experienced dental professionals works closely together to deliver comprehensive, personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs and goals.

When you choose Herndon Dental Design for your orthodontic needs, you can expect:

  • Expertise and experience: With over 20 years of combined experience, Dr. Jae M. Chong and Dr. Gianandrea Wotfe have the knowledge and skill to deliver outstanding results.
  • State-of-the-art technology: Our office is equipped with advanced tools like digital X-rays, intraoral scanners, and 3D imaging to ensure precise diagnoses and efficient treatment.
  • Personalized care: We take the time to listen to your concerns and answer any questions you may have throughout your orthodontic journey. Our team is dedicated to making sure that you feel comfortable and informed every step of the way.
  • Convenient location: Conveniently located in Herndon, VA, our office offers easy access to patients from nearby communities like Reston, Sterling, and Chantilly. We're committed to providing exceptional care close to home.

Get Started on Your Journey to a Straighter Smile Today!

Don't let crooked teeth or a misaligned bite hold you back from enjoying the confidence that comes with a beautiful, healthy smile. Contact Herndon Dental Design today to schedule your initial consultation and take the first step towards achieving the straight, stunning smile you've always wanted.

Our team is excited to help you achieve the smile of your dreams. Give us a call or fill out our online contact form to get started on your orthodontic journey today!

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should my child see the orthodontist?

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Most parents wonder when is the best time to have their child evaluated for braces. One common misconception regarding orthodontic treatment is to wait until all of your child's permanent teeth (except the wisdom teeth) are present. However, an orthodontist can identify most problems involving the alignment of the teeth and jaw growth by the time a child is in the first or second grade. For this reason, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children have a check up with an orthodontic specialist no later than age 7.

How long do you have to wear braces?

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It is important to keep in mind that aligning the teeth and the jaws does not happen overnight. Whether you are wearing conventional braces, clear aligners, or any other type of appliance, orthodontic movement is a gradual process. Orthodontic tooth movement is based on the use of light and continuous forces to correct your bite in an incremental, predictable, and healthy manner.

The total duration of orthodontic care, not including wearing retainers to maintain the result, depends on several factors. Such things as growth, as well as compliance with care, may influence treatment time. On average comprehensive orthodontic care to correct a malocclusion can take anywhere between 18-36 months. Orthodontic treatment for more limited problems with tooth alignment typically ranges from 6 to 18 months.

How often do you need to be seen after your braces are placed?

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Because orthodontic movement takes time, most appointments after the initial placement of appliances are scheduled approximately four to eight weeks apart. This interval gives your teeth time to move at both a steady and healthy pace. However, there may be situations where more frequent visits to evaluate the status of your case, tooth movement, or to have an additional adjustment are required.

Can adults wear braces?

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Teeth can be moved at any age. Orthodontic treatment as an adult can completely transform an imperfect and poorly aligned smile into one that is attractive and functions at its best. However, initiating orthodontic care and achieving a successful outcome relies on the presence of healthy teeth and supporting bone. For these reasons, it is essential for adult patients to address any outstanding dental problems before their appliances are placed and to remain diligent about maintaining their oral health throughout care.

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Get in Touch with Herndon Dental Design Today

Ready to schedule your next dental appointment or have questions about our services?

Whether you need to schedule an appointment, discuss payment options, or have questions about your treatment, our friendly team is here to help. Reach out today, and we’ll be happy to assist you!