iSmile Orthodontics Blog Redmond WA

4 Benefits of Virtual Orthodontic Appointments

Posted on August 3, 2020 by Dr. Sepi Torkan

Virtual orthodontic appointments are nothing new, yet have become more common practice since the spread of COVID-19. As an alternative to meeting in-person, virtual orthodontic consultations are a great way to stay healthy while social distancing. If you or someone you know is considering braces or clear aligners, Dr. Sepi Torkan of iSmile Orthodontics shares 4 benefits of virtual orthodontic appointments to keep in mind:

No Need for Waiting Rooms

Virtual appointments remove the need to sit and wait while being exposed to others who may carry the virus. In many cases, [...] Read More

When is the average age for kids to get braces?

Posted on August 1, 2020 by Dr. Sepi Torkan

One of the big questions parents have is when their kid is ready for orthodontic treatment. You are probably seeing a pediatric dentist for your kid. The pediatric dentists do a really good job screening your kid’s teeth and determining when they need to see an orthodontist. If your pediatric dentist notices something out of the ordinary, they will refer you to an orthodontist. American Association of Orthodontics recommends every kid be seen at an orthodontist as early as age 7. This does not necessarily mean your kid will need braces at age 7, but it means that [...] Read More

How can I fix my bite?

Posted on July 22, 2020 by Dr. Sepi Torkan

Orthodontic treatment is not just about aesthetics. Yes, It is a way to perfect your smile, but at times, it is all about function. If your bite is not right, you know exactly what I am talking about. Here are a few signs that your bite is not right:

You bite your cheeks and lips a lot when you eat food You cannot eat or chew food efficiently Your teeth do not meet properly Your jaw hurts or pops a lot

When your teeth do not meet right, your function is compromised. That can lead to social anxiety and severe [...] Read More

Why Mail Order Orthodontics is a Bad Idea During Coronavirus

Posted on July 16, 2020 by Dr. Sepi Torkan

With the spread of COVID-19 rapidly changing our “new normal,” mail-order orthodontic is on the rise. From social media ads to TV commercials, the convenience of mail-order orthodontics becomes more appealing when you’re stuck at home. At iSmile Orthodontics, we understand that everyone wants a smile they can be proud of. For this reason, we will explain why mail-order orthodontics isn’t the way to achieve this goal.

Orthodontic Treatment Starts with an Appointment

We strongly suggest that orthodontic treatment start with an in-person appointment with a professional, not mail-order. While a [...] Read More

Does it hurt to take braces off?

Posted on July 7, 2020 by Dr. Sepi Torkan

Your day is finally here! It is finally time to take your braces off! Yay! But is it going to hurt?

Taking brace off is just like putting them on! It is one of your longer appointments. Your orthodontist will take all the braces off, then polish your teeth to make sure they are really clean and all the special glue that was used to put the braces on your teeth is gone. The appointment of taking the braces off involves a few steps:

The process of removing the braces from the teeth: It is fairly simple [...] Read More

Step Up Your Selfie Game with Orthodontics

Posted on July 1, 2020 by Dr. Sepi Torkan

Every patient has their own reasons for deciding to undergo orthodontic treatment. For teens, image has always been a key factor in social integration, and in today’s beauty-conscious society, a beautiful smile is high on their list of priorities.

The ever-popular selfie gives teens a confidence boost and social media is the ideal platform to broadcast themselves to the world. So much so, that:

65% of teenage girls reported that seeing their selfies on social media actually boosts their confidence. 40% of all teens say social media helps them present their best face to the world. At least 81 [...] Read More