600!

Great news! We have 600 Facebook fans and counting! Dr. Hughes and team can't wait to get to 1,000 ... thanks to all of our patients and friends for connecting with us on Facebook!

At Hughes Orthodontics, we embrace new technology, whether it is through the innovative orthodontic treatments that we offer, our high-tech web site (coming soon!) and social networks, or our modern office conveniently located in Alexandria.

Braces off song!

At Hughes Orthodontics, we love serenading our patients when they get their braces off, and hey, look! Another patient gets her new, gorgeous smile from Dr. Hughes! Congrats - your teeth look perfect!

For more videos, please head to our YouTube page!

Invisalign® promotion through December 31st!

The holidays are a great time to have the smile you deserve. We have an Invisalign promotion running through the end of the year.

Call our office today to schedule your complimentary Invisalign consultation with Dr. Herbert Hughes. Invisalign is a series of clear, removable teeth aligners that Dr. Hughes uses as an alternative to traditional metal braces. Aside from being invisible, Invisalign aligners are removable, allowing you to eat and drink what you want while in treatment. They are cosmetically superior to other orthodontic appliances and more comfortable because they have no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment.

You can learn more about Invisalign on their web site at www.invisalign.com.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Giving thanks this holiday season

With Thanksgiving almost upon us, it's a great time to ask ourselves what we're thankful for. With our friends and family around us, we celebrate the blessings given to us in the past year. Dr. Hughes and our staff at Hughes Orthodontics thought we'd ask: What are you thankful for this holiday season? Do you have any Thanksgiving wishes you would like to share?

Dr. Hughes and our entire team would like to wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving. It’s a big food holiday, so be careful what you eat with those braces! If you have any stories or photos to share with us, we’d encourage you to send them along or post them on our Facebook page!

Gobble Gobble!

Is your contact information at Hughes Orthodontics current?

Are you having a great week so far? Well, if you've seen the news, you probably know there is nasty weather ahead this fall and winter in Alexandria and across the entire eastern seaboard.

Please help Dr. Herbert Hughes and our staff at Hughes Orthodontics get prepared by calling us and letting us know if you have any new phone numbers or if your contact information has changed!

At times of power outages and inclement weather, we need to be able to get a hold of you. Please call us with any updates to phone numbers and addresses, so we may be able to reach you. Thank you and Happy Holidays from Dr. Hughes and our entire staff!

Happy Birthday, Thuy!

Congratulations to Thuy, who turned the BIG 30 today! Thuy has been an integral part of Hughes Orthodontics for the past 8 years.

Enjoy your day!

Flex your dollars to REFRESH your smile!

Don’t let the year end without using up your Flex account dollars. Or, start your treatment early next year at Hughes Orthodontics by setting up Flex contributions now. This is your chance to have the smile you deserve. Ask us how - call our office today to schedule your complimentary Invisalign consultation. Invisalign is a series of clear, removable teeth aligners that Dr. Herbert Hughes uses as an alternative to traditional metal braces.

We have an Invisalign promotion running through the end of the year, so call us or ask us on Facebook if you have any questions!

Give us a call today at 571.451.0754!

Candy Buy Back at Hughes Orthodontics!

Be a part of our annual Candy Buy Back Program! Bring your unwanted Halloween candy to our office this week and we’ll weigh it and pay it! Dr. Hughes gives $5 per pound ($2 goes to the patient and $3 donation to the Carpenter’s Shelter to help feed the homeless for a Thanksgiving feast) Last year we collected over 300 pounds and we want to beat last year’s record! Thanks for you help.

The 411 on Halloween candy, from Dr. Hughes

For moms and dads worried about kids going overboard on candies, sugar and other sweets, Halloween is a dreaded annual event.

All those sweet, sour and sticky candies may taste great, but these treats are known to damage teeth, as well as braces! Did you know sour candies can be acidic to your teeth, and actually wear down the enamel that protects them? This can cause tooth decay and cavities!

Sour and fruity candy, such as Starburst and Skittles, are the worst for your child’s teeth since these candies have a low pH value, which can ruin enamel. In addition, we also want your child to steer clear of sticky, chewy, gummy and nutty goodies.

Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists recommend softer treats, such as soft chocolate or peanut butter cups, or melt-in-your-mouth foods. Trick-or-treaters who indulge should make sure they brush and floss between teeth, around brackets and at the gum line. If damage occurs, give Dr. Hughes a call as soon as possible.

We hope that everyone has a safe and scary Halloween!

Hughes Orthodontics visits Cookology!

Last Wednesday, our staff at Hughes Orthodontics enjoyed a team building experience at Cookology. It was a lot of fun and our lunch was surprisingly delicious!

We have a winner!

Caleb is going to the movies on us! He was our appointment card winner for September! Be sure to stop by our convenient Alexandria office this month to enter our next contest!

Featured patient review for Dr. Hughes!

One of Dr. Hughes' patients, Richard, recently wrote a nice testimonial for our office! Thanks for writing in and for your kind words!!


"WOW - Bottom Braces on!!!"

The Bottom Braces are on and it is amazing! I absolutely LOVE Dr. Hughes and his entire staff! It is such an Ohana (Hawaiian for Family) feeling office. Mahalo (Thank you) for making this experience fabulous.

Dr. Herbert Hughes and staff, supporting National Orthodontic Health Month!

This weekend marks the official start of National Orthodontic Health Month, and our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have created a helpful website that provides important information on protecting your braces, including tips for trick-or-treaters, braces-friendly Halloween recipes, facts about braces and treats you should avoid while wearing braces.

Dr. Herbert Hughes and our staff recommend you check out the AAO's website as well for helpful tips on keeping your braces in tip-top shape. If you have any follow-up questions, please feel free to give us a call at 703.360.8660, ask us on Facebook or ask Dr. Hughes during your next visit!

What's your story? What made you choose Hughes Orthodontics ?

At Hughes Orthodontics, our goal is to create healthy smiles, as well as balanced faces that will last a lifetime. Our mission is to be a happy, harmonious, efficient team of professionals who exceeds our patients, parents, referring dentists and team mates expectations.

Whether you’ve just come in for a consultation or your family has been visiting our convenient Alexandria office for years, we’d love to hear your feedback. You can write a review on our Facebook page or on our Google listing!

Thank you in advance! We hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

Jerry celebrates the removal of his braces!

Check out Jerry and his new smile! Great job!!

What helps you relax at Hughes Orthodontics?

Dr. Herbert Hughes understands not everyone is always thrilled to see their orthodontist. But we wants you to know that Dr. Hughes and our team strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit. So, we’d like to know: What is it about Hughes Orthodontics that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant environment? Our friendly staff? Dr. Hughes himself?

Let us know by posting on our Facebook page! Happy Friday and enjoy your weekend!

Fun facts with Hughes Orthodontics!

Everyone loves fun facts. Really, who doesn't? Our good friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have come up with some fun facts about orthodontics that Dr. Herbert Hughes and our team at Hughes Orthodontics thought you might enjoy. Have a GREAT Labor Day weekend!

• There are nearly 4 million people in orthodontic treatment throughout the United States. Three out of four are younger than 18.

• The first mechanical treatment for correcting irregular teeth was suggested by Gaius Plinius Secundus (A.D 23-79).The American Association of Orthodontists is comprised of more than 12,000 members in the United States, Canada and abroad.

• The time required to complete orthodontic treatment ranges from 12 to 36 months depending on the nature and severity of the problem.

• Of the 160,000 dentists in the United States and Canada, 8,000 are practicing orthodontists.

• The cement that attaches the braces to the teeth is now made with a special fluoride-releasing substance.

• Wires activated by body heat used in today's braces originally were developed by NASA for use in the space program.

• In addition to alleviating or preventing physical health problems, orthodontics can boost self-esteem as treatment aligns teeth, jaws and lips.

• Famous orthodontic patients include: Dr. Joyce Brothers, Hale Irwin, Cher, Diana Ross, Phyllis Diller, Chelsea Clinton, Whoopi Goldberg, Daisy Fuentes and Brandi.

Ask Dr. Hughes: At what age should my child visit for a consultation?

Many parents in Alexandria and surrounding areas believe they must wait until their child has all of his or her permanent teeth to visit Dr. Herbert Hughes for a consultation, only to discover treatment would have been much easier if started earlier. When, exactly? Age seven, according to our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists, who recommend that every child have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven.

That’s right—seven.

You might be thinking: "What’s so great about age seven?" Enough permanent teeth have arrived for Dr. Hughes to make a determination about whether any problems are present. The first molars have come in, providing an opportunity to check for malocclusion, or “bad bite.” Also, the incisors have begun to come in, and problems such as crowding, deep bites and open bites can be detected.

Orthodontic evaluation at an early age provides one of two positive outcomes: For some, early identification or problems will lead to easier or shorter orthodontic treatment in the future. For others, a healthy prognosis will provide immediate peace of mind.

Early evaluation, of course, may signal a need for early treatment. For some children, early treatment can prevent physical and emotional trauma. Aside from spurring on years of harmful teasing, misaligned teeth are also prone to injury and are detrimental to good oral hygiene. So, if your child is nearing his or her seventh birthday, give us a call at Hughes Orthodontics to schedule a consultation! End of the summer is a great time to come in!

Back to school with Hughes Orthodontics

Now that many of our fantastic patients are back in school (or are getting ready to head back), Dr. Hughes and our team want to remind all of our patients about the importance of scheduling appointments in advance. With school, clubs, sports and family functions to consider in the fall, we know that it can be challenging to find time to visit Hughes Orthodontics. In order to accommodate all of our patients' busy schedules, it is important that you plan ahead for your appointments so that we are able to provide you with an appointment time that is convenient for you.

As always, please remember to give Dr. Hughes and our team advance notice if you are unable to make an appointment. If we receive enough notice, we might be able to schedule another patient for that time. Feel free to give us a call at 703.360.8660 if you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule your fall appointment.

Happy learning,

Dr. Hughes and staff

Are you reading this summer?

With summer here for only six more weeks, Dr. Hughes and our staff wanted to remind all our patients about the importance of reading. With school out, we know it’s easy to keep putting off reading and learning this time of year, but reading during the summer is actually a vital step in brain development and helps ward off the dreaded “summer slide.” Plus, grabbing a book you just can't put down is always fun!

Today, we thought we’d ask: What's on YOUR summer reading list? What are some of your all-time favorite reads?

Out of ideas for great summer reads? Then check out these summer reading lists for the entire family that we came across this morning, from Barnes & Noble.

Happy reading! Be sure to share with us your summer picks or your all-time favorites on our Facebook page!

Don't forget that mouth guard this summer! From Dr. Hughes

Would you believe we're already halfway through summer? As the weather gets - and stays - hot, the chances for you athletes to sustain a mouth injury gets likelier and likelier (because most of you are spending so much time outdoors or participating in more sporting events). Dr. Herb Hughes and our staff at Hughes Orthodontics would like to remind our young athletes in treatment to always take care of both your mouth and appliances while participating in contact sports.

That includes wearing a mouth guard at all times when you're out on the field. Only by using a mouth guard can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. And don't forget to ask us for a mouth guard - Dr. Hughes will provide a mouth guard for anyone in active treatment! We hope you're having a terrific summer!

Hughes Orthodontics, encouraging you to join the Braces Brigade!

Have you ever thought about sharing your experience in braces in writing, but just didn't know how? Well, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists are proud to offer the Braces Brigade campaign, where not only you can share your experience with millions of people, but you can come away with a $100 American Express gift card as well.

All applicants must either be an orthodontic patient here at Hughes Orthodontics or the parent of a patient (pre- and post- treatment stages are fine).

To complete your Braces Brigade application, you'll need to provide:

* Name
* Age – Must be 14 years of age or older
* E-mail
* Phone number
* Stage of orthodontic treatment
* A photo of your braces/smile
* A sample blog post – picture yourself as a member of Braces Brigade and show off those blogging skills! (100 word minimum)

In your blog, we encourage you to answer the following questions:

• Why did you decide to get orthodontic treatment?
• What advice would you share with other orthodontic patients?
• What does it feel like to get braces on?
• What foods do you miss the most?
• What new foods have you discovered?
• Do your friends have braces or retainers?
• Where is the first place you’re going to show off your new, beautiful smile?
• How has your new smile changed your life?

If you're under 18, your parents must fill out this form along with your official entry, giving you permission to enter the contest.

Dr. Hughes and team encourage you to apply today! GOOD LUCK!!

Ask Dr. Hughes: What’s so bad about biting my nails?

We’ve all heard that biting your nails is an awful habit, but you many wonder- really- what’s so bad about it? Recently, our team at Hughes Orthodontics found an interesting article that discusses how biting your nails affect your teeth and oral health.

Nail biting, also known as Onychophagia, is a common habit among various age groups, including primarily children, teens and young adults. Nail biting is generally triggered by stress and most often decreases with age. That being said, nail biting is unsanitary, unattractive, as well as unhealthy for your teeth!

Here’s why:

• It’s unsanitary. Your nails are dirty, almost twice as dirty as your fingers! Hence, biting your nails is just asking for germs and bacteria.
• No good things come to your teeth. Nail biting causes your teeth to constantly be chewing, which is not good for them. This excessive motion wears your teeth down faster than a non-nail biter’s and puts a large amount of stress on your front teeth- contributing to teeth misalignment.
• Braces don’t love it either. Braces already put pressure on teeth, nail biting ads unnecessary pressure, further stressing your teeth and weakening their roots.
• It can be costly. Nail biting can result in up to $4,000 in additional dental bills over one lifetime, according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). Yikes!

What can you do about it?

Now that you know how harmful nail biting can be, it’s time to take action to break your nail biting habit. Try to be conscious of your fingernails and to keep them looking good - this will help you resist the temptation. We hope this helps!

Share your Fourth of July plans with Dr. Hughes!

For many of our patients at Hughes Orthodontics, the Fourth of July is a day of fireworks, picnics, playing at the lake or spending quality time with family. Most people recognize Independence Day as a time to celebrate and commemorate the anniversary of the signing of our Declaration of Independence. It's also a time to honor all our soldiers - past and present - who continue to place themselves in danger every day so that we Americans may celebrate our freedoms.

What about you? What are your Fourth of July plans? Are you heading to a barbecue? Hitting the open road with family? Are you planning on using fireworks?

Share your July 4th adventures with us on our Facebook page! We even encourage you to post your photos! Have a GREAT weekend everyone!

Connect with Dr. Hughes on Facebook!

At Hughes Orthodontics, we value the relationships we have developed with our patients in Alexandria and surrounding communities. Even if you only see us for your appointment on a regular basis, did you know that you can now connect with Dr. Hughes and staff on our Facebook page?

We invite you to “like” Hughes Orthodontics on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HughesOrthodontics. We share office news and updates on our Fan Page, so check it out! By Liking our page, you will receive updates from our office automatically in your news feed!

Also, we've been posting photos of our patients and Dr. Hughes' Tricks of the Month! You don't want to miss out on any of it!!

See you on Facebook and have a great weekend,

- Dr. Hughes and staff

What are our patients saying about Hughes Orthodontics?

Dr. Herbert Hughes and staff, serving Alexandria and surrounding areas, deliver the highest quality orthodontic care in a personalized environment. Our team at Hughes Orthodontics make orthodontic treatment fun and enjoyable for our patients - just see what some of them have to say!

"He is the greatest! He makes my son (and other patients) feel so comfortable. The staff is always so nice and helpful. The magic tricks and contests are an added bonus to add to the fun for the kids." ~ William B.

"My kids and I love Dr. Hughes. He is nice to the kids and he does a great job. Its hard to describe it right now. But I wouldn't take my kids anywhere else for orthodontic care. I have tried to get other people to go there as well. Because I just believe that Dr. Hughes office is the best. I was a patient of his father from 2nd grade through 12th grade. I wouldn't trust anyone else w/ my kids mouths. I had one go through there and his teeth are beautiful. I have one currently in care and we love what is happening. Thank you." ~ Melissa B.

"Very competent, has a great way of dealing with kids, I never have to wait long in his office, he seems to really care, I like his phone call when the kids first got their braces." ~ Paul K.

"His sincere genuine care, concern, clarity & staff:-) Oh, the magic is also cool !!!!!!!!!! GOD Bless and Continued Success." ~ Donald F.

"His humorous personality is a great asset because it puts my daughter at ease (she tends to get very freaked out with doctors). But because he makes her laugh, going to Dr. Hughes is a treat for her." ~ Diana S.

Please feel free to contribute your own thoughts about our office! Dr. Hughes and team love getting patient testimonials!

Dr. Hughes performs the May Trick of the Month!

Check out Dr. Herb Hughes' Trick of the Month - Uncle Freddie - at Hughes Orthodontics! More fun stuff ahead, and check out some of other cool video clips on our very own YouTube channel!

June is National Smile Month! From Hughes Orthodontics

June is upon us, and for our team at Hughes Orthodontics, that means one thing: it's National Smile Month, and it's once again time to remind our patients to brush, floss, practice good nutrition at home (and over the summer) to avoid cavities and gum disease, among other dental health issues.

That means you too, parents! After all, there's more and more evidence that suggests folks with gum disease are more at risk for serious health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and strokes.

Here are a few easy steps you can improve your oral health at home:

* Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Here's a helpful video showing you how to brush with your braces on.
* Floss everyday to clean between your teeth.
* Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks during treatment.
* Visit your dentist regularly (usually every six months apart).

If you have questions about any of these tips, we encourage you to give us a call at 703-360-8660! We hope you had a relaxing Memorial Day weekend!

Annual pumpkin contest at Hughes Orthodontics!

Our annual pumpkin contest has begun! Ever year Dr. Hughes grows a large pumpkin in his garden and the patient that comes closest to guessing the correct weight is our winner! The winner receives a pumpkin (not the one Dr. Hughes grew) and a pumpkin carving kit along with one of our custom logo items. Dr. Hughes will be taking pictures of the development of his large pumpkin throughout the summer and into the fall. He will harvest the pumpkin in early October and - hopefully - if it is a blue ribbon pumpkin he might enter it in a local pumpkin contest.

Write a Review of Hughes Orthodontics!

If you've ever been treated at Hughes Orthodontics, you probably know Dr. Hughes' goal is to create healthy smiles as well as balanced faces that will last a lifetime.

Our mission is to be a happy, harmonious, efficient team of professionals who exceeds our patients, parents, referring dentists and team mates expectations. We will continually strive to provide the best orthodontic treatment in a fun and caring atmosphere.

Whether you have visited Dr. Hughes for weeks, months or years, we’d love to hear your feedback about your experience with Hughes Orthodontics! Now with the Internet, it’s even easier to write your thoughts and share them with the world. We'd want to encourage you to write a review of us on our Google Local page - it only takes a moment!

You may write your review here.

Thank you and have a great rest of the weekend!

Dr. Hughes performs his April "Magic Trick of the Month" at the AAO!

Dr. Hughes loves fun and games. While attending the AAO Annual Session in Washington D.C a couple of weekends ago, he got a chance to perform his Magic Trick of the Month of April.

We hope you enjoy this clip - Dr. Hughes at his best!

And if you're visiting Hughes Orthodontics in May, have we got a treat for you!

Dr. Hughes at the 110th AAO Annual Session

It's no wonder folks in Alexandria and surrounding communities trust Dr. Herbert Hughes with their smiles. Besides creating healthy smiles and balanced faces that will last a lifetime, Dr. Hughes is also passionate about continuing education, and that includes attending important orthodontic-related seminars and conferences. This weekend, Dr. Hughes attended the AAO Annual Session in Washington D.C. The AAO is always an educational event that is also one of the largest orthodontic conventions in the world. It's also a time for Dr. Hughes to consult with dental experts and orthodontists from around the country and stay up-to-date on all the latest technologies and orthodontic treatment options available.

In addition to being a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, Dr. Hughes is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, the current president of the Northern Virginia Orthodontic Study Club and the past president of the Alexandria Dental Society.

He is also an active member of the following organizations:

**Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics
**Diplomate of the National Board of Orthodontics
**American Association of Orthodontists
**Southern Association of Orthodontists
**Virginia Association of Orthodontists
**World Federation of Orthodontists
**Virginia Dental Association
**Northern Virginia Dental Association
**Alexandria Dental Association
**Northern Virginia Orthodontic Study Club
**International Brotherhood of Magicians
**Media (TV & radio) spokesperson for Colgate Oral Pharmaceutical

If you've got an appointment scheduled with Hughes Orthodontics in the coming weeks, we invite you to ask Dr. Hughes about his visit to the AAO Annual Session, including what he learned and how continuing education and acquisition of new technology helps us at Hughes Orthodontics treat you more effectively!

Dr. Hughes wants to know: Do you know where your retainers are?

If you recently completed treatment at Hughes Orthodontics, we’d like to congratulate you! Now that your braces have been removed, Dr. Hughes will provide—or has provided you—with retainers. After braces are removed, teeth can shift out of position if they are not stabilized. Retainers, however, provide that stabilization. They are designed to hold teeth in their corrected, ideal positions until the bones and gums adapt to the treatment changes. Wearing retainers exactly as instructed by Dr. Hughes is the best insurance that the treatment improvements last for a lifetime. Here are some things to remember when you receive your retainers:


* Wear your retainers full time, until the doctor instructs otherwise. Wearing your retainers at night ensures that your pearly whites won’t relapse.

* Take your retainers out when eating...and always put retainers in their case! (Most appliances are lost in school lunch rooms or restaurants.)

* Clean retainers thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and only a small amount of toothpaste. Use warm but not hot water.

* When retainers are not in your mouth they should ALWAYS be in a retainer case.

* Retainers are breakable, so treat them with care. If retainers are lost or broken, give us a call immediately.

* Remove retainers when swimming or during any sporting activity in which the retainers could fall out and get broken or lost (cheerleading, basketball, etc.) or when you should be wearing a mouth guard (football, soccer, etc.).

We hope this helps! You can always contact our team by calling 703-360-8660 if you have any questions! Have a great weekend!

This Earth Day, are you making a difference? From Dr. Hughes

At Hughes Orthodontics, we support Earth Day, which is designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for our environment and ecosystem. Earth Day marks its 40th anniversary today.

Whether lending a helping hand to plant trees or getting out to volunteer in various projects in our community, today is our opportunity to get involved in making our year-round impact in the community. Are you making a difference today? Tell us, what are you up to? How long have you participated in helping our planet?

If you’d like to join the millions of people around the world who are making small but important changes to help sustain our ecosystem, try these helpful environmental tips, courtesy of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA. For a list of events in our community, please click here.

Hughes Orthodontics, reminding you to play it safe this spring

April, also known as National Facial Protection Month, is upon us, and for Dr. Hughes and our team at Hughes Orthodontics, that only means one thing: it’s once again time to remind our dear patients to protect their faces and pearly whites. Above is a helpful video from our friends at the AAO about staying safe on the ball field this spring.

According to the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation, children, high-school athletes and adults will have more than 5,000,000 teeth knocked out in sporting events this year. For our team at Hughes Orthodontics, that's just not acceptable.

We hope the above video helps. Dr. Hughes will tell you protective gear is vital for anyone engaging in tooth or mouth-threatening activities. If you have any further questions about any of the tips offered in the video, please contact Hughes Orthodontics. And remember to have fun and stay safe!

Smile, and you might just live longer! From Hughes Orthodontics

People with big smiles may live than those who don’t! That, according to a March 2010 study at Michigan’s Wayne State University. Dr. Hughes has known for quite some time that positive emotion has been linked to both physical and mental health, but researchers at the university did something quite interesting: they looked at photos of 230 ball-players who began their careers in baseball prior to 1950.

The players' photos were enlarged, and then studied their smile intensity (ranging from big smile, no smile or partial smile). The players' smile ratings were compared with data from deaths that occurred from 2006 through 2009. The researchers then corrected their analysis to account for other factors associated with life longevity, such as body mass index, career length and even college attendance.

The results? Researchers found that players who weren't smiling in the photos died at the average age of 72.9 years. Players with partial smiles lived to be 75. Those with big smiles, however, lived on average to be almost 80 years old!

Smile now, smile often and you might just live longer! Have you been perfecting your smile by visiting Hughes Orthodontics on a regular basis? If not, give us a call!

Don't be fooled! From Dr. Hughes

Today is traditionally known as April Fools' Day. Dr. Hughes and our fun staff would like it if you shared a story about a trick you played, or a friend played on you, on this silliest of days.

Feel free to post them here or on our Facebook page, and try not to get fooled today!

Tell Hughes Orthodontics what’s on your mind!

By now, you’re probably familiar with our blog-writing process: Each week, Dr. Hughes and our staff write about important orthodontic topics and your well-being, including the orthodontic treatments offered at Hughes Orthodontics. This week, though, we thought we’d step back and ask you, our amazing patients: what’s on your mind? What would you like to know about the always-changing and exciting field of orthodontics? What would you like us to focus on our blog? Perhaps there’s something you’ve wanted to ask Dr. Hughes for a while now? Here’s your chance! Let us know by posting here or on our Facebook page!

Give us your best shot, and we’ll try to answer any question you may have!

Happy St. Patrick's Day, from Dr. Hughes and team!

Dr. Hughes hopes you remembered to wear green when you stepped out the door this morning? Whether Irish or not, millions of people around the world celebrate St. Patrick's Day with toasts, parades and "the wearing of the green." Here are some fun facts about St. Patty’s Day our team at Hughes Orthodontics know you will enjoy:

• St. Patrick’s Day is observed on March 17th because that is the feast day of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. It is also a worldwide celebration of Irish culture and history.

• The name “lephrechaun” has several origins. It could be from the Irish Gaelic word “leipreachan,” which means “a kind of aqueous sprite.” Or, it could be from “leath bhrogan,” which simply means “shoemaker.”

• Some American towns have Irish names. They include: Shamrock Lakes, Indiana; Shamrock, Oklahoma; Shamrock, Texas; Dublin, California and Dublin, Ohio and Mount Gay-Shamrock, West Virginia.

• Despite what you may have heard, St. Patrick never banished snakes from Ireland. In fact, no snakes exist or ever existed in Ireland. Ireland is surrounded by icy ocean waters, much too cold to allow snakes to migrate from Britain or anywhere else.

• St. Patrick's Day was first celebrated in Boston, in 1737. Approximately 34 million Americans claim Irish ancestry. That’s almost nine times the population of Ireland, which has 4.1 million people.

March is National Nutrition Month! From Hughes Orthodontics

A couple of weeks ago, we blogged about February being National Children's Dental Health Month. Well, our team at Hughes Orthodontics also supports National Nutrition Month. Every March, Dr. Hughes and thousands of orthodontists in the U.S. celebrate this occasion, and this year is no different. This March, Dr. Hughes wants you to think diabetes, obesity and periodontal disease, and how healthful eating and physical activity may improve periodontal health.

Small changes really can make a big difference, and the American Dietetic Association (ADA) has some advice on ways to start improving your diet this March:

• Focus on fruits and vegetables: Add a serving each day to one meal and increase it every few weeks. Adding more of these foods into your diet is important whether you buy frozen, fresh or organic.

• Think fresh, think local: From farmer’s markets to community-supported agriculture, you have many options to find new, fresh foods here in Alexandria.

• Make every calorie count: When you are choosing between options, focus instead on the one with more of the vitamins and nutrients that you need. Sometimes, foods with fewer calories aren’t always the healthiest options.

• It’s tempting, but…: If you have a sweet tooth, have fruit and yogurt for dessert. If you or your little one craves a snack in the afternoon, enjoy some trail mix or nuts.

• Expand your horizons: Try a fish you’ve never eaten before or find a new vegetable recipe. By testing yourself, you might find new healthy favorites to add to your regular grocery list.

If you have additional questions about periodontal disease or keeping yourself and your mouth healthy, please give us a call!

Dr. Hughes wants to know: What are you up to in March?

It's still cold, but it’s almost springtime. The daffodils and buttercups are on their way, the sun is warming up and the smell of freshly-cut grass is wafting from baseball fields nearby. Dr. Hughes and our team thought this would be a good time to ask: What are your plans for March?

Are you ready for spring? Are you participating in school sports? Do you have exciting plans? We’d love to know them all! You may share your stories or plans with our team here, on our social networks or by giving us a call!

Hughes Orthodontics, supporting National Children’s Dental Health Month

Each February, the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors National Children's Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

For kids wearing braces, brushing and flossing can become more difficult, requiring extra time and vigilance to remove food particles that accumulate on and between the teeth and in braces. New options for braces such as Invisalign Teen, which is removable, make it easier for kids to maintain good oral health during orthodontic treatment.

If the health of your teeth is ignored during treatment with braces, the results can be significantly compromised. Dr. Hughes is available and happy to explain why effective brushing and flossing is one of the most critical actions needed from patients during orthodontic treatment. Have you visited Hughes Orthodontics lately? Give us a call!

Mouth guards, orthodontics and sports with Dr. Hughes

Wouldn’t you believe it, it’s almost springtime! The spring and summer months, however, bring an increase in outdoor activities and a greater chance of kids damaging their precious mouths and pearly whites. If you play sports, it's important that you consult Dr. Hughes for special precautions. A protective mouth guard is advised for playing spring sports such as baseball and soccer. Be sure to avoid mouth guards that custom form to your teeth as these will resist any tooth movements we are trying to achieve.

In case of any accident involving the face, check your mouth and the appliances immediately. If teeth are loosened or the appliances damaged, please schedule an appointment with Hughes Orthodontics. And don’t forget to ask us—Dr. Hughes will provide a mouth guard for any patient in active treatment at no additional charge.

Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Please give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at Hughes Orthodontics.

Hughes Orthodontics, reminding you to stay safe during the snow storm

With the intense weather conditions the past week, Dr. Hughes and our team at Hughes Orthodontics thought it would be a good time to remind you, our valued patients (and parents) to be safe when out and about.

If you don't feel safe going out, you can always reschedule your appointment. At Hughes Orthodontics our patients' well-being is our primary concern, and that includes staying safe (and warm) on the roads during this storm! If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call!

At Hughes Orthodontics, 24/7 access to your account

Access to your account, 24/7. Sounds convenient, doesn’t it?

Patients at Hughes Orthodontics enjoy access to their account, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on our web site. You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, all from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages! Just see what some of our patients are saying about this innovative service:

"Ortho Sesame enables me to access acount information whenever I need to 24/7. Ortho Sesame also allows me to view my before and after pictures whenever I like and I can share them with an audience." ~ Kathy G.

"It is helpful if you have forgotten your appointment and you would like to check, as well as keeping the total of your account at hand." ~ Melissa B.

"I like having 24 hr access to my account info. Everything is there at your fingertips. I use it most after hours of operation and on the weekends. I really like looking at the photos of the "old me" and thinking about what the "new me" will look like when my treatment is complete. I also like paying my bill online." ~ Carmen H.

"Wonderful advanced service." ~ Micheal H.

You, too, may sign up for this convenient service on our web site by clicking the "Patient Login" button on our homepage. Please call the team at Hughes Orthodontics if you have any questions!

Helpful Invisalign® tips from Hughes Orthodontics

In the past, the team at Hughes Orthodontics has blogged about the advantage of Invisalign treatment with Dr. Hughes. Today, however, we thought we'd share a few helpful Invisalign tips with you, our valued patients. Many people know that Invisalign is a great solution to braces if you don't want to experience the look and feel of traditional metal braces. What few people know, though, is that just like traditional braces, Invisalign requires proper care to work effectively.

When wearing your Invisalign aligners, Dr. Hughes wants you to ask yourself the following questions:

1. Am I eating with my aligners on? - These aligners are removable and should be taken out when you eat.

2. Am I drinking anything other than water with my aligners on? - Though it's not a necessity for you to take out your aligners while you drink, think about how sticky a soda is. If you take out your aligners when drinking a soda, you have a better chance of keeping your aligners clean.

3. Am I brushing before putting the trays on? - The aligners have both an inside and outside. Keeping the outside clean is easy. Keeping the inside clean is also easy: just make sure you've brushed your teeth before putting the trays on.

These are all very simple steps, and ultimately, they help to keep you building good oral habits. If you have any questions about Invisalign or your treatment here at Hughes Orthodontics, give us a call!

Hughes Orthodontics want to know: What are you up to in January?

BRRRR! It may still be chilly outside, but can you believe we’re only a couple of months away from spring? Dr. Hughes and our team at Hughes Orthodontics want to know: What are you doing in January? What have you accomplished this year? Are you keeping up with your New Year’s Resolution? Any big mid-winter break plans? Anything exciting going on in your life?

If you have any photos or videos that you would like to share with us, please send them our way or call our office and ask how!

Enjoy the rest of your week!

What are patients saying about Hughes Orthodontics?

Last month, the team at Hughes Orthodontics asked you, our fantastic patients, what you liked most about our office. Well, we received some pretty great reviews and thought we'd share a few with you this afternoon! Have a great rest of the week!

"Dr. Hughes is the most friendly and caring doctor that we have used ever. He enjoys his profession and people and it shows. He always tries to make the kids and his patients comfortable and at ease, all the while accomplishing what needs to be done in a very professional and effective manner. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking an orthodontist." ~ John C.

"I love the personal service & fun, friendly atmosphere! My daughter loves going there and has a fantastic attitude about her orthodontic work. I feel this is largely due to the excellent staff, "magical" atmosphere, positive attitude, and the fun contests. They make us feel very welcome." ~ Wendy M.

"He's great - I am very impressed with the office. I have been to two different Orthodonists (one in Canada and one in Maryland), this one is far the best." ~ Augustin S.

"The entire staff is very friendly and considerate! I appreciate your promptness of being seen at the appointed time ~ this is a very important part of your excellent customer service!! You seem to value our time as much as we value yours ~ and we all LOVE the magic tricks!!" ~ Juliana G.

"He is an amazing man who really enjoys his job and it shows." ~ Patty K.

What puts you at ease at Hughes Orthodontics?

Dr. Hughes understands not everyone is thrilled to see their orthodontist. But he wants you to know that he and his team strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit. We’d like to know: What is it about Hughes Orthodontics that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant environment? Our friendly staff? Dr. Hughes himself?

Let us know by posting here or by giving us a call! Happy Wednesday!