All posts by Stephanie Port

Peralta Orthodontics is a Seattle Met Magazine Top Orthodontist for 2020

December 4, 2020 Stephanie Port Leave a comment

Peralta Orthodontics is pleased to announce that our practice has been named a “Top Orthodontist” by Seattle Met Magazine for the 6th year in a row! We pride ourselves on offering quality orthodontic treatment throughout Burien and West Seattle to children, teens, and adults. Our team has done so by offering a welcoming, friendly space while providing individualized care to each patient who walks in the door.

How We Set Ourselves Apart from Other Orthodontists

Dr. Jorge Peralta, our orthodontist in West Seattle, does not believe in a “one size fits all” orthodontic model. Instead, he openly discusses our treatment options with patients and their smile goals. Together, we find a treatment that will work for them and achieve a beautiful, straight smile. Our Burien orthodontist offers the following orthodontic treatments:

Invisalign & Invisalign Teen: A discrete orthodontic option for teens and adults that uses clear plastic aligners to slowly shift your teeth to the desired position.

Metal Braces: The time tested, traditional orthodontic treatment that is cost-effective and efficient at resolving all orthodontic problems.

Ceramic Braces: Similar to metal braces, ceramic braces are effective at shifting teeth in a less noticeable fashion.

Lingual Braces: Our incognito braces option puts the brackets and wires on the inside of your teeth, rather than the outside, meaning they are not visible to others.

Dr. Jorge Peralta is confident that one of our orthodontic treatment options will be right for you and your smile.

Contact the Top Orthodontist in West Seattle Today!

Become a member of our patient family and receive care from a top orthodontist in Seattle. Contact Peralta Orthodontics to schedule your first orthodontic appointment for braces or Invisalign. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Office News

We Are Open! Our Response to COVID-19

May 20, 2020 Stephanie Port

At Peralta Orthodontics, we understand the severity of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and we are deeply committed to the health and wellbeing of our patients and community. Our hearts go out to anyone suffering during this time. Our community has been through a lot over the last few months, and all of us are looking forward to resuming operations. As of may 18th, we have reopened for business. As orthodontic healthcare professionals, it is our job and responsibility to protect patients and staff by continuing to work safely and diligently.

Disease Prevention & Sanitation at Peralta Orthodontics

Infection control has always been a top priority for our Burien and West Seattle orthodontic offices. However, there will be a few changes made to ensure the safety of our patients and staff. Dr. Peralta has installed several medical grade air filtration systems to work alongside our highly efficient HEPA filters that have always been in place.

To follow the social distancing guidelines, we will be asking that only the patient come into the office. We will allow a parent to accompany small children, but we will require that parent to wear a mask. We will provide a mask if you do not have one available.

Our orthodontics team has always and will continue to practice high quality infectious disease control in our offices. If you have a cough, fever, shortness of breath or any other COVID-19 symptoms please call to reschedule. You can access a full list of symptoms at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html.

Open for Orthodontic Care

While we encourage all patients to arrive on time, please call the office before coming in if you arrive early or late so we can ensure we are following the proper social distancing protocols. While we have you on the phone, we will be asking a few screening questions & we will schedule the next appointment. Appointments will be managed to allow social distancing between patients. That might mean that you are offered fewer options for scheduling your appointment. We appreciate your support and understanding.

New patients are encouraged to complete the new patient paperwork that is provided via email, before the appointment. This will help reduce the amount of time in the office.

We will ask anyone entering the office to use the hand sanitizer provided.

You will also notice that our beverage bar and magazines have been removed since those items are difficult to clean and disinfect. We also had to remove the toothpaste, but toothbrushes and mouthwash will still be available. We will be wiping the brushing area between patients. You may bring your own toothpaste if you wish.

Our Commitment to You & The Greater Seattle Community

We look forward to seeing you again and are happy to answer any questions you may have about the steps we take to keep you, and every patient, safe in our practice. To make an appointment, please call our office at 206-244-7800 or email Christi@Peraltaortho.com.

Thank you for being our patient. We value your trust and loyalty and look forward to welcoming you back.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jorge Peralta and Team

Seattle

Join Us at Grit Gala 2020!

February 3, 2020 Stephanie Port

We wanted to take the opportunity to share one of the many non-profit organizations we regularly support. Dr. Peralta has donated to Y.E.T.I. for close to 10 years. The entire team at Peralta Orthodontics loves how Y.E.T.I. gives kids access to the outdoors and exposes them to new, confidence-building experiences. From sea kayaking to towering ropes courses to backpacking the Cascades, the leaders of Y.E.T.I. make it their mission to build “grit” in kids, and this goal inspires us in our own lives as well.

Event Details

This year’s “Grit Gala and the Mythical Beast” event promises to be a night full of excitement, discovery, and community set in the snowy mountains of the North Cascades. Held on February 8, 2020 at the Normandy Park Community Club, the event will feature a paddle raise, live auction and much more.

Where:

Normandy Park Community Club

1500 SW Shorebrook Dr

Normandy Park, WA 98166

When:

Saturday, February 8th, 2020

6:00 – 10:00pm

Tickets & More

Visit http://www.goyeti.org/the-grit-gala-and-the-mythical-beast to learn more about February’s Grit Gala, the Y.E.T.I. organization, or to purchase tickets and make a donation. We hope to see you there!

Seattle

What To Do In Seattle During The Holidays

December 4, 2019 Stephanie Port

What To Do in Seattle During the Holidays

It is officially the holiday season in West Seattle, and there are plenty of family-friendly activities to take part in. Whether you’re looking for a fun date night or want to take the entire family to the festivities, these holiday events are sure to please.

Tree Lighting Ceremony

In the early evening hours of the first Saturday in December, West Seattle lights its holiday tree. The community event takes place in Junction Plaza Park. In addition to the tree lighting, you’ll find a lineup of local musicians and comedians for entertainment.

West Seattle Art Walk

If you and your family have an appreciation for the arts, you can’t skip the West Seattle Art Walk. The holiday edition will be on December 12. A range of artists, galleries, and even restaurants take part in the event. Stop by Virago Gallery, Flying Apron, Shadowland, and a range of other galleries and eateries. End the evening with a family dessert at Cupcake Royale or A La Mode Pies.

Pajamarama

Shopping in your pajamas usually means you’re on the internet, but you can throw on your flannels for Pajamarama from 9AM-12PM on December 14. If you’re wearing your PJs and spend at least $20 at participating stores, you’ll receive a limited-edition diner mug with your purchase.

Fill it up at one of the cocoa filling stations, complete with whipped cream and sprinkles. Check it all out at Junction Windermere.

Of course, when you’re heading out to your family holiday events or other parties, you’ll want your teeth to look amazing! Schedule an appointment with Peralta Orthodontics in West Seattle or Burien when you or your child for a free consultation on how orthodontics can potentially help.

Oral Health

Our Favorite Healthy Alternatives to Halloween Candy

October 15, 2019 Stephanie Port

You’ve nailed it this year when it comes to your kids’ dental hygiene, but then Halloween rolls around. We know the feeling! Don’t let all your hard work go to waste with one sugar-laden holiday. Save your kids’ teeth and do your part for the neighborhood kids as well by handing out something different this year.

Here are some of our favorite healthy alternatives here at Peralta Orthodontics, your first choice for a Burien or West Seattle orthodontist.

Jack-O-Lantern Oranges

Grab yourself a bag of mandarin oranges and a black permanent marker to create creepy or cute Jack-o-lantern oranges. They’re healthy, they’re safe and they’re fun for the little ones.

Honey Sticks

If you know a local beekeeper, check to see if he or she makes honey sticks. If not, you can find these online and sometimes in local markets. They’ll still give the kids a sweet treat, but without all the processed sugars and dyes.

Fruit Leather

Whether you make it yourself from your own fruit trees and berry bushes or know where to purchase some that are natural and sugar-free, fruit leather is a budget-friendly, healthy treat for your trick-or-treaters.

Water Bottles

You can find little 8 oz. water bottles at most grocery stores. As a bonus, sometimes they have festive, decorative labels around the holidays that will make it more fun for your visitors to receive. If not, you could make a label yourself and call the water “unicorn blood” or something that will give your little friends an extra thrill.

Popcorn

Look for mini microwave popcorn the next time you’re shopping, as they are a great alternative to Halloween candy. If you really want to add to the kids’ creepy fun, purchase clear, disposable polyethylene gloves, drop a raisin “fingernail” in each fingertip, fill the rest of the fingers and hand with already-popped popcorn, and tie it shut at the wrist!

Keeping Up on Oral Hygiene

Whether you’re due for your six-month visit or simply need to get something checked out, contact Peralta Orthodontics today to request an appointment at 206-938-3100. As your first choice for an orthodontist in Burien and West Seattle, we look forward to helping you keep up on oral hygiene at any time of the year.

Braces, Oral Health

Can Braces Help with TMJ?

October 3, 2019 Stephanie Port Leave a comment

Jaw pain, stiffness, headaches and popping noises all characterize disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the jaw joint just in front of the ears. While our West Seattle and Burien orthodontist is best known for helping people achieve beautiful healthy smiles, we also help with other issues such as TMJ disorders. Orthodontics is one of the best ways to treat this issue.

What Is a TMJ Disorder?

The TMJ is a surprisingly complex joint and connects to many muscles and nerves in your face. Problems can be caused by misalignment of the upper and lower teeth. An improper bite can cause strain on the TMJ, resulting in pain that radiates throughout the face. This disorder can increase the likelihood of teeth grinding, jaw injuries and arthritis.

Using Braces as Treatment

In many cases, TMJ disorders can be effectively treated by using braces or other orthodontic treatments to realign the bite. The braces move the teeth back into their proper position. If necessary, additional hardware can be used to improve the jaw’s alignment. As the teeth and bite line up more properly, the TMJ disorder will gradually diminish.

Some other treatments include stress reduction and muscle stimulation to reduce tension on the joint, another common cause of the issue. In serious cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the joint.

Learn More at Peralta Orthodontics

Visit our premier orthodontic practice in West Seattle or Burien for a free consultation if you’re in pain from TMJ. Our experienced team is ready to help you with your smile, TMJ pain, or any other orthodontic problem you may be struggling with. Schedule an appointment today to learn more about your treatment options!

Adult Orthodontics

The Case For Orthodontics During Early Adulthood

August 22, 2019 Stephanie Port

Many individuals receive orthodontic treatments early in life. At the same time, these aren’t limited to helping children and teens achieve aesthetically pleasing and functional teeth. Even if you missed earlier opportunities to correct such problems, Peralta Orthodontics wants to help. As a leading local orthodontic provider in the Burien and West Seattle areas, we’re happy to show you how these and other techniques work in early adulthood orthodontic care plans.

Many Treatment Options for Adults

According to the American Association of Orthodontics, one in every five orthodontic patients is aged 18 or older. With innovations in modern orthodontics, more treatment options are available than ever before:

Lightweight metal or clear ceramic braces
Invisalign, which relies on transparent aligner trays
Lingual braces, placed on the backs of teeth

Braces and aligner trays work by placing mild constant pressure on your teeth, which in turn push on the bone surrounding their roots. Each tooth then migrates, with new bone forming around the roots as their positions change.

Factors You Should Consider

When you’re investigating orthodontic treatments, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. Even though your adult bones have stopped growing, your teeth can still be shifted into proper alignment. However, you should expect your total treatment plan to take a little longer than it would for children or teens. You may also work with a regular dentist to address any existing non-orthodontic issues with your teeth and gums. Finally, some structural issues may need to be corrected through surgery. Your orthodontist will give you an idea of what to expect during your consultation.

Learn More From Your Orthodontist in West Seattle & Burien

Peralta Orthodontics provides the best care with innovative technologies and in a warm, welcoming environment. We offer treatment solutions for children, teens and adults throughout West Seattle, Burien, Normandy Park and surrounding communities. Start your journey toward a beautiful healthy smile by completing our appointment request form or calling our Burien office at (206) 244-7800.

Childrens Orthodontics

Early Signs That Your Child Might Need Orthodontic Care

August 22, 2019 Stephanie Port

Your child’s permanent teeth can begin to erupt as early as five years old. Proper oral hygiene is essential, paving the way toward a lifetime with a functional and healthy smile. Yet orthodontic issues are common and can begin at an early age. As your local Burien and West Seattle orthodontist, Peralta Orthodontics wants to help your family spot these problems as soon as possible. Take a look at some typical symptoms and contact our office to learn about your child’s treatment options.

Tooth Alignment Problems

Issues with proper teeth alignment can begin early in life. These can be pretty apparent, with many of them fitting the classic definitions of common orthodontic conditions:

Misplaced, protruding or crowded teeth
Impacted or blocked-out teeth
Delayed or premature loss of baby teeth
Lack of or abnormal alignment of upper and lower dental arches
Jaws positioned too far forward or back
Unbalanced facial features, such as an unusually small or large jaw

Other Symptoms You May Not Have Considered

Of course, orthodontic problems don’t just manifest in the physical appearance of one’s face, teeth or jaws. Behaviors can also point to underlying issues that need correction:

Difficulty biting or chewing
Thumb sucking
Mouth breathing
Biting the roof of the mouth or cheek
Teeth clenching or grinding

Most of these indicate possible alignment, crowding or spacing problems with your child’s teeth or jaws. Others, such as thumb sucking or teeth grinding, are habits that can eventually cause such issues to develop.

Contact Your Orthodontist in West Seattle

At Peralta Orthodontics, we deliver the highest quality care to patients of all ages in West Seattle, Burien, Renton and the rest of the greater Seattle area. No matter what level of care you need, Dr. Jorge Peralta and the care team are ready to offer solutions. Simply use our online appointment request form or call our Burien office at (206) 244-7800. We look forward to meeting you soon!

Braces

Which Braces Are Best for an Overbite?

April 17, 2019 Stephanie Port Leave a comment

If you or your child have an overbite, chances are you’ve considered braces, had braces already, or have been recommended braces by a dentist. Overbites occur when the upper teeth in the mouth protrude over the bottom row of teeth. They are quite common, contributing to roughly 70% of dental-related problems. Luckily, braces are often a viable orthodontic treatment option.

Types of Overbites

Not all overbites are created equal. The type of braces one would need depends on the type of overbite one has and how severe it is. If you have a vertical overbite, it means that your top teeth overlap the bottom teeth, often significantly. A horizontal overbite means that your top teeth simply protrude further than the bottom ones. Some patients have both types of overbites, which may be caused either by the teeth themselves or by bone structure.

The Best Braces for Overbites

Traditional braces are the most common treatment option for overbites of any kind. The two-stage process begins with metal brackets that fasten to the teeth and are connected via metal wires. These brackets help to straighten the teeth, which then allows the orthodontist to repair the overbite. Step two of traditional braces requires the addition of rubber coils and springs, which slowly shifts everything permanently into place.

Some people, especially teenagers, prefer invisible braces since they are less conspicuous. Unfortunately, Invisalign and other clear aligners are not an option for people who have severe overbites.

Before & After Results

Here is one example of adult overbite treatment provided by our Burien and West Seattle orthodontist, Dr. Jorge Peralta:

Before

After

Seeking Treatment for an Overbite

An orthodontist in West Seattle can check your overbite symptoms to determine how severe the problem is. From there, he or she can help you decide on the best treatment options and walk you through the next steps. Always work with a reputable, licensed orthodontist who the schooling and experience to best help you. If you live in the greater Seattle area and are looking for more information on how orthodontics can help address an overbite, give our Burien or West Seattle orthodontic offices a call to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Peralta!

little girl and mother in an orthodontist's office

Orthodontics

5 Questions to Ask an Orthodontist During a Consultation Visit

March 7, 2019 Stephanie Port

A healthy smile isn’t just a functional need; It’s also critical for proper speech as well as maintaining your confidence. Choosing the right orthodontist is of the utmost importance, as you’ll be building a multi-year professional and interpersonal relationship with him or her. Many orthodontists, like our own Burien and West Seattle orthodontist Dr. Jorge Peralta, offer free consultation visits so that you can meet with the Doctor, ask some questions, and feel out the office. Consider asking these five key questions during your initial orthodontic consultation.

1. What are your qualifications and experience?

You want to trust your care to an experienced professional. Find out how many years of practical experience the orthodontist possesses. Also, pick a professional who’s a member of the American Association of Orthodontists. Members are required to complete an accredited orthodontic residency program.

2. What are my treatment options?

It’s important to understand all your available therapeutic options before you move forward with treatment. Depending on your condition, you may be able to wear alternatives like clear braces or Invisalign. Your orthodontist should take the time to explain all your options and help you choose the best solution.

3. How long should I expect these treatments to take?

Most tooth alignment issues take anywhere between a few months and two years to correct. Ask your orthodontist to give you an estimated treatment timeline. You’ll also need to know how often you should return for adjustments to your braces or aligner trays.

4. How much will my treatments cost?

Orthodontic care can be a significant investment. Knowing what your insurance covers is helpful but be sure to get an accurate price quote and explore payment plan options if needed.

5. What are your office hours?

For any therapeutic plan to be feasible, you should select a professional who’s available when you are. Same-day, lunch and evening appointments are helpful ways that an orthodontist can accommodate your schedule.

Your Trusted Orthodontist in West Seattle and Burien

Peralta Orthodontics delivers personalized orthodontic care in a welcoming environment to patients of all ages in King County. To schedule a consultation, use our online appointment request form or call our practice at (206) 938-3100 today!