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.

What Age For Orthodontics?

The American Association of Orthodontics recommends an orthodontic evaluation at the age of 7. This is the recommended age because typically the first of the adult teeth appear, and when some of the more important problems of dental development can require treatment. Treatment for young children is usually aimed at dealing with functional problems that immediately threaten the health of the teeth. The conditions that we treat in early childhood are problems of tooth eruption, crossbite, overcrowding, jaw growth problems, snoring, thumb sucking, tongue thrust and open bite.

Orthodontic issues can develop very early in childhood, which is why early treatment is important for a number of specific conditions to prevent damage to the adult teeth or to limit the effects of a developing growth problem. One of our guiding principles at Spannhake Orthodontics is to keep the amount of treatment required to produce a great smile to an absolute minimum. For more information on orthodontic treatment for children, click here to visit our website or give us a call.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.  

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.

Stacked Quesadilla Tower For Super Bowl Sunday

In this stacked tower quesadilla recipe, stack tortillas with black beans, squash, and plenty of cheese, and more.

Ingredients (4 SERVINGS)

• 4 8-inch-diameter flour tortillas
• 1 8-ounce package peeled chopped butternut squash, cut into 1/2- to 3/4-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 1 cup chopped white onion
• 1 15- to 16-ounce can black beans, rinsed, drained
• 1/2 cup salsa, divided
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 cup coarsely grated hot pepper Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Sour cream
• Additional salsa
• Fresh cilantro sprigs (for garnish)
• Choice of Meat (optional)

Preparation

1. Preheat broiler. Put tortillas in single layer on baking sheet. Brush with oil. Broil until toasted, about 3 minutes. Turn; set aside.
2. Place squash in microwave-safe bowl. Sprinkle water over, cover with plastic wrap, and microwave until just tender, about 3 minutes; drain. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and sauté until beginning to brown, about 3 minutes. Add squash; stir 1 minute. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Spread out squash in even layer over 1 tortilla. Add 1 tablespoon oil to skillet. Add beans, 1/4 cup salsa, garlic, and chili powder. Using potato masher, crush until beans are coarsely mashed; season with salt and pepper. Stir in 1/4 cup salsa. Spread over second tortilla. Sprinkle cheese over third tortilla. Leave fourth tortilla plain.
3. Broil tortillas until cheese melts and vegetables are browned in spots, about 3 minutes, watching to prevent burning. Transfer black bean tortilla to plate; sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped cilantro over. Top with cheese tortilla, squash tortilla, then plain tortilla. Cut into 4 wedges. Garnish with sour cream, salsa, and cilantro sprigs.

What is Invisalign & Why Should You Consider It?

Invisalign uses a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners that no one can tell you're wearing. So, you can smile more during treatment as well as after. Invisalign is made with 3D computer imaging technology and has been proven effective. More than 70% of orthodontists in the US and Canada are certified to treat with Invisalign, including Dr. Spannhake. 

Why should you consider it?
Not only are the aligners invisible, they are removable, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment. Plus, brushing and flossing are no problem. They are also comfortable, with no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment. And no metal and wires usually means you spend less time in your doctor's office getting adjustments. Invisalign also allows you to view your own virtual treatment plan when you start so you can see how your straight teeth will look when your treatment is complete. Curious about Invisalign for your teens? Ask us about Invisalign Teen at Spannhake Orthodontics. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

There is always something to be thankful for, and at Spannhake Orthodontics we are thankful for you! Thank you to our wonderful patients for letting us work on those gorgeous smiles!

Happy Thanksgiving!