Fairwood and Mercer Island Orthodontics

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...

drchorakorthodontics.com We have really missed all of our patients and their families over the last couple of months...so we are thrilled to let you know that Dr. Mario Chorak has now reopened!    Here are some things to know: On March 18th, Governor Inslee mandated that all dental offices stop seeing patients, unless in emergency or urgent care situations, until May 18th. It was confirmed through the Governor’s office that this mandate overrode the Stay Home, Stay Healthy Orders, thus allowing Dentists and Orthodontists to return to seeing ALL patients on May 18th.   Governor Inslee’s original mandate was due to the anticipated shortage in PPE, NOT due to fear of spreading the virus in dental offices. Dentists and Orthodontists use some of the most stringent and thorough protocols for virus protection and all use “Universal Precautions.”  Universal Precautions is an approach to infection control to treat all human blood and certain human body flu...

Do you know the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist? Choosing the right orthodontist is an important part of the decision. Because treatment typically lasts one to three years, it is essential to choose a practice that you trust, are comfortable in, and that will offer the highest quality service on all aspects. Our locations in Fairwood and Mercer Island, allow us to serve our communities with the highest level of Orthodontic care. From braces to Invisalign, our goal is to ensure your smile is an excellent, healthy smile. So what is the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist? Orthodontists are specialists in moving teeth and aligning jaws. A question people often ask is, “can my dentist give me braces?” The answer is NO! While all orthodontist are dentist, only a small percentage of dentists are orthodontists. Both provide professional care that helps patients have good oral health, and both are dental school graduates. Dentists, treat decayed tee...

We use our teeth every single day, from biting, eating to speaking. We often take our teeth for granted. We often don't realize how strong and vital they are to our health, appearance and overall impact teeth have on our bodies. Here are 4 surprising facts you may not know about your teeth. Cavities: Did you know a cavity is one of the few things the body cannot heal. It just gets larger with time, unless a dentist removes the decay and places a filling. “Diet soda and sports drinks can be just as tough on teeth as regular soda. Both contain acid. Acid attacks the enamel surface of your teeth and can lead to cavities. Some bottled waters and flavored bubbly waters can be acidic enough to cause cavities too!” Did you know a tooth can grow in upside down, sideways or backwards? This can all contribute to problems we can solve at Chorak Orthodontics. From overbites, to underbites, our teams in Fairwood and Mercer Island, are pleased to have the opportunity to provide families...

Invisalign has been an alternative orthodontic treatment for patients who prefer to go with the clear aligners. Invisalign treatment is a technique that straightens your teeth without braces, using a series of clear, removable aligners that are custom-modeled to fit your teeth. The virtually invisible aligners gradually reposition your teeth into a smile of which you will be proud. “Over 6 million people, including more than 1.4 million teens, have used Invisalign clear aligners to transform their smiles.” Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign has no metal bands or wires to trap food and plaque. Maintaining a good oral hygiene program will also reduce chances of plaque buildup, tooth decay and periodontal disease. Of course most patients choose Invisalign because of the clear, clean look and overall aesthetic. Here are 2 orthodontic problems, Invisalign can correct. Underbite An underbite happens when your bottom teeth are in front of upper teeth. An underbite can cause your...

Mouthwash is an essential part of a good oral hygiene routine, that often goes unnoticed. But did you know there are multiple types of mouthwash? Each also has a different function and works in different ways to help your teeth. Fluoride Mouthwash:  You’ve heard how fluoride helps your teeth. Well fluoride in mouthwashes, does just that and helps protect your teeth from cavities and tooth decay. Be careful when using this type of mouthwash because an intake of too much fluoride is not good. Antiseptic Mouthwash: This is the most common type of mouthwash, you probably have some in your cabinet. This type of mouthwash contains alcohol and used to eliminate bad breath and fight infections in your mouth. Along with brushing your teeth and flossing, all three work together to fight bad breath and bacteria. Cosmetic Mouthwash: The only benefit of this mouthwash, to your oral health care is to mask bad breath. Natural Mouthwash: Natural mouthwash has the same functions of ...

At Chorak Orthodontics, we are committed to delivering the most beautiful smile and we are confident that you will receive orthodontic care that will truly make a difference in your life. Invisalign treatment is a technique that straightens your teeth without braces, using a series of clear, removable aligners that are custom-modeled to fit your teeth. The virtually invisible aligners gradually reposition your teeth into a smile of which you will be proud of to show off. Here are two unique benefits to choosing Invisalign for orthodontic treatment. 1. Food Restrictions: Thanks to the removable aligners, Invisalign allows you to continue to eat and drink without the restrictions braces would cause. It's no secret that braces, come with food restrictions. Simply remove your aligners before a meal and place them in after. 2. Easier Care: With Invisalign, you do not have to worry about cuts, scrapes and wires poking out such as with braces. It is easier to care for aligner...

Did you know that sports accidents account for 10 - 39% of all dental injuries in children, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. April is National Facial Protection Month, a month dedicated to educating our friends and communities the importance of protecting our smiles.  Most of these injuries are caused by direct hits with a hard object, such as a puck or ball, and player-to-player contact in various sports. There are three types of mouthguards that should be used to protect your child’s smile. Custom fitted mouth guards - these are made by your dentist and can be molded to fit your smile perfectly  Stock mouth guards - these type of mouth guards are  performed and may be a bit bulky Boil and bite mouth guards - are mouth guards that are softened by boiling water and then insert your mouth, to form to the shape of your mouth.  It is important that you wear mouth guards, especially during orthodontic treatment such as braces. Abou...

There are various aspects that affect our health, in different ways. One of those aspects is the food we eat and all the nutritious value it brings to our health. Did you know the food we eat also affects our smile? March is National Nutrition Month and our mouths are the first point of contact for all the different foods we eat throughout the day. Here are 3 foods to incorporate into your daily life for healthier smiles. Dairy: Dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt are good for your teeth and overall dental health because of the calcium and protein, which strengthens teeth. A big plus if your intake is low in sugar or sugar free. Our locations in Fairwood and Mercer Island , allow us to serve our communities with the highest level of Orthodontic care. From braces to Invisalign , our goal is to ensure your smile is an excellent, healthy smile. Fruits and Vegetables: We all know the importance of eating our fruits and vegetables. But the benefit for your teeth is due to...

One of America’s unofficial holiday is here...The Superbowl. While the Superbowl divides people, rooting for one team or the other, one thing that for sure brings everyone together is food. However, if you just received braces, this unofficial holiday may be a little tough when it comes to food. Here is your official guide to food items you should avoid if you have braces and food items that are soft enough for your teeth. First thing’s first, which foods are off limits? Stay off and avoid these types of foods. These braces friendly recipes: Hard nuts, candies, hard fruits (like apples and pears) Hard vegetables (like carrots and corn on the cob) Chips Taco shells Pizza crust Pretzels Sticky stuff like taffy, gum and caramels Foods high in acidity that could cause discoloration like lemons, limes and sodas. Superbowl Friendly Foods:  Burger Sliders Mashed Potatoes  Guacamole Meatballs  Smooth potato salad Cole slaw Soft Tacos Ice cream Cup...

Your smile is what makes you, YOU! Your personality and qualities all shine through a smile. If your thinking of investing in your smile, we have various options from traditional braces to Invisalign. Invisalign treatment is a technique that straightens your teeth without braces, using a series of clear, removable aligners that are custom-modeled to fit your teeth. The virtually invisible aligners gradually re-position  your teeth into a smile of which you will be proud of. There are additional benefits to Invisalign, that can help you decide if Invisalign is right for you 1. Comfort:  Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign has no metal bands or wires. There is much less pain when it comes to Invisalign, compared to traditional braces. This means no cuts or scrapes on your gums and not wire that can potentially pop out.  2. Fewer Food Restrictions:  It is no secret the food restrictions that come with orthodontic treatment, specifically braces. There are ce...

Halloween is here! Pumpkins, ghost, costumes and candy all make up this fantastic holiday. The endless amount of free sugar will sure make you extremely happy, however for your teeth, that is another story. These sugary treats can affect your teeth in different ways, especially when it comes to orthodontic treatment and the overall health of your teeth. When the bacteria eat the sugar and leftover food in your mouth, a weak acid is produced. That acid is what can contribute to cavities and other problems. Halloween is about having fun, dressing up and eating candy. It’s important to stick to your routines and be sure to brush your teeth, floss and wear your retainer. Here is a rundown to all the types of Halloween candy and their impact on your teeth. Chocolate: Chocolate is so delicious, and one of the most popular types of candy given out on Halloween. Chocolate washes off your teeth easier than any other type of candy. Dark chocolate also has less sugar than regular milk ...

Myth: I can’t play sports with braces Truth: Having braces, does not mean you have to stop living your life! As long as you wear a mouthguard, braces should not stop you or your child from playing your favorite sport. Ask our staff for more information on mouthgurads. Myth: My teeth will remain straight permanently after treatment Truth : Orthodontic treatment such as Invisalign and braces are one of the most effective ways to straighten your teeth. However, your teeth will start to drift back to the original position if you do not wear your retainer as recommended by your orthodontist. Or you may notice your teeth begin to shift as you grow older. Myth: My dentist says he can give me braces Truth: Pause and consult with an orthodontist. While all orthodontist are dentist, a very few percentage of dentist are also orthodontist. An orthodontist is a dental specialist in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Orthodontists must success...

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. Back to school checkups and visits are important because once a patient goes away for school it’s easy to forget your retainers and relapse. Maintaining regular appointments are important because it also helps keep up with oral hygiene. Another great thing about back to school checkups is that Orthodontist and Dentist can see things that may be hard for patient to see on themselves. Lastly, it’s also important to make sure patients are happy with their current smiles and their retainers are fitting well. Open communication with parents and patients is a vital element to effective orthodontic care. After all, customer service is our main focus. We encourage our patients to be curious and to ask questions. This empowers patients and enables them to have complete awareness throughout treatment.

Welcome to our blog! At Chorak Orthodontics, are pleased to have the opportunity to provide families with the highest quality orthodontic care using the latest technology in Mercer Island and Fairwood-Renton, Washington. Open communication with parents and patients is a vital element to effective orthodontic care. After all, customer service is our main focus. We encourage our patients to be curious and to ask questions. This empowers patients and enables them to have complete awareness throughout treatment. Our mission is to create healthy beautiful smiles. We offer a few different types of braces, including Self-Ligating Braces, Invisalign and In Motion bite correctors. Self-Ligating Braces: In the case of your more traditional braces, the orthodontist uses elastics to keep the archwire on the bracket. In self-ligating braces, the archwire is held in place by the bracket itself by closing a small, spring-loaded door. Benefits: Better efficiency at visit...