Dr. Hallman wants to know: What do you love about our community?

Hallman Orthodontics, located in Chevy Chase, and serving surrounding communities, is situated around some pretty unique neighborhoods, including Bethesda, Somerset, Silver Spring, Kensington and Washington, D.C. Each is special with its own personality, created by the people and places (and our wonderful patients) living within.

Today, Dr. Linda Hallman and our team thought we'd ask: What are your favorite things about Chevy Chase and aforementioned communities? Is there a local event you attend every year? Do you have a favorite eatery? Perhaps a favorite Maryland getaway?

Please feel free to share some information about your favorite local hang-outs in Chevy Chase, and everything you love best about “your neck of the woods.” And, who knows, we might post your response on our social networks!

The advantage of Invisalign Teen™ at Hallman Orthodontics

Dr. Hallman knows image is everything. At an age when image is so important, the thought of having metal brackets and wires constantly attached to teeth may intensify the already-delicate confidence of today's teens. But did you know there is a clear alternative to traditional braces? The team at Hallman Orthodontics thought we'd share some information about Invisalign Teen™, which gives teens everywhere a whole new way to wear braces for a "clearly" amazing smile!

For many teens, Invisalign Teen offers a trouble-free, clear alternative to traditional braces; and not only that, but it offers them the chance to have straight teeth without losing self-confidence!

So how does Invisalign Teen work? Much in the same fashion as Invisalign, but with a few added characteristics tailored specifically to teenagers’ lifestyles. For instance, Invisalign Teen is designed with “compliance indicators” that fade from dark to light during the two week period that particular tray is used and once it has faded teens know to change trays. Each aligner comes with up to six free individual replacement aligners in case the original aligner ends up lost or broken. Another big benefit for the patient!

The treatment period for Invisalign Teen varies from nine to 18 months. If your teen is considering orthodontic treatment, please give us a call and we’ll answer any questions you may have about Invisalign Teen. Dr. Hallman is a certified Invisalign Teen provider.

Enjoy the rest of your week!

Ask Dr. Hallman: When should my child get an orthodontic check-up?

Many parents assume they must wait until a child has all of his or her permanent teeth, only to find that treatment would have been much easier if started earlier. Some orthodontic problems are easier to correct while the jaw is still growing. Consequently, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven.

What’s so great about age seven? Enough permanent teeth have arrived for an orthodontist 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, says Dr. Hallman.

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 detrimental to good oral hygiene. So if your child is nearing age 7, give us a call at Hallman Orthodontics to schedule an appointment.

What puts you at ease at Hallman Orthodontics?

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

Let us know by posting here or by giving us a call! Have a great rest of the week!