Fairwood and Mercer Island Orthodontics

Fairwood and Mercer Island Orthodontics For those undergoing braces treatment , maintaining oral health is paramount. One often overlooked, yet crucial aspect, is the regular replacement of your toothbrush. This seemingly mundane practice holds the key to preserving the integrity of your braces as well as the overall health of your teeth and gums . The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends replacing your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed . For individuals with braces, adhering to this guideline becomes even more critical. Braces Demand Extra Vigilance: Braces create additional surfaces that require meticulous cleaning. The wires and brackets create nooks and crannies that can trap food particles, making it essential to have a toothbrush with strong, effective bristles to reach those challenging spots. Preventing Plaque: Plaque is the arch-nemesis of oral health, especially during orthodontic treatment. A frayed toothbrush c...

Mercer Island and Fairwood Orthodontics Halloween, the time for costumes, spooky decorations, and of course, a bounty of sweet treats. For those with braces , navigating the world of Halloween candy can be a bit tricky. But fear not! There are plenty of delicious and braces-friendly options that will allow you to indulge in the Halloween spirit without compromising your orthodontic journey. Soft Chocolate Delights: Chocolate is a Halloween staple, and fortunately, there are numerous soft chocolate options that won't wreak havoc on your braces . Opt for classics like Hershey's Kisses or even a bar of plain chocolate. These melt-in-your-mouth treats are easy on braces and bring a smile to your face without the worry of breaking brackets or wires . Peanut Butter Cups: Peanut butter cups are not only a delectable choice but also a braces-friendly one. The smooth texture of the peanut butter combined with the soft chocolate exterior makes these treats an excellent option for t...

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...

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 d...

Chorak Orthodontics Even though you are careful, you may occasionally damage your braces or orthodontic appliance . While there are steps you can take to temporarily fix or alleviate discomfort and prevent additional damage, you should always notify our office if you have any issues or concerns. At Chorak Orthodontics , we want our patients to be informed of problems that may occur, and understand how to solve them, at least temporarily, until it is possible to return to our office. With the tools and supplies listed below, you will be prepared to handle the most common orthodontic issues at home. Your Orthodontic Emergency Tool Box: Orthodontic Wax Dental Floss Tweezers Q-tips Salt Interproximal Brush Toothpicks Non-prescription Pain Reliever Topical Anesthetic   Below are some typical orthodontic issues and how you can solve them: Discomfort - It’s normal to have some initial discomfort during orthodontic treatment as your teeth move. Rinsing your ...

Chorak Orthodontics Chewing ice is an incredibly common habit. Some people chew on ice after finishing a drink, while others do it to cool off in the summer heat. No matter what the reason people chew ice, just like many other hard foods, chewing ice can cause cracked or chipped teeth. It can also damage your enamel, causing increased sensitivity to hot and cold leaving you more prone to tooth decay and cavities. Chewing ice can even damage existing dental work like fillings, crowns, and veneers creating expensive trips to your local dentist. If you wear braces, have a retainer, or an expander , chewing ice makes you particularly vulnerable to tooth damage. Why Chewing Ice Can be Dangerous Destroyed Orthodontic Appliances - Orthodontic appliances like braces and retainers play a vital role in developing healthy smiles. Despite their sturdy construction, chewing ice can cause severe damage to brackets, wires and other appliances resulting in extra visits to our office and de...

Chorak Orthodontics We understand that bad breath can be uncomfortable to talk about but unfortunately it happens to most people for several different reasons. The most common factor for bad breath in patientswith braces at Chorak Orthodontics is almost certainly caused by poor oral hygiene. After getting braces, patients may develop bad breath from not cleaning their teeth correctly. Bacteria feeds on food particles left in your mouth, and this bacterium creates odor. Because braces contain so many small spaces to trap food, the habits that worked great for cleaning your teeth before braces may no longer be enough. Bad-breath-causing odors and bacteria can also cling to removable orthodontic appliances (like a retainer or clear aligners ), so be sure to remove them before eating, even if you're only eating a small amount. Brush and Floss Often - Follow a strict routine of brushing and flossing regularly. Brush your teeth after breakfast every morning and prior to going to...

Chorak Orthodontics If you just got braces …you may be thinking that this is the worst possible thing that could ever happen to you.   Your mouth is most likely sore , you’re probably having a hard time eating the foods you love, and you are may be wondering if it is ever going to get any better.   Well…we know exactly what you’re going through, and we are here to tell you that pretty soon you are going to love your braces. Not loving your braces just yet. Try these helpful hints below. Smooth things over. When you first get your braces, sore spots may develop on your cheeks. To protect your cheeks, place wax on the bracket or wire. Rinsing with warm salt water several times a day is also very soothing to your gum and cheek tissues. Don’t worry…the soreness from your braces won’t last long, so try your best not to get mad at your braces.   Avoid sticky or hard foods. You don’t want to do anything that could cause your braces or orthodontic appliances harm. Even t...

Choark Orthodontics   Seeking orthodontic treatment is a great way to make sure your oral health is in good shape. However, there are other factors that affect the status of healthy teeth. Brushing, flossing and eating habits are just as important. When it comes to orthodontic treatment, Dr. Mario Chorak and the Chorak Orthodontics team want to be sure they are working with healthy teeth...and developing healthy habits starts at a young age. Did you know that the baby teeth that appear in the first 3 years of a child's life have been there since birth, in the baby’s jawbones? Those baby teeth are key for chewing, speaking and appearance. They also hold space in the jaws for upcoming adult teeth. Even though they fall out, baby teeth are very important and you need to take good care of them. In an effort to help Keep Kids' Mouth's Healthy, The Partnership for Healthy Mouths, Healthy Lives has started the 2min2x Children's Oral Health Campaign .  For heal...

Chorak Orthodontics Summer is here! Together with pool parties and vacations, summer brings delectable treats and fun activities. It’s important that you enjoy your summer while still taking care of your braces and teeth.   Tip 1: Playing Sports with Braces Summer means warmer temperatures which also means you may be spending more time outside. Always remember to wear your mouth guard during outdoor activities including baseball, frisbee, or volleyball. A mouth guard can protect your teeth and braces from potential harm and mouth injuries.   Tip 2: Eating with Braces   While the occasional sweet treat is OK…be mindful that braces are sensitive to damage, so you’ll need to avoid certain foods for as long as you have braces. These include sticky and hard foods that can damage the wires or bands, or cause a bracket to separate from a tooth. Also, limit consumption of sugary foods and drinks this summer. When sugar mixes with saliva, it creates a sticky fil...