Thanks to Invisalign®, mom and dad can have a perfect smile, too!

Hey parents! Focusing on your kids' teeth and oral health so much that you're neglecting your own? If you've been thinking wistfully about having your own set of perfect teeth, our staff can help! We are specially trained to offer an adult-friendly option for straightening teeth called Invisalign.

This course of treatment consists of a set of clear aligners that are molded to fit your teeth using a proprietary technology. You wear them all day and night, except for meals, brushing, and flossing – when you can easily slip them out to make eating and cleaning a snap!

Because they're clear, your teeth will be steadily straightening – and no one will know it but you!

Please give us a call to set up a consultation, so we can discuss the specifics of your treatment.

Cash for Candy

Dr. Elchahal is redefining the phrase “put your money where your mouth is.” This Halloween, trick-or-treaters can bring their excess candy to Dr. Elchahal’s offices in Johns Creek, Hamilton Mill and Cumming during the week of November 1st through 3rd and receive cash back per pound or points on your Smile Rewards Card. Dr. Elchahal is leading this anti-decay movement by giving away dollars in exchange for cavity-provoking candy.

“Ditch the candy, that’s what we’re saying. Visiting your dentist twice a year and brushing daily are great preventative measures, but doing away with excess sweets altogether would really give your teeth a healthy boost” says Dr. Alec Elchahal. “Kids can still have all the fun of trick-or-treating, and their piggy banks will benefit as well.”

Global sugar consumption for kids increases by about 2% annually and currently sits at 50 million tons per year, which means parents need to be sure their kids teeth are being cared for more than ever. Candy, as well as hurting children’s teeth, can lead to hyperactivity and weight gain. In some cases, the wrong types of candy can also lead to broken teeth and damaged braces. Candy will be collected at Dr. Elchahal’s office the week after Halloween on November 1st at the Johns Creek office and on November 2nd at the Hamilton Mill and Cumming offices between the hours of 8am-5pm. The candy must be unopened. Please no bites. It will then be shipped to a local charity. Dr. Elchahal and team are available for more information at 770-622-1177 or visit our website!

Celebrating Our New Locations!

Recently Dr. Elchahal & Team celebrated the open house for two new offices, our relocated Hamilton Mill location, and our brand new location in Cumming, GA. Both open houses were held over October 4th and 5th. Thank you to all who attended these events!

Check out all the fun photos of both events on our Facebook page!

Your pal, fluoride

There are so many ways you protect your teeth throughout your orthodontic treatment. You brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly and protect your mouth and appliances from being damaged. But did you know there is another, often forgotten about, way to keep your teeth clean and healthy during your treatment? Fluoride – a mineral that helps prevent cavities and tooth decay – can help keep your teeth strong! Fluoride comes in two varieties: topical and systemic. Topical fluoride is applied directly to the tooth. Topical fluoride includes toothpastes and mouth rinses. Systemic fluorides are swallowed in the form of a dietary supplement.

Fluoride used in the dentist/orthodontists’ office is often times a stronger concentration than in toothpaste or mouthwash, but is available at some drug stores or a pharmacy (ask your doctor how to purchase professional strength fluoride). A fluoride treatment typically takes just a few minutes. After the treatment patients may be asked not to rinse, eat or drink for at least 30 minutes in order to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride. Depending on your oral health or doctor’s recommendation, you may be required to have a fluoride treatment every three, six or 12 months. Your doctor may also prescribe a fluoride product such as mouthwashes, gels or antibacterial rinses for at-home treatment.

When choosing your own fluoride product, be sure to check for the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of acceptance. Products marked with the ADA seal of approval have been carefully examined and have met the criteria of the ADA for safety and effectiveness. Take care of your teeth, and smile bright!

What can I expect during my consultation?

When you first come in for your initial consultation, Dr. Elchahal will conduct a comprehensive examination to assess your oral health. This will better enable us to determine the best treatment method for you.

Your orthodontic evaluation will consist of an oral and facial examination to assess your oral health. At this initial, complimentary consultation, we will have you take intraoral and facial photographs as well as panoramic and cephalometric X-rays to help determine the proper orthodontic treatment method. We find that many patients are not ready for treatment when examined. In those cases, the patient is placed on a recall program and the family is sent a reminder in the future to come back for an orthodontic re-evaluation.

If you are seeking orthodontic treatment for your child, our staff asks that both you and your child attend the initial consultation. We feel it is important that both you and your child completely understand Dr. Elchahal’s recommendations before we proceed with treatment.

Give us a call today and schedule a consultation! We look forward to hearing from you!

Vickery Orthodontics Open for Business!

It's finally open - Vickery Orthodontics located at 5067 Post Road, Suite 201, Cumming, GA 30040. Our official open date was Tuesday, June 15th and look forward to seeing new and old faces at our new location.

The advantage of Invisalign Teen™ with Dr. Alec Elchahal

We know image is everything. At an age when image is so important, the thought of having metal brackets and wires constantly attached to teeth may intensify the already-delicate confidence of today's teens. But... not to worry! There is a clear alternative to traditional braces! The team and Dr. Elchahal thought we'd remind you that Invisalign Teen™ gives you a whole new way to wear braces for a "clearly" amazing smile!

So how does Invisalign Teen work, you ask? Much in the same fashion as Invisalign, but with a few added characteristics tailored specifically to teenagers’ lifestyles. For instance, Invisalign Teen is designed with “compliance indicators” that fade from dark to light during the two week period that particular tray is used and once it has faded teens know to change trays. Each aligner comes with up to six free individual replacement aligners in case the original aligner ends up lost or broken. Another big benefit for the patient!

The treatment period for Invisalign Teen varies from nine to 18 months. If your teen is considering orthodontic treatment, please contact us and we’ll answer any questions you may have about Invisalign Teen.

Extra Points on your Rewards Card are just a click away!

Dr. Elchahal and team strive for five. A successful practice doesn't just happen. It is the result of a strong commitment to excellence in our treatment and relationships with patients and doctors. We'd like to take a moment to thank you for showing your confidence in our practice by recommending us to your friends, family members and colleagues. One great way for you to share your experience with us is by writing your testimonial on one of our social media networks. For your convenience, you may find links on our website under testimonials. Please notify Dr. Elchahal and team that you have done so by emailing us at braces@smilesbyelchahal.com to receive 10 points on your Smiles Reward Card.

The Braces Cookbook: Kid Tested, Orthodontist Approved!

The wisdom of the ages tells us that necessity is the mother of invention. Brenda Waterman, age thirteen, offers new proof of this proverb. When getting braces mandated cutting a list of foods out of her diet – including her much-loved treat of caramel apples – she devised a work-around recipe that let her indulge her craving. This clever replacement for caramel apples was the inspiration for The Braces Cookbook: Recipes You (And Your Orthodontist) Will Love, which Brenda created along with her mom, Pam Waterman.

Anyone with braces knows that it's important to avoid sticky foods, crunchy foods, hard foods, chewy foods, and so on. It's easy to look at the list and think, "What can I eat?" The Watermans' new book tackles that question with creative and thorough answers in the form of 50 braces-friendly recipes, plus additional tips and advice – enough to reassure any doubter.

Neatly divided into chapters such as Definitely Deserved Desserts and Be-Nice-To-Me Beverages, The Braces Cookbook offers a broad assortment of recipes from main courses and sides to breakfasts and snacks. An all-around guide, the book also offers suggestions for packing lunches, preparing quick meals, and handling parties and restaurants, where the food selection isn't under your control. There's even a section of tips for dealing with the soreness that can arise in teeth and gums when braces are adjusted.

Purchase The Braces Cookbook for your kitchen, and pick up an extra copy or two – they make great gifts!

-Alec N. Elchahal, Orthodontist Johns Creek, Suwanee, Dacula GA

2010 Contests with Dr. Elchahal & Team

Have you seen the list of our contests for 2010? We've just built a new contest section of our Facebook Fan Page, which you can check out by clicking here! Dr. Elchahal and his team are all about providing the Johns Creek, Hamilton Mill, Suwanee, Dacula and surrounding communities with a fun orthodontic experience. Let us know if you have questions about any of our exciting contests, or give our office a call!

Movies Under the Stars with Dr. Elchahal and Dacula Family Festival

The Dacula Family Festival and Dr. Alec Elchahal & Team are proud to present
Movies Under the Stars!

Where: 5055 Post Rd. Cumming, Ga, 30040*

What: Enjoy our FREE MOVIE SCREENINGS. Movies start at 8:15pm. For best seating, come early and bring a blanket or comfortable low-back chair!

When: May 9th- Night at the Museum

June 12th- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

July 10th- Twilight *this movie starts at 9:30pm

August 14th- Where the Wild Things Are

September 11th- Princess Diaries

The New & Improved Dr. Elchahal's Smile Rewards Program

We are pleased to announce the new and improved Dr. Elchahal's Smile Rewards program, officially launching next Monday, April 12th! Patients can expect more points, more prizes, and most importantly, more FUN! Ask about this exciting new program at your next appointment, or give our office a call!

Trust a Preferred Invisalign Provider in Johns Creek, Cumming and Dacula

For the Johns Creek, Dacula, and Cumming communities considering orthodontic braces, Consider Invisalign, the nearly invisible way to achieve your best smile which has been used by more than a million patients. We are an Invisalign Preferred Provider, which means we meet a strict set of requirements by the creators of Invisalign. That means you can rely on our skills and experience to provide you – and your teeth – with the best possible outcome.

How Invisalign Straightens Your Teeth
The Invisalign system uses a set of clear aligners that are custom-created for your mouth to reposition and straighten your teeth. These aligners are tailor-made for your teeth and are completely removable, requiring no metal wires or brackets. The aligners work in stages: each aligner is worn for about two weeks before being replaced by the next in the sequence, moving your teeth exactly according to the prescription we’ve created for you.


What it Means to Work with a Preferred Provider
We’re proud to be an Invisalign Preferred Provider, as designated by Align Technology, the company that created the Invisalign system of treatment. Being a Preferred Provider means that we have successfully completed the advanced training needed to treat patients with Invisalign aligners. We have continued experience with a wide variety of Invisalign cases, as we regularly treat patients with Invisalign. We also attend ongoing clinical training classes in order to maintain our qualification as a Preferred Provider in Johns Creek and surrounding areas.

Please contact us with any questions you have about the Invisalign system, or give us a call to set up a consultation so we can determine if Invisalign is a practical option for you. You can also visit our web site for more information about Invisalign treatment at the orthodontic practice of Alec Elchahal.

Access your account—any day, any time--with Smiles By Elchahal

Access to your account, 24/7. Sounds convenient, doesn’t it?

Patients at our offices enjoy access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—all through our web site. You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, all from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

You, too, may sign up for this convenient service on our web site by clicking on the "Patient Login" button on our homepage. Please give us a call if you have any questions about getting started!

--Dr. Elchahal & Team

Join Dr. Elchahal and Staff for the Midway Family Festival Grand Opening

Come join Dr. Elchahal and Staff for the Midway Family Festival Grand Opening on Saturday, March 20th located
at 5067 Post Road,Suite 201 Cumming, GA 30040 starting at 10:00 am with the dedication and concluding at 7:00 pm with a movie in the park. Midway Family Festival is the location of our new Cumming office, which will be opening at the end of April. We have a full day of fun events planned, check out the schedule below!

10:00 am
Welcome/Dedication of Ballfield

10:30 am
Ribbon cutting with all stores

10:30 am -12 pm
8u Baseball game

10:45 am -11:30 am
The Warehouse

11:00 am
Face Painter (11 - 2)
Balloon Artist (11 - 2)
Caricaturist ( 11 - 1)

11:30 am
North GA Youth Choral performance 11:30 am - 12:00 pm

12:05 pm - 12:35 pm
Master Chin-Tae Kwon Do exhibition

12:45 pm - 1:30 pm
The Warehouse

1:35 pm - 3:35 pm
Karin Mervis - muralist

7:00 pm
Movie in the park (Angels in the Outfield)
Cotton Candy

Hope to see you there!

What’s so special about an Orthodontist?

"Dentists, Orthodontists, they're all the same right?" We hear our patients asking this question as they wonder about the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist. Before becoming an orthodontist Dr. Elchahal started out in dental school and earned a DDS (dental degree), just like your dentist. After dental school however, Dr. Elchahal decided he wanted to learn more about orthodontics, which is one of nine specialties within the dental field. So he stayed in school for a few more years and became an expert in orthodontics; which focuses on tooth and jaw alignment and bite problems like overbites and under bites.

Other dental specialties you may have heard of include endodontic (focusing on the soft tissue inside your teeth), periodontic (focusing on the gums and other tissues surrounding your teeth) and prosthodontic (focusing on restoring and replacing damaged teeth).

Isn't it nice to know there's a dental expert here to help you through any type of treatment your teeth, jaw and gums might need?

It's never too late to straighten your teeth!

Many people think that if they didn't have braces in junior high, they've missed the only chance to straighten their teeth. But more and more, we see a strong trend in orthodontics: adults who realize the time is still ripe.

Consider Chicago resident Sally Borla, retired and in her 50s, didn't dream she'd ever wear braces. After treatment, she couldn't imagine why she hadn't started earlier. "I'd always related braces to young people, but I guess I'm living proof that it doesn't matter how old a person is," Borla said. "When I look in the mirror, I can hardly believe that the smile looking back at me is mine."

And because orthodontics closes up spaces between teeth or eliminates crowding, patients have found it's easier to keep them clean. Michael Smith of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, said he noticed fewer problems with tartar buildup since braces had realigned his teeth and jaws when he was in his late 20s. "I do believe my teeth will last a lot longer," said Smith, now in his 30s.

Maria Castro of Brandon, Florida, was 91 ("and a half," she'd add) when her braces came off. Castro said her smile was a source of pride until one of her teeth began to slip behind its neighbors when she was in her late 80s. When her family dentist told her that her teeth, gums and supporting bone were in good shape – and her son, an oral surgeon, concurred – she said, "Why not?"

Why not, indeed? One out of every five people in orthodontic treatment is over the age of eighteen. So if your teeth aren't as straight as you'd like, and you find yourself jealously eyeing your pre-teen's braces, give us a call at 678-894-7818.


There's no age limit on the perfect smile.

Before & After at Smiles by Elchahal

Have you ever wondered what patients look like before and after their treatment at the office of Alec N. Elchahal? Above is a snapshot of Stephen, one of Dr. Elchahal's patients. Stephen is one of many patients whose smiles (and lives) have been transformed by treatment at our office. For more proof, head over to the Before & After page on our web site!

If you're considering orthodontic, please give us a call. Enjoy your weekend!

Dr. Elchahal, your Johns Creek Invisalign Teen™ provider

Invisalign for teens is here and Johns Creek Orthodontics is proudly one of the first offices to offer this premier service.

Dr. Alec Elchahal is an Invisalign Premier Provider with locations in Johns Creek, Suwanee, Hamilton Mill and Dacula, who loves straightening people's teeth without using brackets and wires whenever possible. By using a series of clear, removable aligners, Invisalign straightens your teeth right before your eyes. Invisalign is comfortable to wear and it doesn't require you to change your busy lifestyle. One of the most attractive features about Invisalign is that it is virtually invisible and allows you to keep your teeth impeccably clean during treatment.

Invisalign Teen is a special type of Invisalign treatment designed to meet the needs of our wonderful teenage patients. It addresses the key teen issues of eruption control, root movement, and compliance while enhancing smiles and function for life!

To find out more about Invisalign Teen, please call our office for a Free Consultation. Dr. Elchahal and his team look forward to meeting you and discussing your treatment needs.

Happy Friday!

Dr. Elchahal and staff, helping disadvantaged families this holiday season

Dr. Elchahal and staff are sponsoring a family this holiday season through North Fulton Community Charities. The NFCC Holiday Program provides an opportunity for disadvantaged families to experience the blessings of the season and put aside their day-to-day struggles.

Sponsoring a family involves purchasing new gifts for each child in the family and a household gift the whole family can enjoy. Sponsors receive a letter about their family, a report with the children's names, ages and sizes and the children's wish list for Christmas. With this information, Dr. Elchahal and his team can then purchase items or gift cards of their choosing.

We feel blessed being able to help this family during the holidays.