What is your New Year's Resolution?

2010 has come and gone (well almost), so Dr. Harold Fleming and our team thought we’d ask: what was memorable about 2010 for you, and what are you most looking forward to in 2011? Do you have a new year's resolution, or any exciting plans for the coming year?

Have a safe and happy New Year, to all our patients, friends, family, and all our dental and medical colleagues in Falls Church, Arlington, Alexandria and surrounding communities.


See you in 2011, from our entire staff at Fleming Orthodontics

Staying connected with Fleming Orthodontics

At Fleming Orthodontics, we embrace technology, whether it’s through the innovative orthodontic treatments we offer, our high-tech web site or our Facebook fan page. We love connecting with our patients online, whether it’s by sharing news on our blog or communicating ideas on our fan page. For social media to work, however, conversation is vital, and that’s why we invite you to join in and tell us what’s on your mind. Although social networks hugely popular these days, we know they're unpredictable and ever-changing.

While Dr. Harold Fleming and our dedicated staff take a little time to research how to best use social media, we thought we’d ask you, our loyal patients: How would you like us to use our social networks? What would you like us to share on our blog? Send us your thoughts or give us a call! Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

"Hey Dr. Fleming! What's the deal with retainers?"

If you recently completed treatment at Fleming Orthodontics, Dr. Fleming & our entire staff would like to congratulate you, again! Now that your braces have been removed, Dr. Fleming will provide—or has provided you—with retainers.

After braces are removed, teeth can shift out of position if they are not stabilized. Retainers, however, provide that stabilization. They are designed to hold teeth in their corrected, ideal positions until the bones and gums adapt to the treatment changes. Wearing retainers exactly as instructed by Dr. Fleming is the best insurance that the treatment improvements last for an entire lifetime.

To learn more about the advantages of wearing retainers after your orthodontic treatment, please visit our website for instructions and read this helpful article about retainers from KidsHealth. You may also give us a call at 703-534-8711!

We hope you all had a great weekend!

What helps you relax at Fleming Orthodontics?

Dr. Fleming and team understand not everyone is always thrilled about visiting their orthodontist. But here at Fleming Orthodontics, we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit. Today, we’d like to know: What is it about Fleming Orthodontics that makes you comfortable or puts you or your child at ease? Is it something about our pleasant environment? Our courteous staff? Dr. Fleming himself?

Let us know by posting on Facebook or by giving us a call!

Do we have your current contact info?

We hope you've had a relaxing Thanksgiving weekend. If you've seen the news lately, you probably know there is some nasty weather ahead this winter in Virginia and even across the eastern seaboard.

Please help Dr. Fleming and our staff 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. Fleming and team!

Giving thanks

With Thanksgiving almost upon us, it's a great time to ask ourselves what we're thankful for. With our friends and family around us, we celebrate the blessings given to us in the past year. Our staff at Fleming Orthodontics thought we'd ask: What are you thankful for this holiday season? Do you have any Thanksgiving wishes you would like to share?

Dr. Fleming and our entire team would like to wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving. It’s a big food holiday, so be careful what you eat with those braces! If you have any stories or photos to share with us, we’d encourage you to send them along or post them on our Facebook page!

Gobble Gobble!

Hey Dr. Fleming, when should I replace my toothbrush?

Fall is here, and with it the dreaded cold and flu season. After recovering from your cold, Dr. Harold Fleming will tell you one of the most important steps you can take to avoid becoming reinfected is replacing your toothbrush!

Germs can linger on the bristles, and you risk prolonging your sickness by continuing to use the same toothbrush. Be smart - keep a spare, just in case! To protect your toothbrush from bacteria all year long, consider the following tips:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing

• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen

• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster

• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Worn bristles are less effective in properly cleaning your teeth, and can actually be damaging to teeth if used too long!

Hope this tip helps! Feel free to call us at Fleming Orthodontics if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook.

Thanks to Invisalign at Fleming Orthodontics, parents can have an amazing smile, too!

Hey moms and dads! Focusing on your kids' teeth and oral health so much that you're neglecting your own? If you've been thinking about having your own set of perfectly-aligned teeth, Dr. Harold Fleming and our staff at Fleming Orthodontics can help! We are specially trained to offer an adult-friendly option for straightening teeth called Invisalign.

This course of treatment consists of a set of clear aligners that are molded to fit your teeth using a proprietary technology. You wear them all day and night, except for meals, brushing, and flossing – when you can easily slip them out to make eating and cleaning a snap!

Because they're clear, your teeth will be steadily straightening – and no one will know it but you!

Please give us a call to set up a complimentary consultation, so we can discuss the specifics of your treatment. Dr. Fleming is a Certified Invisalign® Premier Provider in Falls Church, Arlington and Alexandria.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Ask Dr. Fleming: What's the deal with all those Halloween treats?

As Halloween nears closer and closer, our staff at Fleming Orthodontics know a lot parents here in Falls Church, Arlington and Alexandria are worried about their kids going overboard on candies this weekend.

For those undergoing orthodontic treatment, you do need to be careful of the types of candies you consume this weekend. We encourage you to watch the video above about which candies you should avoid, but feel free to ask us if you have any questions about what is and isn't braces-friendly!

We hope everyone has a fun, safe and scary Halloween!

Staying healthy this cold season, from Fleming Orthodontics

Cold and flu season is now underway in Falls Church and surrounding areas - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that a common cold usually includes sneezing, runny nose, sore throat and coughing. Symptoms can last for up to two weeks.

To promote a healthy and clean environment, Dr. Harold Fleming and our entire staff give a great deal of attention to sanitation and sterilization in our Falls Church office at all times, as well as following all requirements for sterilizing instruments and work surfaces. For the protection of other patients and our staff at Fleming Orthodontics, we always ask that patients reschedule their appointments if they have any type of cold or illness that can infect others.

And remember to constantly wash your hands and avoid contact with those who are ill! Have a great rest of your weekend!

Straight talk with Dr. Fleming

Some people wonder why Dr. Harold Fleming and our staff at Fleming Orthodontics and our team work tirelessly to give our patients straight teeth. Of course it’s nice to have a smile full of evenly aligned teeth, but did you know that straightening your teeth at Fleming Orthodontics can keep them healthier? Straight teeth lead to better oral hygiene, increasing your chances of keeping your own natural teeth for a lifetime!

Straight teeth are less prone to decay, because they collect less plaque, the sticky colorless substance that forms on our teeth and leads to tooth decay; and, they are easier to keep clean!

If you’re wondering whether your teeth might cause problems because they are out of alignment, please give us a call to set up a consultation at our convenient office in Falls Church. Dr. Fleming can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment.

Questions? Give us a call at 703-534-8711 or ask us on Facebook!

Fun fact Friday with Fleming Orthodontics!!

At Fleming Orthodontics, we know our patients love fun facts. After all, who doesn't? The American Association of Orthodontists came up with some fun facts about orthodontics that Dr. Harold Fleming and our staff thought you might enjoy. Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

• 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.

October is National Orthodontic Health Month!

October is National Orthodontic Health Month, and our staff at Fleming Orthodontics wanted to remind Dr. Harold Fleming's patients to be careful when they bite into their treats this month. Remember, caramels, taffy, nuts, bubble gum, popcorn kernels and suckers are some of the foods you should be avoiding this Halloween Season! Indulging in these foods can break your braces and lengthen your treatment time!

Of course, Halloween doesn’t have to be completely treat-less. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have provided a helpful list of tips and braces-friendly recipes for the Halloween Season.

Enjoy and have a wonderful weekend!

Dr. Harold Fleming, reminding you to visit the dentist during your treatment

Dr. Harold Fleming wants to know: Are you brushing and flossing daily properly during your orthodontic treatment? If yes, that’s great! But, don’t forget that it’s also important for you to visit your general dentist every 3-to-6 months in addition to brushing your teeth and flossing (and visiting Dr. Fleming's office, of course). Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health, especially during orthodontic treatment.

Your general dentist can check for problems that might not be seen or felt, detect cavities and early signs of decay, treat oral health problems early and show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth.

During an oral exam your dentist can check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If you have not been to the dentist in the last six months, let us know during your next visit and Dr. Fleming will provide a few great references in the greater Falls Church, Arlington and Alexandria area!

Ask Dr. Fleming: Is Invisalign® really customized for each patient?

Yes, it is, and that’s part of what makes Invisalign really "work," says Dr. Harold Fleming. To find out if you are the right candidate for Invisalign treatment, the first thing we do is to take an impression of your teeth as they are now and digitize it. Using special software, we look at the current positioning of your teeth and compare it to the way your teeth should look.

Next, we use special software to map out the exact path your teeth will take from the beginning of your treatment to the end. Based on the results, a set of custom aligners are created just for your teeth. Throughout the course of treatment, you will be required to wear these clear, removable aligners one at a time; each one moving your teeth closer and closer to their final, perfectly aligned position. The best thing about it all? Nobody around you will even know you are wearing braces!

Dr. Fleming is a certified Invisalign provider in Falls Church, Arlington, and Alexandria. If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment at Fleming Orthodontics, please give us a call at 703-534-8711.

Fleming Orthodontics, helping dispel all the myths about braces

Trust us when we say Dr. Harold Fleming and our staff know there are quite a few myths about orthodontics (and orthodontists) floating around nowadays. But before you buy into those myths, we think you should get the facts first! Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists set the record straight and have provided some information that sheds some light on the myths and facts of orthodontics. We encourage you to check them out when you get a moment!

If you have any questions about orthodontics or your treatment here at our convenient Falls Church office, feel free to give us a call at 703-534-8711. We hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Welcome to the Fleming Orthodontics blog!

Thank you for taking the time to visit the official Fleming Orthodontics blog. Please check back often for weekly updates on fun and exciting events happening at our convenient Falls Church office, important and interesting information about orthodontics, as well as the latest news about Dr. Harold Fleming and our staff.

Feel free to leave a comment or question for Dr. Fleming and staff – we hope this will be a valuable resource for our patients, their families and friends in the coming months! Happy Monday!!

Ask Dr. Fleming: Who benefits from braces?

Braces aren’t just for pre-adolescents and teenagers anymore! Dr. Harold Fleming will tell you that anyone, at any age, can benefit from orthodontic treatment, whether it’s correcting a problem not treated in your younger years, or catching a problem early.

To ensure the best overall treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, recommends that children receive an orthodontic consultation as early as age seven. If a problem is evident, taking action early can spare a lot of treatment and expense down the road.

If you never received orthodontic treatment when you were young, don’t worry! You’re never too old for a beautiful smile. Set up an appointment for a consultation at 703-534-8711 and find out how orthodontics will transform your smile, as well as your life!

- Dr. Fleming and team

What are happy patients saying about Fleming Orthodontics?

Serving Falls Church, Arlington, and Alexandria, Dr. Harold Fleming and our knowledgeable staff create individualized treatment plans for each patient's unique orthodontic needs and goals. We emphasize a non-extraction treatment approach, producing the same excellent outcomes with far less discomfort. Just take a look at what a few of our patients are saying!

"Listed as one of the nation's top orthodontists-- the staff is friendly." ~ Cathy M.

"Very professional and friendly toward patients." ~ Lysa O.

"He has outstanding patient rapport." ~ Rob P.

"He makes my teeth look BEAUTIFUL! YOU ROCK DOCTOR FLEMING." ~ Michael B.

"Very calm and that keeps me calm and comfortable in knowing all will be well with my treatment :-)" ~ Maame O.

Meet Our Orthodontist

Dr. Fleming has been practicing orthodontics in Falls Church since 1985 and in Herndon since 1994. In addition to providing orthodontic care with braces, Dr. Fleming is a certified Invisalign provider. Dr. Fleming has special interests in non-extraction therapy, early interceptive orthodontic therapy, Invisalign therapy, and adult and surgical-orthodontic treatment. Dr. Fleming’s philosophy - "We treat people of all ages - kids, teens, adults, and even seniors. However, we like to encourage everyone to start their kids early in treatment so that we can help them grow and develop to have the best possible facial esthetics as well as an excellent smile. Orthodontics is a win/win for everybody! I especially enjoy seeing the self-confidence of our patients increase as they become excited about their new smiles."

Dr. Fleming is a native of Moncton, New Brunswick; but he has lived in Northern Virginia since 1961. He enjoys traveling, rock climbing, ice climbing, alpine climbing and mountaineering, hiking, mountain-biking, back-country skiing, alpine skiing, photography, and training at the gym. He is currently involved with Arlington County Social Services, providing orthodontic treatment for children of needy families. Dr. Fleming’s daughter Meabhe (who has herself completed orthodontic treatment with Dr. Fleming) is the light of his life! Meabhe loves art and music. She sings for her high school choir, and is a member of the elite Virginia State High School Choir.

Dr. Fleming grew up around Lake Barcroft and attended Sleepy Hollow Elementary School, Glasgow Intermediate School, and JEB Stuart High School with honors. During high school, Dr. Fleming competed at the varsity level in swimming and gymnastics, and in track and field as a pole-vaulter. Dr. Fleming graduated from the University of Richmond in Richmond, Virginia as a Chemistry major, Magna Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa. Dr. Fleming earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Medical College of Virginia, and his Master of Science in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics from the University of Tennessee Center for the Health Sciences.

In addition to maintaining his busy orthodontic practice, Dr. Fleming has been an active climber since his college days. Dr. Fleming has climbed all over North America, and in the Alps, Dolomites, Great Britain, and Ireland. With many friends, Dr. Fleming has also completed important first ascents in many areas of the American Southeast and West. Dr. Fleming continues to climb and pursue other outdoor adventures whenever he has the chance!