Fairwood and Mercer Island Orthodontics

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...

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 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...

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 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...

As an orthodontist in Fairwood and Mercer Island, we are pleased to have the opportunity to provide families with the highest quality orthodontic care using the latest technology. Open communication with parents and patients is a vital element to effective orthodontic care, which is why it is important to educate our patients on avoiding certain holiday foods that can damage braces and cause wires to come loose. The holidays are here and whether you are cozying up with hot chocolate or baking cookies, you may be wondering if there are any types of treats you should steer clear from, especially if you have braces. The answer is yes! Here are a few holiday treats that are not braces friendly. Candy Canes Fudge Popcorn Peanut Brittle Anything with nuts or crunchy crusts Caramel - avoid this sticky treat that can easily get caught up in your braces