All posts by Stephanie Port

Braces, Oral Health

Floss Like a Boss: Tips for Beating Plaque with Braces

Leave a comment

As your Burien and West Seattle orthodontist, Peralta Orthodontics wants you to be prepared for the adjustments to your diet and oral hygiene that come with braces. Due to their construction, traditional braces can make flossing and brushing with standard tools difficult. The key to navigating oral hygiene with orthodontics is knowing which alternative tools are going to work best with your braces.

 

Types of Braces and Impact on Hygiene

The first thing to remember is that the type of braces or aligners you have will affect the choices you have for oral hygiene. If you’re using a system like Invisalign, you will have removable trays and you can simply take them out, clean them separately, and then brush and floss like usual. It’s traditional bracket braces with the metal wire that require the most special care.

 

Flossing Tools for Wire Braces

Try out these alternatives to traditional floss and reach between your teeth like you did prior to getting braces.

 

  • Floss threaders
  • Soft-picks
  • Water or air-picks (flossers)

Each of these alternatives has one thing in common with the others: they avoid the loop that makes it impossible for traditional flossing methods to be effective when you have braces.

 

Toothbrush Options for People With Braces

There are two options for toothbrushes that will allow you to enjoy the same thorough clean after orthodontics are installed that you enjoyed before. One is the interproximal brush, which has a triangular head and is better designed to reach difficult spots. The other option that works very well for many patients is an electric toothbrush with an ortho head that makes it easier to reach around and through the braces. Luckily, both options are widely available.

 

Get Help With All Your Orthodontic Needs

If you’re looking for an orthodontist in West Seattle, schedule a consultation today to learn more about your options. All you need to do is contact us.

Braces

Holiday Oral Health: Braces Edition

The holiday season brings with it tidings of good cheer, heaping amounts of delicious foods, and candied treats. While there is nothing wrong with a person who has braces to partake in the good cheer or to enjoy a feast or two, when that person indulges in candied treats, it could put their teeth at risk. If you have braces, you can protect your mouth and your investment by following these few simple oral health tips, braces edition.

 

Avoid Candied Treats and Sticky Snacks

 

It seems as if everywhere you look during the holidays there’s a candied or caramelized something to tempt even the most strong-willed individual. Even the yams are candied! Avoid temptation and refrain from eating anything that is sticky, hard, chewy or crunchy. Your braces, along with their brackets, bands and wires, will thank you.

 

If You Must Indulge, Indulge Wisely

 

Here at our West Seattle orthodontic office, we understand that even the most resolute patients give into their sweet tooth every once in a while. If you find yourself unable to resist a sweet treat, at least make it a sweet treat that won’t pull out your wires and brackets, and that will wash away with a swig of water. Stick with peppermint patties, soft chocolates, peanut butter cups and other candies that can melt in your mouth.

 

Step Up Your Brushing and Flossing Game

 

You should be vigilant about brushing and flossing regardless of the time of year, but during the holidays, consider adding one more brushing and flossing regime to your daily schedule. Take extra care to get around all of your brackets and wires, giving extra attention to areas where your braces attach to your teeth.

 

Have a Travel Kit at the Ready

 

It is not uncommon for families to go on vacation or to take a stay-cation during the holiday season. Whether you plan on going skiing in the Rockies or staying at Grandma’s house for the holiday weekend, make sure you take your braces kit with you. This kit should include a toothbrush, floss, wax, mouthwash and elastics.

 

These are just a few tips to keep your smile healthy and dazzling during the season! If you have any questions or have a braces emergency, contact our Burien and West Seattle orthodontic offices for information or assistance.

Seattle

Seattle’s Best and Safest Neighborhoods for Trick-or-Treating

On any given day of the week, kids running from door to asking for candy be a cause for alarm, but on All Hallows’ Eve, it’s acceptable. Yet, just because it’s acceptable doesn’t mean that you must proceed without caution. If you want to worry less about your kids’ safety and enjoy the night with the same enthusiasm as your little ones, take them to one of these four neighborhoods scoped out on your behalf by our orthodontist in Seattle.

 

Boo in Burien

 

Haunted houses, wiener dog races, canine costume contests, oh my! Join your friends and neighbors on SW 152nd street for some strange and ghoulish fun that is sure to delight any age group. After Fido enjoys his time in the spotlight and the little ones tire of tricks, take the family from door to door for more treats.

 

Where: 427 SW 152nd St, Burien

When: October 27, 2018, from noon to 4 pm

 

West Seattle Junction Harvest Festival

 

If you want to be extra cautious this Hallows’ Eve, take your kids trick-or-treating in the daylight hours. The Junction is, as usual, hosting its annual trick-or-treating event during the Harvest Festival, which runs from 10 am to 2 pm the Sunday before Halloween. However, trick-or-treating starts at noon, so be sure to arrive in full costume and with pillow cases at the ready.

 

Where: 4210 SW Oregon Street

When: October 28, 2018, trick-or-treating starts at noon

 

Des Moines: Trick-or-Treat Path

 

Bring your ghouls and gobblins out for a family-friendly free event in Des Moines, WA.

 

Where: Marine View Drive & 7th Ave in Des Moines

When: October 31, 2018 from 3-6pm

 

Burien: Little Lancers Trick-or-Treating

 

Kennedy’s annual ‘Little Lancers Trick or Treating’ event will be Friday, Oct. 26. Bring your little Lancers to Kennedy Catholic High School for the annual ‘Little Lancers Trick or Treating’ event on Friday, Oct. 26, from 3-4 p.m. for a fun-filled time! Wander the halls and trick-or-treat with some of the wonderful teachers. Then, make sure you stop in the Dillman Center to try out the spooky stations put together by the Science Club.

 

Where: Kennedy Catholic High School

When: October 26, 2018 from 3-4pm

 

Woodland Park Zoo: Pumpkin Bash

 

A pumpkin bash is always a good time, but this particular event is made all the more exciting by the animals stomping and chomping around as Seattle’s little monsters do the same. In addition to trick-or-treating, the zoo is also hosting crafts and a pumpkin crunch that day. One costumed child under the age of 12 gains free admittance per paid adult admission.

 

Where: Woodland Park Zoo

When: October 27 & 28, 2018, from 9:30 am to 3 pm

 

Westwood Village Shopping Center

 

Visit Westwood Village’s shopping center for some fun trick-or-treating and window shopping!

 

Where: 2600 SW Barton

When: October 31, 2018 from 4-6pm

 

Our West Seattle orthodontist and team wishes you a safe and ghoulish Halloween! Happy trick-or-treating!

 

Admiral District

 

Not comfortable going from door to door? Grab your little goblins and their pillowcases and head to the Admiral District for the annual trick-or-treating extravaganza, hosted by area retailers. With dozens of shops in the district, your Batboys and Catgirls are sure to yield quite the haul in a few short hours. Look for Halloween posters at participating businesses.

 

Where: Admiral District, California Ave. S.W. & S.W. Admiral

When: October 31, 2018, from 3 pm to 6 pm

Braces

Braces & Fall Sports – 4 Important Safety Tips

Leave a comment

If you have kids, you understand that the arrival of fall does not just mean back to school – it also means the start of school sports and activities. Football, soccer, field hockey and other fall sports teams have all already begun practicing in preparation for that first big game, which is exciting but nerve wracking at the same time. After all, most fall sports involve contact, and a lot of it. If you’re your child is currently in orthodontic treatment or recently got braces off, you might be tempted to discourage your child from participating in sports. That doesn’t have to be the solution. If your child continues to play, make sure they abide by these four safety tips from our orthodontist in Burien Dr. Jorge Peralta:

 

  1. Wear a Mouthguard: A mouthguard is your child’s number one protection from impact and is the most effective way to prevent injuries to the face, mouth and teeth. Ask your West Seattle orthodontist to have a properly-fitted athletic mouthguard made for your child’s teeth.

 

  1. Play With Caution: While this tidbit of advice is bound to go in one ear and out the other, it is still worth mentioning. Encourage your child to only engage in rough play if absolutely necessary, and to use his or her wits over brute strength when possible.

 

  1. Wear Other Protective Gear: If allowed by the league, have your child wear a mouthguard, helmet and/or safety glasses.

 

  1. Be Prepared for Emergencies: If you cannot prevent emergencies, you can at least plan for them. Our Orthodontist in Burien offers 24/7 emergency services for our patients. If your child does sustain serious injury to his or her teeth or jaw during a sporting event, you can count on our orthodontic team to do what is necessary to prevent further damage and repair his or her smile to look like new.

Schedule An Orthodontic Appointment In Burien or West Seattle Seattle Today

 

If your child has braces and plays sports, make sure that he or she takes measures to protect the smile we’re work hard to achieve. If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment with our orthodontist in West Seattle or Burien, give us a call today about additional precautions that may help.

Orthodontics

How Effective Are Mail-Order At-Home Aligners?

Many patients, mostly adult, who are looking for a quick and easy way to realign a slightly crooked smile tend to consider the newly popular mail-order, at-home clear aligners, but not without some good questions. These systems are frequently touted as a way to save money while still gaining the benefits of premium orthodontic care from a qualified professional, but they do come with concerns and challenges that we’d like to point out.

 

Issues With Mail-Order Aligners

 

Mail-order solutions tend to come with some common issues. Many have you book in a 3D scan at a local office in order to get the model of your teeth necessary for the creation of the aligner trays. Other companies ask you to make an impression at home and send it in. Both of these scenarios have one common issue. You never work with the professional who builds your orthodontics, so they never get to actually see or examine your teeth, mouth, and face, and you don’t have the opportunity to provide feedback and get face-to-face answers to questions.

 

Why Face-to-Face Time with an Orthodontist Matters

 

Aligners are a less invasive way to make minor adjustments to your smile when you don’t want or need to commit to a full course of metal or clear braces. They’re designed to be lower maintenance than traditional braces, and that’s why so many patients want to look at mail-order solutions. The fact is, though, that aligners still make major changes to your body, and regular monitoring by a professional will ensure that your orthodontic treatment is looked after and cared for. It will also keep the timing of your aligner tray adjustments and changes more on pace and custom to your needs than a program that makes automatic updates based on a treatment calendar alone.

 

Make an Appointment for Aligners

 

If you’re ready to talk to an orthodontist in West Seattle about realigning your smile, contact us today. Dr. Peralta offers Invisalign to our adult and teen patients, so if clear aligners are in your sights, our team can set you up with an free consultation appointment. Schedule one online or call 206-244-7800 today!

Seattle

How to Make the Most of Summer in Seattle

Leave a comment

Summer is an easy, breezy season when you can play and enjoy the beautiful outdoor splendor of Seattle. It’s also a great time for you or your child to start orthodontic treatment. Schedules are often more flexible, making it easier to keep appointments as well as grow accustomed to new appliances without the pressure of school. Dr. Jorge Peralta is an experienced Seattle orthodontist who focuses on using the most advanced technology available to give you or your child a beautiful smile. In between appointments, though, take advantage of all Seattle has to offer. This city is a great place to be during this relaxed season. Here are five ways to make the most of summer in Seattle!

 

Burien’s Music In The Park

On Thursday’s at 6:30pm, head to Lake Burien School Memorial Park for the city of Burien’s annual music and theater in the park series. Bring a picnic, or enjoy food from Jimmy V’s food truck.

 

Space Needle

Enjoy gorgeous views atop Seattle’s iconic Space Needle landmark. Born in the1960s, the structure rises 520 feet, or 159 meters, above the Seattle skyline.

 

Victoria Day Trip

Experience the unique beauty of the Pacific Northwest on a high-speed, roundtrip cruise between Seattle and Victoria on the Victoria Clipper.

 

Festivals and Concerts

Seattle has many summer festivals and concerts for all ages. Enjoy live music and fun activities throughout this vibrant city. Here are a couple fun ones we recommend:

Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park, the fifth most popular park in the United States, features shadowy forests, idyllic meadows, dramatic waterfalls, lakes, and glaciers.

 

Boeing Everett Factory

This high-flying destination guides you through the adventure of air travel and airliner construction and design.

 

Contact Us Today!

These are some great ways to enjoy all that Seattle has to offer during summer. Whatever the season, if you or your child wants a healthier, more beautiful smile, contact Dr. Jorge Peralta, orthodontist in Burien and West Seattle, for a free consultation today. Call our office in West Seattle at 206-938-3100 or our location in Burien at 206-244-7800, or request an appointment online.

Braces

What Kind of Toothbrush Should I Use With Braces?

Once your West Seattle orthodontist puts braces on your teeth, you’ll be well on your way toward the straight and healthy smile you deserve! While it does take a little time to adjust to having braces, before long, you’ll be completely used to wearing those appliances on your teeth.

Importance of Oral Hygiene

Oral hygiene is super important when you’re wearing braces because there are many tight spaces around your bands, brackets, and wires that can trap food and plaque. This means you’ll need to arm yourself with the best teeth cleaning tools you can find. The most important item to have in your arsenal of plaque-fighting tools is a good quality toothbrush. If you’re wondering what type of toothbrush is best to use with braces, we’ve put together the following information that should help!

Electric or Manual: It’s Up to You

You can use either a regular manual toothbrush or an electric toothbrush to clean your teeth and braces, it’s up to you! If you decide to go the electric route, make sure to choose a brush head with soft bristles. When brushing your teeth, use a moderate setting and don’t allow the back of the brush to vibrate against your braces, to prevent damaging your appliances. If you’re going to use a regular brush it’s best to use a brush that has bi-level bristles that will easily get into all those small spaces around your braces.

A Proxabrush Can Reach Hard-to-Reach Areas

To make sure that you get into all those hard-to-reach areas like around the bands on your back teeth and up and under the archwire, pick up a proxabrush at your local pharmacy. This is a small spiral-shaped brush that’s sometimes called an ‘interproximal brush’ that does an excellent job of removing bits of food and plaque from tight spaces.

 

In a nutshell, it’s important to choose a soft-bristled toothbrush that’s easy to hold and manipulate. When shopping for a toothbrush, choose one that carries the ADA seal of approval to ensure it’s deemed safe and effective to use. If you have any questions or need help picking out a toothbrush, contact us and we’ll help!

Orthodontics

Are Orthodontists Dentists? And Other FAQs

With so many patients seeing our Burien and West Seattle orthodontist to improve their smiles, we’ve answered many questions here at Peralta Orthodontics over the years. Because we’re often asked if orthodontists like Dr. Peralta are dentists as well, we thought we’d answer that question here in case it’s something you’re wondering about. We’ve also answered a couple of other frequently asked questions related to the same topic below.

 

All Orthodontists are Indeed Dentists

 

Technically, all orthodontists are dentists because they undergo the same training and earn the same degree as dentists. However, orthodontists go through an additional two to three years of education to learn how to properly align the teeth and jaws using a variety of orthodontic appliances like braces and aligners. As a result, most orthodontists don’t offer dental services like routine cleanings or tooth decay treatment because they’re focused entirely on correcting all types of malocclusions or “bad bites”.

 

Just like orthodontists specialize in the alignment of the teeth and jaws, dentists specialize in helping their patients keep their teeth and gums healthy. They can treat problems like tooth decay and gum disease and teach their patients how to avoid both. It’s important to see your dentist every six months for a routine exam and cleaning to maintain good dental health.

 

Why is it Best to See an Orthodontist for Braces?

 

While it may seem fine to visit a dentist that offers braces in order to achieve the attractive and healthy smile you want, it’s always best to receive orthodontic treatment from an orthodontist. Only an orthodontist has the training, experience, and expertise needed to accurately realign the teeth and/or jaws to give you the best possible outcome which is a smile that’s as healthy and attractive as it can be!

 

Why Do I Have to See My Dentist During Orthodontic Treatment?

 

Many of our patients just starting out with braces or Invisalign are surprised to hear us tell them that they still have to see their dentists, even though they’re being treated by Dr. Peralta.

 

These regular dental visits are important because dentists are trained to identify any problems that may be developing with the teeth and gums in their earliest stages.

 

If a problem is found during a routine exam, the dentist will treat the problem right away before it becomes worse. An untreated dental problem can throw orthodontic treatment completely off track. In the worst case scenario when braces are worn, the braces may need to be removed from the teeth until the dental problem is brought under control.

 

Visit us for Braces & Invisalign in Seattle!

 

Dr. Peralta is passionate about providing his patients with “hands-on”, detail-oriented orthodontic treatment to ensure they receive the best possible outcomes. You simply cannot find a better orthodontist in Seattle to help you achieve your most perfect smile! If you’re ready to see what he can do for you, please request an appointment with us today! We can’t wait to hear from you soon!

seattle met top dentist 2018
Office News

Dr. Peralta Named Seattle Met Top Dentist for 2018

Even though the new year has just begun, 2018 is bound to be one of the best years yet for Peralta Orthodontics because Dr. Peralta has earned the distinction of being named a 2018 Top Dentist by Seattle Met magazine! This is the fourth year in a row that our Seattle orthodontist was named a top orthodontist by his peers, and we couldn’t be any prouder!

 

If you’re looking for an orthodontist in West Seattle who can provide your family with the high quality, personalized orthodontic care you deserve, you simply can’t go wrong by choosing Dr. Peralta! He’s a very talented and highly experienced orthodontist who is committed to maintaining the highest standard of excellence in the orthodontic care he provides patients of all ages living throughout the greater Seattle area. Dr. Peralta is passionate about improving smiles and it shows! He has a countless number of beautiful smiles to his credit and is trusted by patients and parents alike!

 

After spending many years improving smiles at our first office in Burien, Dr. Peralta opened our second office location in West Seattle last year so even more kids, teens, and adults can benefit from the amazing orthodontic treatment he offers! The next time you see Dr. Peralta, be sure to congratulate him on his two latest achievements!

 

Request a Free Consultation Today

 

Dr. Peralta uses all the latest types of braces and Invisalign aligners to help his patients achieve the healthy and happy smiles they deserve. If you’re looking for a top-notch orthodontist in Seattle that truly does care for his patients, Dr. Peralta is the right choice to make! To schedule your free, initial consultation, please fill out and submit our online appointment request form. We’re looking forward to seeing you soon!

Orthodontics

What Is The Difference Between Orthodontic and Dental X-Rays?

Leave a comment

When a patient is at our office for his or her first visit, Dr. Peralta will carry out a thorough oral examination to detect any current or potential problems with the teeth and jaws to determine if the patient can benefit from treatment. A part of this first visit may include us taking X-rays so Dr. Peralta can see what is happening below the gums. For instance, X-rays can help our West Seattle orthodontist detect issues like:

 

  • Missing or extra adult teeth
  • Impacted teeth
  • Misplaced teeth
  • Short, long or misshapen roots
  • Problems with the jawbone like a jawbone that’s too big or small, asymmetrical or misshapen.

Many patients hope that we can use old dental X-rays when they visit us for the first time. However, this isn’t possible because dental X-rays don’t provide all the information that Dr. Peralta needs. Below is an explanation of how the X-rays we take differ from those taken by your dentist.

 

Dental X-rays

 

The X-rays that your dentist commonly takes are called bite wing Xrays and periapical X-rays. With a bite wing X-ray, you bite down on a wing-shaped device that holds the film in place while the X-ray is being taken. This type of X-ray helps your dentist find decay between back teeth.

 

A periapical X-ray is similar to a bite wing X-ray but it shows the entire length of one or two teeth, from the crown to the root.

 

Your dentist may also take a panoramic X-ray every few years (or when a problem presents itself) to give him/her a view of all the teeth on both the upper and lower jaws.

 

Orthodontic Xrays

 

An orthodontist uses several types of X-rays to see what is happening with the jaws and below the gums including:

 

  • Panoramic X-rays – A panoramic X-ray that captures all the teeth on the upper and lower jaws is used to see emerging and impacted teeth and to monitor tooth development in children. If your dentist has taken a panoramic X-ray at some time during the twelve months prior to your first visit with Dr. Peralta, we can use that X-ray instead of taking a new one.  Just let us know, and we can request to have the X-ray sent to us.
  • Cephalometric X-rays – This type of X-ray can capture the entire side of the head so Dr. Peralta can see the relation between the teeth and the jaw.
  • CT Scans – This type of diagnostic record is occasionally needed to give Dr. Peralta a three- dimensional (3D) view of the teeth and jaws. A CT scan is particularly valuable when planning complex orthodontic treatment.

Contact Your Orthodontist in Seattle!
We hope this information has helped you understand how the X-rays we take are different from those your dentist takes. If you have any questions, we’d be happy to answer them so just contact us! If you’re ready to find out how we can help you achieve a remarkable new smile, please request your complimentary consultation today. We look forward to hearing from you soon!