All posts by Stephanie Port

aerial view of west seattle
Seattle

Moving To West Seattle? Here’s What You Need To Know

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Peralta Orthodontics is proud to be a part of the West Seattle, Burien, and greater Seattle, WA community! If you are planning on moving to West Seattle, it’s always good to get a few tips that can make the transition easier. Here are a few things you should know if you’re planning on re-locating to West Seattle.

 

People are Friendly and Easy to Talk to Here

 

Many people who move to West Seattle notice that the people living here are friendly, laid-back and easy to talk to. You will most likely notice that residents of the area are generally very down-to-earth, a bit less high strung and not so focused on appearances and trends. This can make getting used to living in West Seattle easier as newcomers feel very welcomed.

 

Very Family-Friendly

 

West Seattle is one of the most family-friendly areas in the greater Seattle area. It is common to see groups of children out and about on the streets after school, which is something you don’t see in many larger communities. If you have children or are planning on having kids, West Seattle is a great place for raising a family!

 

Many Great Parks To Enjoy
 

If you love parks, you’re going to love living in West Seattle as there are scores of parks here ranging from popular large parks with loads of family-friendly amenities to smaller parks which are off the beaten path. Lincoln Park is a huge park that’s a great place to picnic, bike, take a peaceful walk and or to enjoy some spectacular water views along the boardwalk. Schmitz Preserve Park is a 53-acre park on Alki Point in West Seattle that has everything you’d ever want in a park and more including amazing trees, a beautiful stream, fun walking trails and more.

 

Several Ways to Get Around

 

While most West Seattle residents who commute have cars, there are plenty of options for getting around including bus services, DART, water taxis and trains. If you do own a car, driving in and around West Seattle is typically fast and easy but also a bit unpredictable as traffic problems can occur with any commute, just like they can when driving in any metro area.

 

We hope you find these tips for moving to West Seattle helpful! If you are interested in braces or Invisalign for yourself or need a West Seattle orthodontist for your child, Peralta Orthodontics can meet all your family’s orthodontic needs. We proudly serve patients of all ages throughout West Seattle, Burien, Renton, Des Moines, Normandy Park, SeaTac and the greater Seattle area.

girl at dentist with braces
Orthodontics

Teen Orthodontics & Wisdom Teeth: What’s the Deal?

While one of our recent blog posts discussed Dr. Peralta’s philosophy on adult wisdom teeth extractions, his opinion differs when it comes to adolescents.

 

For adolescent and teen patients,  braces are usually removed long before it is time to consider the wisdom teeth. However, by the time the final retainer check appointment approaches, our Burien and West Seattle orthodontist Dr. Jorge Peralta will likely recommend wisdom teeth removal.  The primary reason why he recommends this for all adolescents, and not necessarily adults, is because far more often than not, wisdom teeth can present the following issues:

 

  • They can be painful when erupting
  • They can be difficult to clean
  • They are prone to extensive tooth decay that can transfer to nearby teeth
  • Soft tissue infection can occur
  • Cysts (fluid-filled sacs) may surround them and cause issues
  • Gum disease can occur

In an effort to prevent these potentially costly and inconvenient side effects of wisdom teeth, Dr. Peralta recommends extracting them prophylactically.  Particularly for teens, the benefits of visiting the oral surgeon early include healing more quickly, preventing health issues and potential emergency dental appointments, and removing them before they have the opportunity to impact the fit of retainers.

 

For adolescent patients, Dr. Peralta typically recommends that they visit the oral surgeon between the ages of 15-20. The exact timeframe depends on the development of the wisdom teeth and if their position can potentially impact the final orthodontic result and health of surrounding teeth.

 

If you have questions about orthodontics and wisdom teeth removal or would like to schedule an appointment at our Burien or West Seattle orthodontic offices, give us a call or fill out our appointment request form online now.

two female friends smiling
Orthodontics

How to Get The Most Out Of Your Orthodontic Treatment

Whether you’re wearing Invisalign clear aligners or conventional metal braces, you surely want your treatment to go along as planned. After all, orthodontic treatment is a big investment in terms of both time and money. It’s a 2-way street as both you and your orthodontist have responsibilities in helping you achieve your new, beautiful smile.

 

The team at Peralta Orthodontics wants all of our patients to get the best, most efficient treatment possible. Here are a few tips for getting the most out of your orthodontic treatment.

 

Be Extra Diligent with Your Oral Hygiene

 

It is always important to do a good job of brushing and flossing your teeth. But good oral hygiene is even more important when you’re in orthodontic treatment and especially if you’re wearing conventional braces that are bonded to your teeth. By being extra diligent with your oral hygiene, you can avoid common dental problems that could delay your treatment like tooth decay and gum disease.

 

Follow the Instructions Given By Our Seattle Orthodontist

 

Whether you’re wearing Invisalign aligners or regular braces, it’s important that you follow all of the instructions that your orthodontist gives you. For instance, if you are wearing traditional metal braces, you were told to avoid eating braces-busting foods like hard, crunchy and sticky foods. If you are wearing clear aligners, you were told to wear the aligners for at least 22 hours per day. If you do not follow the instructions you’re given, your time spent in treatment may be prolonged. Failing to follow the instructions we give you could also alter your final results and make your treatment more costly, so it’svery important to be compliant.

 

Keep Your Regularly Scheduled Appointments

 

It’s also very important that you come to all of your scheduled orthodontic appointments. These important visits allow Dr. Peralta to check on your progress and/or to make necessary adjustments to your appliances. When you visit our Burien or West Seattle orthodontic offices as you should for each scheduled appointment, you will be doing your part to ensure that your treatment moves along as planned. This will result in you getting the best possible result, which is a straight and healthy smile that you can proudly wear for the rest of your life!

adult male with braces
Adult Orthodontics

Adult Orthodontics: Do Wisdom Teeth Have to be Removed?

Dr. Jorge Peralta is frequently asked by our Seattle-area adult patients if they need to have their wisdom teeth removed before beginning orthodontic treatment.  The short answer is “no”. The great majority of our adult patients can have their orthodontic treatment completed while they still have their wisdom teeth.  The exceptions are when the condition and position of the wisdom teeth impact the health of nearby teeth or the bite.

 

Wisdom teeth, or third molars, typically erupt between the ages of 18 and 25. Not all wisdom teeth actually succeed in erupting due to lack of space in the mouth. These are called “impacted” wisdom teeth and with adult patients, Dr. Peralta first considers if extracting them may cause more issues than leaving them alone. This is thoroughly evaluated and explained to you at the time of your treatment discussion.

 

It is perfectly acceptable to have wisdom teeth extracted slightly before beginning orthodontic treatment or even during treatment. If you are a candidate for orthodontic treatment while you still have your wisdom teeth, Dr. Peralta may recommend their removal after your treatment has ended for the following potential reasons:

 

  • They can be painful when erupting
  • They can be difficult to clean
  • They are prone to extensive tooth decay that can transfer to nearby teeth
  • Soft tissue infection can occur
  • Cysts (fluid-filled sacs) may surround them and cause issues
  • Gum disease can occur

A misconception is that wisdom teeth eruption will cause tooth crowding.  Many studies show that the wisdom teeth do not exert enough force to cause the front teeth to crowd. Additionally, research has documented that teeth will drift forward and crowd over time regardless if wisdom teeth are extracted or not. This is why wearing retainers for life is crucial to maintaining your results!

 

Rest assured that if you are and adult in the greater Seattle area who is interested in orthodontic treatment and still have your wisdom teeth, Dr. Peralta will evaluate your specific case, craft a timeline and advise you on the steps to making your smile as healthy and beautiful as it can be. Request a free consultation online or call us to see if you are a candidate for orthodontic treatment!

2016 new years resolution
Braces, Orthodontics

2016 New Years Resolutions: Braces Edition

While it’s hard to believe, 2015 is quickly coming to a close. This is the time of the year when our Seattle orthodontist Dr. Jorge Peralta and his team reflect over the past twelve months and look forward to what’s to come in 2016. We’ve had a great year and have enjoyed seeing many new and familiar faces in our Burien and West Seattle orthodontic offices.

 

The end of the year is when many of us make New Years resolutions to improve and enrich our lives. That’s why we’d like to offer a few possible dental-related New Years resolutions that those of you wearing braces might want to make.

 

Schedule an Appointment with Your Family Dentist

 

Just because you’re seeing a Seattle orthodontist doesn’t mean that you should neglect to see your family dentist. In fact, when you have braces on your teeth, it’s more important than ever to see your dentist regularly for examinations and cleanings. This is because food debris and plaque can become trapped in and around wires and brackets can increase your risk of developing tooth decay and other problems.

 

Cut Back on Sugar

 

Many studies have found that there is a direct link with how much sugar one eats and the amount of tooth decay he/she has. This is why it’s a good idea to make a New Years resolution to cut back on how much sugar you consume. For instance, if you drink sugary soda water, give it up for a healthier option like sugar-free bubbling water. And instead of reaching for candy when you have a sweet tooth, go for something healthier like yogurt or soft fruit.

 

Be Compliant with Your Elastics

 

The elastics on your braces are there to help move your teeth into new positions. Poor compliance in wearing these elastics, like skipping days or not wearing them full-time as prescribed, may result in a longer treatment time and poorer than expected final results. Make a resolution to wear your elastics as directed so your treatment goes along as planned.

 

Make a Commitment to Floss Daily

 

Many people fail to floss their teeth each day, including people wearing braces, because they feel it’s a hassle to floss or that it’s just not necessary. But flossing your teeth is a very important thing you should do every day, especially if you’re wearing braces. Flossing helps remove food particles and plaque from between teeth and in and around your appliances to help you avoid tooth decay. We recommend using a special floss threader that makes flossing your teeth easier.

 

These are just a few suggestions for New Years resolutions that patients wearing braces might wish to make. For those of you who are thinking of seeing an orthodontist in West Seattle or Burien to improve your smile, make 2016 the year you take the big step! Our practice offers orthodontic care to patients of all ages using the most advanced orthodontic treatment options from metal braces for youngsters to Invisalign for teens and adults. Please contact us today to schedule your appointment!

west seattle office peralta orthodontics
Office News

Announcing Our New West Seattle Location!

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Our Seattle orthodontist Dr. Jorge Peralta and his staff would like to announce that we have opened a new West Seattle office location to better serve our patients! Our new office is located at:

 

Jefferson Square Building

4700 42nd Ave SW, Suite 555

Seattle, WA

Phone: (206) 938-3100

 

With this change, we have also officially changed the name of our practice from Orthodontics of Burien to Peralta Orthodontics.

 

Our West Seattle orthodontic office is located just a block away from the West Seattle Junction. And, in order to accommodate more of our patients at both office locations, we have extended our offices’ hours to include Fridays from 10am-5pm!

 

For many years, Peralta Orthodontics has been a trusted and well-respected orthodontic practice that has been serving patients in Burien and the greater Seattle community. We offer high quality orthodontic care to patients of all ages and use a variety of orthodontic treatment options to improve our patients’ smiles. We specialize in advanced treatment options like Invisalign and clear braces to correct many different orthodontic problems. Whether you’re interested in finding a West Seattle orthodontist to provide early interceptive treatment for your child or wish to find out if Invisalign is right for you, we encourage you to contact us to see how we can meet all of your orthodontic needs!

 

We are very excited about our newest orthodontic office in West Seattle and hope to see many new patients walk through our door! If you would like to schedule an appointment for yourself or your child, request one online or give us a call today. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Katy Perry wearing braces and headgear
Orthodontics

Will I Need to Wear Headgear?

No appliance garners as much negative attention as headgear. Originally developed in the 1800s, the purpose of headgear is to help guide growth of the face and jaws, balance the profile, and create a healthy bite. It is most effective when worn between the ages of 10-14 because this is when most growth occurs.

 
While the majority of orthodontists still recommend the use of headgear today, Dr. Peralta often has the pleasure of reassuring his patients that they will never be asked to wear headgear. He believes the headgear appliance is too cumbersome and most patients will not wear it. So, he recommends other modalities to create the same final result. These include inter-arch elastics, inter-arch springs, and the Forsus appliance.

 
Rest assured that while orthodontic treatment is not always easy, Dr. Peralta is always looking for the best and most comfortable ways to accomplish ideal results. If you are wondering if you or a family member is in  need of orthodontic treatment, or if it has been recommended to you, call our Burien or West Seattle offices today to schedule a free consultation!

pumpkin picking
Seattle

Fall in Seattle: Our Favorite Local Festivities

Dr. Peralta and his team are proud to be a part of the local Seattle community! Just because summer has ended, that doesn’t mean that there’s less to do in our beautiful city. We’d like to share our five favorite fall festivities taking place in Seattle and the surrounding areas.

 

Burien Brat Trot – October 4th

 

Our Burien & Seattle orthodontics practice is proud to be a sponsor of the Burien Brat Trot that takes place on Saturday, October 4th in beautiful Burien! The Burien Brat Trot is a flat and fast 5K and one mile run through the streets of Burien followed by an amazing street party that has something for every member of the family. This is an event not to be missed as there will be live music, beer gardens and loads of fun activities for kids.

 

Northwest Chocolate Festival – October 3rd and 4th

 

The Northwest Chocolate Festival will be held at the Bell Harbor Pier in Seattle on October 3rd and 4th from 10AM to 5PM. This is a not-to-miss event and a dream come true for chocolate lovers! The festival showcases over 80 of the finest craft chocolate and confection companies from the world over with free samples to enjoy. There are live chocolate making demos to watch, workshops to attend that teach you how to make chocolate candies and pastries and opportunities to talk with cacao farmers from Ecuador and Peru plus lots more! Admission is $30 for a day pass and $50 for an all-day weekend pass. A half day pass is available at the door beginning at 12:30pm for $20. Kids under the age of 14 are admitted for free if accompanied by a ticketed parent or guardian.

 

KUBE 93.3FM Haunted House – Every evening in October

 

October wouldn’t be complete without a trip to a haunted house! The KUBE 93.3FM haunted house is dubbed Seattle’s best haunted house located at the Georgetown Morgue of Seattle at 5000 E. Marginal Way South. Opening hours are from 7pm to 10pm every evening for everyone over the age of 12. Younger children are not allowed in as the haunted house is not appropriate for small kids. However, if you have children under 12, you can take them to Kid’s Day on October 18th for a lights-on tour. To get your kids in for free, bring along three cans of food per child to donate to Food Lifeline. General admission is $21 but Sunday admission is just $18 if you donate 3 cans of food to Food Lifeline.

 

Seattle Children’s Festival – October 11th

 

Northwest Folklife’s Seattle Children’s Festival is held from 10am to 5pm on October 11, 2015 at Seattle Center. This is a multicultural festival held on Seattle Center grounds that is “Celebrating Our Big Neighborhood.” This is a wonderful event that brings together local communities that showcase and celebrate families of the Northwest to introduce kids to new cultures and traditions. The festival features a wide variety of educational and hands-on programs, many live performances and interactive workshops geared toward families and children of all ages. Admission is free.

 

Boo in Burien – October 24th

 

Boo in Burien is an annual, safe trick-or-treat event for families that includes pumpkin painting, costume dog parade, weiner dog races and lots more! This event takes place in downtown Burien on Saturday, October 24th from 12 noon to 5pm. Admission is free.

female high school student with braces
Braces, Childrens Orthodontics, Orthodontics

Back to School with Braces

It’s hard to believe, but the summer season is fading away and the brand new school year is underway. Returning to school while wearing braces will be a new experience for many of you. The good news is that you’re certainly not alone. Many of our patients’ new school attire includes braces. Our Seattle orthodontist Dr. Jorge Peralta and his staff want all of our school-aged patients wearing braces to make a smooth transition into the classroom! That’s why we’d like to offer up these tips for making that adjustment easier. Ready? Here goes!

 

Take Along a Braces Care Kit

 

It’s a great idea to take along a small “braces care kit” in a zippered pouch that you can keep in your backpack, locker or desk. Include essential items like a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss threader, dental wax, a small mirror and some spare rubber bands if you wear elastics. Then after lunch, you can step into the bathroom and brush and floss your teeth.

 

Pack Braces-Friendly Lunches

 

One of the biggest challenges you face while wearing braces is choosing the right types of foods to eat. If you carry your own lunch to school, make sure you only pack braces-friendly foods. Avoid taking along foods that are difficult to eat and which can damage or break your braces like hard, crunchy, chewy and gooey foods. You can still pack things like fruits and sandwiches as long as you cut these items into bite-sized pieces before eating them. Some good lunch choices include yogurt, cheese, bananas, pasta dishes, soups, salads, mashed potatoes, melon and eggs.

 

Don’t Skip Those Orthodontic Appointments!

 

It’s easy to cancel appointments when you’re busy with school and all the activities that you’re involved with like clubs and sports teams. But you should never skip the appointments you have as they are very important. If you do cancel appointments, your time spent in braces will most likely be prolonged and your treatment may even be compromised. Good planning is key so make sure you always leave time in your schedule to come to all your orthodontic appointments.

 

Emergencies – How to Deal with Them

 

The good news is that it is rare to have a true orthodontic emergency. However, it is possible that something can go wrong like a loose wire that pokes and irritates the inside of your mouth. If this does happen, don’t panic! Just use a blunt instrument like the back of a spoon or a pencil eraser to carefully and gently push the irritating part out of the way. If the irritation continues, place dental wax (or wet cotton) on the wire and then call us as soon as possible for an appointment. If any part of your braces comes off, save it and bring it along with you to your appointment.

 

Take Good Care of Your Retainer

 

If you’re in the retention stage of your treatment and are wearing a retainer, it’s important to wear your retainer as directed and to take good care of it. When your retainer is not in your mouth, it should always be in a retainer case. Most retainers are lost in school lunchrooms as many students wrap them in napkins when eating and throw them in the trash by mistake. Clean your retainer at least once per day using toothbrush and toothpaste. If you lose or break a retainer, call us right away so we can replace it and remember to always bring your retainer to the appointments you have with us.

 

The team at Peralta Orthodontics wishes all of our school-aged patients good luck in the 2015-16 school year! We’re always available to speak with you so if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us during regular office hours.

woman smiling with mint leaves on tongue
Oral Health

How To Keep Your Breath Fresh

Tips & Tricks From Your Local Seattle Orthodontist

Dr. Peralta, your local Burien and West Seattle, WA orthodontist recognizes that many of his patients are concerned about bad breath while wearing braces. Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a common problem that can cause embarrassment and concern. Keeping your mouth fresh while wearing braces, however, is not difficult to do. The main reason people wearing braces suffer from halitosis is due primarily to bacteria in the mouth having more surfaces to cling to and multiply from more easily.

 

Be Extra Diligent With Your Oral Hygiene

 

It is always important to practice good oral hygiene, but it is even more important when you are wearing braces. Follow these guidelines for best results:

 

  1. You should be brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day.
  2. While brushing your teeth, make sure to also brush the gums, the roof of your mouth, and your tongue. These are all areas where bacteria can linger and cause your breath to begin to smell.
  3. You should be using a soft toothbrush and a dab of toothpaste when brushing and do not forget to switch to a new toothbrush every three months or whenever the bristles wear down.

Mouthwashes, Water Picks, & Breath Mints

 

There are many types of anti-bacterial mouthwashes on the market that can help eliminate much of the bacteria that leads to bad breath. Using an anti-bacterial mouthwash once per day can help keep halitosis at bay. Additionally, water picks, which are dental hygiene devices that safely and powerfully blast areas of your mouth with a thin jet of water, can help flush away trapped food debris that may be left behind after brushing and flossing. Finally, while people wearing braces should not chew gum or eat sticky candies and snacks, sucking on breath mints is completely allowed and a good way to keep your mouth fresh when you are unable to brush your teeth during a certain period.

 

Have A Question? Give Us A Call!

 

The key to keeping your breath fresh is keeping your mouth clean by battling foul-smelling halitosis at its source, which are the bacteria in your mouth. If you have any additional questions or concerns about keeping fresh breath with braces, or if you would like to request an appointment, please feel free to contact us at 206.244.7800 for our Burien office or 206.938.3100 for our West Seattle office. We are happy to assist you in any way we can, and thank you for trusting us as your orthodontic care provider. We look forward to seeing your smile in our offices soon!