Blog Archive

Are Dental Problems Causing Your Headaches? Mar 1st, 2023

Dental problems can contribute to a lot of other health problems, even some that seem unrelated. One such problem is headaches. You may not realize it, but dental problems can definitely contribute to headaches. You’ll need to meet with a dentist or orthodontist to determine how your dental problems may...

5 Different Treatments for Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) Feb 1st, 2023

Problems with your temporomandibular joint are also sometimes known as TMD or TMJ Disorder Whatever you call it, TMD can be a serious, regular source of a lot of pain. You may think there’s nothing you can do about it, but that assumption is wrong. We have many new developments...

Untreated Sleep Apnea and Depression: What’s the Connection? Dec 1st, 2022

If you wake up every morning and don’t feel particularly well-rested, no matter how much sleep you got, you could have sleep apnea. Untreated obstructive sleep apnea, in particular, can really wreak havoc on your health in several ways. Untreated sleep apnea can result in many negative effects on your health,...

Pediatric Teledontics: What Can It Do For My Child? Nov 1st, 2022

When you have a child, many things can change with the development of their mouth. Your child may grow to have problems with their teeth, the shape of their jaw, or the arch of their mouth. These can cause future problems, including requiring orthodontic work. Some of your child’s teeth...

The Braces Are Off! How Long Will My Child Need to Wear a Retainer? Oct 10th, 2022

The day your child gets their braces off is a significant milestone. Whether they’ve worn braces for one year or five, it will be an equally big deal to both you and them. You’ve waited so long for this day, but you may be a bit surprised that it’s not...

How Invisalign® Gives You a Beautiful Smile Without Anyone Noticing Sep 1st, 2022

If you’ve wanted to get braces, no matter what your age, you may feel put off by the thought of having a mouthfull of metal. Few people like to wear traditional metal braces, even if they need them.  But there’s an alternative to metal braces for many people, and it’s a...

The Benefits of Teledontics: Supporting Your Upper Airway Aug 1st, 2022

Teledontics is a little-known revolution for the dental industry. It can shape your mouth as you sleep, which can in the process also change the way that you breathe. It can eliminate problems including snoring and help you to breathe better while you’re awake, too. Teledontics can even change the appearance...

The Link Between Dehydration and Headaches Jul 6th, 2022

Before you seek medical attention for your headaches, you should check to see if you’re dehydrated. A lot of people have chronic headaches, which can interfere with life in many ways. Chronic headaches can impact your quality of life and your ability to function. But dehydration is a relatively simple cause...

What is the Solution for My TMJ Disorder? Jun 7th, 2022

TMJ disorder can really wreak havoc on your life. It can cause jaw pain, ear pain, headaches, and multiple other symptoms. You may not have gotten adequate treatment for it in the past. But there’s effective treatment available to you now. If you have TMJ disorder, you may wonder if you...

You Could Have Sleep Apnea and Not Know It May 5th, 2022

If you had sleep apnea, you would know it, right? Maybe, maybe not. Especially if you’re single or sleep alone, you might not even know if you snore, the classic symptom of obstructive sleep apnea. Not knowing whether you have sleep apnea doesn’t mean that it’s harmless. Undiagnosed and untreated...

If Your Sleep Apnea Keeps Your Partner Awake, discover Your Treatment Options Apr 7th, 2022

Sleep apnea can really wreak havoc on your life — and your partner’s. When you have this condition, you stop breathing several times an hour, which results in feeling like you can never get a good night’s sleep. The standard treatment for sleep apnea is usually a machine called continuous positive...

How to Help Your Child Break the Thumb-Sucking Habit Mar 13th, 2022

Your child may have a thumb-sucking habit, which can seem cute when they’re little. But it may seem less cute as they grow older. There’s a good reason to encourage them to give up the habit: It can have a significant effect on the growth of their mouths. Extended thumb-sucking...

BotoxⓇ Isn’t Just for Wrinkles. Learn How It Can Help Your Dental Health Feb 7th, 2022

When you think about Botox® injections, you probably only think about its uses in cosmetic procedures, like smoothing out wrinkles. While it’s true that Botox can work miracles in transforming your appearance, it also can have a lot of benefits for your dental health, too. Botox is particularly useful in...

When Does My Child Need Pediatric Orthodontic Care? Jan 1st, 2022

You might wonder if it’s ever too early to seek orthodontic care for your child. You may even think that there’s no need to rush; you can always seek orthodontic care later.  However, there are several good reasons to get early pediatric orthodontic care. In this blog, Dr. Joseph Z....

Understanding the Different Types of Headaches Dec 1st, 2021

If you get headaches, especially on a frequent basis, they could be related to your dental health. However, getting to the bottom of what’s causing your headaches may require some effort. Identifying the cause of your headaches depends on how often you get them and where the pain is located....

Why Invisalign® Might Be Right for You Nov 1st, 2021

If you’ve ever wished you had gotten braces before, it’s never too late. You may think that the only way to straighten your teeth is with traditional metal braces, but there’s an alternative that comes without the drawbacks: Invisalign®. Invisalign is an extremely popular method of straightening your teeth, in...

My Jaw Locks: Do I Have TMJ? Oct 1st, 2021

If your jaw locks, you may find this an extremely worrisome symptom. While it’s certainly alarming when it happens, it’s not always a sign that you have a problem with your temporomandibular joint (TMJ.)While TMJ problems are one of the most common causes of your jaw locking, other things can...

The Importance of Pediatric Orthodontics Sep 1st, 2021

You may think that your child doesn’t need to see an orthodontist when they’re grade-school age — often, even before they’ve lost all their baby teeth. But seeking the opinion of a qualified orthodontist can prepare you for orthodontic work that your child may need. In some cases, children only...

Help for Your Headaches Aug 1st, 2021

Chronic headaches can have a serious negative impact on your quality of life. If your headaches are migraines — as is the case for 18% of women and 6% of men each year — you may even find them debilitating. You may not think that your headaches have much to...

Different Treatment Options for Your TMJ Jul 6th, 2021

If you feel constant pain in your jaw, or if you have frequent headaches, you may have a TMJ disorder. A disorder of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can cause a variety of symptoms, such as clicking in the jaw, aches in the head and neck, and difficulty chewing or speaking....

How Teledontics Can Help with Your Sleep Issues Jun 9th, 2021

It’s estimated that 25 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea. The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea, in which your airways become blocked while you sleep. The usual treatment for sleep apnea is using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. However, an estimated 50% of...

Why Teens Are Opting for Invisalign May 9th, 2021

If your teen needs braces, they may be dreading the thought of having a mouthful of metal. But, traditional metal braces aren’t the only option. In many cases, Invisalign® can be a great alternative. Invisalign is a system that uses a series of clear plastic aligners to shift the positions...

Nervous About Your Dental Appointment? Here’s How You Can Prepare Apr 11th, 2021

If you’re nervous — or even fearful — about seeing the dentist, you’re far from alone. In fact, 13-24% of people worldwide fear going to the dentist. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to make your experience more pleasant. In this blog, Joseph Yousefian, DMD, of...

Can A Dentist Treat Your Headaches? Mar 9th, 2021

It’s not uncommon to have headaches — even chronic headaches — and find little relief. Sometimes, even a visit to the doctor may not find the cause. If this sounds like you and you think you’ve run out of options, there's one place you may not have considered going to...

Why Traditional Braces are Still One of the Best Teeth-Straightening Options Feb 10th, 2021

If you want your teeth straightened, you may envision wearing clear, plastic aligners, such as Invisalign®. While these aligners are certainly a popular method for straightening teeth, they’re not the only option. Furthermore, they may not be the ideal option, depending on your case. Traditional braces, which consist of metal...

The Role of a Retainer in Keeping Your Teeth Straight Jan 13th, 2021

After wearing braces or Invisalign® aligners, the last thing you want is to have your teeth move out of position. That’s where a retainer comes in. A retainer keeps your teeth in their new positions, so you can keep your beautiful new smile.  In this blog, Joseph Yousefian, DMD, of...

Signs You May Be Grinding Your Teeth Dec 6th, 2020

Teeth grinding can damage your oral and overall health. Unfortunately, you may not even know you do it, especially if you grind your teeth while you sleep. The good news is there are certain clues that can indicate you may grind your teeth. And the solution is often as simple...

Tips for Keeping Your Braces Clean While You Travel Nov 1st, 2020

If you have braces and you’re traveling, you still need to practice good oral hygiene. Fortunately, taking care of them is easy if you follow a few simple guidelines. In this blog, Joseph Yousefian, DMD, of Yousefian Orthodontics for Children, Teens, and Adults explains how you can take care of...

Traditional Braces Have Their Advantages Oct 12th, 2020

When everything you hear in the media is about newer alternatives to braces, such as Invisalign®, it can be easy to forget about traditional metal braces. You may even incorrectly assume that traditional braces are no longer a treatment option. However, traditional braces still have their role in orthodontic treatment,...

7 Signs That You May Have a TMJ Disorder Sep 2nd, 2020

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a complex joint where your jaws come together. You have one on each side of your head, and if something is wrong in or around the joints, you can get pain in your jaws, facial muscles, neck, and even your head. It’s a common disorder,...

The Link Between Headaches and Dental Problems Aug 18th, 2020

Headaches can be a major pain, especially if they occur frequently. If this sounds like you, there could be a source you may not have considered: dental problems. The fact is, dental problems can cause headaches. In this blog, Joseph Yousefian, DMD, of Yousefian Orthodontics for Children, Teens, and Adults...

Understanding the Three Types of Sleep Apnea Jul 22nd, 2020

If you have sleep apnea, you may be surprised to learn that a highly trained orthodontist, such as Joseph Yousefian, DMD, of Yousefian Orthodontics for Children, Teens, and Adults, can help you. This is because sleep apnea involves the structures of your mouth and how they interact with your airways,...

Orthodontics and COVID19: What You Should Know Jun 24th, 2020

The novel coronavirus, also called COVID-19, has changed many of the ways we live our daily lives. While this situation continues to unfold, we follow the guidance of the state government as to how and when our practice can operate. While you may know some basics about the virus, you...

Straight Teeth are Healthy Teeth: Is Invisalign Right for You? May 11th, 2020

Having straight teeth is more than just a cosmetic issue. Having teeth that are correctly aligned can also improve your health. And one of the best ways to straighten your teeth is with Invisalign®. In this blog, Joseph Yousefian, DMD, of Yousefian Orthodontics for Children, Teens, and Adults discusses what...

Understanding Teledontics: A Preventative Approach Apr 22nd, 2020

Obstructive sleep apnea is a chronic problem that often goes undetected. Although it affects both children and adults, it’s often particularly difficult to recognize in children. Many childhood behavioral issues may actually be triggered by obstructive sleep apnea. Breathing problems, however, may not just be due to sinus problems or...

At What Age Should My Child Visit the Orthodontist? Mar 1st, 2020

Orthodontic work, such as getting braces, is most often associated with young teens. And while getting orthodontic treatment at this time is fine, your child’s first visit to the orthodontist should be even earlier, so their future needs can be evaluated. Ideally, the best time to take your child for...

You’re Never Too Old for Braces Feb 1st, 2020

When you’re self-conscious about your smile, it can affect your confidence. Maybe you’ve always wished you could have gotten braces, but for whatever reason, you didn’t get them as a teenager, when it’s most common. You might have assumed that there was a window of opportunity to get braces, and...

5 Things to Consider When Choosing an Orthodontist Jan 1st, 2020

Are you wondering if it’s too early or too late to be concerned about overcrowded or misaligned teeth? While most kids don’t get braces until they are between the ages of 12 and 14, children as young as 7 can benefit from a visit to a pediatric orthodontist if there...

Common Signs and Symptoms of TMD Dec 1st, 2019

There aren’t many chronic pain conditions that affect younger people more often than older folks, but the pain associated with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), called temporomandibular disorder (TMD), is one of them. If you’re a woman taking either birth control pills or supplemental estrogen, you’re even more likely to develop...

How to Prepare Your Child for Their First Dentist/Orthodontist Visit Nov 1st, 2019

If your son or daughter is feeling anxious about their first trip to the dentist, there are a few things you can do to help alleviate their fears. At Yousefian Orthodontics for Children, Teens and Adults in Bellevue, Washington, we love children and work hard to give them the best...

3 Facts You May Not Know About Invisalign Oct 1st, 2019

Are metal braces and wires keeping you from getting the smile of your dreams? If this is your case, you don’t have to put off your dream any longer. Invisalign® aligners can straighten your teeth without the hassle of brackets and wires. And to top if off, the aligners are...

It's Not Just Snoring: Understanding the Dangers of Sleep Apnea Sep 1st, 2019

Snoring is common and affects nearly half the population at some point during their lives. However, while you may find your bed partner’s snoring a nuisance, it can also be a sign of a more serious health condition known as sleep apnea.  Our board-certified orthodontic specialist, Joseph Z. Yousefian, DMD,...

You're Never Too Old for Straight Teeth Aug 1st, 2019

While braces almost seem like a rite of passage for adolescents and teenagers these days, many adults missed out on this early, corrective procedure. Recognizing that straight teeth not only lend to a better smile, but also help with overall oral health, adults are turning to braces in significant numbers....

Forget the CPAP: Learn About Our Sleep Apnea Treatment Options Jul 10th, 2019

A proper night’s sleep is essential to your health. And it’s not just how many hours you get; it’s about the quality. If you're not getting good sleep, your body can’t regenerate like it's designed to. Nighttime is when your cells repair and multiply. Your blood pressure and heart rate...

That Chronic Headache Could Be the Result of a Dental Problem Jun 21st, 2019

You’re used to blaming your headaches on allergies, blocked sinuses, illness, stress, food triggers, and countless other known causes. But if you’ve never considered dental issues as a possible culprit, maybe you should. Here at Yousefian Orthodontics for Children, Teens, and Adults, Dr. Joseph Yousefian specializes in getting to the...

At What Age Should You Get Braces? May 9th, 2019

Is my child too young for braces? Am I too old for orthodontic treatment? When is the best time to straighten your teeth? At Yousefian Orthodontics for Children, Teens, and Adults, we hear these questions all the time. Adolescence is an ideal time for many patients to get braces, but...