Fairwood and Mercer Island Orthodontics

Mercer Island and  Fairwood Orthodontics Orthodontic treatment can be a significant milestone in a teenager's life. While it's a step towards a healthier and more confident smile, it can also bring about apprehension and uncertainty. As a parent, your role in preparing your teen for orthodontic treatment is crucial. 1. Start with Education - Before diving into the treatment process , educate your teen about why orthodontic treatment is necessary . Explain how it can improve their oral health, boost their self-esteem, and prevent potential dental issues in the future. Address any misconceptions or fears they may have and reassure them that they're not alone in this journey. 2. Choose the Right Orthodontist - Selecting the right orthodontist is paramount. Look for a professional orthodontic practice, like Mercer Island and Fairwood Orthodontics , who specializes in treating teenagers and has a friendly and approachable demeanor. Schedule a consultation where your tee...

Fairwood and Mercer Island Orthodontics Embarking on the journey to a straighter and healthier smile through orthodontic treatment is an exciting endeavor. Whether you're about to get braces or aligners , proper preparation can make the process smoother and more comfortable. Before diving into orthodontic treatment , take the time to understand the process and what to expect. Research different types of braces or aligners , familiarize yourself with common orthodontic terminologies , and explore potential challenges. This knowledge will empower you to make informed decisions and alleviate any apprehensions you may have. Prior to starting orthodontic treatment , it's crucial to address any existing dental issues. Schedule a comprehensive dental check-up to address cavities, gum disease, or any other concerns. A clean and healthy oral foundation will contribute to a more successful and efficient orthodontic journey. When you are ready to start your orthodontic journey...

Mercer Island and Fairwood Orthodontics When it comes to achieving a confident and radiant smile, choosing the right orthodontic team is paramount. Mercer Island and Fairwood Orthodontics is a beacon of excellence in the field of orthodontics, combining expertise, innovation, and a commitment to personalized patient care. Mercer Island and Fairwood Orthodontics boasts a team of highly skilled and experienced orthodontists dedicated to providing top-notch care. With a focus on staying abreast of the latest advancements in orthodontic technology and techniques, our orthodontists ensure that our patients receive the best possible treatment. Lauren Hagel, DDS, MSD - As a dental student at UW, Dr. Lauren was part of the RIDE program, dedicated to providing care in underserved populations. After completing her residency, the mountains and water of the Pacific Northwest kept Dr. Lauren in the Seattle area to start her professional career with some of her former instructors and mentors...

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...

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 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...