Do You Need to See Both a Dentist & an Orthodontist?


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Dear Dr. Barakat,

Is it necessary to still see my dentist when I am in treatment with an orthodontist?


Dear Concerned Parent,

This is a frequently asked question that arises among many orthodontic patients…

“If I have regular orthodontic check-ups, do I also need to continue seeing the dentist?”

The answer is YES. It’s important that you never skip your regular dental checkups. Your braces make you more prone to tartar and plaque build-up, so your cleanings are actually more important now than ever. This is the only method that ensures nearly all harmful build-up is removed from your mouth.

If you are wearing Invisalign clear aligners for your treatment, dental cleanings, and check-ups are still necessary to remove all bacteria.

Your dentist is your primary oral health provider, and regular visits with them are essential for good oral health. During your bi-annual checkup, your dentist will check for problems, as well as clean all the hard-to-reach areas of your teeth and gums. So whether or not you are an orthodontic patient, visiting your general dentist twice a year is important.


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.

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