Advanced Orthodontics Blog in Burien WA

Striving for Orthodontic Symmetry in Bellevue and Kirkland WA

Posted on December 1, 2012 by Advanced Orthodontics

The technical term for a “bad bite” is a malocclusion. There are many different types of malocclusions depending on what the exact nature of the problem. Sometimes, a poor bite only develops on one side of the mouth instead of both sides. This situation, which is commonly known as a crossbite, happens because of an asymmetry of the teeth or jaw. This lack of balance can occur when some of the teeth on one side are lost, or if they never come in at all.

In a bi-lateral crossbite, (meaning one side only), the top teeth on one side close either outside or across the bottom teeth. This happens because the lower jaw shifts from side to side when the mouth is closing in an attempt to correct for the mismatch of the upper jaw and the lower jaw. This shift creates a misalignment of the teeth.Read More

Happy Thanksgiving to All Our Patients and Their Families

Posted on November 22, 2012 by Advanced Orthodontics

Are Your Food Choices As Healthy As You Think?

Posted on November 15, 2012 by Advanced Orthodontics

The average American diet is loaded with sugar and a disturbing amount of it is of the processed variety. This does not bode well for our overall health, but of particular concern is the effect large amounts of sugar have on teeth causing tooth decay. Our goal at Advanced Orthodontics is to create beautiful healthy smiles that last a lifetime. It would be a shame if all that time devoted to straightening teeth goes to waste because of a sweet tooth that destroys strong healthy teeth.

In order to fight the common sugar addiction, keeping track of the foods you eat every day would be enlightening. You may be surprised at how many foods commonly considered “healthy” are dangerously loaded with sugar. Here are examples of 7 foods to avoid, as well as some suggestions to keep your sweet tooth happy and all your teeth well to preserve your beautiful smile. Read More

During Orthodontic treatment… is Fluoride Friend or Foe?

Posted on November 1, 2012 by Advanced Orthodontics

There are many ways you protect your teeth during your treatment with Dr. Barton Soper. You brush your teeth after meals and snacks, floss regularly, and protect your mouth and appliances from being damaged by watching foods you eat and wearing a mouth guard during contact sports . But did you know about fluoride to keep your teeth sparkling and healthy during orthodontic treatment to protect against tooth decay and white marks around your braces during treatment?Read More

Do you Know the History of Halloween?

Posted on October 15, 2012 by Advanced Orthodontics

The orthodontists at Advanced Orthodontics and our team thought it would be interesting to share with you the history behind Halloween. Did you know that Halloween is one of the world’s oldest holidays? Throughout the years it has gone through many changes. It was originally a Celtic festival called Samhain (pronounced sow-in). It marked the end of harvest and the beginning of the new year (November 1st). Centuries ago, the druids believed that ghosts and spirits roamed the earth at this time, and they lit bonfires as protection against the evil spirits.

When the Romans captured the Celtic lands, they adapted the day to honor their own deities. Pomona, the goddess of fruit and trees and was represented by an apple in their rituals. It is thought this is why we bob for apples at Halloween parties today!

Over time, the Roman Catholic Church adapted the day as All Saints’ Day, or All Hallows’, Day, to honor saints who did not have a specific feast day of their own. The name gradually transformed into Halloween.Read More

Advanced Orthodontics Promotes October National Orthodontic Health Month

Posted on October 1, 2012 by Advanced Orthodontics

Dr. Barton Soper and our team at Advanced Orthodontics want to spread the word in the Bellevue and Kirkland WA area that October is Orthodontic National Health Month. It is never to too soon or too late to undergo orthodontic treatment to achieve a beautiful healthy smile that lasts a lifetime.

The purpose of Orthodontic National Health month isto draw attention to the fact that everyone needs to be evaluated for orthodontic treatment. You are never too young or too old if your bite or smile needs correction.

American Association of Orthodontics recommends that parents start early and all kids be evaluated 7 – 8 years of age. During the growing years of 7 – 10, kids undergo a major growth spurt that goes hand in hand with the eruptive pattern of their teeth and development of jaws.Read More