What is a Cavity

 

A cavity, also known as tooth decay, is a hole that can form in your tooth. Usually cavities start very small and gradually become bigger if they are left untreated. Most of the time cavities are not painful in their beginning stages, making it difficult to detect them until they become more severe. The best way to stay on top of your oral health and catch a cavity early on, is by visiting your dentist on a regular basis. In fact, many people are shocked when they go to the dentist and learn they have a cavity when they have zero signs or symptoms. It’s always best to treat your cavity ASAP to avoid the progression of tooth decay.

What are the symptoms of a cavity?

Some common symptoms of a cavity may depend on the severity of the decay or how long it has been present. You may experience tooth sensitivity, tooth pain, white or black staining on the tooth or you may even see the start of a hole.

Common causes of tooth decay | Cavities

Cavities on a tooth are typically caused by a substance called plaque. Plaque is a combination of food particles, acid, bacteria and saliva that form a sticky film on your teeth. We all have bacteria in our mouths – it’s inevitable! After we eat or drink something, the bacteria in our mouth turns sugar into acid which then begins the process of erosion of the tooth enamel. Enamel is the hard protective layer on our teeth that protects us from getting tooth decay. If that enamel is weakened, there is much higher chance for tooth decay. 

Risk factors for tooth decay

Everyone is at risk for getting a cavity in their lifetime, but some people are at a higher risk depending on their lifestyle and habits.

Habits/Lifestyles that put you at risk for getting a cavity:

·         Consuming sugary/acidic beverages or foods

·         Not having a daily dental hygiene routine. The American Dental Association recommends flossing at least once a day as well as brushing at least twice a day, especially before bedtime.

·         Not getting enough fluoride. People can increase their fluoride intake by simply drinking tap water, or purchasing a fluoride rinse/toothpaste to help strengthen their enamel.

·         Eating disorders such as bulimia or anorexia

·         Dry mouth

·         Acid Reflux Disease

How to treat a cavity

If you feel any sensitivity or pain in a tooth, call your dental office as soon as possible. Most of the time your dentist can detect tooth decay after a regular dental exam. Sometimes however, a cavity may not be visible at that time, so he/she may need to take x-rays to check for decay. 

The role of orthodontics and tooth decay

Sometimes if teeth are positioned too close together or spaced apart, food can get trapped and remain on the tooth for long periods of time. This can then cause tooth decay and eventually put you at a higher risk of getting cavities.

At Spannhake Orthodontics we would love to help you improve your overall oral health!  It’s never too late to improve the health of your smile.

5 Daily Habits to Boost Your Dental Health

 

If you’re looking for ways to boost your dental health, look no further! Here are some daily habits that you can work into your routine to maintain the healthiest mouth possible.

1. Proper Brushing

Brushing is something everyone does, some better than others. It’s important to make sure you are brushing properly and efficiently and for the right amount of time. Here are some tips on how to properly brush your teeth:

·         Brush twice a day for 2 minutes (brush to your favorite song!)

·         Brush in a circular motion with medium pressure to avoid damaging gum tissue.

·         Brush your tongue. Did you know plaque also builds up on the surface of your tongue? In most cases, it looks like a white film and discolors the muscle. Not only will brushing your tongue on a daily basis better your overall dental health, it will also improve halitosis (bad breath).

2. Floss

In order to floss correctly, make sure you are flossing thoroughly on both sides of the tooth. Work the floss in a “C” motion around each tooth to ensure you are cleaning the interproximal areas that are hard to reach with a toothbrush.

3. Use Products that Contain Fluoride

Using fluoride is a great/easy way to boost your dental health! Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by slowing down the process of enamel breaking down and increasing the rate of remineralization process. The enamel of your tooth is hard yet porous. Because of this, plaque that sits on the surface of your teeth can produce acids that go into the pores of the enamel causing it to break down its structure from the inside. If left untreated a weak spot can form resulting in a cavity.

Here are some examples of how you can introduce fluoride into your dental health routine:

·         Fluoride Mouthwash- https://www.colgateprofessional.com/products/products-list/rinse-specialty/colgate-phos-flur-rinse

·         Fluoride Toothpaste- Most toothpastes contain fluoride! Make sure to check the label before purchasing.

·         Visit your general dentist– At your routine dental check up’s, your dental hygienists uses fluoride to deep clean your teeth.

·         Drink tap water- Tap water contains fluoride which will naturally help strengthen your teeth. In fact, studies show that drinking tap water can decrease your chances of getting a cavity by up to 50%! 

4. Drink Plenty of Water

Drinking water is essential, but some may not realize the positive benefits it may have on your smile. By simply drinking plain water while eating, you are helping clean away excess food particles that may be sitting on your teeth. However, drinks such as coffee, tea, or flavored water may contain added sugars or acidity that can cause cavities.

Water does not stain or damage teeth, making it the healthiest beverage choice when choosing to boost your dental health!

5. Eat Healthy

You’ve heard it from your doctor time and time again, and now you’re hearing it from your orthodontist! The foods you choose to consume will ultimately have an effect on your teeth one way or the other. Here are some healthy food options that you can add into your daily routine:

·         Hard/Solid Foods- These are necessary to maintain a strong mouth and jaw.

·         Crisp Fruits & Raw Vegetables- Chewing a crispy apple, or munching on some carrots or celery can do a lot of benefit for your oral health! Not only will they help clean plaque off of your teeth, but they can also naturally freshen your breath. The nutrients from fresh fruits and vegetables are also healthy for your gums and protect against cell damage.

For more information on boosting your dental health, visit the Spannhake Orthodontics website: https://www.spannhakeorthodontics.com/oral-hygiene.php

Why Are My Teeth Shifting?

 

Why Are My Teeth Shifting After Having Braces?

Uh oh! It’s been a few years since you’ve completed orthodontic treatment and you’re wondering why your teeth are shifting after having braces. Did you know the #1 reason this occurs is due to the lack of retainer wear? Retainers are actually the only way to prevent your teeth from wanting to go back into their old position. If you are not wearing your retainer regularly after having braces, your teeth may want to shift for a variety of reasons… Visit our website to learn more about the importance of wearing retainers.  

Grinding Your Teeth

Grinding or clenching your teeth can be a very destructive. Not only does it wear down the enamel on your teeth, but it can also result in shorter teeth and bite/facial changes. Grinding puts unnecessary pressure on your teeth which causes them to shift in different directions.

Tooth Loss

When you have a missing tooth, the teeth on either side will want to drift into the empty space causing total misalignment. This is why it is always a good idea to replace the missing tooth with an implant, fixed bridge or removable partial. At the very least, wearing a retainer every night will prevent teeth shifting.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease occurs when the gums surrounding your teeth become so damaged it eventually destroys the bone supporting your teeth. When this occurs, teeth become more mobile causing them to move in different directions and/or fall out completely.

Aging

Natural physiologic drift is what happens when teeth move as you age. Your facial bones continue to grow throughout your lifetime usually resulting in the lower jaw growing forward and becoming more narrow. This causes your lower teeth to crow or overlap.

Genetics

Relapse occurs because teeth have memory and will want to move back into the position they were in before you had braces.

Preventing Your Teeth from Shifting

If you want to make sure your teeth do not shift after having braces, it’s extremely important that your remember to wear your retainer every night! If you realize you missed a few days and your retainer is no longer fitting properly, call your orthodontist immediately. This could be due to a damaged retainer or your teeth already starting to shift. If the retainer you wear is permanent (bonded) your orthodontist will want to make sure it is still working properly and hasn’t broken without you being aware.

Here at Spannhake Orthodontics, we encourage you to see your general dentist every 6 months to minimize decay and prevent periodontitis. Also be sure to address any bite problems you may be experiencing at this time along with grinding issues. By staying on top of your oral health, you can prevent many issues from progressing and your teeth from shifting. Above all else, always remember how important retainer wear is. At Spannhake Orthodontics, we only want our patients to have to wear braces once. 

Do Braces Hurt?

 

One of the main questions we get at Spannhake Orthodontics is, “Do Braces Hurt?” We are here to ease your fear and let you know that braces are nothing to be scared of! You may feel some mild discomfort and soreness while your mouth is adjusting the first few days, but nothing extreme.

 Two Types of Discomfort Caused by Braces

Tooth Soreness

Having minor tooth soreness is typical the first few days after getting braces put on. Many patients describe this as a “tight” feeling. Here are a few ways to alleviate discomfort while your teeth adjust to your new braces:

·         Eat soft foods. This discomfort is like a bruise. If you eat hard foods, you are not giving the area time to heal before using it again. When you eat soft food, you are not putting as much pressure on the area, which will allow the area to heal quicker. 

·         Take Tylenol. Tylenol is an over the counter pain reliever. This can help dull the pain that is occurring due to the braces. 

·         Drink/eat something cold. The first couple sets of wires that are used are activated at body temperature. If you drink or eat something cold, then you will have less tightness due to the wires not actively pushing on your teeth. 

     

Tongue/Cheek Irritation

The second type of discomfort you may feel after getting braces put on are some sores from wire or bracket irritation. This is a normal occurrence the first week after getting braces put on. When this happens:

·         Try using wax. Wax is given to you at your first appointment at Spannhake Orthodontics and we provide this to you as often as you need it. When there is a wire or bracket rubbing on your cheek or tongue, roll a piece of wax between your fingers and place it the sore area. This will allow the area to heal so a sore does not form.

·         Let it run its course. After a few days of allowing your braces to work, eventually your cheeks and lips will toughen up to the braces. Once this happens, the feeling of rubbing or sores forming will decrease significantly.

Keep in mind that this soreness will not last forever. Getting braces put on is an exciting time and pain is nothing to fear! Follow the tips we listed above on how to alleviate some of this mild discomfort and after a few weeks you won’t even notice you have them on.

Click here to learn more about your first days in braces.

More Than Just A Pretty Smile

Spannhake Orthodontics

At Spannhake Orthodontics, our dedication to providing extraordinary personal service with compassion and consideration to the unique needs of each of our patients is our top priority. 

The primary focus of our practice is to work with our patients to obtain a healthy and beautiful smile, taking oral and facial harmony into consideration. As a specialty practice in orthodontics and dental-facial orthopedics, Dr. Spannhake's goal is to provide consistently excellent orthodontic treatment to children, adolescents and adults in a gentle and caring environment. 

We feel open communication is extremely important in creating a positive environment for our patients and insuring a successful treatment outcome. Here at Spannhake Orthodontics, we consider dental health to be an integral part of overall good health. We believe that good dental health can instill a sense of well-being, provide a lifelong smile, and promote good overall health. 

If you have questions on how to improve your dental health, let’s talk! Our caring team takes pride in providing exceptional care to patients of all ages. We have great information right at your fingertips 24 hours a day on our website. 

Take a look at the NEW PATIENTS section as well as TREATMENT section. You can also request an appointment right on our website, by clicking here.

Four Flavorful Fall Smoothies

With Fall in full swing and with it the hectic holidays just a step further down the road, we thought we’d put together a list of a few fall-themed smoothies that can serve as a great (and easy!) breakfast or after school snack.

Pumpkin Banana Smoothie
If you’re a pumpkin fan, this smoothie is for you! While pumpkin is a trendy item, especially this time of year, what you might not know is pumpkin has both fiber and protein which makes for a healthy and filling smoothie.

• 2 tablespoons canned pure pumpkin
• 5 tablespoons milk
• 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
• 1 banana, frozen
• ½ teaspoon honey
• ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
• pinch of nutmeg
• ¼ cup ice 

Helpful tip: If you’re finding that you have several over ripened bananas that you aren’t able to eat in time, toss them in a freezer bag! Frozen bananas are the perfect addition to smoothies and help make preparation even easier for those hectic weekday mornings. 

Cranberry, Pear, & Orange Smoothie
That’s quite a mouthful, and trust us, you’ll love this nutrient-packed smoothie!  It chocked full of filling fiber from the pear, Vitamin C from the orange, and antioxidants from the cranberries. If you’re using whole cranberries for the first time, this smoothie might be a bit tart! Add a bit of extra honey to tone down the tart zing.

• ¾ cup cranberries (fresh or frozen)
• 1 pear, core removed & chopped
• 1 small orange
• ½ cup low-fat plain yogurt (or Greek yogurt)
• 1 teaspoon honey 

Feeling adventurous? Add in any of the items below to give this smoothie even MORE flavor!

• A handful of fresh spinach
• A frozen or fresh banana
• A few frozen strawberries, blueberries, mango, or pineapple
• 1 teaspoon of chia seeds

Caramel Apple Smoothie
This smoothie is a great alternative to the traditional sticky treat and delivers all of the delicious flavor! Smoothie staples Greek yogurt and almond milk add filling protein and frozen banana adds plenty of sweetness.

• 1 cup almond milk
• 1 frozen banana
• ½ cup vanilla Greek yogurt
• ½ cup applesauce
• ¼  tsp caramel extract
• Caramel sauce & cinnamon for topping 

Recipe swap: This recipe is very adaptable - the trick is to use what you have! Experiment with different types of milk and yogurt. If you don’t have caramel extract on hand, add a bit of caramel sauce right to the blender! Many of the applesauce pouches that are so popular with kids come in fun flavors too. The options are endless, have some fun with it!

Green Monster Smoothie
When you are ready to move on from using spinach in your green smoothies, Swiss chard is a great next step. Swiss chard has a delicate flavor and softer leaves that blend well in most blenders. It is actually in the same family (amaranthaceae) as spinach and beets!

• 2-3 cups Swiss chard, destemmed and roughly chopped
• 2-3 ripe bananas, fresh or frozen
• 1 tart green apple, chopped
• 1 medium whole grapefruit, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup white cranberry juice or water
• 2 cups ice 

This recipe makes plenty, so freeze individual portions for those extra hectic mornings!

Just Say No

Spannhake Orthodontics and the American Association of Orthodontists have a prompt announcement for consumers about “DIY” orthodontic treatment. It is with great urgency that we emphasize to you all to be cautious about the trending “DIY” orthodontic treatment because straightening your teeth on your own can lead to lifelong dental problems.

Do-It-Yourself videos and websites are popular among today’s culture, and while so many great ideas come from several of these outlets, there are some things that you just shouldn’t do yourself! Straightening your teeth or attempting to move your teeth as a “DIY” project is definitely one of the things you should not be doing.  Moving and straightening teeth is a medical procedure that needs to be supervised by an orthodontist.  It’s important for you all to be wary of any videos or websites that advise you to use objects such as rubber bands, dental floss, or anything else in order to get straight teeth.  According to the American Association of Orthodontists, “Moving teeth without a thorough examination of the overall health of the teeth and gums could result in the permanent loss of teeth, which may result in expensive and lifelong dental problems.”

If you have any further questions regarding “DIY” orthodontics, or are curious about straightening your teeth, please contact us at (410) 857-4700.

Does Spannhake Orthodontics Treat Adults?

Braces do the job of straightening teeth, regardless of age. More common than ever these days, you see adults wearing braces, and when you do, one question instantly pops into your head - do braces work for adults? The answer is YES. In fact, adults aged 20 to 40 years represent at least 40 percent of the population of people wearing braces. The reason why so many current adults skipped wearing braces during their youth is that they often feared of being bullied and teased because back in the 80's and 90's, braces we not as aesthetically pleasing as they are now. Trust us, braces have evolved since then now more than ever adults are wearing braces or aligners to get a picture perfect smile.

Nowadays, wearing braces has become more socially acceptable, affordable, and routine for our adult patients. We even have patients with close to straight teeth that want to try out braces just too perfect minor flaws. Adults can skip the traditional metal braces and opt for Invisalign clear aligners, ceramic braces, or other less obvious orthodontic treatment when being seen at Spannhake Orthodontics.

For more information about braces for adults, you can always contact Spannhake Orthodontics located in Westminster and Towson, MD.

Tips For Going Back To School

Caring for braces especially for students in school can be quiet hectic due to the restrictive devotions to maintain the braces and for this reason, Spannhake Orthodontics has decided to put up an article which will make caring for orthodontic braces easy in school. As a student who just had an orthodontic treatment, you should be rest assured that it is the best that can happen to give you the perfect smile again but the care for your teeth and gums help make it very effective. Take a look at your new braces, you can notice a lot of nooks and crannies that can trap food and plaque and that means a great risk of tooth decay is imminent if not properly cared for, therefore you need to pay special attention to cleaning your teeth. This might look hectic but right here the team of Spannhake Orthodontics has few great tips to keep your braces in top condition.

1. WATCH YOUR DIET
As an orthodontic patient with braces, it is very important for you to select your diet with caution. We know that there are several foods in school which tastes great but don't look great in your braces. Certain foods can either break a bracket or some foods are sugary and can have negative effects on the natural ability to brush behind the bracket. Be sure to make decisions on foods based on what is healthy, tasty, and won't harm your brackets.

Food to avoid: As an orthodontic patient we would advise that you desist from:

• Sticky or gooey foods 
• Hard foods 
• Sugary foods 
• Acidic drinks 

2. WEAR A MOUTHGUARD
With braces on your teeth, you might be wondering if you should desist from sports or retire from being the captain of your favorite sports team, but the truth is orthodontics does not affect your ability to play sports. You can keep on with your braces and sports if and only if you have your mouth guard on. Mouth guards are safety measures that can mean the difference between just a bruised, fat lips and thousands spent in orthodontics repair work. While you are in any kind of physical activity (including gym classes), it is advisable that you wear a mouth guard which can protect your teeth and braces from flying sports balls, swinging elbows or an accidental fall or hit.

3. BRUSH AND FLOSS REGULARLY
Braces can easily trap food, and this trapped food can lead to other inimical dental problems. Because of this, it is very important to brush your teeth after every meal and to floss at least once a day.

4. DON'T CHEW ON PENCILS
Pencils, pen, and rulers are all hard objects and most times when you get bored, anxious or plainly destructive you are tempted to chew on them in class. Obviously, this can be destructive in the moment and can be grossly inimical over time. It is important that you don't practice these habits while wearing braces.

We know that maintaining braces in school is can be tough. That is why we ensure to give you the best plans of action to help you out.

For more questions and inquiries that you may have, we are always at your service. You can always contact Spannhake Orthodontics.

Charity of the Month | SPCA International

Did you know Spannhake Orthodontics is a member of Check-in 4 Charity? Check-in 4 Charity is a program designed to help businesses work together with their patients to make a difference. Every time you check-in on Facebook at our office, a donation is generated for the charity of the month! This month, we are supporting the SPCA International.

About the SPCA International
Spannhake Orthodontics is excited to encourage patients to check-in at our office this month to support the SPCA International. This charity has a mission to improve the lives of animals around the world and advance the safety and well-being of animals. With generous donations, the SPCA International works to save animals from cruelty and neglect. Won’t you check-in to help us support this cause?

Need Help Checking-In?
If you have any questions about checking-in on Facebook at Spannhake Orthodontics, please ask us at your next orthodontic appointment. Also, don’t forget to LIKE us on Facebook!

Seniors Can Get Braces Too

It's National Senior Health and Fitness day! Every year on the last Wednesday in May, it is estimated that 100,000 senior adults participate in health and fitness activities put on by several organizations nationwide. As we encourage senior citizens to be active today, we also want to remind you to stay current on your health visits and check-ups. This includes dental and orthodontics.

Are you a senior who has considered orthodontic treatment? You may be surprised to know that seniors can benefit from adult braces.  Keep reading to find out more.

If you are retired and considering adult braces in the Westminster, Mt. Airy and Towson areas, we encourage you to visit Spannhake Orthodontics. You may not be aware but retirement age is the perfect time to do things you’ve always wanted to do, including getting braces. If your smile has been something that’s bothered you throughout the years, the time to change that is now.

When you compare getting braces as an adult to getting them as a child or adolescent, there are benefits. One example is children typically must use metal braces due to restrictions and the simple fact that a child’s jaw hasn’t solidified. When you’re an adult, you have a much wider variety of treatment options from traditional braces to clear aligners.

If you are a senior and you’re interested in straightening your teeth, visit our office for a consultation to discuss adult braces. At Spannhake Orthodontics, we can help you understand all of the benefits that you will take away, aside from a picture perfect smile.

Tips For Invisalign Patients

Invisalign straightens your teeth without wires and brackets, using a series of clear, customized, removable appliances called aligners. It's virtually undetectable, which means hardly anyone will know that you're straightening your teeth. To ensure the best possible results we decided to compile a list of a few tips for our patients currently using Invisalign.

Wear your aligners for a minimum of 2 weeks, before moving into the next aligner.

• Sharp or rough edges can be smoothed with an emery board. 
• Change into your next aligner before going to bed so they settle in overnight. 
• Keep your aligners in their case while eating to avoid losing them. Keep the out of reach of any household pets, especially dogs! 
• If you need to, you can soak your Invisalign aligners in a mix of 50/50 white vinegar and cold water to brighten them. 
• Wear your aligners for at least 20 hours a day. 
• Always carry a toothbrush. 
• Only drink water when you're wearing your aligners. 
• Don't put your aligners in hot water. 
• Don't use toothpaste to clean your aligners. 

If you have any further questions about Invisalign please don’t hesitate to call us at our convenient Westminster or Towson location.

Braces & Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that usually come in anywhere from 17 to 25 years old. Coincidentally, this age bracket is a popular time for orthodontic work, and many people are in braces or will soon have them taken off. It can be disconcerting in this time period to see completely new teeth emerging.

At Spannhake Orthodontics in Westminster and Towson, we offer orthodontic treatment to patients of all ages. Whether you’re looking for braces, Invisalign or other orthodontic options, we can help you get the smile you want. Contact Spannhake Orthodontics today to schedule your consultation. We can answer any questions you may have, including how wisdom teeth affect your treatment.

Wisdom teeth are a leftover trait from when humans had larger jaws and chewed hearty leaves. Wisdom teeth tend to overcrowd already corrected molars or emerge only half way. In fact, wisdom teeth statistically have the highest chance of growing in sideways, an issue known as an impacted wisdom tooth, which can affect the nearby teeth. However, wisdom teeth cannot cause front teeth to become crooked. From the back of the mouth, the pressure they exert on the other molars is not strong enough to reach the front.

This has led people to believe that wisdom teeth can ruin their current or previous dental work. There are a number of other factors that have led to this. Around 20 years old, the jaw performs its last growth spurt, which can leave teeth crooked. This is also the age when many former braces wearers begin to neglect their retainers at night.

Many people have their wisdom teeth emerge as healthy, effective back molars. In this case, the tooth has grown in straight and is not affecting the person’s bite and any dental work will be unaffected. There is nothing stopping a person with healthy wisdom teeth from getting braces either.

Each set of braces are unique for the wearer, as is the decision on what to do about wisdom teeth. Talk with Dr. Spannhake as soon as you notice any discomfort or wisdom teeth appearing. While they may not affect your braces, wisdom teeth can change your overall oral health.

Funfetti Dessert Pizza | SPRING RECIPE

This Funfetti dessert pizza is a giant sprinkle cookie pizza with a marshmallow buttercream and topped with sprinkles and fruit. Try it out this Memorial weekend!

INGREDIENTS
For the cookie:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated Sugar
• 1 large eggs
• ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon cream of tarter
• ½ cup sprinkles

For the frosting:

• ½ c (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 4 oz marshmallow cream
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
• 2 teaspoons clear vanilla
• Toppings:
• Sprinkles
• Strawberries

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Combine butter with sugar and beat on medium speed until well creamed together.
2. Add the egg, and vanilla extract. Mix into butter and sugar until egg is well beaten.
3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda and cream of tartar. Slowly add the dry ingredients into the batter and beat on medium low speed until well combined and dough forms. Add the sprinkles last and continue beating until the sprinkles are incorporated.
4. Refrigerate dough for a minimum of 30 minutes and up to 1 hour.
5. Preheat the oven to 350°F
6. Roll out the cookie dough onto a lightly floured surface. It’s helpful to use parchment paper on the top and bottom so the dough does not stick. Roll the dough into a circle until it’s about a ¼” thick.
7. Bake at 350°F for 15 to 18 minutes until the edges just start to turn golden brown. The center will still be a little bit soft but that’s okay.
8. Allow the cookie to cool completely.

For the frosting: 

1. Allow the butter to come to room temperature so it is soft but not melted. Beat butter in mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the marshmallow creme and containing mixing for another 2 minutes.
3. Slowly add powdered sugar 1 cup at a time while continuing to beat on medium speed and then add the heavy whipping cream and clear vanilla extract. Beat until all ingredients are well combined.
4. Spread the frosting over the cookie, leave about 1-inch around the outside edge. You may have a little leftover frosting.
5. Top the pizza with sprinkles and strawberries and your toppings of choice. 

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.