Rain Rain Go Away

Finding things to do inside the house can be a challenge on rainy days. As teens…our first instinct might be to turn on the video games and tune out the world. 

The team at Spannhake Orthodontics would like to challenge our teen patients to do something different and use these rainy days as an opportunity to learn something new! 

Being stuck inside isn't necessarily a bad thing…and we are here to prove it to you. When rain keeps you inside try having some indoor fun with these clever ideas. 

Provided by popsugar.com

Make a Movie 

Instead of watching a movie…make your own movie. Write a script, cast your family, and capture everything on your cell phone’s video camera. 

Provided by thebestideasforkids

Get Slimed 

Slime can be made from products you have around the house. The method for making glitter slime is easy…and you can make it whatever color you want!   

Provided by instructables.com

Make Friends

Friendship bracelets are a great craft that will help pass the time while inside on those rainy days. 

So…if those spring time showers are keeping you cooped up, you may as well spend the time making something awesome!

Protect Your Goal

Photo provided by damonbraces.com

Spring break has passed and once again our patients are ready to begin the spring sports season! 

April is National Facial Protection month and because many of our Towson and Westminster area patients are active athletes, the team at Spannhake Orthodontics wants to remind patients, coaches and athletes to play it safe when suiting up for recreational and organized sports.   

While we encourage everyone to play sports, we also want to encourage everyone to stay safe. Spannhake Orthodontics hopes that if you are playing sports this year, that you guard your goal of a healthy straight smile by wearing a mouth guard. 

Each year, more than 2.6 million children 19 years of age and younger are treated in hospital emergency departments for sports and recreation-related injuries. This fact alone should tell you just how important it is to protect your teeth and your orthodontic appliances with a mouth guard. 

Mouth guards are made of flexible material that is fitted to protect your upper and lower teeth. Mouth guards help cushion a blow to the face, minimizing the risk of broken teeth and injuries to your lips, tongue or jaw.   

We want all of our patient athletes to keep their smiles safe from injury by habitually wearing a mouth guard during sports. Please contact Spannhake Orthodontics if you have any further questions regarding protecting your smile or purchasing a mouth guard. 

Mouth guards are a smart investment for your health, so be sure to make the use of a mouth guard a routine.

Time For A Change

Image provided by musely.com

Germs seem to be lurking everywhere! While it’s difficult to avoid catching the cold or flu bug, you can help keep your number one oral hygiene accessory in great shape by replacing your toothbrush regularly. 

Toothbrushes help keep your teeth and mouth clean, but how long should you a keep a toothbrush? 

It is recommended that you switch out that old toothbrush for a fresh new one every 3 to 4 months, and directly after any cold or flu. Replacing your toothbrush is essential since they are constantly being exposed to germs and bacteria. If you notice the bristles of your toothbrush have become worn, that is a clear sign that you need a new toothbrush. 

People who wear braces will likely need to replace their toothbrushes frequently, as braces break down and fracture bristles which makes the toothbrush lose its effectiveness. It's helpful to keep a pack of toothbrushes available in the house at all times for easy replacement. 

You may be thinking "My toothbrush is great, it's broken in just the way I like it”. While that may be true, did you know that your old toothbrush can actually be harming your mouth? 

3 Reasons to Change Out Your Old Toothbrush 

1. Bacteria - Your toothbrush is a tool for removing bacteria from your teeth…but it doesn’t actually kill bacteria. Some of the bacteria from your teeth stay on your toothbrush after you are done brushing. Now, this isn’t a problem initially, but imagine three to four months of bacteria build up on your toothbrush. That old bacteria ridden toothbrush is in your mouth at least twice a day…yuck. 
2. Bristles - Like any tool, a toothbrush wears down. Worn bristles are tough on your enamel and can wear it away over time. Not only that…an old, worn toothbrush can be up to 95 percent less effective at removing plaque. 
3. Illness - Always change your toothbrush after you’ve been sick, even if it’s not “technically” time to switch out your toothbrush. 

If you feel like changing your toothbrush every three months is wasteful, we’ve got a solution! Put that old toothbrush to work doing odd jobs around the house. Old toothbrushes are great for cleaning around facet fixtures and tile grout. They can even be used to clean tools, computer keyboards, and tennis shoes! 

Make sure to mark your calendar as a reminder to replace your toothbrush at least every 3 to 4 months. If you need a few tips on keeping your smile in tip-top shape, make sure to ask our team at your next appointment with Spannhake Orthodontics.

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.

I Just Got Braces...Now What?

Photo provided by ormco.com

At Spannhake Orthodontics we believe you have taken the first step toward a healthier and more beautiful smile but you are probably wondering what comes next. 

The first week is the biggest period of adjustment, and there is a lot to learn in this short time. What to eat?  How to brush?  No worries, in a very short time your braces will feel completely natural. 

On the first day, your braces will probably feel sort of like a mouthful and it may take time to get used to them. By the second day, you may feel some soreness or discomfort.   If you are going to experience any discomfort, the second and third days are when it will happen. If you do experience discomfort it can be dealt with by taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as Tylenol. 

Make sure you have an adequate supply of dental wax, special cleaning aids, elastic bands, or other related materials you may need between appointments. If you have any questions or concerns the team at Spannhake Orthodontics is here to help you! We are just a phone call away in Towson at (410) 321-5004 or Westminster at (410) 857-4700.

Avoiding Orthodontic Emergencies

Photo provided by circamagazine.com

At Spannhake Orthodontics we know that even with the best of care, braces can cause soreness to your mouth. This soreness is the way your body reacts to your teeth as they begin to move. 

Your braces play an important part in helping to create a healthy and beautiful smile but you may experience a few side effects while wearing them that are common and can be easily treated. 

• Canker Sores - Canker sores are a common occurrence when braces rub inside the mouth. There are ointments available to reduce the pain and irritation associated with mouth sores. 
• Loose Brackets - If you have a loose bracket you can apply a small amount of orthodontic wax to the bracket temporarily. You might also apply a little between the braces and the soft tissue of your mouth. Please call the office for an appointment. 
• Loose Bands - The band will need to be reattached. Please call the office for an appointment and remember to bring the band with you. 
• Broken or Protruding Wires - The eraser end of a pencil can be used to move the wire carefully to a less painful spot. If you are unable to move it, apply orthodontic wax to the tip. If a mouth sore develops, rinse with warm salt water or antiseptic rinse. Please call the office for an appointment to trim or adjust the wire. 
• Loose Spacers - If a spacer (separator) becomes dislodged it may need to be repositioned and sometimes replaced. Please call the office to see if they need to be replaced. 

 

Our offices are generally open Monday through Thursday with occasional Fridays. Should you have an emergency after hours or on the weekends, the office recording will give you instructions and provide you with a number to call.   

 

Remember, braces aren't forever but your smile is!

Crowd Pleasing Braces-Friendly Game Day Recipes

If you're still searching for a few more snacks to add to your Super Bowl menu, we've got two that will be sure to score with your friends & family.

Hot Ham & Cheese Party Rolls

• 1 can refrigerated pizza crust
• 1 lb. deli ham (thinly sliced, but not shaved)
• 12 slices Swiss cheese

Glaze:

• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray
2. Unroll the pizza dough onto a cutting board. Press into an approximately 13x18-inch rectangle. Top with ham and cheese slices. Starting on the longer side of the rectangle, roll up the edge tightly. When you reach the end, pinch the seam together and flip the roll so that the seam is face side down. Cut into 12 slices. Arrange in the prepared baking dish. 
3. Next combine the butter, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and poppy seeds in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk until the butter is melted and glaze is smooth. Pour evenly over the top of the rolls.
4. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until golden brown. 

Tip: Make these rolls a day ahead! Refrigerate rolls up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to warm up the glaze so you're able to pour it on top of the rolls!

Crockpot Cranberry Meatballs 

• 1 bag frozen meatballs (any brand)
• 1 jar chili sauce
• 1 can jellied cranberry sauce

Directions:

1. Add chili sauce and cranberry sauce to a medium mixing bowl. Use a whisk to mix ingredients until semi-smooth.
2. Add half the bag of meatballs to your crockpot. Top with half of the sauce mixture. Repeat with remaining meatballs and sauce. 
3. Cook on low until heated through, typically 3-4 hours. 

This crowd-pleasing favorite can easily be adapted for a larger group! Just double the recipe and increase your heating time to 5-6 hours. In a time crunch? Heat meatballs and sauce on your stovetop until warm. Transfer to your crockpot for a quick, delicious addition to your game day party!

Eating With Braces

Photo provided by oralb.com

Now that you have your braces, what foods can you still enjoy? While some foods are off limits, don't worry, you'll be eating popcorn and snacking on potato chips again in no time! 

However, before you can start enjoying some of the treats you love, you will need to take special care to avoid any foods that could damage your new appliances. 

Please do not eat hard foods, including nuts, ice, crisp taco shells, whole apples and carrots (cut them into pieces first), hard French bread crust and rolls, spare ribs, corn on the cob (cut the corn off the cob before eating) and popcorn! These foods can cause breakage of the brackets and wires. Also avoid nail-biting and pen- or pencil-chewing habits, since these can damage your braces. Do not eat sticky foods like taffy, caramels, bubblegum or sticky candy of any sort. 

Foods to AVOID with braces

• Chewy foods — bagels, licorice 
• Crunchy foods — popcorn, chips, ice 
• Sticky foods — caramel candies, chewing gum 
• Hard foods — nuts, hard candies 
• Foods that require biting into — corn on the cob, apples, carrots 

Foods you CAN eat with braces

• Dairy — soft cheese, pudding, milk-based drinks 
• Breads — soft tortillas, pancakes, muffins without nuts 
• Grains — pasta, soft cooked rice 
• Meats/poultry — soft cooked chicken, meatballs, lunch meats 
• Seafood — tuna, salmon, crab cakes 

Remember: Excessive broken appliances due to careless eating habits may result in additional charges for repair.

If you have any questions about which foods may be harmful to your braces, please don't hesitate to ask one of our team members at your next appointment with Spannhake Orthodontics.