Tag Archives: Dr. Bob Kumra

October 4, 2016 · 8:59 am

Guest Post: What is the Perfect Age to Get Braces?

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[Note: This is a sponsored post contributed by Dr. Bob Kumra of Kumra Orthondontics. As previously mentioned, I’ll be sprinkling in content that addresses topics applicable to many of us parents as our kids grow. Among that, a monthly post from Dr. Kumra on orthodontia. Kumra Orthodontics has locations in Washington, DC, and Stafford, VA.]

What is the Perfect Age to Get Braces?
Those who suffer from orthodontic problems can benefit from treatment by a professional orthodontist at any age. Your teeth are unique, just like you. Kumra Orthodontics in Downtown DC and Stafford, VA, can evaluate your oral health care needs to provide you and your family with the best orthodontic care available. Whether you are seven or 50 years old, braces can help straighten and beautify your smile. After an initial consultation and assessment of one’s teeth and gums, Dr. Bob Kumra will be able to discuss with you if braces are right for you or your children.

When Is The Right Time For Braces?
While patients at any age can benefit from orthodontic treatment, there are a few specific ages where treatment is optimal, like after the last baby tooth has fallen out and all of the adult teeth have grown in. By the age of seven years old, children should see an orthodontist and get an evaluation to address any possible issues. From the ages of eight to 14 years old, children’s heads and mouths are still growing, which makes this a good time in life to correct any orthodontic issues. Even after age 14, you can still benefit from an orthodontic consultation and treatment from Kumra Orthodontics.

How long will the braces need to be worn?
The question that Dr. Bob Kumra is asked most often by prospective patients needing braces is, “How long do I need to wear braces?” It depends on the individual patient’s case and their specific treatment. Most patients experience orthodontic treatments over a period of 18 to 30 months. A consultation with the team at Kumra Orthodontics is the best indicator of how long one’s specific treatment may last. Orthodontic treatment or braces can initially cause minor pain and sensitivity for a patient. It is important that parents explain to their children under age 18 what they may experience before, during, and after their braces are put on. And although wearing braces can be uncomfortable at first, they will get used to wearing them, and their braces will become easier to wear over time.

If a patient participates in a sport that requires a mouth guard or plays a musical instrument, make sure to speak with Dr. Bob Kumra about playing while undergoing orthodontic treatment. You will learn quickly how to engage in your favorite activities with your braces. Invisalign Teen could also be a good option if you feel that your child is able to carefully follow the instructions and use the clear aligners properly. Whether you are seven years old with crooked teeth or 50 years old with an overbite, Dr. Bob Kumra can administer the appropriate treatment for your specific needs and age group.

What’s the Next Step?
For more information or to schedule an appointment with Kumra Orthodontics in Downtown DC and Stafford, VA, visit them online or call (202) 785-8672 (Washington, DC) or (540) 602-7251 (Stafford, VA)

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Kumra Orthodontics, however, I only promote services, programs, and places that I genuinely believe in and think will appeal to KFDC readers.


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September 6, 2016 · 10:30 am

Guest Post: Why Should My Child See An Orthodontist?

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[Note: This is a sponsored post contributed by Dr. Bob Kumra of Kumra Orthondontics. As mentioned last month, I’ll be sprinkling in content that addresses topics applicable to many of us parents as our kids grow. Among that, a monthly post from Dr. Kumra on orthodontia. Kumra Orthodontics has locations in Washington, DC and Stafford, VA.]


Dr. Kumra and the professionals at Kumra Orthodontics know that a thorough dental evaluation will reveal how your child’s teeth and mouth are growing. To evaluate how a child’s teeth are developing, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that every child get an examination with either a dentist or orthodontist by age 7. There are many reasons why you should have a dentist or an orthodontist examine your child’s mouth while they still have their baby teeth.

The Benefit of Early Intervention
Many orthodontic patients receive better treatment outcomes when a problem is identified and corrected early on. For youngsters especially, a consultation with a qualified orthodontist may indicate where and how a young patient’s permanent (adult) teeth will grow in by examining the arrangement of the teeth and jaw while the primary (baby) teeth are still present in the child’s mouth.

Dr. Kumra has years of experience with children’s orthodontic treatment in Washington, DC. A consultation from the Kumra Orthodontics team also will give you the opportunity to become more familiar with the options for treatment that might become necessary as your child continues to grow.

Conditions to Watch For
An orthodontist can identify and correct several conditions with orthodontic treatments.
• Crowding
• Open Bite
• Cross Bite
• Deep Bite
• Spacing
• Teeth emerging out of position

Interceptive Treatment
Interceptive treatment is designed to treat a problem before it becomes a problem, making current orthodontic treatment easier and possible future treatments less invasive. Your child may need interceptive treatment for any progressing orthodontic problems.

Phase One of Treatment
Dr. Bob Kumra will examine their young patient and evaluate how your child’s teeth will develop after they lose their primary teeth. They will then work to guide the growth of the jaw and to make room for newly emerging teeth, so that crowding of the teeth won’t occur. This will also lower the risk of damage to any new teeth that are protruding or are starting to protrude.

Phase Two of Treatment
This phase usually involves treatment with braces. Braces are designed to move your child’s permanent teeth into their correct final positions and to improve teeth function and facial appearance.

Give Your Child the Smile They Deserve!
Problems that can be treated in a growing child may relieve the patient of more radical and intrusive orthodontic measures later on in life. A child’s growth rate and their orthodontic treatment approach are meant to progress concurrently. The Kumra Orthodontics team agrees that by timing orthodontic treatment with your child’s stages of development, Dr. Kumra can make treatment easier by taking advantage of your child’s rate of growth.

Dr. Kumra can help answer any questions that you might have about children’s orthodontics. To schedule a consultation, call: (202) 785-8672

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Kumra Orthodontics, however, I only promote services, programs, and places that I genuinely believe in and think will appeal to KFDC readers.


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August 2, 2016 · 9:13 am

Ask an Orthodontist: Can Pre-Teens Get Invisalign, Too?

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[Note: As my kids grow, KFDC content is growing up with them — as are the children of many readers who have been following along for awhile. So, while I continue to cover DC-area activities and events, I’ll also be sprinkling in some features that might be of particular interest to parents of tween and even teen kids. Among them will be a monthly post contributed by Dr. Bob Kumra on orthodontia, a topic that many of us parents will think about at some point. Kumra Orthodontics offices are located in Washington, DC and Stafford, VA.]

Can Pre-Teens Get Invisalign, Too?

There is no “yes-or-no” answer to the question “Can pre-teens get Invisalign, too?” The decision, ultimately, will be made by the patient’s parents and their dentist or orthodontist. As long as your pre-teen has a fully developed set of teeth, Invisalign can be used in treatment. Invisalign clear aligners are generally safe for developing pre-teens, and the resulting tooth placement lasts a very long time. A consultation with Dr. Kumra and the team at Kumra Orthodontics can help you determine the best course of orthodontic treatment for your child in Washington DC, Stafford VA, and the surrounding area.

Imagine being treated with a set of braces that are virtually undetectable
That’s the beauty of Invisalign clear aligners. Treatment with Invisalign costs around the same as treatment with traditional braces, but Invisalign is more discreet, more comfortable, and more easily cared for than metal braces. Being treated with Invisalign by Dr. Kumra can correct a patient’s orthodontic issues without anyone ever noticing that they are wearing braces.

Invisalign instead of metal braces
Image and self-esteem are critical personal issues for children, teens, and adults with a less-than-perfect smile. Dr. Kumra says that the real appeal of Invisalign clear aligners is the freedom to eat and drink whatever you want without worrying about damaging your dental work. Invisalign clear aligners are removable by the wearer, making cleaning, eating, and active pursuits more comfortable. When consuming acidic drinks such as soda and orange juice, Dr. Kumra always recommends removing your Invisalign to prevent the acids from getting trapped in the aligners and damaging one’s teeth.

Traditional braces are fixed
That means they can’t be removed by the patient, and the various metal parts associated with metal braces can cause irritation in the mouth. Invisalign trays are made of clear plastic and can be removed and replaced as necessary. They require only a few simple cleanings each day. Invisalign is more comfortable and easier to care for than traditional braces.

Follow the instructions
Pre-teens being treated with Invisalign risk interrupting the progress of their treatment by forgetting to wear the appliance. An Invisalign patient is afforded the opportunity to remove the trays before eating, and a pre-teen patient may forget to replace them in their mouth afterward.

Assuming your pre-teen is qualified for treatment with Invisalign, make sure, too, that they understand how to wear, clean, and store the Invisalign trays. For some pre-teens, it is easy to follow instructions at home, but in school your child may forget some of the responsibilities that come with being treated with Invisalign. With conscientious care and application, your pre-teen’s treatment with Invisalign will ensure a great set of healthy, straight teeth that will serve them well for a lifetime.

Invisalign works well for adults and teens, but only a professional like Dr. Kumra can help you decide if Invisalign treatment is the correct course of action to take in regard to your child’s orthodontic care. To learn more about treatment with Invisalign, or to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Kumra, please visit Kumra Orthodontics online or call (202) 785-8672 (Downtown DC) or (540) 602-7251 (Stafford, VA).

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Kumra Orthodontics, however, I only promote programs, services, and places that I genuinely believe in and think will appeal to KFDC readers.


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