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If you experience any difficulty in accessing any part of this website, please feel free to call us at 17037297210 or email us at info@ashburnbraces.com and we will work with you to provide the information or service you seek through an alternate communication method that is accessible for you consistent with applicable law (for example, through telephone support).
We are pleased to announce that we are among the very first offices in the
country to offer the new state of the art digital scanner, iTero
Element. The iTero Element Scanner is a state-of-the-art digital impression
system that eliminates the need for messy putty impressions. With
the Invisalign outcome stimulator, your orthodontic team at Ashburn
Orthodontics can create a customized smile treatment plan just for you.
We all recognize the beautiful impression that is left in our mind when we
see the smile of a loved one. At Ashburn Orthodontics it is important to
take impressions of your mouth to formulate a plan to create a perfect
smile! This process of impressions is especially beneficial in creating a
treatment plan. Ashburn Orthodontics has always been on the lookout for new
technologies to make the orthodontic experience more comfortable, pleasant,
and effective.
Call us at 703-729-7210 to learn how we can use these impressive technologies to create a smile for you!
Types of Braces
Traditional Braces
Traditional braces have come a long way over the years, becoming sleeker, smaller, and more comfortable. And that’s certainly something to smile about!
Traditional braces consist of standard metal brackets that are adhered to your teeth with an adhesive and connected by wire. They require periodic tightening so pressure can gradually straighten your teeth and align your jaw as needed. While metal braces brackets are still the most common, other treatment options are available today. Keep scrolling to read more!
Ceramic Braces
Is a modeling or public speaking career in the works? Ceramic braces provide the “clear” option to metal braces. Small, aesthetic, and comfortable, they will provide all the benefits of braces but are very hard to notice. Do not be surprised if your family and friends cannot tell you have them on. Speak to us about what we can offer.
Incognito
Incognito™ Hidden Braces are a unique orthodontic treatment option featuring customized braces placed on the back side of the teeth where they are completely hidden from view. Since they are completely customized for you, Incognito Hidden Braces offer many treatment options. Incognito Hidden Braces can treat nearly any orthodontic issue, while Incognito Lite Hidden Braces are specially designed to fix just your "social six" - the teeth that are visible at the front of your mouth.
No matter which option you choose, no one will know you're wearing braces – unless you tell them!
Having straight teeth is important not only for children, but for adults as well. As we grow older, our teeth tend to grow inward, creating crowding – a common problem for many teens and adults. As a result, it may be difficult to keep teeth clean and healthy. Straightening your teeth with the Invisalign system at Ashburn Orthodontics can treat the crowding and thereby help you maintain your dental health. It can also help you get the smile you’ve always wanted!
Not all teens and adults are candidates for the Invisalign aligner system. Please contact our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kortam to see if the Invisalign system is right for you.
Why See An Orthodontist for Invisalign?
Many dentists are now offering Invisalign to their patients. However, only orthodontists like Dr. Kortam are specialized in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign treatment is a technique that straightens your teeth without braces, using a series of clear, removable aligners that are custom-modeled to fit your teeth. The virtually invisible aligners gradually reposition your teeth into a smile you’ll be proud of.
How Long Will Treatment Take?
Every patient is different and treatment times vary. Treatment time may be comparable to that of traditional braces. It varies, depending on your needs, but in some cases, Invisalign works in less than a year.
Invisalign is often covered by orthodontic insurance and may cost about the same as traditional orthodontic braces. Not all teens and adults are candidates for the Invisalign aligner system. Please contact our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kortam to see if the Invisalign system is right for you.
Propel
In our continuous effort to provide the best orthodontic care for our patients, we are excited to offer PROPEL technology in our practice. This innovative technology allows Dr. Kortam to finish treatment more effectively and efficiently.
PROPEL is a micro-invasive treatment that uses micro osteoperforations to stimulate the bone to remodel faster and therefore “accelerate” your tooth movement.
PROPEL Orthodontics provides innovative devices and procedures to shift teeth as quickly and painlessly as possible. The PROPEL System can be used in combination with current orthodontic treatments, including Invisalign and traditional braces, to help move teeth into their desired position 30% faster than teeth can move with Invisalign and traditional braces alone. Dr. Kortam is a PROPEL Orthodontics provider, so you can enjoy a perfect smile faster than ever before!
Sleep Apnea
Sleep Better, Improve Your Health and Live Longer
Are you or a loved one unable to get a good night’s sleep because of a sleep breathing disorder such as snoring or sleep apnea? Snoring is commonly a precursor to, or a concurrent problem with, obstructive sleep apnea. People with sleep apnea simply stop breathing while asleep. Episodes of gasping for air or choking, followed by silence, can last for 10 seconds or longer and can occur multiple times during the night. Health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, heart attack, arrhythmias, ADHD, stroke, and an enlarged heart can be caused or made worse by sleep apnea.
The good news is snoring and sleep apnea can often be treated non-surgically. Dr. Kortam at Ashburn Orthodontics offers a sleep apnea oral appliance for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea. An appliance similar to a simple mouthguard worn while sleeping can maintain a clear airway throughout the night and immediately stops snoring for most wearers! You CAN get a good night’s sleep!
Foods To Avoid
When you eat while undergoing orthodontic treatment, there are a few things you have to consider. For most situations, common sense will tell you what foods to avoid. Hard foods, sticky foods and foods high in sugar must be avoided. Hard foods can break or damage wires and brackets. Sticky foods can get caught between brackets and wires. Minimize sugary foods; they cause tooth decay and related problems. Nail biting, pencil and pen chewing and chewing on foreign objects should be avoided.
Ice
Nuts
Hard taco shells
Hard bread / Crust
Corn on the cob
Apples
Starburst
Bagels
Jolly Ranchers
Pizza crust
Hard raw vegetables
Sunflower Seeds
Popcorn
Granola Bars
Sugary Foods to Avoid
Cake
Ice Cream
Cookies
Pie
Candy
Beverages to Avoid
Soda (regular and diet)
Sweetened tea
Gatorade/Powerade
Kool-Aid
Drinks with sugar
Is It An Emergency?
Although there are very few true orthodontic emergencies, during the course of treatment you may discover that you have loose or broken brackets or that the orthodontic wires may shift and begin irritating your lips or cheeks. Below is a list of common problems and how they may be remedied at home.
Loose bracket?
Call the Ashburn office to schedule an appointment to repair the bracket. If the bracket is attached to the wire, leave it in place and cover it with wax as needed for comfort. If the bracket comes out completely, bring it with you to your next appointment. Avoid connecting elastics or a headgear appliance to any loose brackets.
Broken or poking wire?
If a broken wire can be removed easily, remove the broken piece. If a wire slips out of its tube, replace the wire in the tube or under the tube hook with tweezers. If the wire still pokes, try to slide it over with your finger or put wax on it until we can see you in the office.
Tooth soreness
Soreness will occur off and on during orthodontic treatment. Tylenol or Ibuprofen will help. Also, try to stick to softer foods during this time.
Traumatic accidents
Use ice immediately to reduce swelling. If the teeth are displaced and don’t fit together properly, arch wires are bent, or soft tissue is stuck in the braces, schedule an appointment immediately in our Ashburn office, with your general dentist or oral surgeon.
Loose teeth
Loosening is common, as teeth must loosen before they can move. They will tighten following appliance removal.
Soft tissue impingement
Call our Ashburn office for an appointment to make you more comfortable. Use wax to cover the sharp edge, temporarily.
Lost separators
If the separator falls out more than 1 day before your appointment please call us to have it replaced.
Irritated cheeks, lips, or tongue
Brackets may irritate soft tissues initially until the tissue toughens (as hands callous). Soft wax will ease the discomfort as does a warm salt water rinse.
If you have a problem that you cannot resolve on your own, please call our Ashburn Orthodontics office at the number above. Our orthodontic team will be able to give you advice on how to solve the problem yourself or schedule you the appropriate appointment so that the problem can be fixed.
Class Dojo Patient Rewards
Successful orthodontics is a team effort and YOU are our key player! By participating in our Class Dojo Rewards Program we will be able to recognize your accomplishments and congratulate your winning achievements. It is an incentive program based on your compliance. Every visit is an opportunity for you to earn points!