Orthodontics in McLean, VA
A Board-Certified Orthodontist Right in McLean
Ivy League-Trained at UPenn
Invisalign Diamond Provider
Free Orthodontic Consultations
Why Patients Choose Dr. Ahn for Orthodontics
Straightening your teeth is a commitment, and the orthodontist you choose matters as much as the appliance.
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A Closer Look at the Cost of Orthodontics
Orthodontic pricing depends on the appliance you choose, the complexity of the alignment, and the length of your treatment plan. Dr. Ahn walks every patient through a complete cost estimate during the free consultation.
We accept all PPO insurance plans and file claims on your behalf. For the balance, we work with CareCredit to spread payments over a manageable timeline. Our practice also offers in-house financing with 50 percent down and the remaining 50 percent financed interest-free, so the investment can fit your budget without a third-party lender.
Orthodontic Treatments We Offer
Not every case calls for the same appliance. During your consultation, our dentist in McLean, VA, will match the right option to your bite, your goals, and your lifestyle.
Braces
Traditional braces use metal brackets and wires to move teeth into place. Braces are the right choice for more significant misalignment and for younger patients whose teeth and jaw are still developing.
Invisalign
Clear, removable aligners that gently shift teeth into place. As an Invisalign Diamond Provider, our practice can use the system for mild, moderate, and many more complex cases that earlier-tier providers refer out.
"They have taken amazing care of both my son's and daughter's teeth."
"We've had such a wonderful experience with Dr. Ahn (orthodontist) and Dr. Han (general dentist)! They have taken amazing care of both my son's and daughter's teeth, and their expertise truly shines through." — Joyce, 5-Star Review
About Dr. Sooyeon Ahn
Dr. Sooyeon Ahn earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania, one of the country's leading dental schools. After her DMD, she went on to become a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. Diplomate status requires passing the board's rigorous exams and maintaining the certification over time, and the credential signals ongoing commitment to the specialty.
Dr. Ahn is an active member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the professional organization that sets standards for the field. Her practice covers the full orthodontic case range, from early-prevention treatment for younger patients to adult Invisalign and traditional braces. At our office, she treats every patient with care that is as gentle and unhurried as it is clinically thorough.
The Orthodontic Treatment Timeline
Orthodontic care unfolds across four phases, and Dr. Ahn walks every patient through what to expect at each step.
1
Planning
A free initial consultation includes a clinical exam, digital x-rays, and an iTero® 3D scan of your bite. Dr. Ahn discusses your goals, explains your options, and builds a treatment plan that fits your schedule and your budget.
2
Appliances
For braces, brackets are bonded to the teeth and a wire is threaded through. For Invisalign, your scan is sent to the lab so a custom series of aligners can be made.
3
Checkups
Patients return on a regular cadence so Dr. Ahn can adjust the appliance, monitor progress, and answer any questions. Braces are typically adjusted monthly, and Invisalign patients change to the next aligner on a set schedule between visits.
4
Maintenance
Once active treatment finishes, retainers hold the result in place. Braces patients wear a retainer at night; Invisalign patients can wear their last set of aligners as a retainer.
Common Questions
About Orthodontics
How old should orthodontic patients be?
Dr. Ahn treats patients as young as seven, when early-prevention orthodontics can guide jaw growth and reduce the need for more involved treatment later. She also treats teenagers, adults, and senior patients whose teeth have shifted over time. There is no age limit on a healthier bite.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Treatment length depends on the case. Minor gaps or simple alignment issues with Invisalign can finish in a few months. More complex needs that require braces typically take 18 to 30 months. Dr. Ahn estimates the timeline at the consultation so you can plan around it.
Are Invisalign and braces equally effective?
For most cases, yes. Braces handle the most complex alignment issues. Invisalign covers a wide range of mild, moderate, and many complex cases, especially in the hands of a Diamond Provider. Dr. Ahn explains which option fits your specific needs at the consultation.
Do I need to wear a retainer after treatment?
Yes. Teeth tend to shift back toward their original positions if a retainer is not worn after active treatment. Dr. Ahn typically prescribes nightly retainer wear after braces, and Invisalign patients can wear their last aligner as a retainer at night.
Is the orthodontic consultation really free?
Yes. Our McLean practice offers free initial orthodontic consultations so you can meet Dr. Ahn, ask questions, and walk through treatment options without a financial commitment
