Connect with Dr. Fleming & team on Facebook!

At Fleming Orthodontics, we provide the highest quality of orthodontic care with personalized service and a comfortable atmosphere.

Even if you visit our Falls Church office for your appointment on a regular basis, did you know that you can now connect with us on Facebook?

There, we share office news and updates, so check it out! By Liking our page, you will receive updates from our office automatically in your news feed!

See you on Facebook! Happy Holidays!

Season's greetings from Fleming Orthodontics!

The holidays are here, and as Dr. Fleming and our team reflect on the year that was, we’d like to ask you, our wonderful patients: What do you love about the holidays? Being with your loved ones? A clean slate for 2012? Opening presents by the fireplace? All the delicious food? Also, what gift are you most looking forward to getting this year?

We’d love if you shared with us all the things you love about the holidays on our Facebook page. Stay warm, and don’t forget to stay away from those sweets!

Happy Holidays!

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.

Happy Holidays from all of us at Fleming Orthodontics!

Share your winter break plans with us!

Dr. Harold Fleming and our team at Fleming Orthodontics want to know: what do your winter plans look like? Do you have any plans for an exciting family vacation? Are you hanging out around town? Catching up on sleep? Spending time with friends? Let us know!

Please feel free to share your exciting winter plans and experiences with us here or on our Facebook page! We would like to wish all of our patients and their families a safe and fun holiday season!

Love your new smile? Tell Dr. Fleming and team all about it!

Whether you've visited Fleming Orthodontics for a week or months, we'd love to hear your feedback about how our practice is faring during your orthodontic treatment! There are lots of ways you can share your thoughts with the rest of the world, but we encourage you to head to our Google Places page and write a review there. After all, reviews help Dr. Fleming and team create more beautiful smiles!

You may write a review here. Thanks in advance and enjoy your week! Dr. Fleming and team look forward to reading your reviews!

Happy Thanksgiving, from Fleming Orthodontics

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season knocking at our door, our entire team at Fleming Orthodontics wanted to stop for a moment and extend our best wishes to you, our patients, referring doctors and families, for a wonderful Thanksgiving.
As always, if you know anyone we can help, just let us know. We promise to give them the same quality orthodontic care that we have given you.
We hope that this Thanksgiving and holiday season brings fond memories. Thank you for being part of our family.

What do you enjoy most about fall?

It’s fall here at Fleming Orthodontics, a time when all across the country, the leaves begin to change colors and the air becomes crisp.

Today we wanted to ask you, our wonderful patients, "How are you spending your time this fall?" Our team would love to hear about your favorite places for eating, shopping, and entertainment within the Falls Church area. We are interested in learning about what makes your community “yours.”

Feel free to post your responses on our Facebook page, or give us a call!

Ask 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!

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

With Halloween here, 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 evening.

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!

Connect with Dr. Fleming & team on Facebook!

At Fleming Orthodontics, we provide the highest quality of orthodontic care with personalized service and a comfortable atmosphere.

Even if you visit our Falls Church office for your appointment on a regular basis, did you know that you can now connect with us on Facebook?

There, we share office news and updates, so check it out! By Liking our page, you will receive updates from our office automatically in your news feed!

See you on Facebook!

Don't skip those regular checkups, especially in October!

Dr. Fleming wants to know: Are you brushing and flossing daily properly during your treatment? If the answer is 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 Fleming Orthodontics, of course). Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health, especially during orthodontic treatment.

It's the perfect time for a visit to the dentist. Why? Because not only is October National Orthodontic Health Month, it's also National Dental Hygiene Month!

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 we will provide a few great references in Falls Church, Arlington, Alexandria or surrounding areas!

What’s the difference between a Dentist and an Orthodontist?

“Dentists, Orthodontists, they’re all the same right?” We hear our patients asking this question as they wonder about the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist. Before becoming an orthodontist Dr. Harold Fleming started out in dental school and earned a dental degree, just like your dentist. After dental school however, Dr. Fleming decided he wanted to learn more about orthodontics, which is one of nine specialties within the dental field. So he stayed in school for a few more years and became an expert in orthodontics, which focuses on tooth and jaw alignment and bite problems like overbites and under bites.

Other dental specialties you may have heard of include endodontic (focusing on the soft tissue inside your teeth), periodontic (focusing on the gums and other tissues surrounding your teeth) and prosthodontic (focusing on restoring and replacing damaged teeth).

Isn’t it nice to know there’s a dental expert in Dr. Fleming to help you through any type of treatment your teeth, jaw and gums might need?

At Fleming Orthodontics, October marks 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 week!

Ask Dr. Fleming: “Where can I get more info about braces?”

Great question! Besides here on Dr. Fleming’s website, which provides you with a plethora of information about all things braces and Invisalign, we would like to point you to a helpful website: Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, have provided lots of important information about everything braces, including myths and facts of orthodontics, tips for a better orthodontic experience and cool webisodes about orthodontics.

We encourage you to check out AAO today and feel free to contact us if you have any questions here on our blog or on our Facebook page.
Hope this helps,

Dr. Fleming & Team

September is Self-Improvement Month, from Dr. Fleming

These days, Americans everywhere are putting greater emphasis on health, fitness and self-improvement, and more people are seeking orthodontic treatment to improve their smile. September happens to be Self-Improvement Month, and our team at Dr. Fleming's office know that orthodontic treatment is an investment in self-improvement that will reap benefits for a lifetime. And, recent advances in orthodontia, such as Invisalign and more effective brackets and wires, now make orthodontic treatment more palatable for many interested in obtaining that beautiful smile.

Not only does orthodontic treatment give you that beautiful smile, it can also benefit your dental and general health. If teeth are poorly aligned, removing plaque and tartar by brushing and flossing alone may be difficult. A poor bite may result in fractured or excessively worn tooth surfaces, and the extra stress caused by a poor bite may even result in problems with your jaw joints.

If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, Dr. Fleming and our team would love to have you visit for a complimentary consultation. Please give us a call to set one up!

See you soon!

Cold season is on its way, from Fleming Orthodontics

Cold and flu season is almost underway here 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 week!

Tips for a successful school year, from Dr. Fleming

At Fleming Orthodontics, we know a new school year brings a lot of stress for many kids. New classes, new teachers, new friends and new academic challenges can be overwhelming! That’s why we thought we’d provide a few steps for our patients to enjoy their time in school and succeed this upcoming school year!

• Get plenty of sleep every night. Eight hours is recommended.
• Eat a healthy breakfast as it’s the most important meal of the day.
• Pack a healthy lunch or make healthy choices when selecting your school lunch. Try to avoid the vending machine and limit your intake of junk food.
• Stay on top of your homework and reading assignments.
• Stay active. Limit the time in front of the TV or playing video games. Instead, try to get outside to get some exercise—go for a walk or ride your bike.
• Ask for help. When you are having a hard time understanding a concept, ask your teacher or your peers for guidance.
• Always have a positive attitude and a smile on your face!

We hope everyone has a productive and fun school year!

Love your smile? Tell Dr. Fleming about it!

Whether you've visited Fleming Orthodontics for a week or months, we'd love to hear your feedback about how our practice is faring during your orthodontic treatment! There are lots of ways you can share your thoughts with the rest of the world, but we encourage you to head to our Google Local page and write a review there. After all, reviews help Dr. Fleming and team create more beautiful smiles!

You may write a review here. Thanks in advance and enjoy your week! Dr. Fleming and team look forward to reading your reviews!

Are you visiting the dentist during your orthodontic 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!

Tell Dr. Fleming about your summer!

The dog days of summer are upon us, and what better time for our team at Fleming Orthodontics to ask our patients about their summer!

Whether you visited our nation’s capitol, went on a camping trip, visited the state fair or just stayed in town and hung out with friends, we want to know how you’re all spending your summer! Please feel free to share your summer plans and experiences with us below or on our Facebook page as the summer comes to an end soon for a lot of our patients! We invite you to post your photos as well!

We look forward to hearing all about your adventures! Enjoy the rest of your summer!

Smile Week at Fleming Orthodontics!

It’s National Smile Week, and a GREAT time to remind our patients at Fleming Orthodontics to practice good oral hygiene to keep those teeth shining during your orthodontic treatment!

Here are a few simple steps you can take to improve your oral health so that you may celebrate National Smile Week for many, many years to come:

* Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
* Floss everyday to clean between your teeth and braces.
* Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks during your orthodontic treatment
* Visit your dentist regularly (every 6 months or as recommended by your dentist)!

And remember to smile at people you come across throughout the week, whether you know them or not. Smiles are contagious, and are a good thing to give and to get. We hope you’re all having a relaxing summer!

- Dr. Fleming and team

Do we have your summer contact info?

We hope you’re having a great week and a great summer so far! If you are planning on traveling with family this summer or think you might not be able to make it to your scheduled appointment with Dr. Harold Fleming, please let us know ahead of time so that we may be able to accommodate you, as well as schedule another patient at that appointment time.

Also, we ask that you give us a call and and let us know if you have any new phone numbers or if your contact information has changed! Please call us with any updates to phone numbers and addresses, so we may be able to reach you. Thank you! Enjoy the rest of your week!

What puts you at ease at Fleming Orthodontics?

By now, you’re probably familiar with our blog process: Each week, Dr. Harold Fleming and our team write about important orthodontic topics and your well-being, including innovative orthodontic treatments Dr. Fleming offers.

This week, we thought we’d step back and ask you, our wonderful 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. Fleming 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 Dr. Fleming will try to answer any question you may have!

Ask Dr. Fleming: When should our child come in for a consultation?

GREAT question! Braces were originally considered to be best appropriate for teens. But these days, kids as old as seven are beginning their orthodontic treatment. Because preadolescent kids are typically not self-conscious, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists suggest it could be a good idea to start early.

Experts, however, say it depends on the treatment required. Some children who get braces at an early age end up in a second phase of treatment, and end up having braces well into their teenage years despite starting young.

Most orthodontic treatment begins between ages nine and 14, and the folks at AAO estimate most orthodontic treatment lasts from one to three years, with two years being the average. It’s important, however, that children be screened no later than age seven for Dr. Fleming to assess what the best age for treatment is.

We hope this helps! Give us a call at 571-765-3522 if you have any questions about your child’s treatment or to schedule a complimentary orthodontic consultation! We hope you had a great weekend!

Tell us about your summer!

It's finally summer here at Fleming Orthodontics, and a season full of vacations, adventures and great memories awaits! Whether you're headed to an exotic destination, barbecuing, hitting the open roads with family, or just having fun in the backyard, we'd like to hear about it! Drop us a comment on our Facebook page and tell us about your summer adventures and plans as summer 2011 rolls along!

Happy and safe travels,

-Dr. Fleming and team

Patriotic Fun Facts with Fleming Orthodontics!

America turns 235 years old tomorrow, and because we know our patients love fun facts, we thought we’d provide you with some fun facts about Independence Day! Have a great Fourth of July everyone, and we’ll see you soon!

- Independence Day was first celebrated in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776.

- An estimated 2.5 million people lived in America in July 1776. Today, an estimated 309 million people reside in the United States.

- The major objection to being ruled by Britain was taxation without representation, which meant that people didn’t want to be taxed by a government that did not represent them.

- In 1941, Congress declared 4th of July a federal legal holiday. It is one of the few federal holidays that have not been moved to the nearest Friday or Monday.

- The stars on the original American flag were arranged in a circle to ensure that all colonies were equal.

- America’s mascot, the bald eagle, can achieve speeds of up to 200 miles per hour when making a predatory dive. During a normal flight, bald eagles can travel up to 30 miles per hour.

- The American flag patch is backwards on U.S. Army uniforms. The reason? The blue field on the flag (the part with the stars) faces forward to symbolize carrying the American flag into battle.

- Someone who specializes in the history of flags is called a vexillologist.

- The word ‘patriotism’ comes from the Latin patria, which means ‘homeland’ or ‘fatherland.’

- According to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, Americans consume over 150 million hot dogs during their Independence Day festivities.

- Speaking of food, there’s a 1-in-6 chance the beef on your backyard this Independence Day weekend grill came from Texas. The Lone Star State is America’s leader in the production of cattle and calves.

Stay Cool with a Braces-Friendly Summer Treat!

Summer is here! Kids and adults alike will now be spending more time outside being active and enjoying the hotter temperatures. What’s better on a hot summer day than a delicious treat that will cool you down after doing something active in the summer sun? Luckily, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) have just the thing, Watermelon Sorbet! You can find the complete recipe below:

Watermelon Sorbet

Ingredients

• ¾ cup water
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• 2 to 3 cups watermelon, diced, no seeds or rind

Directions

In a small saucepan, heat the water, sugar, and lime juice on medium high for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Chill this “syrup” at least 20 minutes. In the meantime, place the watermelon chunks in a food processor or blender and liquefy them. Add the chilled syrup to the watermelon puree and blend. Freeze sorbet in an ice-cream maker according to manufacturer’s directions. Serve immediately.

Happy Summer! Enjoy!

- Dr. Fleming and team

At Fleming Orthodontics, complimentary consultations!

At Fleming Orthodontics, we provide the highest quality of orthodontic care with personalized service and a comfortable atmosphere. Dr. Harold Fleming and his 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.

One of our commitments is meeting with you to help you explore all or the options available to you or your child. We offer complimentary consultations for those interested in orthodontic treatment. During this time, you'll have time reserved with Dr. Fleming, who will assess your particular needs as well as discuss treatment options available and answer any questions you may have. We place a high value on making sure you have complete information before beginning treatment.

If you have been thinking about obtaining the dazzling smile you’ve always wanted, we invite you to give a call at 703-534-8711. Our friendly staff looks forward to meeting you and starting your transformation to a beautiful smile that will last a lifetime.

See you soon! Have a great rest of the 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!

Smile! June marks National Smile Month!

Now that June is here, our team at Fleming Orthodontics thought we’d tell you June is National Smile Month, and a good time to remind all our patients to practice good oral hygiene between your visits to our convenient Falls Church office, as well as your general dentist.

Below are a few simple steps you can take to improve your oral health so that you may celebrate National Smile Month for many, many years to come:

* Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
* Floss everyday to clean between your teeth and braces.
* Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks during your orthodontic treatment
* Visit your dentist regularly (every 6 months or as recommended by your dentist)!

If you have questions about any of these tips, we encourage you to give us a call, ask Dr. Fleming during your next visit or ask us on Facebook!

Dr. Fleming, your local Insignia™ provider

We hope you all had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend! Today, Dr. Fleming and team thought we'd talk a little more about our Insignia treatment. You're probably asking yourself: What, exactly, is Insignia and how is the treatment different than regular braces? Well, for one, shorter treatment time. While it takes - on average - two years to complete traditional orthodontic treatment, the treatment time for Insignia is much shorter. Through the use of Insignia’s sophisticated 3-D imaging, treatment planning, and customized braces with customized precision archwires, Dr. Fleming can reduce treatment time compared to that of regular braces.

In addition to shortening treatment times, the greater efficiency of the Insignia system also helps reduce the number of adjustments and wire changes your mouth will need, and that means fewer trips to our office. The Insignia system’s 3-D software lets Dr. Fleming analyze how to effectively and efficiently align your teeth. With Insignia, personalized archwires are designed to move your teeth into proper alignment, reducing the number of maintenance visits.

If you have any questions about orthodontic treatment with Insignia braces, please feel free to give us a call! Dr. Fleming is one of a select number of orthodontists certified to practice with Insignia’s cutting-edge technology.

Ask Dr. Fleming: Who benefits from braces, anyway?

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!

With Fleming Orthodontics, access to your account any day, any time

Access to your account, 24/7. Sounds simple and convenient, doesn’t it?

Did you know that patients at Fleming Orthodontics have access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—all through our website? You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, from the comfort of your own home! And, because we know folks sometimes forget, you can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

You, too, can sign up for this convenient service on our website by clicking on the "Patient Login" button on our homepage. Please give us a call if you have any questions about getting started!

What’s on your reading list?

With the school year close to winding down for a lot of our patients at Fleming Orthodontics, we wanted to remind all our patients about the importance of reading. Sure, it’s easy to keep putting off reading this time of year, but reading is a vital step in brain development and literacy. And if you needed any more reason to read, May marks "Get Caught Reading Month.”

Today, we thought we’d ask: What's on YOUR reading list? What are some of your all-time favorites? Out of ideas for great reads? Ask us for suggestions, and Dr. Fleming & team would be happy to provide a few suggestions. You may also ask a local librarian in Falls Church for some ideas on what to read next!

Happy reading! Be sure to share with us your book picks or your all-time favorite novels or literature on our Facebook page!

Fleming Orthodontics, dispelling 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.

Ask Dr. Fleming: "Now that I have braces, what can I eat?"

You just got braces and Dr. Harold Fleming has informed you that over the next several months you will want to avoid eating anything sticky, hard, crunchy, or chewy. What does this leave for you to eat? Lettuce? Nothing?

Luckily, there was someone else wondering the same thing when she first got braces! Brenda Waterman, 13, decided she was going to find a way to have her cake and eat it too, so she created a variety of “braces-friendly” recipes that allow you to enjoy your favorite treats without interfering with your orthodontic care! Her cookbook, “The Braces Cookbook: Recipes you (and your Orthodontist) will Love,” gives patients a variety of delicious recipes, safe to eat with braces; plus additional tips and advice for packing lunches, what to eat at parties, and braces-friendly restaurant dishes! There’s even a section with tips for dealing with the soreness that can occur when your braces or appliance are adjusted. Enjoy the foods you love – even with braces!

Here is a delicious, sneak peek recipe from “The Braces Cookbook:”

Wonderful Waffles

Forget the recipe that came with your waffle iron – this recipe will redefine fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. The secret to delicious waffles is letting the batter "sit" for five minutes before pouring into the waffle iron. Top cooked waffles with syrup, jam, fresh fruit or even whip cream. Makes about 5 servings!

Preheat your waffle iron according to the directions. You may want to lightly spray it with vegetable oil before heating.

• 3 cups flour
• 2 Tbl + 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 Tbl sugar
• 4 cups milk
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

In a large bowl, whisk (or use electric mixer on low) together all ingredients. Let batter sit for about five minutes to activate the baking powder.

When waffle iron is ready, pour about 1/3 cup of batter onto each of the four squares (experiment with your iron – you don't want the batter overflowing). Gently close the cover and set your timer as the manufacturer suggests. Do not lift the cover while they bake. When done, carefully lift one edge with a flat spatula and pull the waffle away from the iron. Keep waffles warm on a plate under a clean dishtowel while the others bake.

Enjoy!

Ask Dr. Fleming: “I’m 49 – am I too old for braces?”

Thanks for the question – at Fleming Orthodontics, NOBODY is “too old” for braces!

In fact, our staff read a fascinating statistic recently: the number of adults getting braces has actually climbed 24 percent since 1996! Yes, braces help make your pearly whites strong, healthy and perfectly-aligned, but perhaps another reason for the spike in adult braces is this: people want to look and feel great. In an age—and society—where looks matter as much as anything, and at a time when evenly-aligned and sparkling teeth might be the difference between getting a job or a promotion, adults are choosing—wisely, we might add—to invest in orthodontics. Orthodontic treatment with Dr. Fleming can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile.


If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, Dr. Fleming and team would love to have you visit for a consultation. Please give us a call to set one up!

Connect with Dr. Fleming & team on Facebook!

At Fleming Orthodontics, we provide the highest quality of orthodontic care with personalized service and a comfortable atmosphere.

Even if you visit our Falls Church office for your appointment on a regular basis, did you know that you can now connect with us on Facebook?

There, we share office news and updates, so check it out! By Liking our page, you will receive updates from our office automatically in your news feed!

See you on Facebook!

Love your smile? Tell the world about it!

Whether you've visited Fleming Orthodontics for a week or months, we'd love to hear your feedback about how our practice is faring during your orthodontic treatment! There are lots of ways you can share your thoughts with the rest of the world, but we encourage you to head to our Google Local page and write a review there. After all, reviews help Dr. Fleming and team create more beautiful smiles!

You may write a review here. Thanks in advance and enjoy your week! Dr. Fleming and team look forward to reading your reviews!

How important is your smile? From Dr. Fleming

A beautiful, healthy smile is a wonderful asset for people of any age. At the office of Harold A. Fleming, we provide the highest quality of orthodontic care with personalized service and a comfortable atmosphere.

And speaking of smiling, in a new poll conducted by Glamour Magazine, people were asked, “If you had to pick between having perfect teeth, eyesight or hair, which would you choose?

Well, 44 percent of folks out there are choosing teeth! In addition, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, or AACD, conducted a study and found that 99.7 percent of those polled believed a smile is an important social asset. Respondents said straightness, whiteness, cleanliness, as well as the sincerity and sparkle of a person’s smile were all important factors not only socially, but career-wise as well.

Contact our office to schedule your complimentary orthodontic consultation. Our friendly staff looks forward to meeting you and starting your transformation to a beautiful smile that will last a lifetime.

How will YOUR smile look after orthodontic treatment?

At Fleming Orthodontics, we know it's sometimes hard to believe the transformation your smile undergoes during orthodontic treatment. Both Dr. Fleming and our team love to see our patients’ smiles light up when they see their new smile in the mirror for the first time. For those of you who haven’t yet started or finished your orthodontic treatment with Dr. Fleming, have you ever wondered what your new smile might look like after treatment?

The American Association of Orthodontists recently launched a new tool called “Virtual Smiles,” which shows what your smile might look like after orthodontic treatment.

Check out the Virtual Smiles tool, and call us at Fleming Orthodontics to get started on improving your smile today!

When should you call Dr. Fleming?

Great question! Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have put together this helpful list that outlines when you should call one of our offices, serving Falls Church, Arlington, Alexandria and serving surrounding Virginia communities. Here are some early warning signs indicating it’s time to check in with Dr. Harold Fleming:

1. Early or late loss of baby teeth
2. Difficulty of chewing or biting
3. Mouth breathing
4. Finger sucking or other oral habits
5. Crowding, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
6. Jaws that shift, make sounds, protrude or retrude
7. Speech difficulty
8. Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
9. Protruding teeth
10. Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or don’t meet at all
11. Facial imbalance or asymmetry
12. Grinding or clenching of teeth

Do any of these warning signs fit you? If so, please give us a call as soon as possible!

Connect with us on Facebook!

At Fleming Orthodontics, we provide the highest quality of orthodontic care with personalized service and a comfortable atmosphere.

Even if you visit our Falls Church office for your appointment on a regular basis, did you know that you can now connect with us on Facebook?

There, we share office news and updates, so check it out! By Liking our page, you will receive updates from our office automatically in your news feed!

See you on Facebook! Have a great weekend!

What helps you or your child relax at Fleming Orthodontics?

By now, you’re probably familiar with our blog process: Each week, Dr. Harold Fleming and our team write about important orthodontic topics and your well-being, including innovative orthodontic treatments Dr. Fleming offers.

This week, we thought we’d step back and ask you, our wonderful 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. Fleming 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 Dr. Fleming will try to answer any question you may have!

Complimentary Consultations at Fleming Orthodontics

At Fleming Orthodontics, we provide the highest quality of orthodontic care with personalized service and a comfortable atmosphere. Dr. Harold Fleming and his 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.

One of our commitments is meeting with you to help you explore all or the options available to you or your child. We offer complimentary consultations for those interested in orthodontic treatment. During this time, you'll have time reserved with Dr. Fleming, who will assess your particular needs as well as discuss treatment options available and answer any questions you may have. We place a high value on making sure you have complete information before beginning treatment.

If you have been thinking about obtaining the dazzling smile you’ve always wanted, we invite you to give a call at 703-534-8711. Our friendly staff looks forward to meeting you and starting your transformation to a beautiful smile that will last a lifetime.

See you soon! Have a great weekend!

At Fleming Orthodontics, February marks National Dental Health Month

At Fleming Orthodontics, February is National Children's Dental Health Month, as well as National Dental Health Month, and Dr. Harold Fleming and team thought we’d promote good oral hygiene among our patients with a few tips and tricks, courtesy of the American Dental Association.

• Teeth brushing techniques: It takes only two minutes to properly brush using short, gentle strokes and devoting extra attention to the gumline, areas around fillings and hard-to-reach areas such as the back teeth.

• Flossing: hold the floss snugly between thumbs and index finger and insert it between each of the teeth, making sure to go beneath the gumline and curving the floss around the base of each tooth.

• Snack wisely: choose healthy snacks such as cheese, fruits and vegetables and avoid crunchy, sticky, chewy candies that can stick to the teeth. If you eat these snacks, be sure to brush after doing so.

• Carbonated or sugary drinks: these drinks create acids that can damage the teeth when mixed with saliva, so they should be avoided altogether. If you’re going to drink one of these beverages, don’t sip on it throughout the day. Rather, drink it and then brush your teeth.

• Regular dental visits: in addition to seeing our team at Fleming Orthodontics during your orthodontic treatment, you should visit your dentist for professional check-ups and teeth cleaning appointments about every six months.

National Dental Health Month aims to increase awareness about the importance of our patients' oral health. If you have any questions about keeping your mouth healthy, or about your treatment with Fleming Orthodontics, please feel free to give us a call or ask us on Facebook!

Ask Dr. Fleming: What are "Dentofacial Orthopedics"?

You may have noticed or heard that Dr. Harold Fleming specializes in "Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics." While most people have heard of orthodontics, many are confused by the "dentofacial orthopedics" part of the title.

Not to worry - we can explain!

You probably know that an orthodontist like Dr. Fleming straightens teeth, and indeed: "ortho" comes from the Greek for "straight" or "correct," and "dontic" from the Greek for "teeth." But what about dentofacial orthopedics? "Dentofacial" is "teeth" plus "face" while "ortho" again means "straight" and "pedic" is from the Greek for "child."

Essentially, while orthodontics entails the management of tooth movement, dentofacial orthopedics involves the guidance of facial growth and development, which occurs largely during childhood. In both cases, appliances are frequently used – the more familiar braces for orthodontics, and other specialized appliances like headgear and expanders depending on what facial abnormalities are present. Sometimes orthopedic treatment may precede conventional braces, but often the two are accomplished at the same time. So if your child gets braces and headgear, he's undergoing orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics!

Because Dr. Fleming is skilled in both areas, he is able to diagnose any misalignments in the teeth and jaw as well as the facial structure, and can devise a treatment plan that integrates both orthodontic and dentofacial orthopedic treatments.

We hope that helps! Contact our Falls Church orthodontic office and schedule a complimentary consultation for your child. It’s never too late to get a great smile, and we can’t wait to help you get started.

Dr. Fleming, reminding you to wear your mouth guard

Dr. Harold Fleming and our team know sports-related injuries are common among kids nowadays. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, 70 percent of parents said their biggest worry is that their child will get hurt while playing sports. Another 67 percent admitted their child doesn’t wear a mouth guard when playing sports such as football, basketball, baseball and soccer.

That’s why we are doing our part to spread the word that facial sports injuries can be avoided simply by reminding your kids to wear mouth guards. Ask us—we'll recommend the best mouth guard for you.

In addition, the AAO has provided the following tips for keeping your kids safe on the field. Remind them to:

• Wear mouth guards during contact sports
• Wear a helmet
• Stretch before and after a game or practice
• Wear protective eye wear
• Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
• Be observant—even as a spectator

All of these can reduce injuries. Please give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at our office in Falls Church.

More than just a day off from school, from Fleming Orthodontics

Today, our country celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who was a thinker, leader and civil rights champion. In the 1950s and ’60s, Dr. King recognized the need to bring about social justice, and worked tirelessly to instill tolerance in our nation, strengthen America’s communities and move the nation forward. This weekend, tens of thousands of people of all ages and races in Virginia and across the United States spent their time building, giving and renovating our communities to help celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend. Do you have the day off on Monday? If so, what do you plan to do to help your local community?

We’d love to know about your activities and events this MLK Jr. Day. If you have any video or pictures you’d like to share, please pass them along! If you’re not sure how, give us a call!

Dr. Fleming and our entire team at Fleming Orthodontics are proud of all our patients, families and colleagues who continue to make a difference in our community!

Here comes the Braces Brigade!

At Fleming Orthodontics, our patients want to get as much out of their treatment as possible. That includes asking a lot of questions and making sure they take care of both their appliances and oral health.

Would you like to learn more about what to expect during orthodontic treatment, from someone with firsthand experience? Well, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recently developed the Braces Brigade blog, where past, present, as well as future orthodontic patients from coast to coast document their (or their child’s) orthodontic journeys. The blog will serve as a source of guidance for others as the patients undergo orthodontic care.

Our team at Fleming Orthodontics encourages you to visit the Braces Brigade blog to read these great and informative blogs—who knows, maybe you’ll learn a thing or two! As always, don’t hesitate to give us a call at our Falls Church office if you have any questions about the Braces Brigade or your own orthodontic treatment with Dr. Fleming!

All about cavities, from Dr. Fleming

At Fleming Orthodontics, we know one word nobody wants to hear when they visit their dentist is Cavity! Yes, the dreaded cavity; but what exactly is a cavity and how do you get one? A cavity is a hole that develops in a tooth when the tooth begins to decay. It’s important to get a cavity filled as soon as it’s detected so that it does not grow bigger.

So, what causes a cavity? Well, a cavity is caused by plaque, a sticky substance that forms on the tooth as a result of germ and bacteria build-up. Plaque is acidic and as it clings to your teeth the acids eat away the outside of the tooth (also called the enamel) and a hole is formed.

Yes, cavities can be repaired by your general dentist, but here are a few simple steps you can take to prevent cavities while you’re wearing braces:

· Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily

· Gently brush your gums to keep them healthy (when choosing a toothbrush it is recommended to use soft bristles)

· Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food that may be caught between the teeth and braces where your toothbrush can’t reach

· Limit the amount of soda and sugary treats you eat or drink

· Be sure to visit your dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning and check-up during your orthodontic treatment with Dr. Fleming

We hope that helps! Give us a call to learn more about keeping your braces and oral health in tip-top shape! Happy New Year!