Orthodontics
No matter your age, crooked, crowded, or misaligned teeth can make you feel self-conscious and increase your risk of oral health issues.
Board-certified orthodontist Sooyeon Ahn of Han & Ahn DMD provides a full range of orthodontics in McLean, VA.
Learn how a straighter smile can not only enhance your appearance but also your oral health and confidence.
Which Orthodontic Treatments Do We Offer?
Patients should keep in mind that the same treatment does not work for everyone. A teenager with severely misaligned teeth may be a better candidate for traditional braces, whereas an older patient with less severe crowding may find that Invisalign works best for them. Our dentist will help determine which option best aligns with your goals.
Braces
Traditional braces use metal brackets and wires to shift crooked teeth into place and correct more significant cases of misalignment. Braces are commonly used in children or adolescents, but patients of any age can benefit significantly from this orthodontic option.
Invisalign
Invisalign uses clear, plastic aligners to gently shift teeth into place and address mild to moderate orthodontic issues. The aligners are virtually invisible and easily removable, making them easy to fit into any lifestyle. Many patients who are unwilling to get braces can find orthodontic success with Invisalign treatment. We are an Invisalign Diamond Provider.
Understanding the Importance of a Straighter Smile
The Problem
Crooked teeth can leave patients feeling self-conscious about their smile, but the effects are often more than cosmetic. In many cases, misaligned teeth can lead to serious health concerns. If you are unable to brush or floss properly, bacteria and plaque can accumulate in hard-to-reach areas and lead to dental issues in the future.
The Solution
While not immediately dangerous, plaque can eventually lead to cavities, inflamed gums, and an increased risk of gum disease and tooth loss. By straightening your smile, orthodontics can allow you greater access to tooth surfaces so you can better care for your smile and avoid the need for restorative procedures in the future.
How We Can Help
We specialize in early prevention orthodontics. By detecting potentially harmful jaw issues in younger patients, Dr. Ahn can lower the risk of oral damage. Our McLean team strives to create more space for the teeth, lessen the need for permanent tooth extractions later, and correct potential issues early on.
Trusted Dentists Providing World-Class Orthodontics
Boost Your Confidence
Self-conscious about your smile? Straight teeth can dramatically improve your appearance, helping you feel more confident inside and out. With proper aftercare and maintenance, the results are permanent.Improve Your Comfort
Orthodontics can treat symptoms of misalignment like popping in the jaw joints, pain, and stiffness. Our orthodontist determines a treatment plan to alleviate discomfort and prevent it from occurring again in the future.Choose From Different Options
With the continuing popularity of options like Invisalign®, treatment is simpler and more convenient than before. We'll find the exact orthodontic option that best fits your needs and lifestyle.Save Money in the Long Run
Orthodontics is an investment in your future health that saves you money in the long run. By addressing misalignment early on, we reduce the risk of other costly dental issues such as decay, infections, or gum disease.Start Your Journey to a Brighter Smile Request Your Consultation With Our Board-Certified Orthodontist
A straighter smile can positively impact every aspect of your life. Our board-certified orthodontist Dr. Ahn can provide specialized care and attention to your orthodontic case. As an active member of the American Association of Orthodontists, Dr. Ahn has access to the latest techniques and solutions that can straighten your smile. We invite you to request a consultation to speak to our skilled orthodontist and discover how transformative orthodontics can be.
To get started, fill out our online form to request a consultation with Dr. Ahn. You can also call our McLean dental office at:
(703) 356-7001
"We truly LOVE this office." 5-Star Reviews of Our McLean, VA, Practice
mohamed ibragim
McLean, VA
2024
This is Bashar Ibrahim, I would easily give this doctor a 5 star, she's been with me and my family ever since I was a little kid worried about the gap between my teeth. Me and my family would never think about going to a different dentist. My dentist always took care of my and my brother's teeth very carefully and always asked if we were in pain. The braces were efficient, and fast and I did not feel any pain.
View on GoogleSusan G
McLean, VA
2023
Our entire family goes to Dr. Han and Ahn for our dental care. They have been taking care of our two little boys since they first started getting their baby teeth. They are TRULY the most capable team we know, and they are THE BEST with children. We truly LOVE this office and their staff. We will never go anywhere else!
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Meet Dr. Sooyeon Ahn
OUR BOARD-CERTIFIED ORTHODONTIST
Dr. Sooyeon Ahn got her Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania, meaning she is Ivy League-trained. This program prepared her to serve a diverse community with well-rounded orthodontic treatment that's considerate of each patient's unique needs. A lifelong student, Dr. Ahn went on to become a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, a distinction that requires an orthodontist to pass rigorous exams and maintain their certification.
Dr. Ahn is dedicated to providing each of her patients with effective and tailored solutions to their dental concerns, all without sacrificing compassion and comfort. When you choose our McLean, VA, orthodontist for your care, you can trust that you're receiving thorough treatment that's as gentle and stress-free as possible.
Why Choose an Orthodontist Over a General Dentist?
Both dentists and orthodontists can straighten misaligned teeth. However, while dentists practice a range of treatments, orthodontists focus on this area of dentistry and often have more experience administering orthodontic treatment to correct tooth and jaw misalignment. Many patients prefer an orthodontist because they:
Have undergone specialized training in addition to learning general dentistry
Can treat more extensive orthodontic issues and special cases
Tend to have a wider selection of orthodontic treatment options
Understand how your teeth and jawbone can change over time
Worried About Cost? We Offer Financing
Our dentists believe that everyone deserves to have a healthy, beautiful smile. We accept all PPO dental insurance plans and work with CareCredit®, a third-party financing company that offers low monthly payments. We also offer in-house financing to patients who put 50 percent down. The remaining 50 percent is financed interest-free. Our McLean dental team is happy to walk you through the process and answer any questions you may have.
"Dr. Ahn is just amazing! I strongly recommend her to anyone who needs braces. She is not just knowledgeable and experienced, she is very flexible, kind and patient with my teenager boy who went thru a very hard time emotionally during COVID. He just got his braces removed yesterday and it's just perfect and my son was very happy with the result. She and the staff are just wonderful and I cannot say enough about them." Terri Yoon
How Do I Know if I Need Orthodontic Treatment?
While crooked or crowded teeth are the most common reason for orthodontic care, we treat a wide range of alignment issues. Dr. Ahn can help patients with deep bites, open bites, missing laterals, overbites, underbites, and posterior crossbites. Some of the more obvious signs of these conditions include:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty biting
- Difficulty speaking
- Protruding teeth
- Facial imbalance
- Grinding or clenching teeth
It's a common misconception that only teenagers or children should get orthodontics. No matter your age, a straighter smile can boost confidence and support healthier teeth for years to come. Our orthodontist, Dr. Ahn, has years of dental experience helping patients of all ages achieve a stunning smile at our McLean, VA, office.
Understanding the Orthodontic Timeline
Our board-certified orthodontist can provide specialized care and attention to your case.
Get Started With a Free Consultation Dr. Ahn Can Answer Your Questions at No Cost to You
We believe that your health should be a top priority, which is why we don't want cost to interfere with your ability to make an informed decision. To make our services more accessible, we offer free consultations for orthodontic treatment. Dr. Ahn will be happy to answer any questions you may have and discuss your treatment options in detail.
To get started with your free consultation, reach out to us online or call our McLean office at:
(703) 356-7001
"Very kind and compassionate." More Reviews From the McLean Community
Catherine White
McLean, VA
2023
Hands down just an all around wonderful dental practice! My whole family has been going to Dr. Han and Dr. Ahn for close to 10 years for both general dentistry, periodontics and orthodontics…always extremely happy with the quality of their work and the results. Love their staff, Maria and Suha…always super friendly and professional too.
View on GoogleKira Sayarath
McLean, VA
2023
I stumbled upon Dr. Ahn when I was looking for a new orthodontist. She had stellar reviews and I was specifically looking for a doctor that has success fixing open and cross bites... She has just been so wonderful and not only is she a great doctor, she’s also very kind and compassionate. You can tell that she actually values her work and the people that sit in her chair.
View on GoogleWe Provide Comprehensive Care Before and After Treatment
Advanced Orthodontic Technology
Our practice uses iTero® digital scanners to produce an accurate 3D model of your mouth in just a few minutes. In the hands of a skilled orthodontist like Dr. Ahn, an effective treatment plan can be created and shared with you in a short amount of time. While traditional impressions need to be physically shipped, iTero scans can be sent instantly to the lab to cut down on waiting time.
Maintain Your Straightened Teeth
Dr. Ahn may provide you with a clear plastic retainer to help maintain the newly aligned position of your teeth. You may also be instructed to use the last set of Invisalign aligners as a retainer. Dr. Ahn will provide a full list of instructions on wearing and taking care of your retainer.
Preparatory Procedures You May Need Before Orthodontics
Depending on your circumstances, you may require a preparatory procedure before your orthodontic treatment to ensure the best outcome. These procedures may include:
Tooth Extraction
We will always avoid extractions whenever possible. However, if your existing teeth are severely overcrowded, your teeth may not have enough room to realign. In these cases, Dr. Ahn and our team may recommend a tooth extraction to ensure the best results.
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Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth can impact your alignment and affect the health of your teeth, gums, and jawbone. To prevent future damage and allow your teeth to have enough room for realignment, we may recommend having your wisdom teeth extracted prior to receiving orthodontic treatment.
"I now have a wonderful smile."
Robin Davis
McLean, VA
2024
Dr. Han and his entire staff are simply amazing. I had to undergo major reconstruction and he mapped out a clear plan forward. He and Maria were always working in step together and never lost sight of my feelings during this lengthy ordeal. While I hope no one is ever faced with such a procedure, I can assure you the only place to go is here. Truly medical professionals who put patient outcome at the top of their list. I now have a wonderful smile that looks completely natural.
View on GoogleRobert Barnhart
McLean, VA
2024
Dr. Han is a wonderful periodontist. I was in need of a specialist to correct my numerous dental issues. On my first visit, Dr. Han performed a thorough examination and created a comprehensive treatment plan that involved opening my bite 2 millimeters in order to solve my chronic dental issues... During my treatment I felt I was in the hands of an expert. Just as important as his expertise, Dr. Han is an extremely friendly and nice individual.
View on GoogleFAQ About Orthodontics
How old should orthodontic patients be?
Dr. Ahn treats patients as young as seven who have protruding front teeth or could benefit from guided jaw growth. Our orthodontist can also treat senior patients who have experienced dental changes as they've aged. No matter your age, you could be a candidate for treatment.
How long does it take to straighten misaligned teeth?
The length of your treatment will depend heavily on the complexity of your case. For example, if you simply wish to close minor tooth gaps with Invisalign, your treatment could take just a few months. If you have severe malocclusion you need to correct with braces, your treatment could be more intensive and require several years.
Do I have to wear a retainer after treatment?
Yes. You should wear your retainer as instructed by your McLean orthodontist, which could be every night indefinitely. Failing to wear your retainer can cause your teeth to shift back into their old misaligned positions. In other words: protect your investment and your beautiful smile by wearing your retainer.
