Posts

Gum Disease is a Real Thing

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Chorak Orthodontics More than 80 percent of Americans are living with gum disease , which most often goes unnoticed. Gum disease is something that many people will experience at some point in their lives. But because the symptoms of gum disease are so subtle and painless, most people just shrug it off. If gum disease is left untreated, the consequences could be severe.   Gum disease has been linked to a host of general medical problems, including: Heart disease, Endocarditis, Lung problems, and Diabetes. At Chorak Orthodontics our goal is to raise awareness while encouraging patients to take an active role in better oral health through prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. According to the American Association of Periodontology (AAP) , you may have gum disease if: Your gums are red, swollen, and sore to the touch.   Your gums bleed when you eat, brush or floss.   You see signs of infection around the gums and teeth.   Your gums look as if they are "pulling a...

Orthodontic Emergencies

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Chorak Orthodontics Most orthodontic emergencies are relatively minor, and you may be surprised to learn that you may be able to temporarily solve many emergencies yourself until you can schedule an appointment with our office. If you ever find yourself in what you believe to be an orthodontic emergency , the first step is to determine the severity of the problem: is it really a true emergency or is it a less serious issue that you can fix yourself? Below are three common orthodontic emergencies you may be able to take care of at home, prior to scheduling a visit to our orthodontic office . Poking Wires: If a poking wire is causing irritation, push the wire back and away using the eraser end of a pencil or a Q-tip. If the wire cannot be tucked away, cover the end of the wire with a small piece of wax or a cotton ball until you can see us for an adjustment. Loose Brackets: If a bracket becomes loose, it usually remains connected to the main wire by a little colored rubber ring ...

Popular Questions About Braces

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Chorak Orthodontics Orthodontics have come a long way over the last 20 years. Now, there are many more options in addition to traditional metal braces, such as clear aligners, and ceramic braces . With all of these new options, it’s no wonder our team gets so many questions from patients considering orthodontic treatment . If your dentist has recommended braces to you or your child , you probably have some questions. Don’t worry…the team at Chorak Orthodontics has the answers you need.   Here are 5 of the most frequently asked questions that we hear every day. 1. Does Getting Braces Hurt? There is no reason to be anxious about getting braces. All the appliances and wires used at Chorak Orthodontics are cutting-edge and exert light, continuous, forces that greatly decrease any soreness associated with orthodontic treatment. While each person will have a different experience with braces, generally, getting braces does not hurt. Braces do not hurt at all when they are applied ...

Damon Clear Braces

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Chorak Orthodontics Your appearance can make a big difference in your confidence, and a healthy smile is one of the first things people notice. Dr. Mario Chorak is dedicated to creating beautiful smiles with straighter teeth and good bites. One of the orthodontic treatment options offered at Chorak Orthodontics , includes Clear Braces by the Damon System .   Made of tooth-colored or transparent ceramic, Damon Clear Braces require no metal clips or elastic ties…meaning our patients are getting braces that are clear. With Damon Clear, people may not even realize you're wearing braces. Unlike other clear braces Damon Clear braces are resistant to staining, making them virtually invisible. Damon Clear Braces are perfect for adults looking to improve their smile yet steer clear of any noticeable differences that may draw attention to their mouth. Teenagers that already feel insecure about their smiles choose Damon Clear Braces over metal braces most of the time. Damon Clear Brac...

It's Not Just About Straight Teeth

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Chorak Orthodontics When you think of straight teeth , you may just think of a confident beautiful smile. But did you know that there are many other benefits to a having straight teeth that go far beyond a beautiful confident smile? Benefits of Having Straight Teeth 1. Healthy Gums: Healthy gums are a foundation to a healthy smile. The health of your mouth and your body are all connected, and your gums are an essential foundation to your overall health and wellness. When your teeth are spaced out or crowded, it is possible for them to become inflamed, which can be a sign of periodontal disease. 2. Tooth Wear: We use our teeth every day and it is normal for our enamel to wear out as we grow older. However, crowded teeth can cause your teeth to pop out in abnormal places, which rub against other teeth. Over time this can cause unnecessary wear to your tooth enamel. 3. Easier to Clean: A great benefit of straight teeth is the ease of keeping your teeth clean, which means a h...

Adjusting to Your New Braces

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Chorak Orthodontics   As with any change, adjusting to something new can be a little confusing and overwhelming at times, so our team has decided to help you out with a few tips on adjusting to your braces. The first tip is to give yourself some time. Your braces may not be what you expected or wanted, but after a while when your teeth start shifting you will notice how incredible your smile alignment looks. Another thing to remember is to be confident. Don't worry about how your braces look and don't be afraid or embarrassed to smile with your braces. Lastly, be sure you know what to do if you're experiencing pain or problems with your braces. Before you leave our office, feel for any wires poking out so you can have us correct the agitation. If a problem arises after your appointment, don't be afraid to call us; chances are it's a simple fix. Initially your braces may feel like they stick out. This is normal. As you become accustomed to your braces and ...

Let's Be Clear

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Chorak Orthodontics Contrary to popular belief, traditional metal braces are only one of multiple choices when it comes to orthodontic treatment. At Chorak Orthodontics , we want you to know there are other options out there…and clearly, we are excited about it! Traditional metal braces are the most common type of braces and are more comfortable today than ever before. They are made of high-grade stainless steel, and straighten your teeth using metal brackets and archwires. However, as orthodontics has progressed we now have less visible options. Our Damon Clear Braces are a revolutionary leap forward in orthodontic care. The natural look of these smooth, sculpted and completely clear ceramic braces are strong and will not stain or discolor. These ceramic brackets offer our patients the look they want, with all of the functionality of traditional metal brackets. Their comfortable, sculptured design and attractive translucent appearance help provide the self-confidence that comes fr...