Invisalign Teen, Is it a good choice for your teenager?

Orthodontic treatment is always a tough decision for every family but for teenagers there are other factors involved.  Today teenagers have school, peers and social media to deal with on top of normal every day stress.  Invisalign can be a great alternative to traditional braces for teenagers.  Invisalign Teen provides us with some useful information to help teens and parents make the decision easier.

Things to consider: 92% of teens feel that Invisalign would help them “fit” in with their peers.  It would also help boost their self-esteem.  It can be just as effective as metal braces.  Invisalign cost just about the same as traditional braces.  Teens wearing aligners are 68% less likely to be teased than those wearing braces.  Teens are more reliable at wearing their aligners than adults are!  And 40% of teens say that wearing metal braces would have or has had a negative impact on their self confidence.

At Ashburn Orthodontics, Dr. Kortam will provide you and your teen with a thorough examination and guide you with making this decision.  During your Complimentary Consultation we will review all the aspects of traditional braces and Invisalign.  You and your teen will be able to ask all of your questions and leave with the confidence that you are making the best choice for your teen’s smile!

Dentist vs Orthodontist...is there a difference??

A lot of our patients are curious about the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist. In fact, one of the most common questions we hear at Ashburn Orthodontics is, “Dentists and orthodontists are all the same, right?”

A general dentist is your primary dental care provider. Dentists diagnose, treat, and manage your overall oral healthcare needs, including gum care, root canals, fillings, crowns, veneers, and bridges.

Orthodontists, such as Dr. Kortam, are more concerned with diagnosis, prevention, interception, and treatment of malocclusion, or what we call “bad bite,” of the teeth. Orthodontists focus on tooth and jaw alignment and bite problems and are responsible for straightening with braces and clear aligners. Orthodontists treat children as well as adults who wish to improve the function of their bite and appearance of their smile.

Before becoming an orthodontist, doctors such as Dr. Kortam start out in dental school and earn a dental degree, just like your general dentist. After dental school, those doctors who decide they are interested in the orthodontic field, stay in school for a few more years and become experts in orthodontia, which is one of nine specialties within the dental field.  Dr. Kortam went the extra mile and completed the board exams and became American Board Certified in Orthodontics!

You can feel rest assured that you are in the best hands with Dr. Kortam!   To schedule your Complimentary Consultation at our Ashburn, VA office, please give us a call today at (703) 729-7210 or visit our website at www.ashburnbraces.com and remember, It’s All About Your Smile!

Why should I keep seeing my General Dentist while in treatment?

Now that you have your braces or clear aligners, you may be wondering why you should continue visiting your general dentist since you’re seeing Dr. Kortam every other month. Patients always ask us if they should continue to see their dentist while in orthodontic treatment. In short, the answer is yes.

Today, we thought we would share a few reasons why it’s crucial to keep up with your regular visits with your dentist in addition to coming in for your regular adjustments at Ashburn Orthodontics.

One of the best reasons to visit your dentist while you undergo orthodontic treatment is to remove plaque and tartar. Having braces provides additional nooks and crannies in which food particles and bacteria can hide. Eventually, plaque and tartar can form around your brackets, bands or other appliances which can lead to cavities. Having your teeth professionally cleaned can help ensure most, if not all, plaque and tartar is removed. Even if you are undergoing clear aligner treatment, dental checkups and cleanings are equally as important.

The final reason we recommend visiting your dentist while you have braces is this: cavities can prolong your treatment. If you are interested in completing your orthodontic treatment on time and without any delays, visiting your dentist every six months or as recommended can go a long way toward making that a realistic goal. Your dentist can provide fluoride treatments or other treatments that strengthen your teeth and protect them from cavities.

Making sure to visit your dentist will help ensure your teeth look their best once your braces come off. If you do not have a general dentist and would like a recommendation on finding one, our team at Ashburn Orthodontics will be happy to help!