Let Us Straighten Your Teeth Without Braces

If you want a straighter smile but don’t want to spend years of wearing traditional metal braces, Invisalign is the perfect option for you. At Spannhake Orthodontics we are a provider of Invisalign and have years of experience permanently correcting alignment issues in a shorter time than traditional braces.

Keep reading to discover a few of the benefits of Invisalign and why more people are opting for this alternative.

Invisalign is clear.

Not only is Invisalign effective, but the straighteners are nearly invisible and can be worn without detection. This eliminates the negative impacts of anxiety or low self confidence that usually comes with traditional metal braces.

You can remove them.
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners can be removed instantly and easily. You can take them in and out without compromising your treatment.

You can eat anything.

Because you can remove the Invisalign aligners at your leisure, you don’t have to avoid any foods like patients with traditional braces do. Invisalign makes it easy to eat whatever you want, whenever you want and never worry about your meals ruining your orthodontic treatment.

Other wonderful reasons to opt for Invisalign:

• No difficulty eating
• No discomfort from wires
• Affordable
• Low Maintenance
• Less Appointments

Do you want to know if you're a good candidate for Invisalign treatment? Schedule an appointment now. Just visit our website for more information and new patient forms.

Random Acts of Kindness Week

It's officially Random Acts of Kindness week! If you've never heard the term "Random Acts of Kindness" or you're not familiar with what the definition is, we've got you covered! Random Acts of Kindness is a time to focus on doing good. Whether it's by a physical act, such as giving someone a hug, donating time to help an organization, or something more simple such as sending a kind text message or email. These all play into doing good for someone or something other than yourself.

That's why this week has been reserved to nationally recognize and emphasize participation in Random Acts of Kindness, or as some refer to it as RAK Week! Are you ready to join in with some acts of kindness? Then keep reading and get some easy and fun suggestions we have to help you on your kindness mission this week.

RAK Week Suggestions:

1. Leave a treat for your mailman or garbage collector. Better yet, if you’re home when they come by, personally hand them some water, Gatorade or snacks.
2. Passing by a homeless person is an everyday occurrence and most people don’t even bother to acknowledge them. If you don’t feel comfortable giving a homeless person money, give them food or a gift card to a restaurant nearby.
3. Praise a coworker for their presentation or diligence on a recent project. Make it even more meaningful by doing it in front of others, especially their boss.
4. Leave money and a note in a public place. Don’t think about where the money will be spent; simply leave it knowing a passerby will find the money, read the note, and appreciate the small present.
5. Try to compliment at least one person every day, even if it happens to be a stranger (this may even prove to be more genuine). Just offer the compliment and walk away without asking for a phone number or date.
6. As we get older, everyday tasks become more tedious and exhausting; offer your assistance to an elderly person who’s carrying their groceries, crossing the street, etc.
7. If you notice the person behind you in line has fewer items or is a mother with young children, let them go ahead of you.
8. Some individuals get bullied or taken advantage of – stand up for someone who is being mistreated.
9. Leave laundry detergent and a bag of quarters at the Laundromat. Leave a note and ask the stranger to pass on the kindness.
10. Remind your children why you love them regularly. Always build a child’s self-esteem and
    encourage them to try new activities, foods, or challenges.
    

Just knowing that you made someone else smile or feel appreciated should be enough to brighten your own day. If you're feeling extra generous, leave us a rating & review on Facebook, google, or our website!

Don't Snore Your Life Away

Daytime tiredness, obesity, high blood pressure, headaches, acid reflux, hyperactivity — all these can be signs of one very serious and possibly fatal health condition: Sleep Disordered Breathing.

Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB)
SDB is labored respiration while asleep. Difficulty breathing at night may stem from constricted nasal passages or an obstructed oral airway.

SDB ranges in severity from snoring (an indication of the onset or existence of an SDB problem) to Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (accompanied by gastroesophageal reflux and asthma) to Obstructive Sleep Apnea, a condition marked by a complete cessation of breathing for 10 seconds or more. This can occur hundreds of times a night without the sufferer’s knowledge.

Sleep Disordered breathing is linked to Obesity, Cardiovascular Disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, Insulin resistance (Diabetes), Glucose intolerance (metabolic disorders), Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and a host of other problems.

Ask Dr. Spannhake how Oral Appliance Therapy can help you stop snoring and improve your overall health.

Feb 4th is World Cancer Day

February 4 is World Cancer Day, a day to push the fight of the disease and push for a cure. This day has gone viral online through the use of social media and popular hashtags #WeCanICan and #WorldCancerDay since it started back in 2000. The campaign is aimed to promote research to cure cancer and prevent the disease, as well as improve treatment to patients and raise awareness about the disease.

According to the American Cancer Society, 14.5 million Americans who have or had cancer are living today, and the number continues to grow. Every year over 1.5 million Americans are diagnosed, and 14.1 million people globally are diagnosed too. Breast, bowel, lung, and prostate are the most common types of cancers doctors say. With the large impact cancer has, we at Spannhake Orthodontics decided to show support by spreading awareness.

Watch this video to see how we can all do something about cancer.

Do your part and help spread the word! Take a picture holding up an inspirational word and use the hashtag #WeCanICan! Don’t forget to tag us!

Positive Impact Of Straight Teeth

There are several benefits of having properly aligned straight teeth that most people are unaware of. Although a majority of patients who receive orthodontic treatment do so for a more confident and cosmetically attractive smile, having straight teeth can positively impact your overall oral health.

We decided to highlight some benefits of straight teeth, check them out.

Improved Gum Health

• Lower risk of gum disease.
• Lower risk of tooth loss.

Better Overall Health

• Less tooth decay.
• Lower risk of heart disease.
• Lower risk of high blood sugar.

Lower Risk of Soft Tissue Injury

• Misaligned teeth can push against soft tissues in the mouth.
• Cuts, sores, and infections are a result of crooked teeth.

Increased Confidence

• More self-esteem at work or school.
• Confidence leads to a more successful attitude. 

Easier Eating

• Crooked teeth compromise chewing.

If you are ready to take advantage of the benefits of straight teeth, give us a call at Spannhake Orthodontics as we offer affordable orthodontic treatments for all ages.

Refer A Friend Program

We would like to thank you for referring your family and friends to our practice. When you refer a patient that starts Interceptive or Comprehensive Treatment with us, we will deduct $50 from your account (a maximum of $200). As a bonus, the person you refer also gets a credit of $50 at the start of treatment.

Just download, print, and fill out the coupon below and have your family member or friend present it at their appointment.

Incognito Braces

Incognito™ Orthodontic Braces are a unique choice because patients can smile with confidence both during and after treatment. Placed on the back side of the teeth, Incognito Orthodontic Braces are completely hidden from view. No one will know that you are wearing braces unless you tell them.

Incognito Orthodontic Braces are also 100% customized by Spannhake Orthodontics to meet the unique orthodontic prescription of every patient. Customization makes the difference and can lead to a more convenient and comfortable treatment experience.

Incognito Orthodontic Braces are made one patient at a time, one tooth at a time so your teeth will move in the most efficient manner possible to ensure that you get the results you want.

Why Choose Incognito Orthodontic Braces?

• Completely esthetic, no one will know that you are wearing braces
• Minimal discomfort and speech interference
• 100% customized for the best results
• Customized wires that do not require adjustments often mean fewer appointments and less discomfort throughout treatment

Spannhake Orthodontics Gift Card Giveaway

We constantly receive the best reviews from our patients here in the office, and decided to start rewarding you for the kind words.  We have tons of gift cards to giveaway to show our gratitude, and all you have to do is post your review on our website.  Do you want a free $5 gift card to McDonald’s, Starbucks, or Five Below?  Then head to our website now and leave a brief review about your experience with us. It’s as easy as that!  After you’ve submitted your review, feel free to drop by and pick up your gift card.

  

Spannhake Orthodontics

Happy 2016!

Spannhake Orthodontics would like to wish you and yours a very happy holiday season as we approach the New Year! We hope that you are able to spend time with your friends and loved ones while enjoying full meals, big hugs, and lots of love and laughs.

If you are currently being treated and wear an orthodontic appliance, please be sure to make the proper choices when enjoying holiday treats that are sticky or chewy. Should you have any questions, please visit our website for common questions and answers regarding appliances.

Remember New Year's celebrations tend to have treats we don't usually indulge it, so be sure to brush and floss after your special countdown!

Happy New Year!

What are your holiday plans? Share your holiday activities with us by commenting below or by sharing on our Facebook page.

Spannhake Orthodontist Holiday Hours

Spannhake Orthodontics will have special holiday hours the last 2 weeks of December.  As we make time to spend with our families during the holidays, we hope you will note the following days:

December 24 & December 25

Closed

December 31 & January 1

Closed

All other dates not mentioned will remain open during our regular business hours. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you, and we appreciate your understanding. From our staff, we wish you Happy Holidays!

Look Younger with Orthodontic Treatment

Did you know braces aren’t just for straightening teeth? Most people don’t know this, but braces can actually improve the shape and structure of your entire face.  This can take years off of your appearance and is a great alternative to cosmetic surgery.  A lot of adults are starting to utilize orthodontics for altering their facial structure, or simply to help reduce wrinkles, as it is less invasive and more affordable.

Facial tissues and bone structures determine the shape of our faces, this includes your teeth. As the facial tissue loses elasticity throughout the years, and teeth sink in towards the tongue naturally, orthodontic treatment can help reverse these natural gravity changes.   When teeth start to lean in, orthodontists can use braces to help correct alignment and provide support for the lips. Ultimately, this can eliminate the fine lines around the mouth, depending on the treatment.

Obviously, the more orthodontic treatment you have done, the more visible and dramatic effect your appearance will have.  Simple, regular procedures such as straightening a few teeth will not result in the same effect as those who have more extensive work done.   Basic treatments too, can greatly impact your appearance.  Whitening and rebuilding worn teeth can give you a big leap in your overall appearance and are less drastic.

Remember, when you feel good you smile more, and when you smile more you look younger.Contact Spannhake Orthodontics for more information or to get your orthodontic treatment started.

It's National Pastry Day

Did you know today is National Pastry Day? Every year on December 9th we recognize these tasty baked goods and have yet another excuse to indulge in the deliciousness. The word pastry itself was given to the various yummy treats made up of ingredients of milk, sugar, flour, baking powder, shortening, and eggs; all which create dough.

These doughs can be used as a base to create several different goods or desserts, all with the same end result of yummy treats that your taste buds will love. Being that there are so many different types of pastry, we thought we’d share a few of our favorites with you.

The Flaky Pastry

Flaky Pastry Recipe

The Puff Pastry

Puff Pastry Recipe

The Shortcrust Pastry

Shortcrust Pastry Recipe

If you’re anything like us, these pictures will make your mouth water and your inner Martha Stewart come out. That being said, we linked the pictures to the recipes so you can kick start National Pastry Day with our recommended favorites! Leave a comment below telling us what your favorite pastry is!

Crowding Of The Teeth

One of the most common problems several of our patients get treated for at Spannhake Orthodontics is crowded teeth.  We actually see this problem on a daily basis, and this term is defined just like it sounds, either the teeth are too big for the patients jaw size, or the mouth has too many teeth and is overcrowded. The problem with too many teeth in the mouth is the lack of space, as the teeth are shifted out of place resulting in a crooked position. Unfortunately, this can occur in both adult orthodontic patients as well as children.

It is pretty easy for us to determine this problem for our patients as an examination of the patients’ mouth can lead to a diagnoses. The teeth typically appear crooked and jammed in an unnatural way, causing teeth that can lead to future dental problems because they’re harder to clean. Another result of crowded teeth is the obvious fact of a smile that may not be considered cosmetically appealing and can lead to self-consciousness.

Depending on the severity of the overcrowded teeth, Spannhake Orthodontics can determine which method of treatment will work best.  Sometimes having excess teeth extracted helps with expansion of teeth. Other times, palate expanders are used in the mouth to help widen the jaw; this method is only used on children, not adults; their jaws have already stopped growing.  Also, several types of braces give amazing results for adults and children with overcrowded teeth. It all really comes down to the individual being treated when we determine how to correct the crowding.

If you suffer from this condition, please call us to schedule your first visit to learn about your orthodontic treatment options.

Visit our website for more information: www.spannhakeorthodontics.com