Wardrobe Must-Haves for Any Style

September 30, 2016 Dr. Silas Dudley

Rebecca Dudley in Issaquah WAAs we head into October, fall fashion is on our minds! #PSL season is in full swing, and after a summer that felt like it would never end, autumn has finally arrived with crisp mornings and cozy nights cuddled under our favorite blanket. We have to admit, though, that one of our most anticipated fall traditions is cooler-weather style. What’s on the boots horizon? Is flannel really making a comeback? Are we still doing Uggs? Let’s talk trends!

Hi all! This is Rebecca, Dr. Si’s wife, and I’ve commandeered the blog this week to share my favorite wardrobe must-haves for any style!

Making it a point to have these pieces in your closet will mean that you always have something to wear and can always look put together with effortless style. Bonus: they all have the comfort factor, too! This is Kent and Issaquah, not Manhattan. We’ve got you covered. 

Wardrobe Must Haves Capsule Wardrobe

 

Tops

You need the most pieces with the greatest variety when it comes to tops, since bottoms and outerwear function mostly as bases for these pieces. We’ve picked versatile tees, shirts, and tanks that work well dressed down with comfy kicks and ripped jeans, or paired with more formal pieces like a pencil skirt and ankle-strap pumps for a client meeting. Keeping the colors neutral gives you so many options, and you can add a pop of color and personality with your shoes and accessories. Don’t be afraid to invest a little here – a high-quality white tee is worth several cheap ones.

Coats & Jackets

No one can argue with the timelessness of a great trench coat, right? Channel a little Casablanca with those great classic lines.  You can keep your options open with a more modern utility jacket, a deliciously warm wool coat, a classic or  slouchy open cardigan, and leather and denim jackets. These will keep you covered for versatility and style that fits every mood and any weather report! Try pairing that leather jacket with more feminine pieces for an edgier look, or the blazer with a crisp white tee, skinnies, and ankle boots for dressed down chic.

Bottoms

The little black dress, a pencil skirt, black pants, and two pairs of skinny jeans? We’re pretty sure this category is self-explanatory. Fall is all about layers, with these cool mornings and warmer afternoons, and this is where a closet full of basics will be worth its weight in gold. A denim jacket over your LBD, pencil skirt with a tee and an unbuttoned button up, comfy cardigan with your favorite skinnies – the options are endless.  I find that with especially versatile items, you want to make sure you invest in good-quality pieces that fit you well, since they’ll be in your regular rotation for some time to come. They’re going to see a lot of wear and tear, so you might as well get pieces that make you look your best and don’t fall apart the first time you wash them. Don’t forget that tailoring is always an option – very few things fit perfectly right off the hanger, and it can be worth investing in a little bit of hemming to get a look that looks custom made.

Shoes & Accessories

Do you remember that shoe closet from the Sex & the City movie? I still daydream about it sometimes. But you don’t need 100 square feet of storage space for these must-haves. Find a pair of casual sneakers or tennis shoes that fit your style, then add in comfy yet elegant flats, booties, and classic pumps for a rotation that fits any occasion. The handbag is another investment piece–you take it everywhere, so get something you love that really speaks your style. Bigger bags are perfect for keeping track of all your essentials, while smaller styles are great for a night out when all you need are the basics. Top it all off with a pair of sunglasses in a flattering shape for your face. This isn’t a time to order online! Go to the store and try on as many pairs as it takes to find “the one” that gives you that warm fuzzy feeling.

1000-Watt Smile

You could dress head-to-toe in Chanel, but without a brilliant smile, your look is not complete. Did you know that 50% of people say the first thing they notice about someone is their smile1? Not the Prada handbag, not the Rag & Bone skinny jeans, not the J.Crew tailored blazer – their smile! In fact, a Kelton Research perception study, also known as a “Smile Survey”, contrasted images of men and women with straight and crooked teeth. It was taken by over one thousand participants who were shown images of people with varying teeth issues and asked to give their honest opinion about them. Results of the study showed that Americans perceive people with straight teeth to have more desirable qualities than those with crooked teeth, including being happy and professionally successful. We all know we’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but this study proves that we tend to do it every day, so it’s a good thing I can refer you to the best orthodontist I know!

Thanks to modern orthodontics, there are many ways to fashion your grin into the perfect personality accessory, and Dr. Dudley and his experienced staff are here to help you put your best face forward! Virtually invisible Invisalign, traditional metal braces, braces on the inside of your teeth, ceramic tooth-colored braces – here at Dudley Smiles, there’s a treatment that will fit your life and your needs. We offer a free consultation to potential clients, and have a dedicated and energetic team committed to working with you to create a positive experience every time you walk through our door. You’re family to us from your first visit. Call Dr. Dudley today and let Dudley Smiles give you the designer smile of your dreams!

Call our Issaquah office (425)404-2350 or our Kent office (253)852-7331 to schedule a free consultation!

According to the American Academy of Periodontology.

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Braces & Invisalign Back To School Guide

September 16, 2016 Dr. Silas Dudley

It’s that time of year again! Early mornings, brand new backpacks, and just the slightest hint of fall in the air. You’ve checked every item off your back to school supply list, but don’t forget your braces and Invisalign care in the excitement of seeing your friends again! Here’s what you’ll need to keep your teeth on the honor roll:

1. Your phone dudley smiles issaquah kent braces invisalign

In case of an orthodontic emergency, having our number stored in your contacts can cut down on the stress you’re feeling in the moment. Most of the time, you’ll be able to wait until you’re home to come in for a follow-up appointment, but we can also help you over the phone, or even direct you to a nearby orthodontist in case you need to be seen quickly.

Your phone’s camera is good for more than cute selfies, too! If you can take a photo of the problem, using flash, it will help us identify the issue much more quickly and accurately.

2. Orthodontic Wax or Gishy Goo dudley smiles issaquah kent braces invisalign

Gishy Goo is a silicone-based product that acts like orthodontic wax. Both of these are great quick, temporary fixes for several common appliance issues, such as protruding wires, loose brackets, and mouth irritation.

 

3. Emergency Care Locker Kit dudley smiles issaquah kent braces invisalign

Did you know you can fix many appliance issues yourself with just a few everyday tools? Things like

mouth irritation: If a bracket or wire is loose and causing irritation or pain to your lips or cheeks, you can slap some wax on it! Make sure that the bracket or wire is very dry first, then pinch off a pea-sized piece of wax, roll into a ball, and  flatten it. Place this over the area causing irritation.

protruding wires: If a loose wire is irritating the inside of your mouth, pop open that pencil case! You can use the eraser end of a #2 pencil to gently nudge the wire back into place flat against the teeth until your next appointment. Place a piece of wax over the wire to prevent irritation and add some stability.

loose bracket: We definitely need to know if a bracket comes loose! We’ll be able to help you take the best next step for your situation. In the meantime, you can place wax over the loose bracket to provide a little stability, or you can slide the bracket back along the wire to the center of the tooth.

4. Basics Bag dudley smiles issaquah kent braces invisalign

Keep a small bag with toothpaste, an orthodontic toothbrush, and floss in your locker, and try your best to brush after lunch. It’s strongly recommended that all patients wearing braces brush and floss after every meal and snack. It’s a small step that can have a big impact on your orthodontic outcome.

 

5. Retainer or Invisalign case dudley smiles issaquah kent braces invisalign

It’s kind of a cliche’, but a lot of retainers really DO end up in the cafeteria trash, forgotten in a wadded up napkin. Keep your case on hand and you can avoid having to decide between digging through garbage or telling your parents you lost your retainer (again)! That said, a lost retainer can be an emergency, so call us if it happens, and we’ll let you know if you need to head to a local office to have impressions made.

Remember that you can always call on us here at Dudley Smiles Orthodontist for help, and you should definitely do so if you’re in pain or if you have questions. We can be reached at our Issaquah office by calling (425) 404-2350, or at our Kent office by calling (253) 852-7331.

May your teachers be nice and your homework load light!

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Braces & Invisalign Travel Guide

August 27, 2016 Dr. Silas Dudley

Braces and Invisalign in Kent and Issaquah Travel GuideYou’ve loaded your Kindle with thrillers, stocked up on sunscreen, and packed it all into your trunk by playing your best game of real-life Tetris ever. But, don’t hit the road just yet! If you’re hoping to squeeze in one last trip in before fall’s upon us, make sure you’re prepared to care for your braces and Invisalign. Here’s what you will need:

  1. Emergency Contact Information

Before you board that plane, make sure you have our phone number handy (That’s 425-404-2350 for Issaquah or 253-852-7331 for Kent!). In the case of an orthodontic emergency, we can talk you through the next steps. Most of the time, you’ll be able to wait until you’re home to come in for a follow-up appointment, but we can also help you over the phone or direct you to a nearby orthodontist in case you need to be seen.

Pro tip: take a photo (with flash) of the problem before contacting us. A picture is truly worth a thousand words in this case and will help us be able to triage the issue much more quickly and accurately.

  1. Emergency Care Information

Many appliance issues can be fixed yourself with a few readily available tools. Of course, you can always call us for help, and you should definitely do so if you or your child is in pain! Here are a few tips and tricks for dealing with common hardware issues:

  • Protruding wire: If a wire comes loose and is irritating the inside of the mouth, there are a couple solutions you can DIY. First, try using the eraser end of a #2 pencil to nudge the wire back flat against the teeth until your next appointment. Next, place a piece of wax over the offending wire to reduce irritation and provide stability.
    • If a wire is extremely irritating and you won’t be able to come into our office anytime soon, you may (as a last resort) try to clip the wire. Use a pair of clean, sharp nail clippers to cut the wire and folded tissue or gauze around the area to reduce the possibility of the patient swallowing the snipped wire. Then, cover the offending location with orthodontic wax.

  • Irritation of lips or cheek: If a bracket or wire is causing irritation to the mouth, simply place a piece of wax over the area. First, make sure the bracket or wire is very dry. Next, pinch off a pea-sized piece of wax and roll it into a ball, then flatten completely. Place this piece of wax over the irritating area.

  • Loose bracket: If a bracket becomes loose, call us! We’ll help you with the best next steps for your situation. In the meantime, you can place wax over the loose bracket to provide stability or slide the bracket back along the wire to the center of the tooth.
  • Lost Invisalign aligners: Make sure you bring your most recent set of Invisalign aligners with you when you travel! That way, if you happen to lose your current set, you can continue to wear aligners. Call us, and we’ll let you know what the next step is. Typically, we recommend that patients simply proceed to the next aligner.

  • Lost retainer: You’ve heard us talk ad nauseum about the importance of wearing your retainers, so a lost retainer can actually be an emergency! Call us if you discover you’ve lost retainer, and we’ll let you know if you need to head to a local office to have impressions made.
  1. Braces Travel Kit

Aside from the regulars, like toothpaste, orthodontic toothbrush, and floss, these items are a must-have for your braces travel bag:

  • Interdental toothbrush
  • Wax or Gishy Goo. Gishy Goo is a silicone-based product that acts like orthodontic wax
  • Ibuprofen, in case of soreness.
  • No. 2 pencil, for possible protruding wires
  • Clean, sharp nail clippers, for possible protruding wires
  • Gauze or tissues, for possible protruding wires
  1. Invisalign Travel Kit

First off, if you’re traveling with Invisalign, make sure you notify us at least two weeks in advance. In case the date you should receive your new aligners falls on a date that you’ll be out of town, we’ll want to plan ahead by providing the next set or discussing another option. Once you’ve got the aligners you need, here’s what you should pack for your Invisalign travel bag:

  • Your Invisalign cases: Always put your Invisalign aligners inside their case, and you’ll be much less likely to lose them!
  • Your current aligners and most recent aligners: Of course, you know how important it is to wear your current aligners an average of 22 hours a day, but make sure you bring your most recent aligners in case you lose your current pair! This will help prevent losing all the amazing progress you’ve worked towards.
  • Denture tablets: For on-the-go cleaning, denture tablets can be very useful! They’re portable and work well for travel.

Where are you going (and can we come with you)?

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call us at 425-404-2350 for Issaquah or 253-852-7331 for Kent.

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7 Reasons Why Invisalign Is Perfect for Teens

July 13, 2016 Dr. Silas Dudley

Invisalign for Teens at Dudley Smiles in Kent and IssaquahWhen you think of orthodontic treatment for teens, what immediately comes to mind?  If you immediately envision metal smiles and glow-in-the-dark rubber bands, you’re not alone!  Metal braces have been the traditional (and only) treatment option for decades, but the many benefits of Invisalign make this an outstanding treatment plan for teens.

  1. Virtually Invisible

We all remember high school and how important it was to fit in, right?  Teens are 68% less likely to be teased when wearing Invisalign aligners as opposed to metal braces, and a whopping 92% of teens say that metal braces would keep them from fitting in with their peers. Let your teen stand out for their school record in the 300 meter hurdles or their painting that now hangs in a local art gallery; not for the new metal in their mouth!

  1. Boosts Self Confidence

Being a teenager can be tough: there’s the new expectations in school, endless extracurriculars, family life and feeling misunderstood by parents, and not to mention hormones and bullying!  Teens wearing Invisalign aligners are two times more likely to have a boost in self-esteem during treatment.  And considering #3 and #4 below, we think that’s pretty significant!

  1. Just as Effective as Braces

You might think that Invisalign is for correcting mildly crooked smiles, but think again!  In the hands of a trained orthodontist, Invisalign aligners can be just as effective as metal braces in correcting smiles and bites. That’s powerful information considering Invisalign is virtually undetectable when worn.

  1. Perfect for Sports and Music

If your teen is an athlete or musician, you might be concerned about the comfort and safety of traditional metal braces, which can can irritate or the cut the inside of the mouth.  Invisalign aligners are completely smooth, which means they won’t irritate the mouth when playing a woodwind or brass instrument.  Because the aligners are removable, your teen can replace the Invisalign aligners with a traditional mouthguard for their game.  And that’s one less thing you and your teen have to worry about!

  1. No Off-Limits Food

Have you ever tried limiting your teen’s diet?  Not for the faint of heart, right?  Traditional metal braces means no popcorn, no caramel, and no chewing on ice (just to name a few).  But because Invisalign aligners are removable, there are no off-limits foods!   Teens simply take out the aligners before diving into that huge (refillable!) tub of popcorn at the movies, brush and floss well, and then the aligners go back on.

  1. Costs About the Same as Braces

You might be reading, thinking, “Sounds great, but we can’t afford Invisalign!”  Surprisingly, Invisalign treatment is comparable in cost to traditional metal braces.  Today, most dental plans cover Invisalign, too.

  1. Reliable

Knowing how reliable your teen is at making their bed, you might be concerned about them consistently wearing their aligners to complete their treatment plan.  However, orthodontists confirm that most teens are actually more reliable in wearing their aligners than adults!  The data shows that teens wear their aligners an average of 21 hours a day–exactly as recommended.

Find out if Invisalign is right for your teen with a free Invisalign consultation.  Call us at the Kent office at 888-341-1231 or at the Issaquah office at (425) 557-5437 today.

Statistics thanks to Invisalign!

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