Confidence in Your Budget for Your Teen’s Smile
As parents, we want our teens to feel confident walking into every stage of life, whether that’s the classroom, the stage, the athletic field, or simply everyday social moments with friends. A confident smile can play a powerful role in how teens carry themselves, express who they are, and step into new experiences. But for […]
Does My Teen Really Need Braces?
As a parent, one of the most common questions you may find yourself asking is: Does my teen need braces? Maybe you’ve noticed your teenager’s teeth look a little crowded, or they’ve mentioned that chewing feels uncomfortable. Perhaps their dentist has casually mentioned an “orthodontic referral,” and you’re not quite sure what that means or […]
Hughes Orthodontics: 2026 Top Dentist Washingtonian
We are thrilled to be named a 2026 Washingtonian Top Dentist for the fourth consecutive year! This belongs to our incredible team and the amazing patients who trust us with their smiles every day. You are the reason we love what we do. 🥰 Here’s to another year of beautiful smiles, life-changing transformations, and the […]
Confidence Starts Early: Why Age 7 Matters in Orthodontics
The 6-7 fad may be fading but at Hughes Orthodontics we’re actually always focused on this age set! That’s because we firmly believe that age 7 is the right time for your kiddo to receive their first orthodontic consultation. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) agrees: “Your child should have a check-up with an orthodontist […]
Impressionless Scanning: The Future of Comfortable Orthodontic Consultations in Alexandria, VA
In the heart of Alexandria, VA, orthodontic care is evolving rapidly, thanks to cutting-edge advancements like digital impressions. Gone are the days of uncomfortable, goopy molds that left patients gagging and anxious during consultations. At Hughes Orthodontics, we’re embracing impressionless scanning as the future of comfortable orthodontic consultations, making the process smoother, faster, and more […]
Awards For Dr. Justin Hughes in 2025
We’re so proud to have been recognized by a number of local Alexandria, VA and Virginia organizations for our excellence in orthodontics. 2025 was a great year for Hughes Orthodontics! Congratulations to Dr. Justin for being named Best Dentist in Northern Virginia Magazine! 🦷✨ 👀 See our Northern Virginia Magazine feature by tapping the image […]
Adulting, Made Confident: Why Orthodontics Isn’t Just for Teens
At Hughes Orthodontics, we LOOOOOOVEEEE making your kids smile. So much so, we’ve been doing it for 3 generations. Yep, Hughes Orthodontics has been serving Alexandria, VA families since 1958. This year we’re focusing on confidence and how instilling it permeates everything we do…and that doesn’t end with kids or teens. Adult Orthodontics is a […]
Foods to Avoid with Braces: Essential Tips for Alexandria Families
Navigating life with braces can feel like a culinary adventure, full of excitement about that perfect smile on the horizon, but also dotted with moments of frustration when a favorite snack threatens to derail your progress. If you’re a parent in Alexandria watching your teen dodge popcorn kernels at movie night or a busy professional […]
Phase 2 Orthodontic Treatment: What to Expect After Phase 1 Early Intervention
As parents, watching your child’s smile develop is one of life’s joys, but it can also bring questions, especially if early orthodontic issues have been identified. If your child has already undergone phase 1 orthodontic treatment, often called early interceptive orthodontics, you might be wondering what comes next. Phase 2 orthodontic treatment is the natural […]
Early Orthodontic Intervention: Benefits of Phase 1 Treatment and Why Kids May Need Braces Before Age 10
As a parent, watching your child’s smile develop is one of life’s joys. But what if subtle issues arise that could impact their dental health long-term? That’s where early orthodontic intervention comes in, a proactive approach that addresses potential problems before they become more complex. Often referred to as Phase 1 orthodontics or interceptive orthodontics, […]