NVO Blog

We've got some great news! Our assistant Laura has won the "Dream Ticket" to American Idol. This coveted ticket advances her straight to the judges! Read her story below and check back as we follow her journey this summer.

I was 16 when I first auditioned for American Idol in South Carolina. I made it through the first three rounds, but then was cut because the judges felt I was too young. So with a heavy heart, I packed my bags and left Charleston to head back home to Virginia.

Four years later, I happened to be reading the newspaper when I saw an article with big, bold letters that said, "Do you want to be the next American Idol?" I immediately read the article and saw that a local recording studio had come across a "Dream Ticket" that would advance one person straight to the judges. They were holding auditions and I knew I had to give it a try. I ended up winning and will take my ticket to the judges this summer!! Wish me luck.

Ashburn: Northern Virginia Orthodontics (“NVO”) is pleased to announce that they have been chosen by The Washingtonian magazine as one of the 2011 Great Places to Work. “Our practice is flattered to have been chosen for this presigious award. There is nothing like making a positive change in someone’s life….we truly enjoy what we do. My team is made up of the best people in orthodontics. Together, we make great smiles, healthy bites and have fun doing it,” states Dr. Zach Casagrande.

Northern Virginia Orthodontics was chosen as one of this year’s 50 winning workplaces. A panel of editors and writers reviewed more than 13,000 employee surveys. The final determinations relied heavily on the scores given by a company’s employees.

"I am proud to be a part of the amazing team at Northern Virginia Orthodontics. I am energized by our wonderful patients and feel very fortunate to be able to look forward to going to work every day.” shares Lisa Hensley, NVO’s treatment coordinator.

This is the seventh time The Washingtonian magazine has chosen Great Places to Work in the Washington, DC area. The feature dates back to 1999 and it is published every other year. Among The Washingtonian's 50 winning workplaces, there are a mix of sizes (from an organization of just 11 employees to one with more than 68,000), as well as industries (winners include trade associations, government agencies, information-technology firms, government contractors, nonprofits, law firms, and more). This year's workplaces were chosen on the basis of such measures as:, challenging and interesting work, great work/life balance, generous pay and benefits, opportunities to learn and grow, financial stability, commitment to charity and community, and the recognition and respect given to employees.

Northern Virginia Orthodontics sponsored the Briar Woods vs. Broad Run football game on September 2, 2011. Not only did the large crowd come to watch the two rival high schools battle it out on the football field, but the community came together that Friday night to support Ryan Diviney and his family in the "Battle for a Better Cause." Dr. Casagrande and the staff of NVO were proud to help sponsor the event.  If you missed us at the game, we'd hate for you to miss this AMAZING deal! Until October 31, 2011, all Briar Woods and Broad Run STAFF and STUDENTS are eligible to receive $1000.00 off full treatment (including Invisalign/Invisalign Teen) Call our office for more information 703.327.1718.

Dr. Zach Casagrande donates time and smiles to change kids’ lives

Northern Virginia Orthodontics is pleased to announce their partnership with Smiles Change Lives (SCL), a national charity that helps low-income children get braces. “SCL connects deserving children with the orthodontists in their community who want to help them,” states LeAnn Smith, Chief Operating Offer of Smiles Change Lives.

Dr. Casagrande was selected to treat approved SCL patients. This means that SCL can put this doctor’s good intentions to work by finding the kids who most need braces.

"I am proud to be a part of an outstanding organization like Smiles Change Lives. Through SCL we can enhance the lives of children in our community that could not otherwise afford the benefits of orthodontics,” shares Dr. Casagrande. "SCL makes it easy and possible for these children to apply and begin treatment, resulting in a healthy and beautiful smile!”

With the support of Dr. Casagrande and hundreds of others nationwide, SCL is in need of applicants. SCL is currently seeking children:

• Ages 11-18
• With severely crooked teeth and misaligned jaws
• Whose family income at or below 200% of Federal Poverty Level
• With good oral hygiene
• Who are motivated to comply with program guidelines and treatment plan

With the current economic downturn, more families now qualify for Smiles Change Lives due to a change in the program’s financial guidelines. Anyone interested is encouraged to visit www.smileschangelives.org/qualify to determine if their family meets the financial guidelines. Families interested in applying can review program guidelines and download an application in English and Spanish at www.smileschangelives.org/apply or by calling 888-900-3554.

SCL is a nationwide program serving children in 50 states. Email info@smileschangelives.org for more information or to join the mailing list, or join SCL online at www.smileschangelives.org/onlinecommunities to keep up to date on current news and program expansion.

Dr. Casagrande is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, a distinction held by less than 25% of orthodontists. A Northern Virginia native, Dr. Casagrande received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree, magna cum laude, from the Medical College of Virginia. In addition to his dental degree, Dr. Casagrande also earned a Master of Science degree and a degree in Orthodontics from the Medical College of Virginia. He remains a part of the Medical College of Virginia as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Orthodontics, teaching residents to become orthodontists.

Dr. Casagrande is highly trained in the latest orthodontic techniques and treatments for pediatric, adolescent, and adult patients including Invisalign and self-ligating bracket systems that can reduce treatment time and increase patient comfort. He is the only Invisalign Elite Provider Orthodontist in Loudoun County. This distinction puts Dr. Casagrande amongst the top 1% of Invisalign providers nationwide. He also has extensive experience with complex cases requiring orthognathic jaw surgery as a former member of the VCU Craniofacial/Facial Reconstruction Team.

For more information on Dr. Zach Casgarande and Northern Virginia Orthodontics, please visit our website at www.ashburnsmiles.com or call us at 703.327.1718.