5 Tips For A Perfect Selfie

#Selfies have been popular for a few years now, but do you know how to take the perfect one? We know, at first it may have seemed a little ridiculous, all these people taking photos of themselves and posting them online. But did you know that taking selfies is a great way to show off your personality and confidence?

Taking a selfie is an art form in itself. A great selfie is more than just a quick camera click, it actually takes a level of skill to capture and edit the perfect one. After some practice and a few hundred captured pictures (we're only joking) these simple techniques we just know will make you a selfie master in no time at all.

1. Capture Your Best Angle. Instead of taking the picture head-on, turn your head a little to the right or left, or maybe hold your camera a little higher. Try different angles to show off your best features.
2. Show Off Something New. If you decide to take a selfie to show off something new, like…oh we don’t know, maybe your braces, make sure that you frame the photo in a way that highlights the new accessory that has you so excited.
3. Have Expression. You can never go wrong with smiling! Play around with different smiles and expressions and have fun! No matter what, a smile is the best expression you can wear.
4. Focus on Lighting. A great light source is an essential part of taking any photograph. Natural light is best, so start taking those selfies near a window or outdoors.
5. Don't Use a Mirror. Just stretch your arm out, point the camera toward your face and click.You can use your face forward camera to make it easier!

Ok, now you’re ready! Upload those selfies to all of your feeds…Instagram, Facebook, anywhere and everywhere. Are you a patient of Spannhake Orthodontics? Then tag us in your selfies, we'd love to see your smiling faces! Use #SpannhakeOrthodontics!

PROM PHOTO CONTEST | ENTER NOW

It's about that time again! Another #SpannhakeOrthodonitcs Prom Photo Contest! All entries will be entered to WIN, winner selected at random! Get all the details you need below!

ENTER ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE!

MAY CONTEST ALERT | Can You Name That Smile?

Can you name the smiles of each character below? Check out the flyer for details and enter to win a brand new VR headset! Fill out your entry at your next appointment for a chance to win!

Fluoride During Orthodontic Treatment | Is It Important?

Spannhake Orthodontics wants you to know that there are several ways you can protect your smile throughout your orthodontic treatment. If you follow the rule of thumb and brush your teeth twice a day, floss often, and protect your appliances from damage, your treatment should be very successful.

One thing we’d like to add, is did you know there is another way to keep your teeth healthy and bright during your treatment with braces?

How is this possible? One word: fluoride. Fluoride is the mineral that helps prevent cavities and tooth decay. This mineral also helps keep your teeth strong. Fluoride comes in two varieties: topical and systemic. Depending on your oral health or the recommendation of Dr. Spannhake, you may be required to have a fluoride treatment every three, six, or 12 months.

If you have any other questions about fluoride or your orthodontic treatment, please don’t hesitate to give Spannhake Orthodontics a call!

Fun Spring Activities

Spring is in the air! As the flower buds are peeking out and birds are starting to chirp, it's time to leave those thoughts of snowstorms behind. Spring can be a wonderful time to explore the outdoors or go for a walk around town. Get your family moving together and establish some healthy habits, away from the electronics indoors. 

We have 5 fun ideas to get you in the mood for the loveliest season of the year.

1. Dust off the sports gear. Find a kick a ball, throw a Frisbee, shoot hoops, whatever sports activity that you and your family enjoy doing.

2. Get dirty in the yard. Mow the grass. Pull weeds. Till flower beds. Replant. Cut back. Find the fun in getting sweaty, and teach your kids how to manage the landscaping while you do it.

3. Explore the outdoors. Hike a trail and check out the plants budding out of the ground.

4. Go to a baseball game. The beginning baseball season is one of the annual markers that warm weather is just around the corner. If you don't have it in your budget for pricey pro tickets, look into local league games, college, or even high school games to watch.

5. Make Something. Whether you're experimenting with a new recipe or creating a new craft, making something new will give your kids a sense of satisfaction.

After being cooped up all winter, everyone's ready for some fresh Spring air. We hope you will step into the warm weather with suggestions of fun activities for the entire family.

Protect Your Braces

Mouthguards can be custom made for your mouth by your dentist or orthodontist. However, if you can’t afford a custom-made mouthguard, you should still wear a stock mouthguard or a boil-and-bite mouthguard from the drugstore.

Protect Your Braces

A properly fitted mouthguard may be especially important for people who wear braces. A blow to the face could damage the brackets or other fixed orthodontic appliances. A mouthguard also provides a barrier between the braces and your cheek or lips, which will help you avoid injuries to your gums and cheeks.

If you're an athlete and a patient at Spannhake Orthodontics, talk to Dr. Spannhake about selecting a mouthguard that will provide the right protection for you. Although some mouthguards only cover the upper teeth, Dr. Spannhake may suggest that you use a mouthguard on the lower teeth if you have braces on these teeth.

Also, be sure to remember if you have a retainer or other removable appliance, do not wear it during any contact sports. For more information give us a call at 410-857-4700 for our Westminster office or 410-321-5004 for our Towson office.

#SPANNHAKESPRINGBREAK SELFIE CONTEST DETAILS

Enter now until April 30th for a chance to win a mystery prize!

Click here to LIKE Spannhake Orthodontics on Facebook & upload your #SpannhakeSpringBreak selfie. 

Picture Perfect Smiles

They say to celebrate good times, right? Well, we wanted to get into that phrase a little more by showcasing some of our patients who are celebrating their new smiles (whether it's freshly in braces or finally out)! At Spannhake Orthodontics our friendly staff develops a relationship with our patients on a more personal level, so our patients aren’t the only ones proud of their smiles but we are too.

Meet some of our patients that are looking picture perfect this month!

 Great results don’t just come from our efforts, but they are achieved by a team effort of our patients and staff combined. Are you ready to get the smile of your dreams? Request an appointment for a complimentary initial evaluation now by contacting our office.  

Easy Home-Made Pretzel Recipe | Braces Friendly

INGREDIENTS

• 1 package (1/4 oz.) active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110° to 115°)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 4 to 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 8 cups water
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon cold water
• Coarse salt, optional

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the sugar, butter, salt and 2 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky).
2. Turn dough onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
3. In a large saucepan, bring 8 cups water and baking soda to a boil. Punch dough down; divide into 12 portions. Roll each into a log and then make into a regular pretzel shape. Add to boiling water, a few at a time, for 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels.
4. Place on greased baking sheets. Lightly beat egg yolk and cold water; brush over pretzels. Sprinkle with the salt. Bake 425° for 9-11 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks.

More On Retainers

Several patients underestimate the importance of wearing their retainers after their braces come off, but it’s actually one of the most critical post care practices to keep your teeth straight. After all the time, money, and energy spent on braces, why spend all that when you don't plan to keep them straightened after treatment?

What is a retainer?
A retainer keeps teeth from moving back to the positions in which they started before you got braces. There are many different types of retainers—some are removable and some are permanent, some retainers are made of plastic and metal, and some are all plastic or all metal.

How long do you need to wear your retainer?
If you've been given a removable retainer by Dr. Spannhake you may be wondering how long you need to wear it. It takes time for your tissues and bones around your teeth to reorganize and set into place after braces treatment.

The amount of time you’ll need to wear your retainer depends on your unique situation, but typically, retainers should be worn at least as long as the time you spent in braces. You might need to wear them full-time for a while, and then transition to wearing them only at night. Dr. Spannhake will have a treatment plan especially for you, and if you stick to it, you'll always have a straight smile.

Learn More On Adjusting To Braces

Are you a new patient at Spannhake Orthodontics? You may or may not be excited about wearing your braces, but regardless we know you will be thrilled with the result of your new smile. As with any change, adjusting to something new can be a little confusing and overwhelming sometimes, so we decided to help you out with a few tips on adjusting to your braces.

The first tip is to give yourself some time. Your braces may not be what you expected or wanted, but after a while when your teeth start shifting you will notice how incredible your teeth and smile alignment look. Pain may occur after your appointments, just give it a few days after each adjustment and you should feel more comfortable.

Another thing to remember is to be confident. Don't worry about how your braces look and don't be afraid or embarrassed to smile with your braces. Depending on the type of braces you're treated with, people may not even know you're wearing braces. Be proud and flash those pearly whites often!

Lastly, be sure you know what to do if you're experiencing pain or problems with your braces. Before you leave checkups, feel for any wires poking out so you can have us correct the agitation and avoid pain. If a problem arises after your appointment, don't be afraid to call us; chances are it's a simple fix. For more information about adjusting to your braces, visit our website or give us a call.

7&Up

New MARCH contest alert! Enter at your next appointment! #SpannhakeOrthodontics

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children should have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. An experienced orthodontist can clearly see by age seven whether developmental issues can turn into problems. Early detection of common orthodontic problems such as crowding, premature loss of baby teeth, cross bites or many other unfavorable developmental issues can lead to the implementation of the most appropriate treatment that can result in a shorter course of therapy.

Frequently, early intervention will not be necessary, except for careful monitoring of your child’s dental development. This will give you peace of mind when it is not clear to you whether an issue you see is really a problem or just a stage of development that doesn’t require intervention. For more information about this contact Spannhake Orthodontics.

New UNICORN ICE CREAM Recipe

Are you ready for the most magical Ice Cream recipe you’ll ever find? Not only is it cute, but it’s great for all ages. Best of all, it's braces friendly & taste buds approved! Unicorn Ice Cream is magic on a cone!

UNICORN ICE CREAM

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups whipping cream
• One 14 sweetened condensed milk

Gel food coloring:

• Electric Blue
• Electric Green
• Egg Yellow
• Magenta
• Purple
• Star Sprinkles
• Purple Disco Dust (optional)
• Green Disco Dust (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the whipping cream until medium peaks form.
2. Pour the can of sweetened condensed milk into the whipped cream, and fold the whipped cream and condensed milk together until completely combined.
3. Separate the ice cream base into 5 bowls. Add 2-4 drops of food coloring to each bowl (1 color per bowl). Use a spoon to mix in the food coloring until it is evenly distributed in the ice cream base. You can add more food coloring as needed to reach your desired color.
4. Using a standard loaf pan, layer the ice cream. Place ½ of each color in the pan in big dollops. (I layered the blue, green, and purple first, and then the yellow and pink on top of that.) Then repeat the color layering.
5. Run a butter knife through the ice cream a few times in each direction to swirl the colors together. You don't want to completely mix the colors, just swirl them a bit.
6. Top the ice cream with star sprinkles and sprinkle with disco dust. Because everyone knows unicorns are glittery.
7. Cover the loaf pan with plastic wrap and freeze for 8 hours to overnight, or until the ice cream has set up.