<< More From Barakat Orthodontics
True or False? Getting orthodontic treatment means I’ll have to commit to constant doctor visits and inconvenient appointments.
False
The average appointment commitment for our patients is only once every 6-8 weeks.
True or False? There is something called “accelerated orthodontics.”
True
We now have the technology in our office to speed up treatment and increase comfort. Approved by the FDA, AcceleDent Aura uses SoftPulse Technology, which exerts up to 8x less force than a power brush. It makes orthodontic treatment more comfortable and can speed up orthodontic treatment by up to 50%.
True or False? A mouthguard should only be worn for contact sports.
False
Mouth guards are most commonly used in contact sports such as football, hockey, and lacrosse, but one can sustain injuries to the mouth and jaws, such as broken teeth and cuts to the lip, while playing non-contact sports such as basketball, skateboarding, and gymnastics. According to the American Dental Association, an athlete is 60 times more likely to suffer harm to the teeth when not wearing a mouthguard! So remember, wear a mouthguard if you are in organized sports or just enjoying recreational activities.
True or False? Mouthguards can be custom-made.
True
There are several types of mouthguards. The simplest is of the stock variety that you can purchase from sporting goods stores. The second type is the boil and bite guards, which are heated and immediately worn by the athlete to allow some adaptation to the teeth. The more complex mouthguards are custom-made by the dental professional. They require an impression or 3-D scan of the athlete’s mouth and are made to order in different protection levels, depending on the impact of the particular sport.
True or False? Orthodontists want to examine children at 7 years of age so that braces can be placed on the teeth ASAP.
False
Most children do NOT need early intervention orthodontics. However, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic exam starting at age 7 because, for most children, the first molars come in. At that time, the back bite is established, and certain problems such as crowding, grinding, thumb-sucking habits, cross-bites, open bites, and some jaw discrepancies can be detected. According to Dr. Barakat, for some, a timely evaluation will lead to significant treatment benefits; for others, the principal immediate benefit is a parent’s peace of mind.
True or False? Orthodontists are specialists?
True
Like their specialist counterparts in medicine (cardiologists, neurologists, gastroenterologists, etc.), orthodontists receive more formal education to be specialists. Orthodontists specialize in straightening teeth and aligning jaws. Like dentists, orthodontists graduate from dental school, but then, to be an orthodontist, it takes an additional two to three academic years of education in an accredited orthodontic residency program. Orthodontists are dental specialists in straightening teeth and aligning jaws to create optimal function and form. Orthodontists only practice orthodontics, treating hundreds of patients a year.
True or False? You should only visit an orthodontist for challenging and complex orthodontic cases.
False
Orthodontists have the education, experience, and expertise to treat all levels of orthodontic problems. A seemingly “simple” case can be hiding subtle problems that only an orthodontist can recognize. Rely on an orthodontist to diagnose and successfully treat all problems with tooth and jaw alignment.
True or False? Braces work better than Invisalign to straighten teeth?
False
It actually depends on the bite. Orthodontists are not limited to the use of one kind of appliance. Braces and Invisalign are the “tools” used to move teeth and align jaws. Orthodontists have knowledge of the full range of orthodontic appliances and what to use to correct each patient’s orthodontic problem.
True or False? Braces aren’t just for kids anymore?
True
More than one in five current orthodontic patients is an adult. Adult orthodontic treatment contributes to significant improvements in both professional and personal lives, according to respondents to a recent study conducted on behalf of the AAO. Citing newfound self-confidence, 92 percent of survey respondents say they would recommend orthodontic treatment to other adults. At Barakat Orthodontics, we have a designated adult area for anyone who enjoys more privacy while undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Dr. Rana Barakat, a board-certified specialist in Orthodontics, has been proudly serving Northern Virginia for more than 20-years! She has built her practice on a personal touch and excellent treatment.
As a parent, she understands wanting the best for your children by giving them beautiful, confident smiles. She makes it a priority to ensure optimal results, but also believes that each patient’s experience during treatment is just as important as the clinical result. As the 2015-16 President of the Virginia Association of Orthodontists, Dr. Barakat’s dedication and expertise reflect why her peers continue to nominate her as a Top Dentist.
Barakat Orthodontics is located at 45745 Nokes Blvd., Ste. 175, Sterling, VA 20166. Connect by visiting them online, or get social with them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Barakat Orthodontics can also be reached at (703) 433-9330.
