Braces in Arlington, VA

Braces are crafted from diverse materials, tailored to specific orthodontic needs. Traditional metal braces use stainless steel, whereas clear braces are made from porcelain composite or plastic, offering more subtlety. Archwires vary, with early treatments using nickel, copper, and titanium alloys or titanium-molybdenum wires, while later stages opt for stainless steel. Alternatively, clear aligners utilize propylene plastic, discreetly adjusting teeth. Material choices cater to effectiveness, aesthetics, and comfort in orthodontic care.

• Improved Alignment: Braces effectively correct misaligned teeth and improve overall bite alignment.
• Enhanced Smile: Orthodontic treatment results in a more aesthetically pleasing smile, boosting self-confidence.
• Oral Health: Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
• Functional Bite: Braces align the jaw and teeth, ensuring a more functional bite for improved speech and chewing.
• Long-Term Benefits: Straightened teeth contribute to better overall oral health and can prevent future dental problems.
• Aesthetic Options: Clear braces offer discreet treatment options for those concerned about appearance.
• Customized Treatment: Orthodontic plans are tailored to individual needs, ensuring optimal results.
• Lifelong Impact: The benefits of braces extend beyond treatment, positively influencing quality of life for years to come.

In a perfect scenario, braces would provide lasting outcomes, preserving the appearance of our teeth indefinitely. However, in order to maintain your results, it’s crucial that you wear a retainer. Without it, there’s a significant likelihood that teeth will drift back to their former misalignment. The skilled team at Iverson & Wahab can address any concerns and help you maintain the most beautiful smile possible after treatment.

1. Crooked or Misaligned Teeth: Obvious misalignment or crowding of teeth is a common indicator.
2. Overbite or Underbite: When the upper or lower teeth overlap excessively, it can affect your bite.
3. Crossbite: If some of your upper teeth sit inside your lower teeth when biting down, it may indicate a crossbite.
4. Spacing Issues: Gaps or spaces between teeth might suggest the need for orthodontic treatment.
5. Difficulty Chewing or Speaking: Problems with biting, chewing, or clear speech could be due to dental misalignment.
6. Jaw Pain or Clicking: Frequent jaw discomfort or clicking sounds can be related to bite issues.
7. Early or Late Loss of Baby Teeth: Tooth loss outside the typical age range might influence tooth alignment.
8. Thumb Sucking or Tongue Thrusting: Persistent habits can affect tooth alignment and jaw growth.
9. Mouth Breathing: Breathing primarily through the mouth might lead to dental and facial development issues.
10. Teeth Wear: Uneven tooth wear can suggest misalignment causing improper tooth contact.

1. Crooked Teeth.
2. Overcrowding
3. Overbite
4. Underbite
5. Crossbite
6. Open Bite
7. Spacing Issues8. Malocclusions
8. Dental Midline Misalignment
9. TMJ Issues

• The Consultation:
  Your journey begins with the consultation, your first meeting with our orthodontists. Here, you’ll explore the available treatment plans. While many opt for traditional braces, ceramic braces and Invisalign aligners are also an option. We’ll take X-rays, impressions, and photos of your teeth and smile, helping us gauge the treatment duration and capture a snapshot of your smile before braces.
• Placement:
  At your next visit, brace placement takes center stage. It’s a slightly longer appointment. First, we ensure teeth are clean to prevent bacteria from getting trapped. Then, we bond metal brackets to each tooth using special glue. A wire is threaded through the brackets and secured with rubber bands. You can personalize your experience by choosing from a variety of color ties. Some discomfort may follow the placement, but it’s temporary, and cold and soft foods like yogurt, ice cream, or smoothies can offer relief. Over-the-counter pain medicine can also help manage any pain, while orthodontic wax prevents irritation.
• Maintenance and Adjustments:
  As you adjust to life with braces, regular maintenance begins. Every four to eight weeks, you’ll visit us for checkups and adjustments. During these short, 30-minute appointments, we’ll fine-tune your wires and replace bands. It’s the ideal time to ask questions and address any concerns you might have.

Age isn’t a major factor when it comes to orthodontics. The prime time for braces is generally between 9 and 14 years old, as your facial bones and jaws are more adaptable during development. Adult braces work well too, they might just take a bit longer to show results.

Although orthodontic treatment has historically been more for children and teens, the American Association of Orthodontists reveals that one in five orthodontic patients is over 21. More adults are choosing treatment to maintain health and feel better about their appearance. Adults worldwide are benefiting from orthodontic care, and now you can too.

The duration of braces treatment is unique to each individual patient, as every smile reacts differently to treatment. Treatment periods can range from six to 30 months, with the average standard treatment lasting around 22 months.

Your dental insurance plan may cover a portion of the orthodontic treatment cost for you or your child. Keep in mind that orthodontic services often come with an annual cap or lifetime maximum, and coverage might differ for children and adults over 21.

Our practice accepts most major credit cards and insurance plans. If your insurance covers part of your orthodontic treatment, our office team is always available to assist with insurance claims and paperwork. Please don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions regarding your insurance coverage or share any suggestions to improve your overall orthodontic experience.

The origins of modern orthodontic braces trace back to 1819, credited to the ingenuity of Christophe-Francois Delabarre. The French had paved the way for dental advancements during the 1700s, introducing concepts like personalized mouthguards and addressing overcrowding by removing wisdom teeth. However, it was Delabarre who set the stage for the braces we recognize today.

In the realm of orthodontic innovation, Invisalign stands as a remarkable milestone. In 1997, Stanford University graduates Zia Chishti and Kelsey Wirth introduced the groundbreaking concept of clear aligners. Their discovery that teeth tend to shift after orthodontic treatment without the use of retainers prompted them to blend 3D technology with plastic retainers. This ingenious approach involved capturing images of patients’ teeth and depicting the gradual realignment process. These images then shaped the creation of clear molds, which patients wear for a specified duration to gently guide teeth into their intended positions.

Yes, you can definitely have braces even if you have dental crowns or bridges. But it’s important to be careful with how the braces are placed. They need to avoid putting too much pressure on the crowns or bridges. Your orthodontist and dentist will work together to make a plan that considers your existing dental work. This way, we can reduce the chance of any damage to your teeth or dental work while you have braces.

It’s a common misunderstanding that having dental work like crowns, veneers, or fillings means you can’t get braces. But that’s not true – you can get braces with these restorations! There are three main choices for orthodontic treatments:

1. Braces fixed on the front of your teeth.
2. Braces fixed on the back of your teeth.
3. Removable braces.

Ideally, we avoid putting fixed braces on crowns or veneers if we can help it. The best option would be a removable brace like Invisalign. However, if fixed braces are recommended, we can attach the brackets to the crown, veneer, or filling.

??Here’s a list of foods to avoid while wearing braces:

1. Hard Foods: Nuts, hard candies, and ice can damage braces and wires.
2. Sticky or Chewy Foods: Caramel, gum, and gummy candies can get stuck in braces.
3. Crunchy Foods: Popcorn, chips, and pretzels can break or dislodge brackets.
4. Chewy Meats: Tough jerky or meats can be difficult to chew and harm braces.
5. Hard Fruits and Vegetables: Whole apples, carrots, and corn on the cob can pose risks.
6. Chewy Breads: Bagels, dense rolls, and chewy breads can get stuck in braces.
7. Hard-to-Bite Foods: Foods like whole pizza crust or big sandwiches can be challenging to bite into.
8. Sugary Foods and Drinks: High sugar content can lead to tooth decay and demineralization.
9. Carbonated Drinks: Sodas and carbonated beverages can erode enamel and harm brackets.
10. Acidic Foods: Citrus fruits and vinegar-based foods can weaken tooth enamel.

It’s important to avoid these foods to prevent damaging your braces and ensuring a successful orthodontic treatment.

Upon receiving your braces, you might experience a slight tenderness or discomfort in your teeth and mouth. Rest assured, this is completely normal, and we assure you that the soreness won’t last forever! Here are our tips on how to ease braces discomfort:

Use an Ice Pack

Chilly temperatures can help decrease swelling and numb your mouth to ease discomfort. Using an ice pack, if available, can be really effective. Just place the ice pack on the outer part of your mouth to alleviate braces-related pain.

Use a Heating Pad

If cold remedies aren’t effective, consider using heating pads or a warm washcloth to apply gentle heat to the areas causing discomfort. This can provide relief from pain.

Eat Some Ice Cream

Popsicles and ice cream not only provide a tasty treat but also offer pain relief by numbing your mouth and reducing inflammation. Remember to brush your teeth after consuming sugary treats to avoid cavities. Alternatively, you can suck on an ice cube or have sips of cold water for relief. Consider checking out La Moo Creamery, a beloved ice cream spot in Arlington, VA, for some delightful options!

Rinse With Warm Saltwater

For pain relief, we suggest mixing one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of lukewarm water. Gargle and swish this solution in your mouth for a brief period, making sure not to swallow the saltwater.

Give Your Gums a Massage

Massaging is a recognized method for pain relief and can effectively help soothe sore gums. Gently rub your gums in a circular motion using a clean finger until you feel the swelling and discomfort lessen.

Take Pain Medication

If the discomfort is stronger and persists despite rinsing, you might consider taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, which is very effective at minimizing braces pain.