Our Blog

Encouraging Kids to Eat Properly Benefits Everyone

Family EatingBusy lifestyles and a multitude of distractions make it very difficult for kids and families today to eat a meal together. Most of us at Advanced Orthodontics often find ourselves eating on the run between busy work schedules, dance lessons, sports practices and games, school activities, karate lessons … the list is endless. Not to mention how difficult it is to steer our kids away from the distractions of computer games and TV. Read More

Beware These Halloween No No’s – Chewy, Sticky, Hard and Crunchy

At Advanced Orthodontics we want all our patients to have fun at Halloween. It’s all about decorations, costumes, and having a good time. But we also want to make sure you don’t have any problems with your orthodontic appliances when enjoying your Halloween goodies. Watch the video below to find out how.

The video offer patients and moms some great ideas on what sweets you can make for those wearing braces to prevent damage caused by chewy, sticky, hard, and crunching goodies. The video was created by the Food Network and the American Association of Orthodontics. Find out what kids of all ages can eat without breaking wires and brackets before and after Halloween. Read More

Please Help Celebrate Orthodontic Health Month in October With Your Beautiful Smile

Orthodontic Health Month 2013You only get one chance to make a first impression, no matter what your age. Whether you are meeting new friends or interviewing for a job, a smile is important to building both personal and business relationships. It is a well-known fact that straight teeth and a great smile builds self-esteem, confidence, and influences how you present yourself to the world. Orthodontic treatment, no matter what age, is an investment in the future.

At Advanced Orthodontics our goal is to spread the word in Bellevue and Kirkland WA that October is National Orthodontic Health Month and its purpose is to reinforce the need for an orthodontic evaluation. You are never too young or too old if your bite or smile needs correction. Orthodontics is for people of all ages.Read More

Is This Space Taken?

Missing teeth Everyone wants a full, toothy smile, but some people are missing teeth through no fault of their own. Whenever you see a person missing teeth, you probably assume that they have lost them somewhere along the line, either through an accident or neglect. However, that is not always true.

At Advanced Orthodontics we sometimes see patients that are missing teeth because they failed to develop due to a family hereditary condition. Other times, the “missing” tooth isn’t really missing at all; it’s hidden underneath bone and gum tissue because it’s blocked or impacted by other teeth. In either situation, space must be created or closed, depending upon circumstances, to improve the bite and aesthetics. If not, then other teeth will gradually drift into the spaces, creating a bite problem and misalign teeth. Luckily, both problems can be treated with orthodontics.

Orthodontics is a special field of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating irregularities of the teeth, gums, jaw, and face. For a person with teeth “missing” or “blocked out”, orthodontics can do wonders. Teeth can be moved into their proper position with braces, and in the case of missing teeth, replacements added to fill the space with an implant or bridge to improve aesthetics.

However, in some severe circumstances it may not be possible to bring a severely impacted tooth into position. Oral surgery may be indicated to remove the impacted tooth to prevent damage to adjacent teeth and also require an implant or bridge to correct the problem.

Next time you see a person with a gap in their smile; don’t be so quick to jump to conclusions. Now that you know what may be to blame, you can kindly direct them to contact our office for a complimentary consultation to find out how we can help them fill that space!

Why Do Many Kids and Adults Need Orthodontic Treatment Today?

Orthodontics todayAt Advanced Orthodontics some parents ask us… “Why are so many kids and adults wearing braces today?”

Orthodontic Studies report 70 percent of the US population could benefit from having their teeth and jaws realigned with orthodontic treatment. Ancient ancestors had perfect teeth and bites, as evidenced by fossil records. Then, about 10,000 years ago, malocclusions (bad bites) seem to have become more prevalent. Why? Human growth patterns saw teeth and jaws fail to accommodate teeth and jaw development as different ethnic and genetic backgrounds began to live together and populate.Read More