Fairwood and Mercer Island Orthodontics

Mercer Island and Fairwood Orthodontics In the realm of orthodontics, innovations are continually reshaping the landscape of traditional braces . One such groundbreaking development is Invisalign First . Say goodbye to the days of clunky metal braces and welcome the discreet, comfortable, and effective solution that is Invisalign First . Invisalign First is a specially crafted orthodontic treatment aimed at children who have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth. Tailored for young patients, typically between the ages of 6 and 10, Invisalign First addresses a range of orthodontic issues, from crowded teeth to bite alignment problems. Invisalign First utilizes a series of clear, custom-made aligners. These aligners are virtually invisible, making them an attractive option for children who may be self-conscious about the appearance of traditional braces . Unlike traditional braces that are fixed onto the teeth, Invisalign aligners can be easily removed for eating, brushing,...

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...

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   Custo...

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...

Chorak Orthodontics If you're like most people, you probably weren’t born with an ideal bite. Having a bite that is less than ideal can lead to excessive and uneven tooth wear, jaw joint pain, muscle problems, and headaches. Having properly aligned teeth isn’t just about enhancing your smile , it’s also about improving your oral health, and reducing your risk of common dental problems such as tooth wear, tooth decay and gum disease. Although it can be difficult to identify exactly what an ideal bite should look like, there are a few general rules you can use to help you decide whether you should book an appointment with Dr. Chorak . To fully understand what an ideal bite should look like, you will need to look at your teeth from three different views. 1. From the Front When you look in the mirror the edges of your top teeth should follow the curve of your bottom lip. When your teeth are clenched together, about 90% of your bottom teeth should be visible. In an ideal bite, ...

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 You may be surprised to learn that there are a variety of orthodontic options for people looking into getting braces. From traditional metal braces to Invisalign clear aligners , it can be challenging to decide which choice is the best. However, the team at Chorak Orthodontics knows about all the treatment options on the market, and which is the best treatment option for your specific orthodontic problem. Silver Braces - These are the most common type of braces. Silver braces are made of sleek surgical steel and titanium and are comfortable to wear. Silver braces are bonded to the teeth and connected with a metal archwire. The wire is brought into place with tiny elastic bands. These elastic bands give Dr. Chorak the control he needs to move the teeth in small increments at a time. Silver braces require periodic tightening every 4-8 weeks. The steady pressure will gradually straighten your teeth and align your jaw over time. Silver braces can correct a wide v...

Chorak Orthodontics One of the most asked questions when patients get their braces on is… “How long will treatment last?” While there is no quick fix, there are ways to speed up your orthodontic treatment. The following tips will help you get the most from your orthodontic treatment in as little time as possible. Follow Dr. Chorak’s Instructions - If you want the best possible result from your orthodontic treatment, it is especially important that you follow the instructions we give you when it comes to caring for your teeth and braces. By following Dr. Chorak’s guidelines, you will get a cohesive and effective course of treatment. If you disregard his instructions, you may lengthen your treatment time, incur additional costs, and even jeopardize your results. Keep Your Regularly Scheduled Appointments - Braces will only work effectively if you have them adjusted as needed. Regular visits to our office are important to ensure that your teeth are responding well to treatmen...

Chorak Orthodontics Invisalign takes a modern approach to straightening teeth, using a custom-made series of aligners created just for you. These aligner trays are made of smooth, comfortable, and virtually invisible plastic. Wearing the aligners will gradually and gently shift your teeth into place, based on the exact movements that Dr. Chorak plans out for you. One of Invisalign’s biggest advantages is having the ability to take the aligners out to eat and drink. But just because you can take them out, doesn't mean they don't get dirty. Keeping your aligners clean is a vital part of your treatment, and it's the only way to keep them invisible, odorless, and free from germs. Without proper cleaning, your aligners can discolor, smell, and build up deposits of plaque and bacteria that can eat away at the enamel on your teeth. When it comes to Invisalign , there is a difference between cleaning and rinsing. Rinsing your aligners may make them appear clean but rinsing ...

Chorak Orthodontics If you’ve been thinking about undergoing orthodontic treatment to improve your smile or if you have already made the decision to get braces …it’s important to know there are certain dietary habits that are known to cause orthodontic appliances to break, as well as increase the risk of dental disease. However, there are tons of braces-friendly foods that you can still enjoy throughout your orthodontic treatment.   If you have braces , you must use caution when selecting foods to eat. Remember, Dr. Chorak aims to achieve your treatment goals with as few disturbances as possible. Damage to your braces or orthodontic appliance due to poor diet choices may extend your overall treatment time. It’s up to you to ensure that you are eating healthy foods to keep your orthodontic appliances in the best condition possible.   Like any other adjustment in life, the first few days are the toughest. Getting braces means your mouth will be sensitive in the days follow...