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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!