Our Blog

You've made an investment on spending money on getting braces, so why not keep your teeth in good health while undergoing orthodontic treatment?  Dr. Allen Garai & Dr. Karen Tratensek and our team at Garai Orthodontic Specialist will tell you it is just as important to develop a regular hygiene routine while you're wearing braces as you did before proceeding with treatment.

Flossing is essential to the health of your teeth and gums when you're wearing braces. Because braces may hold food, sugars and liquids upon eating, it is very important to keep on top of your brushing and flossing, as well as visiting our office for regular adjustments.

While we know it's tough enough to get kids to floss daily without braces, that battle becomes even tougher when braces are involved. Remember that by not flossing, you will become more prone to cavities and gum disease during your treatment.

When flossing, remember to gently massage your gums in between the teeth. You will find that flossing with braces takes extra time, as you will have to weave the floss through each bracket. When flossing, there should be no signs of blood. If you see blood, you are not flossing enough or properly.

Using an electric toothbrush is also a good idea to massage your gums before or after flossing as electric toothbrushes can help remove any harmful bacteria that are lingering in your mouth. And don't forget to add a mouthwash to your routine to break up any bacteria that has formed. A good mouthwash will help keep your teeth and gums in good shape during your treatment.

If you have any questions about flossing or your orthodontic treatment at Garai Orthodontic Specialist please don't hesitate to give us a call or during your next adjustment appointment!

This is one of the most common questions that is asked at Garai Orthodontic Specialist and, unfortunately, it does not have a simple answer. Just as every patient we see is unique, so is their treatment plan. Some patients have very simple problems which require less appliances and time, while other cases are much more complicated and may require multiple appliances and phases.

The treatment fee usually reflects the amount of orthodontic work required to complete the treatment plan. The only way to find out how much braces will cost is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Allen Garai & Dr. Karen Tratensek. During your consultation, we will perform a complete oral examination, listen to your concerns, and explain how we will address your needs.

Our findings will include the cost of orthodontics and how long the treatment will take to complete. Give us a call today at our convenient location in Vienna, VA & Great Falls VA for a consultation and discover how quickly we can make you smile!

While fall may signify the magnificent changing of the leaves and somewhat of an addiction to pumpkin-spice anything for many of us, for our teen patients fall means the start of a new school year - a time of fun, friends, and learning. With the social nature of high school, however, many teenage patients are hesitant to get braces, worrying about the aesthetic effects of brackets and wires on social lives and school pictures. At Garai Orthodontic Specialists, our mission is to satisfy our patients as best we can, which is why we offer an alternative to traditional metal braces - Invisalign Teen.

Invisalign Teen is a system of orthodontic appliances that uses a series of clear, plastic aligners - usually between 18 and 30 - to straighten teeth. Every two weeks, a new aligner is put in, and with each new aligner the teeth move closer to their optimal position.

What makes Invisalign Teen so well suited to high school patients is the fact that the aligners are completely see-through, making them virtually invisible to anyone besides the person wearing them. Furthermore, the aligners are removable and can be taken out to eat, drink, brush, and floss, meaning there are no dietary restrictions, and oral hygiene, a critical component to orthodontic care, is that much easier.

Finally, each aligner is equipped with a Blue Dot wear indicator, which easily shows if the aligner has been worn enough. It's a system designed exclusively for the teenage lifestyle - virtually invisible, removable, and remarkably easy to use.

Make An Appointment With Your Great Falls, VA Orthodontist

If you're interested in Invisalign Teen and would like to find out more, feel free to call us at (703) 281-4868, or us our online form to make an appointment at our Vienna or Great Falls offices. And don’t forget to check back at our blog – we’ll be updating it with all things interesting in the world of orthodontics.

It's the end of summer, and fall is just around the corner. Soon the temperatures will cool down, the leaves will start to change, and Dr. Allen Garai & Dr. Karen Tratensek and our team at Garai Orthodontic Specialist are sure that you’ll soon be thinking about Halloween costumes and Thanksgiving plans in no time. But wait! First, we want to know about your favorite parts of the summer! Did you go on a wonderful family trip? Did you pick up a new hobby? Did you try to spend as much time outside and in the sun as possible?

Share your favorite memories, stories, or photos with us by leaving a comment below or on our Facebook page.