• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

In order to ensure the safety of our patients, our team and the community at large during the COVID-19 outbreak, we are adapting the way that we provide orthodontic treatment

Fairfax | Reston | Springfield

703-719-5828

Emergencies
Let's Smile Dental
  • Orthodontist
  • Invisalign
  • Pediatric Dentist
  • Oral Surgeon
  • Cosmetic/Skincare
  • About Us
    • Meet The Doctors
    • Reviews
  • Resources
    • Patient Forms
    • Videos
    • Referrals
  • Orthodontist
  • Invisalign
  • Pediatric Dentist
  • Oral Surgeon
  • Cosmetic/Skincare
  • About Us
    • Meet The Doctors
    • Reviews
  • Resources
    • Patient Forms
    • Videos
    • Referrals
Schedule

Orthodontist FAQ

How do you choose an orthodontist?

Your choice of orthodontist is one of the most important decisions you will make when it comes to determining the long-term health of your dentition. By most metrics, choosing a board-certified orthodontist will be the best and most well-supported choice by professionals in the dental care industry. There are other things to consider, however, and your decision will depend on a number of factors discussed below.

Orthodontic Generalists

A general dentist will have a broad-ranging scope of expertise and experience covering a spectrum of orthodontic care and will be able to treat a wide variety of conditions. Like a general practitioner in medicine, an orthodontic generalist sees all kinds of patients regularly, and when he or she encounters a patient with a specific, sometimes unusual condition, they will send the patient to see board certified orthodontist who specializes in the specific area of orthodontic care at issue.

Orthodontic Specialists

An orthodontic specialist, as opposed to a general board-certified orthodontist, is a professional who has chosen to specialize in one area of orthodontic care. They will usually have more expertise in their area of specialty than a general orthodontist. Ordinarily, a patient will first visit a generalist. Then, if the patient needs specific care for a certain condition, his or her orthodontist will send them to be seen by a specialist. The advantage of seeing a specialist is they will have more experience and training in a single area of orthodontics and will be specially equipped in that area.

Board Certified Orthodontists

A board-certified orthodontist is an orthodontist who has the distinction of being certified by the American Board of Orthodontics, (ABO). This certification is optional for these professionals, but it can indicate a higher degree of competence, professionalism, and dedication. Choosing an ABO certified dental care professional is a good way to ensure that your care will be done according to the highest professional standards.

Reputation Matters

Of course, just because a given professional does not have the distinction of being a board-certified orthodontist does not mean that he or she is not a capable and talented professional able to provide the highest standard of care. Likewise, board certified orthodontists are not necessarily the best. It is important to do some research when choosing an orthodontist. You should check for reviews online and ask your friends, family, and neighbors who might have received care from the orthodontist you are considering.

What is the best age to get braces?

It's not always exactly clear when a child should get braces, however, it’s best to at least be examined around age seven. As permanent teeth erupt, dentists and orthodontists can carefully monitor the progress and potential problems that may arise as the dentition develops. Dental professionals are looking for serious issues that are unlikely to correct themselves on their own before recommending an age for braces.

Typical Patterns

It's clear that there are certain patterns when it comes to how to erupt and exfoliate. Girls will generally get their permanent teeth sooner than boy. By age 13, they should have their second molars in. There are many variations amongst individual’s tooth size, shape, and position. The age a child receives braces is dependent on their unique developmental pattern.

Cause for Concern

Severely crowded teeth contribute to tooth decay. Malocclusion can lead to fractured teeth and even TMJ pain. Impacted teeth can cause disruption in the normal eruption pattern of neighboring teeth. Due to the spectrum of symptoms a misaligned bite can cause, the age at which a child receives orthodontic intervention is dependent upon their specific case.

Age-Sensitive Treatments

The right age for braces may have limits set by the natural development of a child or adolescent. There are certain types of headgear that can only be used on a growing patient, while there are other appliances that can only be used before the palate fuses together. In certain cases, a palate can set by the age of 14, so it's important for parents to consult with their dentist about swiftly moving to correct the problem.

Finding the Answers

For most parents, there is no reason to push up the age for braces. Most kids will have relatively normal growth until their teeth have fully come in. At that point, a dentist can recommend the best course of treatment as to how to straighten and fix any lingering problems. Talking to a dentist sooner rather than later is the best way to get a good handle on early dental health for your child.

When should my child see an orthodontist?

Seeing an orthodontist at the right time can make a huge impact on the appearance and oral health of your child. But, most parents do not know when the best age to see an orthodontist for their child is. The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that you take your child to their first dentist appointment by the age of seven. Even if your first consultation is with a pediatric dentist, they should be able to identify any bite issues with your child and advise you to see an orthodontist if the problem requires the attention of an expert.

Why Should Your Child See An Orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a specialist in dentistry who focuses on the diagnosis and prevention of misaligned teeth. The American Association of Orthodontics says that the best age to see an orthodontist is at seven years because that is the age at which permanent teeth start to develop. Therefore, any problems that arise at this stage will stay with the child into adulthood.

The Advantage of Early Treatment

It is always important for a dentist to keep a close eye on the development of your child’s teeth because any problems can be treated much more efficiently at a young age. As we get older, the jaws gradually become more dense, making it more difficult to shift teeth. Seven years is the best age to see an orthodontist so they can identify irregularities with the growth of your child’s permanent teeth and treat the defects as permanent teeth continue to develop.

Problems That Require an Orthodontist

Common problems that require you to take your child to an orthodontist include protruding teeth, misplaced teeth, irregularly spaced teeth, difficulties in chewing, biting, or speaking. Early intervention is important because correcting issues such as misplaced or misaligned teeth can prove difficult when the dental structure is fully developed. Because of this, braces tend to be more effective on younger, more malleable dentitions.

What Orthodontic Treatment For Children Involves

Orthodontic treatment for children will involve giving them either fixed or removable braces, although removable braces are more common. However, the orthodontist may recommend a twin block brace if your child has an overbite or a smaller lower jaw. Removable braces are usually followed by fixed braces to achieve the best results. Seven years is the best age to see an orthodontist because the child will have started to grow permanent teeth and any issues will be easily rectified as they appear.

Why do I need braces?

People usually get braces when they have crooked or crowded teeth, an under or overbite or teeth that are widely spaced apart. Getting braces takes a certain amount of commitment both in terms of time and money. In addition to the initial costs and constant upkeep, patients are usually required to wear a retainer afterward. It helps to have a good understanding of why you need them before taking the plunge.

How Your Mouth Works

Teeth can develop differently across populations and each mouth undergoes unique changes. If wisdom teeth come in forcefully, they can push other teeth out of the way as they make room. If someone’s bones are on the smaller side, they may cause the teeth to scrunch together. Jaws can become misaligned and make chewing difficult or even painful to do. Getting braces can correct these imbalances for a more symmetrical smile.

Things to Notice

Bad breath, jaw pain, and difficulty eating sticky or crunchy foods may be good indicators as to why you should consider getting braces. All of these symptoms suggest you need to correct the positioning of your teeth. A misalignment anywhere in the mouth is definitely a cause for concern that will likely only get worse as time goes by. If that wasn’t enough, you can effectively address many of these long-term problems.

Aesthetic Goals

Sometimes getting braces may be done as much for improving looks as much as it’s done for health reasons. Crowded teeth, teeth that are spaced too far apart, or a major over- or underbite can cause people to feel insecure about how they look. No one wants to feel embarrassed when they open their mouth, and braces can help alleviate those anxieties by providing an effective solution for a straighter smile.

Solving a Problem

The biggest reason why people should consider getting braces is that it’s clear they help keep teeth and gums healthy. Flossing and brushing can be difficult when teeth are particularly crowded, and patients won’t get the full benefits of regular dental procedures. The easier teeth are to clean, the less likely they are to decay over time. Once all teeth are in their best possible position, regular dental care becomes far easier for both the patient and the dentist.

What is two-phase treatment?

The two-phase treatment for orthodontics occurs over a number of years. Patients who have crooked teeth, an overbite, or have other problems with the alignment of their teeth can begin orthodontic treatment at an early age. Patients who seek treatment for dental issues at an early age will receive orthodontics in two stages. This allows the orthodontist to work with the growing child, maximizing the benefits of early orthodontic care. When treated early, the secondary treatment that will follow within a few years won’t be as significant. The two-phase treatment approach provides you with the most care when you have problems with your teeth.

Understanding the Two-Phase Treatment Approach

At the beginning of the two-phase process, your child may have palate expanders to maximize the space in your child’s mouth for teeth that will be coming in. The first phase of treatment involves a careful assessment of the mouth and monitoring to ensure teeth are coming in properly. In addition, there will be a resting phase before your child gets upper or lower braces. Getting early, phase I treatment can reduce or eliminate the need to extract teeth in the future. Less aggressive treatment is generally necessary when phase 1 is implemented.

Why Two-Phase Treatment Is Necessary for Some Children

If your child has a narrow mouth and teeth are not descending properly, phase 1 treatment is going to be beneficial. When teeth are crowded, your child is going to be at risk for cavities and other dental problems. Without phase 1 treatment, your child is at a higher risk to need teeth removed before final braces can be put into place. Treatment that begins early often results in less aggressive treatment in the end.

What are the primary benefits of Invisalign?

The primary advantage of Invisalign is that it is clear and almost invisible. Therefore, patients can wear Invisalign aligners and very few people will be able to tell. Most people consider traditional metal braces unattractive. Many people, particularly adults, feel embarrassed when wearing metal braces. This makes Invisalign clear aligners a good option for anyone who wants straight teeth without having to wear unsightly metal braces for a few years. Another huge advantage of Invisalign is that it can be removed easily. Patients can remove the aligners before eating, brushing, flossing, and even playing contact sports.

How many patients are being treated with Invisalign?

Worldwide, more than 2.6 million people have been treated with Invisalign clear aligners. Every day, the number of Invisalign users grows. It is expected that the number of Invisalign users will grow sufficiently to rival the number of individuals who have been treated with traditional metal braces.

How does Invisalign move teeth?

Invisalign clear aligners are able to move the teeth horizontally or vertically. The clear aligners can also rotate a tooth to its proper position. The aligners, which are clear plastic trays, fit your teeth but are a little different. The teeth are forced to shift gradually to fit the clear plastic trays. Your orthodontist will give you a different clear tray to wear every week. Each clear plastic tray will resemble your end result more and more.

Is Invisalign covered by insurance?

Many insurance plans cover Invisalign treatment just as they cover other orthodontic treatments like those involving traditional metal braces. There are many insurance plans that cover up to $3,000 of the cost of Invisalign treatment.

Ready to enhance your self-esteem, self-confidence, and overall dental health?

Contact us today to set up a complimentary consultation with our smile experts.

Make An Appointment

Patient Love 😍

I began taking my daughter Meena to Lets Smile Dental since she was about 3 or 4 years old (she is turning 7 this year). I was forced to switch dentists because the practice we were with before dismissed my daughter as a client due to "behavioral issues".

My daughter has a long history of dental issues and has had many painful dental procedures since she was 1 1/2 yrs old. She does not have behavioral issues- she has fear. She wasn't running around the office making a mess of things or acting badly; she was afraid, would cry, and didn't want to open her mouth. Pretty common for a pediatric practice of any kind. That so-called pediatric dental practice left a bad taste in my mouth and I was hesitant to take her anywhere else.

When I called Let's Smile, I let them know from the start that my daughter had major anxiety when it came to the dentist due to her history and that it may be difficult to treat her. This dental practice did not disappoint. Every single staff member has been so patient with Meena. Dr. Brown is Meena's current dentist and she is phenomenal. She works so closely with me when it comes to Meena's treatment plan, and she has helped us get a possible diagnosis for the issues Meena has with her teeth.

My daughter went from not opening her mouth and kicking and screaming to saying "I love Dr. Brown. I love my dentist". I never thought I would see the day where she would not only open her mouth willingly, but actually love her dentist. I can not thank them enough for all the loving care they have provided us over the years. We appreciate them so much!

Nicolette L.

Google Review

This is a great place! My son has Down Syndrome and the entire staff is understanding and flexible. They explain every step of the process to him and are patient with his questions. We love this practice!

Sarah K.

Google Review

I love this practice. Been doing Invisalign here for about 2 years now. The doctors and hygienists really make this place shine. They always help provide a deep sense of comfort for orthodontic patients. For something like orthodontics that can be very uncomfortable, they make this a very good experience.

The office staff do a great job as well. Any time that I call, I am always greeted with a friendly voice. When I show up for appointments, I am always provided a warm welcome.

One hygienist there, Maria, went above and beyond the call of duty during my appointment the other day. While she was removing aligner attachments from my teeth, she went ahead and cleaned off all of the coffee stains from the rest of my teeth. Not only are my teeth straight now, but they shine thanks to her.

All in all, the practice really lives up to its name, and if you are considering orthodontics, quit searching around and give this place a call!

arjunayost

Google Review

My 2-year old daughter had an absolutely amazing experience here! The office is warm and welcoming. The hygienist, Dana, was lovely. She showed us around and was very compassionate. Dr. Brown was friendly and took her time making my daughter feel comfortable. My daughter was actually sad to leave and cried in the parking lot! I am very thankful for this dental practice and I highly recommend it!

Julie R.

Google Review

I could not have been happier with my family's choice in an orthodontist. Dr. Ghatri has been phenomenal and always takes the time to know his patients. We have and will continue to recommend Dr. Ghatri and his team at Let’s Smile.

Kellie B.

Google Review

Read All Reviews

Board Certified Orthodontist
American Association of Orthodontists
Let's Smile Is An Invisalign Diamond Provider
American Board of Pediatric Dentistry College of Diplomas Diplomate
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
ABPD-BoardCertified

Hours

Monday - Thursday:   
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM

Friday:
8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Fairfax

4210 Fairfax Corner Avenue West
Suite 245
Fairfax, VA 22030

Services

Fairfax Orthodontics
Fairfax Pediatric Dentistry

Reston

1984 Isaac Newton Square West
Suite 200
Reston, VA 20190

Services

Reston Orthodontics

Springfield

6564 Loisdale Court
Suite 110
Springfield, VA 22150

Services

Springfield Orthodontics
Springfield Pediatric Dentistry
Springfield Oral Surgery

Are you in Fredericksburg? Visit our sister practice, ClearCare Dental!

ClearCare Dental

Let's Smile Dental : Orthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Implants in Fairfax, Springfield, Reston

Reviews      Blog      Careers      Doctors      Financing      Insurance      Contact Us     Privacy Policy