Dr. John H. Khouri has practiced orthodontics in Gainesville, Virginia, since 2002. After receiving his Doctor of Medical Dentistry degree from the University Of Pennsylvania School Of Dental Medicine, Dr. Khouri practiced general dentistry for four years and taught dental students at the University of Pennsylvania. He then completed his Orthodontic Residency at Howard University College of Dentistry, Department of Orthodontics, where he graduated first in his class
Dr. Khouri is the founder and President of the Gainesville Dental Study Club and a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, Southern Association of Orthodontics and the Virginia Association of Orthodontics
Kate, our Financial Coordinator, has been with Khouri Orthodontics since 2014. Kate works to make your best smile affordable! She helps you get the most out of your insurance benefits and answers all of your billing questions. She is so confident in Dr. Khouri that she was a patient herself (ask her about adult braces)! Kate is an avid runner and her hobbies include spending time with her four children, playing outdoors, camping, hiking, and kayaking.
Heather began her career in orthodontics in 2001 and has worked with Khouri Orthodontics since 2008. She is proud to say her job is literally to make people smile! She is happily married and lives out in the country with her husband, Steve, and their son, Thoreau. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends and doing arts and crafts. You will recognize her in the office she is the one who is always singing. Be sure to check out her latest contest upon arrival!
Chasity is our Office Manager and has been with Khouri Orthodontics since 2006. She says, I love getting to know our patients and seeing their confidence build as their treatment progresses. Chasity is enthusiastic about cars and loves trading them in as often as she can. Shes a thrill seeker who went skydiving on her very first time in an airplane! Chasity and her husband, Greg, have three daughters who keep them very busy! Chasity enjoys Thursday Family Movie Nights and hitting it big at bingo.
Taylor started with Khouri Orthodontics in 2019. She has always loved her visits to the dentist and learning about teeth, so she is excited to begin her career in orthodontics. Taylor is a Virginia native and lives in Bealeton with her family and her dog, Jax. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family.
Todays orthodontic methods are less painful and less disruptive to your daily life than they were even a decade ago. Following your initial evaluation, we will discuss treatment plan options that best suit your needs and preferences. Options include traditional metal braces (that are fun to change out colors), clear ceramic braces, removable appliances, and Invisalign. Dr. Khouri and his team will see you every 6-8 weeks to monitor your progress.
Why are straight teeth important? Braces are not just for cosmetic purposes. Studies have shown that straight teeth are less prone to decay, gum disease and injury. Straight teeth also collect less plaque, a colorless and sticky film composed of bacteria, food and saliva. Orthodontic problems can cause abnormal wear of tooth surfaces and may worsen with time.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an evaluation by an orthodontist no later than age 7. Phase I Orthodontic Treatment is preventative, interceptive treatment, which is the foundation of a healthy, lifelong smile. Phase I treatment develops the jaw size in order to accommodate all the permanent teeth, and to relate the upper and lower jaws to each other. Children sometimes exhibit early signs of jaw problems as they grow and develop. Treatment at a young age can prevent many problems from occurring in the future. Phase I can guide jaw growth, correct harmful oral habits, improve appearance, and guide the eruption of permanent teeth.
A habit appliance is an appliance that is placed in the mouth to help prevent the oral habits such as thumb/finger sucking, or tongue thrusting. Tongue thrusting occurs when the patient presses his or her tongue against the front teeth, usually when swallowing, speaking or resting the tongue.
A facemask is used in some cases where an underbite is present. A facemask, or reverse headgear, may be recommended as part of the treatment. The facemask is designed to fix the discrepancy between the upper and lower jaws by moving the upper jaw forward.
Phase II is considered Comprehensive Orthodontic treatment. This is when most of the permanent teeth have erupted (usually between the ages of eleven and thirteen). The goal of Phase II Treatment is to position all the permanent teeth to maximize their appearance and function. This is best accomplished with full braces or Invisalign. Treatment usually lasts between 18-24 months, depending on compliance and the severity of the case.
A Forsusis used while a patient is currently wearing braces where more of a consistent force is needed, un-like normal rubber band wear. This appliance is made to reduce the overbite and promote the proper jaw growth in patients. Although it is not used in all cases, it is used when orthodontic elastics may not be able to correct the malocclusion.
Braces are for adults too! More and more adults are discovering the benefits in health, beauty, and self-esteem that an improved smile brings. In many instances, we are treating the parents and children at the same time. With todays technological advances, improvements can be made to your smile at any age. Although an attractive smile is a pleasant side effect, orthodontic treatment also has numerous health benefits for patients of all ages.
Invisalign is a series of clear aligners that move your teeth gently and gradually. Patients receive custom aligners from the doctor that will be switched out every two weeks. Patients are seen in the office every 6-8 weeks. Not all patients are candidates for Invisalign, as each case is different.
There are two types of retainers that are available for patients to wear. Retainers are made to hold the teeth into place after the braces have been removed. The most common retainer is the Hawley retainer, made from metal and molded acrylic. These retainers are available in a multiple number of colors and designs. The other types of retainers available are Essix retainers. These are clear, invisible retainers that look similar to Invisalign aligners. At Khouri Orthodontics we encourage lifetime wear of your retainers.
