Braces are Magnetic

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We all know someone who has a friend who has a brother who knows a guy that had braces...so the story must be true. 

There are a lot of myths about orthodontics and getting braces, some of which have been told so many times, by so many different people, they are now believed to be the truth. Well...guess what? Even if you know the guy who has the brother who has the friend...the story is most likely an Urban Legend. 

Legend: Only children and teens need to visit an orthodontist. 

TRUTH: It is very typical for adults to experience rotation or misalignment of teeth. If you’ve still got teeth, Dr. Spannhake can straighten them! Certainly there are age-related changes that affect the way treatment proceeds. Restorative needs and periodontal concerns necessitate a full diagnosis and discussion of your needs...but the truth is...everyone, no matter what their age, can enjoy the benefits of a healthy, pleasing smile. Health, happiness and self-esteem are important at any age. 

Legend: Braces interfere with radio signals and electronic devices. 

TRUTH: In theory any metal can act as an antenna. Radio signals are modulated electro-magnetic waves transmitted through the air. In order for these transmitted signals to travel well in air, they must be sent at high-frequencies. This is achieved through modulation. Even if someone's braces could receive these frequencies, it would have to be decoded to actually hear any messages. 

Legend: Braces are just for cosmetic purposes and aren’t necessary for your overall dental health. 

TRUTH: While braces can definitely help you get that beautiful smile, they aren’t just for cosmetic improvement. Well aligned teeth can facilitate good oral hygiene making it easier to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. In addition, resolving certain orthodontic problems with the use of braces can improve your ability to speak, chew, and even breathe. 

Legend: Wearing braces will increase your chances of being struck by lightning? 
TRUTH: The chances of a person getting struck by lightning are the same, with or without braces. In the U.S. in any given year, the chance that you will be struck by lightning is 1 in 700,000 no matter what you are wearing. 

Legend: You don't need to visit your General Dentist when you are in braces treatment. 

TRUTH: Even if you are having regular orthodontic checkups, you should never skip your regular dental checkups. Having braces makes you more prone to plaque and tartar accumulation, so your dental cleanings are actually more important now. Regular dental checkups are the best way to ensure harmful buildup is removed from your mouth. 

Legend: If there was a giant magnet overhead, anyone who is wearing braces would get stuck to it. 

TRUTH: Braces are made of materials which are non-magnetic in nature. Therefore, getting stuck to a giant magnet is highly unlikely. And really...where is this giant magnet everyone is talking about anyway? We haven't seen it. Have you?

Image provided by HSOrtho

Point is...Orthodontic Urban Legends are just that...Legends. No matter what your friend's brother's cousin says.

Secrets Revealed – The Tooth Fairy Tells All

Spannhake Orthodontics

We are all familiar with what happens when a child loses a tooth. The child places the tooth under their pillow when they go to bed that night, and while they sleep, the Tooth Fairy comes to collect the tooth leaving money or a small gift in exchange. 

Have you ever wondered why the Tooth Fairy does this? What is her motivation? Why has she dedicated her life to the pursuit of good oral hygiene? 

Wonder no more…Spannhake Orthodontics asked the hard-hitting questions to uncover the truth. 

It was so long ago…the Tooth Fairy can’t remember exactly when, but she always knew that teeth where very important. “Teeth help you chew food, speak clearly, and they make you feel good about yourself”, says the Tooth Fairy. “When you take care of your teeth you are rewarded with a beautiful smile.” 

Beautiful smiles are contagious and smiling can improve your mood and the mood of people around you. If you have a smile you can be proud of, you’re more likely to show it off. “That’s why I do what I do. Getting from house to house isn’t easy, but this is a labor of love. If I can help just one more person show off their smile, than it’s all worth it.” 

That said, the Tooth Fairy wants to be very clear…she is only interested in teeth in pristine condition. Her message: Children should brush for two minutes twice a day and they should floss regularly. She also wants to stress the importance of eating healthy foods. The Tooth Fairy did admit to us that she does think candy, sodas and juices taste great, but she knows that these sugary foods can be harmful to your teeth and your orthodontic appliances, so she tries to steer clear of these tempting treats herself. 

Starting good oral hygiene habits when we’re young will only help us when we age. “If you don’t keep your teeth clean, plaque can build up along your gumline, creating an environment for additional bacteria to accumulate.” Left unchecked, these bacteria can lead to a more serious gum infection and may eventually cause irreparable damage to your jawbone and support structures, leading to tooth loss. 

Tooth Fairy Tips: 

• Brush thoroughly twice a day and floss regularly. 
• Eat a balanced diet and limit snacks between meals. 
• Use dental products that contain fluoride. 
• Rinse with a fluoride mouth rinse (if instructed by your dentist).

Gimme S'more!

Friday, August 10th is National S'mores Day!

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This popular campfire treat is loved by millions...of course it has it's own day of celebration. 

The recipe is one we all know by heart. Sandwich a toasted marshmallow and a piece of chocolate between two graham crackers and enjoy. 

Everybody has their own perfect combination when it comes to making S’mores. Some people insist on using only Hersey Chocolate Bars, while others are more particular when it comes to the brand of graham crackers used.  But…whether or not you should to catch the marshmallow on fire is a debate that will continue for generations to come. 

No matter how you make your S’mores, we are sure you’ll agree…you have never made your S’mores like this…

Below are a few twists on the classic S’mores recipe we all know and love. 

S’mores Cookies 

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S’mores Cookies are pretty easy to make. All it takes is some pre-made refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough, milk chocolate and, graham cracker crumbs. Bam! You’ll have a dozen S’mores ready to eat in under 30 minutes. 

S’mores Trifle 

Image provided by cookingmamas.com

Seriously…how cute are these? The best part is, they taste even better than they look. And think about it…the bigger the jar the bigger the S’more. Who needs portion control? Not us and certainly not when it comes to a S’mores Trifle. 

OMG Bars 

Image provided by playswellwithbutter

These S’mores Bars have a thick layer of homemade marshmallow sandwiched between a graham cracker crust & salted dark chocolate. OMG…we love these bars so much! 

TIP: If you think you need to be camping to celebrate National S’mores Day you are mistaken. You don’t need a camp fire to create the perfect S’more…you can get your marshmallows nice a toasty by roasting them over the gas flame of your stove top. We know…it’s a genius idea!

Are You Ready for Some Cheesecake?!

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Monday, July 30th is National Cheesecake Day, a day to treat yourself with a slice (or two) of this delicious (braces friendly) dessert. We can't figure out who created this wonderful National Holiday but we sincerely thank them…from the bottom of our hearts to the top of our full bellys. 

Baked Chocolate Cheesecake

We don’t know about you, but for us, baking the perfect cheesecake can sometimes be a difficult task. So here are some Tips and Tricks to help you bake the Perfect Cheesecake every time. 

Banoffee Cheesecake

Tip 1: Room temperate ingredients are key for a smooth texture. 

Tip 2: Beat the cream cheese and sugar as much as you want, make it smooth, but once you add the eggs, do NOT overbeat, just mix on low until they are barely incorporated, beating after you add the eggs is what often leads to cracking.

Cheesecake Pops

Tip 3: Make sure your oven is the correct temperature.

Tip 4: TRY not to open the oven door. Cook your cheesecake until it’s still a bit jiggly in the center, like a loose jello jiggler, but not liquid, in the center 2-3 inches.  It will keep cooking afterwards a bit, and it's better to be slightly under cooked than overcooked. 

Dense & Creamy Cheesecake

Tip 5: Turn off the oven and crack open the oven door to let it cool slowly, this will help it finish cooking but not cool TOO fast and crack. 

Tip 6: This tip is a hard one...Do NOT eat it right away, cheesecake sets and gets BETTER with time in the fridge, at LEAST 8 hours.

Mini Cookies & Cream Cheesecakes

Checkout these amazing recipes! One, if not all, will certainly get you in the cheesecake mood (as if you are ever not in the cheesecake mood). 

Happy National Cheesecake Day from all of your friends at Spannhake Orthodontics!

Summertime Smiles

Spannhake Orthodontics

Summer is here and that means it’s time to get out there and have some fun in the sun! At Spannhake Orthodontics, we believe in protecting your smile all year-round, however, summer is a time when playing outside is turned up a notch. 

Here are a few tips for enjoying your summer while protecting those amazing smiles.   

Stay Hydrated 

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Make sure you are drinking fluids that are good for you and your smile. Sports drinks that claim to help you with endurance usually are high in sugar and sugary drinks are not the best for you or your teeth. To stay hydrated, your best option is to drink plenty of water. 

Eat Healthy

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Summer is filled with sweet treats, but you need to remember that while in orthodontic treatment you should avoid certain foods. To protect your orthodontic appliances, stay away from sticky, hard and crunchy treats. Find healthier foods you can snack on that are tasty and good for you. 

Guard Your Grill 

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Summer is filled with physical activities for kids and families. While participating in physical activities you will need to protect your mouth with a mouth guard. Feel free to contact us if you would like information regarding custom mouth guards. 

Keep Your Appointments 

Contact Spannhake Orthodontics

Summer time equals free time. Now is the perfect time to get in a dental check-up to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy. Don't forget how important it is to keep all of your scheduled orthodontic appointments with Dr. Spannhake to ensure you stay on track with your treatment. 

Enjoy your summer and smile!

Invisible Braces...The Clear Choice

Photo provided by invisalign.com

If you're like most adults, you probably had braces when you were in High School, but as you have aged, your teeth have started to shift and your smile may not be as perfect as it once was. Maybe you look at yourself in the mirror and think...”Not the best smile, but I don't want to go through braces again. I’m not a teenager anymore.” 

Spannhake Orthodontics is here to tell you that you can have that perfect smile again and no one will know your wearing braces. 

If you're an adult and all you need is a little cosmetic improvement but you would prefer not to wear braces, the Invisalign aligner system may be the treatment for you. A quick evaluation by Dr. Spannhake will tell if you are a candidate for this convenient orthodontic option. 

Image provided by invisalign.com

While every case is unique, treatment typically takes approximately 12 to 18 months. Based on your individual treatment plan, a series of clear aligners will be created specifically for you. As you wear each set of aligners, your teeth gently and gradually begin to shift into place. 

We know that many adults are eager to achieve a beautiful smile without wearing braces and that's why Invisalign is so great! No matter what stage you're at in life, you'll appreciate how our cutting-edge approach to treatment has minimal interference in how you live but has a significant positive impact on how you look and feel about yourself. 

If you want straighter teeth but are concerned about how you'll look in braces...talk to us about Invisalign!

Summer Spectacular

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"There's nothing to do", "I'm Bored", "We never get to do anything fun"…says every child, everywhere, every summer.

No worries, your friends at Spannhake Orthodontics are here to help beat those summertime blues before they start! Did you know that there is fun to be had all summer long, right in our own backyard? 

Hampton National Historic Site 

photo provided by nps

Just 10 minutes away from Towson…visiting the Hampton National Historic Site is a great way to spend the day. Guided tours of the eighteenth-century mansion are available Thursday through Sunday. The scenic grounds and gardens are open daily for visitors to enjoy at their own pace. Best part is…Hampton does not charge any entrance or visitor fees. 

Breakout Games 

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1 hour, 1 team, 1 chance to escape. If you haven't done an escape room yet, you have no idea how much fun you've been missing out on. Escape games are real life adventures where you and your teammates have an hour to break out of a room by finding clues and cracking codes. Located in Timonium and Columbia, Breakout Games is guaranteed summer fun for all! 

Carroll County Arts Council 

photo provided by carrollcountyartscouncil

The Carroll County Arts Council is located in the renovated Carroll Theatre in downtown Westminster. The art deco building houses a 263-seat theatre, the Tevis Gallery, and art classrooms. The Arts Center has regularly scheduled events from live concerts to free family movie nights, as well as children’s summer camps.

Diggerland USA 

photo provided by diggerlandusa

OK…not really in our own back yard, but not that far away either. Diggerland USA is a construction themed adventure park where children and their families ride and operate actual heavy machinery. The park is comprised of over 25 attractions. Discount tickets to the park are available on ccgovernment.carr.org 

Now go…go have all of that Summer Time Fun!

And don't forget to tag Spannhake Orthodontics in any summer fun photos you post online!!

Father's Day Gift Baskets

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Doesn't it seem like Father's Day always takes a backseat to Mother's Day? Well...not this year. It's our mission to make sure Dad gets a gift that is as special as he is. 

So what do you get the man that has suffered through every single soccer practice...in the rain, no less? The man who taught you how to throw a ball and never got mad at how many times you hit the car? The man who willingly put his life into your hands when he taught you how to drive? Another tie or tool that he already has 5 of? Oh no...this year we are putting thought into our Father's Day present and Dad is getting an amazing gift basket. That's right everyone...Gift Baskets can be manly too. Don't believe us? Check out some of these super manly and super cool ideas for Dad. 

Dad's Car Wash Kit

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If you've got a Dad who's a car fanatic, this basket is perfect! A bucket and car wash supplies are all you need to make this Father's Day Gift Basket. To give it that personal touch...decorate the bucket with paint, markers and stickers. Car wash supplies like cleaner, sponges, microfiber towels and car air fresheners can be found almost anywhere...even the Dollar Store. So go crazy! Get a big bucket and fill it to the top!

The Couch Potato

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We're not saying that Dad doesn't do anything but sit around all day. What we're saying is that he does so much for us that he needs to take some time for himself and relax...and this Gift Basket lets him do just that. Fill it with things sure to allow Dad the time he needs to just veg out for a while. Give it to him and walk away. He'll love it!

World's Best Pop

Photo provided by prettyprovidence

 

This Gift Basket is the cutest ever! One your "Pop" is sure to love. It's also great if you waited until the last minute (not that any of us did that at all). Simply go to the grocery store and get everything you need for this themed basket. Who doesn't love one stop shopping? Fill with everything from Otter Pops to Pop Tarts. But remember...all of these tasty treats are for Dad only.  

  

See...we told you Gift Baskets were manly.

 

Yellow Is Not The Best Color

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If you’ve just had your braces taken off, or you’re about to, congratulations!  We bet you can’t wait to show off that amazing smile. But wait…is something holding you back from flashing those pearly whites to the rest of the world? Are your teeth straight, but not so pearly white? 

Because brushing and flossing with braces is difficult, yellowing or stains are inevitable. In many cases, this means topping off your orthodontic treatment with teeth whitening. 

At Spannhake Orthodontics, we offer Opalescence whitening options. Opalescence whitening gels are the perfect way to treat yourself after your braces come off! Opalescence gels contain an active whitening ingredient that penetrates your enamel to get to discolored molecules. Oxygen molecules from the whitening agents react with the discolored molecules in your teeth, breaking the bonds that hold them together. The oxygen molecules spread, whitening the entire tooth. As a result, you are left with a brighter, whiter smile. 

Opalescence offers a complete line of products that deliver professional results.

• Opalescence PF: Opalescence take-home whitening gel offers professional results in a customized whitening treatment you can do in the comfort of your own home. 
• Opalescence Go: Dispensed by Dr. Spannhake, Opalescence Go whitening comes in prefilled, disposable trays, so it's easy to take with you anywhere you go. 
• Opalescence Boost: Opalescence Boost whitening offers brighter, whiter teeth in less than one hour in the dental chair. 

So…if you’ve just had your braces taken off, or you’re about to, ask the team at Spannhake Orthodontics about how you can get that bright, pearly white smile with our Opalescence whitening gels.

We Heart String Art

Photo provided by lilyardor.com

Maybe you've seen it before...maybe you haven't. But since Mother's Day is right around the corner, we thought it would be the perfect time to talk about String Art.

We found this amazing Mother's day craft and thought...can you really make this yourself? Low and behold...you can. Now...at first glance something like this Mom Sign might look a little daunting, but our internet searches assured us that string art is not as hard or as time consuming as you might think.  

You can do string art on canvas or wood. you just cut out a design from a piece of paper and attach it to your surface...and pre-made stencils are readily available online. Making sure they are evenly spaced, hammer the pins or nails into your surface along the edge of your stencil design. Remove your stencil once you have all the nails in place, then weave colored string from one nail to the next. You can either wrap the string around the nails randomly or make your own pattern...and voila! You have the best Mother's Day gift in the history of Mother's day gifts. 

Now get to work! We can't see what you come up with. Be sure to post your Mother's Day String Art pieces on the Spannhake Orthodontics FaceBook Wall.