At some point, most parents start to wonder: “Will my child need braces someday?” “Are their teeth coming in the right way?” “When should I schedule my child’s first orthodontic appointment?” These are incredibly common questions, and you’re not expected to have all the answers! That’s exactly why the American Association of Orthodontists recommends a … 5 Signs Your Child Might Need Braces: What Parents Should Watch For
If you’ve been thinking about improving your smile, you might be wondering: Can I get braces if I have cavities? Or even… do braces cause cavities? Good news: braces themselves don’t cause cavities! Cavities form when bacteria and plaque sit on your teeth long enough to damage enamel. Braces simply create a few extra places … Can You Get Braces With Cavities? Everything You Need to Know
April is National Facial Protection Month, which makes it the perfect time to talk about one of the easiest ways to help protect your smile during sports and active play: wearing a mouthguard. At First Impression Orthodontics, we see lots of active kids, teens, and adults throughout Northern Virginia, and if there’s one thing we … National Facial Protection Month: How to Protect Your Smile This Sports Season
Starting braces or clear aligners is thrilling! You leave your first visit feeling proud of yourself and excited about the changes ahead. Then a few weeks go by, the initial excitement settles, and you may find yourself wondering: “Should I be seeing changes by now?” “Are my braces working if they don’t hurt?” “How do … 6 Surprising Signs Orthodontic Treatment is Working
Choosing an orthodontist is a big decision – for you, your child, and your family. You’re not just selecting braces or aligners. You’re choosing the doctor and team who will carefully shape your smile, guide facial development, and be trusted with changes that last a lifetime. It’s a big deal! So it’s natural to ask: … How Many Orthodontic Consultations Should I Get?
Choosing between braces vs clear aligners can feel a little like choosing between two very good options: you’ll get a beautiful, healthy smile either way. The question is simply which treatment fits your life best? At First Impression Orthodontics in Alexandria, VA, we help patients of all ages choose the option that aligns with their … Braces vs Clear Aligners: Take Our Quiz to Find Your Perfect Match
February is Children’s Dental Health Month, which means it’s the perfect time to answer one of the most common (and very reasonable) parent questions we hear: When should my child see an orthodontist, and what actually happens at that first visit? If you’re imagining pressure to commit to braces, surprise treatment plans, or a rushed … What Really Happens at Your Child’s First Orthodontic Check-Up
Congrats on your beautiful new smile! You’ve finished treatment, your smile looks amazing, and now the next phase begins. Whether you’ve been wearing your retainer for a week, or months now, you’ll probably wonder at some point: “How long do I actually have to wear my retainers?” “Are retainers really necessary?” “What happens if I … How Long Should You Really Wear a Retainer? (The Honest Answer)
We’ve added another smile to the #FIO family, and this one happens to belong to our newest Alexandria orthodontist, Dr. Jenna Schneider! If you’ve stopped by the office or follow us on social media, you’ve probably already seen her cheerful energy in action. Dr. Schneider has officially joined Dr. Lu and the FIO team, and … Get to Know Dr. Schneider, the Newest Smiling Face at #FIO!
There’s something exciting about a brand-new year! New year, new goals, and that “fresh start” feeling we all love. A lot of us start the year with New Year’s resolutions that focus on fitness, routines, or organizing our spaces — all wonderful goals! But refreshing your smile routine can be just as impactful. At First … 2026 Smile Refresh: What to Do NOW Before Your Best Year Yet
