The Benefits of a Beautiful Smile

 We know that having an attractive smile puts a spring in your step—or two—as well as increases your self-confidence, no matter if you’re 14 or in your late forties. Smiling not only makes people happy and puts them in a good mood, doing it often can even help you live longer, according to previous studies!

If you’ve been hiding your smile because you have crooked teeth or gaps between your teeth, it’s time to consider orthodontic treatment at our practice. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn how quickly and efficiently today’s most advanced correction techniques can straighten your smile!

Don’t hide your smile any longer — give us a call today to schedule yours or your child’s orthodontic consultation.

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.

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!

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

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!

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

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!

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!

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!