Orthodontics
Emergency Orthodontics Contact Us for Quick Help
Orthodontic emergencies are unusual, but our team is always available in case you need orthodontic care on short-notice. The most common orthodontic emergencies are dislodged brackets or wires, which should be fixed as quickly as possible so that you don't lose any progress in your treatment. If your braces should ever suffer damage, give our Fairfax office a call at (703) 385-0303.
What Is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a field of dentistry that diagnoses and treats dental and bite irregularities. Treatment may include braces, clear aligners like Invisalign®, or headgear. Orthodontic treatment addresses issues such as:
Orthodontics can straighten twisted or rotated teeth into proper alignment. Crooked teeth can make it difficult to properly brush and floss, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
Overcrowding can cause teeth to become crooked, jut out, or overlap. Extractions are sometimes necessary so that orthodontic treatment can straighten the remaining teeth.
Orthodontics can help treat issues such as underbite, overbite, crossbite, and open bite. These issues are not just cosmetic—they can also lead to oral health problems.
For some patients, gapped teeth are purely a cosmetic concern. However, spaces between teeth can cause speech issues and cause other teeth to become crowded or misaligned.
Grinding teeth can be a result of a misaligned bite. Teeth grinding can cause damage to your teeth and lead to painful temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder symptoms.
Highly Respected Orthodontists in Fairfax Request Your Initial Consultation Today!
Highly Trained
Our orthodontists, Dr. Charles D. Kirksey and Dr. Milan Simanek, maintain membership in the American Orthodontic Society and the International Association for Orthodontics. Their affiliation with these groups, as well as their commitment to continued education, keeps them exposed to all of the latest developments, technologies, and techniques in the field.
Affordable
We make orthodontic treatment as affordable as possible for our patients. We are committed to conservative dentistry, meaning we only recommend treatments that are absolutely necessary for your oral health. In addition, braces are covered by insurance in many cases. Finally, we accept CareCredit®, which offers manageable monthly payment plans for our patients.
Always Available
Our dentist and orthodontists are always available in case of a dental emergency. If you require immediate attention at any point during your treatment process, we will make every effort to see you as soon as possible.
Call us or contact us online to request a free initial consultation today!
(703) 385-0303
"Staff was friendly and professional...impressive response to my emergency dental needs..the office was well equipped to handle my needs and the Dentist was excellent...informing me of everything in advance." Sue Tobat
The Basics of Traditional Braces Treatment
Brackets, Wires, & Rubber Bands
Traditional metal braces use wires, brackets, and rubber bands to guide your teeth into alignment. A metal bracket is attached to each tooth, and an archwire is placed through the brackets. Rubber bands are wrapped around the brackets to hold the archwire in place. This system gradually moves your teeth into their new position.
Inter-Arch Elastics
Inter-arch elastics are used for jaw alignment issues, such as to fix an underbite or overbite. Inter-arch elastics attach to small hooks on your brackets. Like braces, they use tension to gradually realign your bite. As treatment progresses, your orthodontist may make adjustments to the elastics depending on your dental needs.
Retainers
When treatment is completed, we'll provide you with a retainer that will help keep your teeth in their straightened position. How often you will need to wear it will vary. Some patients will need to wear a retainer full-time for six months, then transition to nightly wear. This retainer is an important step that maintains the results of your orthodontic treatment.
A Common Solution
Traditional braces remain a reliable, predictable, and effective method of straightening crooked teeth. For many teens and adults with malocclusion (improperly aligned bites), braces are the best option for moving teeth into their optimal positions.
We Look Forward to Meeting You Request an Orthodontic Consultation
Whether you are interested in orthodontics for yourself or your child, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of our orthodontists at Fairfax Family Dental Care. We are happy to offer free consultations to new patients (x-rays and other imaging may incur a fee).
Our patients recommend us to their friends and family because we are friendly, experienced, and always available to help in case of an emergency. To experience our advanced level of care for yourself, request your free consultation by filling out our online form or calling our Fairfax, VA, office at:
(703) 385-0303
We Have Hundreds of Positive Reviews "They take really good care of their patients"
Marilyn Vejdani
Fairfax, VA
2023
Excellent care and all the staff is wonderful and are very friendly and knowledgeable. I highly recommend this dental practice.
View on GoogleGayle Jacques
Fairfax, VA
2023
My husband’s family has been going here for 35+ years and our kids have only known Fairfax Family Dental Care. They take really good care of their patients and very knowledgeable.
View on GoogleSee How Braces Work
Braces consist of brackets, wires, and bands that gently and precisely apply pressure to teeth to shift them into alignment. The typical patient experiences fully straightened teeth in 18 to 24 months. For patients interested in a more discreet orthodontic option, our Fairfax orthodontists also offer Invisalign®.
What to Expect with Braces A Treatment Timeline
Braces can bring your teeth into healthy, attractive alignment within 12 to 18 months.
A Closer Look at Braces
The wires attach to the brackets using rubber bands. These wires use gentle force to guide your teeth into the correct position. Your orthodontist will make adjustments to the wires as treatment progresses to give you a straighter smile.
Not Sure If Traditional Orthodontics Is Right For You? Call our Fairfax, VA, dentistry practice today
At Fairfax Family Dental Care, we understand that orthodontic treatment options can be overwhelming. Each patient has unique needs, budgets, and more. Our conservative approach to dental care means our dentists and orthodontists will never recommend any treatment that you do not need.
We are happy to explain any and all treatment options and work with you to determine which will best address your unique dental issues. We are also happy to answer any questions you may have about treatment, as we want you to be completely comfortable with your options and decisions.
Our open, friendly, state-of-the-art practice has been established since 1986, and our happy and helpful staff are here to help. Call or contact us to see if traditional orthodontics is right for you.
(703) 385-0303
"Very friendly and personal, made me feel at home and safe." Randi Mosley
Orthodontics for All Ages
Our focus on family-friendly dentistry extends to our orthodontic care. We are happy to provide braces to children, teens, and adults if it is the right solution for their dental needs.
In general, the earlier in life you can get your child started with orthodontics, the better. By providing pediatric dentistry and addressing alignment issues early in a child's dental development, we can move the teeth more easily and prevent the development of more significant issues in the future.
Our dentists and team members are excellent with children and take great joy in equipping little ones for a lifetime of superior dental health. If you think it's time for an orthodontist to look at your child's smile, contact us today.
Not Interested in Wearing Braces? We Also Offer Invisalign
Discreet Orthodontics
Our orthodontist offers Invisalign to adults and teens interested in a discreet, comfortable, and convenient solution. These removable trays work much like the wires and brackets, gently guiding your teeth into proper alignment. However, not everyone is a candidate for Invisalign, and significant alignment issues may exclude you from Invisalign treatment. Learn more to see if you are a candidate for this orthodontic alternative for mild to moderate orthodontic issues.
Does Orthodontic Treatment Hurt?
Traditional braces can be mildly uncomfortable as you adjust to wearing them. There can also be discomfort in the first few days following adjustments. The same can also be true for orthodontic alternatives such as Invisalign. As your mouth adjusts to the aligner trays, there may be some mild soreness, but your orthodontist will ensure the trays do not rub against your gums. With any orthodontic treatment, your doctor will work with you to minimize any discomfort, and you can take over-the-counter pain medications while your mouth adjusts. Patients with traditional metal braces often also use orthodontic wax to help with areas of irritation.
If you experience significant pain that does not respond to comfort measures, it is important that you call our Fairfax dentistry practice right away so that we can address your issues promptly. We have an emergency dentist available 24/7 to help you as soon as possible.
Affordable Financing Available Contact Us About Financing Options
We do not want financial barriers to prevent patients from receiving the orthodontic treatment they need. Before you begin treatment at our Fairfax, VA, dentistry practice, we will develop a treatment plan that includes any costs. We also work with most dental insurance providers. For those without insurance, we accept CareCredit to help finance your treatment and make it more affordable. Call us or contact us online to learn more about our affordable financing options.
"Dr. Kirksey is the best dentist ever and so are the rest of the dentists in their facility. Their staff is courteous, their prices are low, they are very good to people, and they have the best facility." Claire Fowler
Care and Maintenance of Metal Braces
Maintaining your oral health during orthodontic treatment may seem a bit daunting. Rest assured that we will provide you with the education you need to keep your teeth healthy throughout the entire course of treatment and beyond. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Brush and Floss
Daily
Your orthodontist will show you how to brush and floss around your brackets and wires to ensure optimal oral health. Small orthodontic brushes can help you get between the wires; this ensures all food debris is properly removed. Continue to brush using a soft-bristle brush, cleaning all surfaces of your teeth, wires, and brackets.
Continue With Normal Dental Exams
Regular dental exams and cleanings are crucial for maintaining your oral health. It is important that you continue with your regular dental visits, as this can help you catch tooth decay or gum disease before it progresses to a more serious concern, such as a root canal infection.
Avoid or Minimize Damaging Foods
Sticky or hard foods like gum, caramel, hard candies, and raw vegetables can damage or dislodge the brackets or wire. It is best to avoid some of these foods that are not needed for a balanced diet, such as chewing gum. However, if you have a damaged wire or bracket, our emergency dental services are on call 24/7 to help.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
This will vary based on your orthodontic needs. Average treatment time is 18 to 24 months. More complex issues will require more time, whereas minor issues can generally be resolved in a shorter timeframe. During your initial consultation, your dentist will examine your teeth and bite and can give you a more accurate treatment timeline. Once treatment is complete, you are encouraged to continue wearing your retainer to maintain your results.
I am missing a tooth. Can I still get braces?
Yes! Missing teeth can actually be the cause of some shifting teeth. You can prevent this shifting by seeking treatment as soon as possible after tooth loss. Our comprehensive treatment options include restorative dentistry such as dental implants, crowns, and more. We have a full range of general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry treatment options to give you the smile you have always dreamed of.
Can adults get braces?
Yes. There are a variety of reasons why a patient may not have had orthodontic treatment as a child. There is no age limit for orthodontia, and it is never too late to correct a misaligned bite or issues like crooked teeth.
"Best dental care I've had in years."
Janette Cobb
Fairfax, VA
2023
Best Dental Care I’ve Had in years. My family actually drives 2 hrs away to see the dentist. I would highly suggest
View on GoogleGenevieve Bhat
Fairfax, VA
2023
All the employees were wonderful. They were kind and friendly. Morena was excellent in her job.
View on Google
