Ask an Orthodontist: Barakat Orthodontics

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 in 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 with them by visiting them online, or get social with them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Barakat Orthodontics can also be reached at (703) 433-9330.

What Kind of Time Commitment is Invisalign?

Invisalign appointments tend to be less frequent than those for traditional braces, and our team is excellent at efficiency...

Can Braces Affect Your Ability to Play a Wind Instrument?

Student musicians who play wind instruments worry about the effects of braces on the lips and mouth...

How Does Invisalign First Work?

Did you know the Barakat Orthodontics team provides early orthodontic solutions for children with their Invisalign First system? The treatment's goal is to help kids prevent dental problems down the road...

A Spring Start: The Benefits of Invisalign

Spring is the perfect time to start your Invisalign orthodontic treatment — for children and adults...

Tips & Tricks For Your Clear Aligners

Did you know over 14 million people, including more than 4 million teens, have used Invisalign clear aligners to transform their smiles...

Your Orthodontic Journey Next Step: A Retainer

While wearing braces or aligners was a phase of your orthodontic treatment, it isn't the final one...

Caring for Your Smile During an Orthodontic Emergency

Sometimes when you are undergoing orthodontic treatment, issues arise. But don't panic, Barakat Orthodontic's got you covered...

How Can an Orthodontist Fix Your Mouth & Jaw for Optimal Alignment?

Do you know the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist? Both work hard to keep your teeth and mouth healthy, but orthodontists have additional training and...

October is National Orthodontic Health Month

October brings visions of ghosts, ghouls, and goblins for children, but it is also National Orthodontic Health Month for adults...

Keeping Your Invisalign Teen on Track as They Head Back to School

Summer's drawing to a close with fall right on its heels! This means your child in orthodontic treatment with Invisalign will likely need to make some changes as they go back to school...

Can My Child’s Invisalign Aligners Double as a Mouthguard?

Invisalign aligners do provide more comfort than traditional braces that have brackets and wires that can cut into your lips, but...

Can Parents & Kids See the Same Orthodontist?

As a specialist in tooth movement and jaw growth and development, an Orthodontist puts you and your children in the best hands possible for aligning your teeth...

Why is a Retainer Necessary After Braces?

The final step in your treatment is wearing your retainer because after your braces are removed, your teeth will want to shift right back to their old position...

Why You Shouldn’t Delay Orthodontic Care

Orthodontic treatment in some patients can be mainly for cosmetic reasons. Still, sometimes the treatment is important for medical reasons, and putting off treatment can cost more and take longer...

Treatment Options with a Parent’s Busy Schedule In Mind

It's true that everyone is busier than ever, but the team at Barakat Orthodontics can still help you get that beautiful smile you've always wanted...

Get to Know Invisalign First

Invisalign First is a treatment offered by Barakat Orthodontics that can improve a young child's smile — even those ages 6-10 that still have baby teeth...

Under the Care of an Orthodontist, Do I Still Need to See a Dentist?

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

The Necessity of Orthodontic Evaluations in Young Children

An early orthodontic evaluation doesn't necessarily mean your child will require early treatment, but it can provide valuable information, saving time and money...

Should My Child See An Orthodontist While They Still Have Baby Teeth?

Even though most orthodontic treatment begins between the ages of 9-14, it's recommended that children get a check-up no later than age 7...

Making Time for Your Invisalign Treatment

After seeing my children achieve beautiful smiles through orthodontics, I've been really wanting to straighten my teeth, too...

What Kind of Time Commitment is Invisalign?

Invisalign appointments tend to be less frequent than those for traditional braces, and our team is excellent at efficiency...

Do You Grind Your Teeth or Clench Your Jaw?

Grinding your teeth and clenching your teeth and jaw aren't limited to one age group — this habit affects both adults and children...

As an Adult, Can I See My Child’s Orthodontist?

While your dentist may offer to straighten your teeth, an Orthodontist is the better choice for many reasons...

Is a Virtual Consultation Worth It? –

Whether you are trying to save time or minimize your in-office visits, a virtual consultation can be a...

Moving Mid-Treatment?

Moving in the middle of orthodontic treatment, or any disruption that takes you away from your Orthodontist can be a concern for many patients...

How Do I Pay for Orthodontic Care?

The good news is that there are many options for financing if you do not have orthodontic coverage…

Why Do My Teeth Look Misaligned So Soon After Treatment?

I'm in week 7 of Invisalign treatment and my teeth look worse to me than when I started...

Is 8-Years-Old Too Young to See an Orthodontist About a Crossbite?

An Orthodontist monitors jaw growth from when a child is very young; this allows early detection of bite problems, such as crossbites...

Does My Child With Braces Still Need to See a Dentist?

Regular cleanings and cavity check-ups with your dentist will keep your mouth healthy…

Can Children With an Overbite & Baby Teeth Get Braces?

It's no surprise a child with an overbite want to get it fixed as soon as they can...

Will Braces Damage My Teeth or Gums?

Usually, there are no lasting damages. However, it likely will depend on you and your child...

Are Braces Always Metal?

Orthodontics has come a long way, and you have several options...

How is Orthodontic Treatment Different Than My Dentist?

There are several specialties in the field of dentistry, including orthodontics...

What is All the Mouth Hardware For?

Children, teens, and adults have many more options today for orthodontic care and treatment…

How Do I Know If Something is Wrong with My Child’s Bite?

It's not always easy to tell when your child has an orthodontic problem. Even teeth that look straight may be hiding a problem bite...

Why Are Certain Foods a No-No With Braces?

Will it really hurt my child's braces if he eats what he wants...

Clear Aligners vs. Braces for Teens & Adults

No matter what course of treatment you choose, you must still be committed to the treatment plan. However, there is certainly an extra amount of flexibility you get with...

Can Orthodontic Aligners Double as Mouth Guards?

With Invisalign, it's true that you don't have to worry about sharp brackets cutting into your mouth if you take a blow to the face. However, you still need to...

With Braces, How Often Do You See an Orthodontist?

It depends on the type of treatment; but in general, you're looking at an office visit every…

Will Time (Instead of Treatment) Fix Orthodontic Problems?

Orthodontic issues are rarely self-correcting; in fact, they may worsen over time, as permanent teeth are larger than primary teeth...