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Getting the Most Out of Your Orthodontic Treatment

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Mercer Island and Fairwood Orthodontics Embarking on orthodontic treatment is a significant investment in your oral health and the beauty of your smile. Whether you're considering braces, aligners, or other orthodontic options , it's essential to maximize the effectiveness of your treatment.  By adopting a proactive approach and following the six guidelines below, you can ensure that your orthodontic journey is as successful and efficient as possible. 1. Follow Treatment Instructions Diligently - To optimize the effectiveness of your orthodontic treatment, it's vital to follow the instructions provided by our orthodontists . This includes wearing any appliances, braces, or aligners as prescribed, adhering to recommended oral hygiene practices, and attending regular check-ups and adjustments. Compliance with these instructions will help ensure that your teeth are moving in the desired direction and at the expected pace. Skipping appointments or neglecting proper care c

Everything You Need to Know About Invisalign

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Mercer Island & Fairwood Orthodontics Advancements in orthodontics have given our patients more options for achieving the smile they have always wanted! At Mercer Island & Fairwood Orthodontics , we offer the latest in orthodontic treatment, including clear aligners, like Invisalign ! Invisalign clear aligners allow our doctors to achieve the same results as traditional braces but without any brackets or wires. If you are thinking about improving your smile but can’t picture yourself in braces …Invisalign clear aligners might be the perfect option for you. What are Invisalign Clear Aligners? Invisalign clear aligners are an orthodontic treatment option that straightens teeth without the use of metal braces. Invisalign uses a series of custom-made clear aligners that cover your teeth and gently push them into the proper position over time. Because they are clear and can be taken on and off, they are less noticeable than traditional metal braces. What are Invisalign Clea

Pain Relief with Dental Wax

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Fairwood and Mercer Island Orthodontics When you first get your braces , you may notice that your teeth and mouth feel a little tender or sore. This is perfectly normal, and we promise your mouth will not be sore forever! Discomfort and soreness are normal especially after receiving orthodontic treatment of any kind…This is where dental wax comes in. What is Dental Wax? Also referred to as Tooth Wax, Dental Wax is a substance made from paraffin, beeswax, or carnauba wax. It's solid at room temperature but softens from the warmth of your hands. It sticks to sharp surfaces inside your mouth and creates a smooth surface. Dental wax's primary use is to protect the mouth's sensitive areas such as the gums, lips, and cheek lining. Is Dental Wax Safe? Orthodontic dental wax is a natural, non-toxic product and is safe to have in your mouth. Accidentally swallowing a little bit of wax will not cause you any harm or sickness. How Does Dental Wax Work? The unique properties o

2 Minutes 2 Times A Day

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Fairwood and Mercer Island Orthodontics Did you know that dental decay is the most common chronic childhood disease? More than 16 million children in the United States suffer from untreated decay. Your mouth is the gateway to your overall health, and an unhealthy mouth can be linked to diabetes and heart disease. Together with the American Dental Association (ADA), Fairwood and Mercer Island  Orthodontics recommends that kids, as well as adults, brush their teeth in a soft, circular motion for two minutes, twice a day, and floss daily. Two minutes twice daily is the optimal prevention brushing regimen as it takes two minutes for fluoride in toothpaste to work. In addition to allowing time for fluoride to work, there is the physical massage of the tooth surfaces that removes the plaque and makes a clean surface for the fluoride to do its job. When the enamel absorbs fluoride, it makes the tooth surface harder and more resistant to the bacteria-produced acids that cause tooth decay

5 Shocking Facts About your Teeth

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Chorak Orthodontics Did you know that healthy teeth and gums are critical contributors to your overall health? Below are 5 facts about your teeth that may surprise you. 1. Your Enamel is the Hardest Part of Your Body - Tooth enamel is the thin outer covering of a tooth. Like a hard shell, enamel’s primary purpose is to protect the rest of the tooth. Enamel is mostly made of calcium and phosphate, like your bones, but is stronger because of the specific proteins and crystallites that form it. Even though it is there to protect your teeth, the enamel can still chip or crack , and it is not safe from decay. Sugars and acids, like those found in soft drinks, interact with bacteria in your mouth and attack your enamel, which marks the start of tooth decay. 2. Yellow Teeth May Mean Decay – Your tooth enamel may be the hardest tissue in your body, but it isn’t impenetrable. After the first stage of demineralization, the bacterium in your mouth continues to break down your tooth enamel f

Invisalign Teen

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Chorak Orthodontics Invisalign Teen is an innovative orthodontic treatment option that uses clear aligners to straighten your teen’s smile. Much like traditional braces with metal brackets and wires, clear plastic aligners apply pressure to teeth and help them shift into alignment. Often, parents have questions about the effectiveness of Invisalign vs. braces . Years ago, Invisalign Teen was reserved for simple orthodontic issues. However, these days, Dr. Chorak and his team can achieve outstanding results for mild, moderate, and complex cases with Invisalign Teen . Additionally, the new and improved SmartTrack material the aligners are made from, allows for improved control and predictability. Invisalign Teen aligners are designed specifically for teenagers’ mouths and have features like eruption tabs to accommodate erupting molars. Invisalign Teen aligners are a perfect fit for every lifestyle because the aligners are: Clear   Removable   Comfortable   Customized Invisa

It's Time for a Bracelift

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Chorak Orthodontics As we grow older, many of us turn to expensive and invasive cosmetic treatments in an effort to retain a youthful appearance. Despite all of the gimmicks out there, studies show that your smile can do more to make you look younger than anything else! “Bracelift” treatments can help you look younger and feel more confident about your appearance. By enhancing the alignment and widening the arch of the teeth, orthodontic treatment can create better facial balance and aesthetics, lending the appearance of fuller cheeks and lips, smoother and higher cheek contours, and broader smiles. We all know that healthy teeth are important to maintaining overall health. But we sometimes overlook the impact our teeth can have on our emotional well-being. Orthodontic treatment can provide a life-long improvement to your overall appearance...improving your self-confidence. 3 Easy Steps to Take Years Off of Your Appearance Step 1: Oral Hygiene - The way to take years off yo