Wearing Elastics

Braces are often the main line of treatment for most orthodontic problems and nearly always need to be augmented by elastic bands to help achieve perfect results. Elastics helps move your teeth so as to minimize the teeth gaps and cure the 'over-biting' complain.

At Spannhake Orthodontics we advise wearing the elastic bands in the following way:

From upper right canine to lower right first molar and from upper left canine to first lower left molar. You might face problems in placing these correctly initially, but don’t worry we will teach and help you accordingly.

You can follow this guide unless you are personally instructed to do yours a little differently by Dr. Spannhake.  The next time you visit Spannhake Orthodontics for the setting of your elastic bands, make sure you asks any questions that come to mind, and pick up a few extra bands to play it safe.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Every year on April 22nd, we recognize Mother Nature by celebrating National Earth Day. National Earth Day is held to demonstrate support for our environment and raise awareness about protecting it. Thousands of people organize and promote going “Green” to save the Earth. 

Keep reading to see how you can recycle to celebrate Earth Day this year, and do your part to protect our Earth.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Currently less than 35% of households and less than 10% of businesses in the U.S. recycle. If the US recycling levels can reach 75% it will be the environmental benefit of removing 50 million cars from the road each year and it will generate 1.5 million new jobs. Improving and increasing recycling is one of the greatest opportunities for our environment, our natural resources, and our economy! 

Start separating plastics, cans, paper, glass, cardboard, food waste, composts, and e-waste.

Learn more about the basics of recycling and start now.

Visit: www.epa.gov/recycle/recycling-basics

There are so many wonderful opportunities for people of all ages and all backgrounds to participate in saving the Earth. This year on Earth Day, Spannhake Orthodonitcs encourages you to do something that makes a difference and go Green! If we all take a little time out of our day to do something small, it could make a big difference.

Checkout the Invisalign Cleaning System

It’s extremely important to keep your aligners odor-free, hygienic and clear. If you’re not aware of the Invisalign Aligner Cleaning System, we want to introduce you to it. This system makes it easy to care and clean your aligners to ensure optimal results of treatment. Special Cleaning Crystals remove plaque from your Invisalign aligners within about 15 minutes.

The Cleaning System Contains:

Cleaning Tub + 50 pack of Cleaning Crystals.

This cleaning system can be purchased for $75, and is highly recommended. Available on Invisalignstore.com, as well as the refill 50 pack of cleaning crystals for $50.

For more information about this, or to schedule a consultation contact Spannhake Orthodontics.

April is National Facial Protection Month - Let's talk about concussions

April is National Facial Protection Month, so Dr. Spannhake wants to give you a heads up on concussions in youth sports. As your orthodontic provider, we understand that head concussions are a little out of our area of expertise. However, we feel it is our duty to provide you with as much information for your overall health as we can, when we see fit. That being said, let’s talk about concussions.

Did you know…

· Most concussions occur without loss of consciousness.

· Athletes who have, at any point in their lives, had a concussion have an increased risk for another concussion.

· Young children and teens are more likely to get a concussion and take longer to recover than adults.

A concussion is a form of a traumatic brain injury that changes the way the brain normally works. Typically, a concussion is caused by a blow, bump, or jolt to the head or body that causes the brain to move rapidly back and forth. Even minor blows or bumps to the head can be serious. Be sure to seek medical attention if you think you or someone you know is suffering from a concussion.