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

Common Reasons To See The Orthodontist

Our orthodontic office is not your regular dental facility as we specialize in treatments that you cannot have done at your regular dentist. We help patients with teeth that are misaligned, have eating difficulties, and also treat patients for cosmetic reasons. Almost all age groups need to visit an orthodontist for one reason or another.

Below Dr. Spannhake has listed the most common reasons each age group might have to visit an orthodontist.

Children

A lot of pediatricians refer children to orthodontists for a variety of reasons. The first and foremost reason is crooked teeth, leading to 'bad bites' or difficulty in chewing. However the age by which referred to an orthodontist is considered is usually after 7 years as the jaw is still developing and teeth are setting in accordingly.

Another reason is crooked or overlapping teeth, which can cause the child to be bullied in school, and thus lead to a lot of distress. This is when we start to consider what interventions should be taken and at what age.

Adults

Adults up to the age of 60 and sometimes even up to 70 years are treated by orthodontists. Here the presenting complaint may either be chronic misaligned teeth since childhood, or smaller issues like recurring mouth ulcers or gum diseases among others.

The most popular reason for most adults is cosmetic as many people wish for their teeth to be straightened, and the growing gaps to be lessened. Other reasons adults seek orthodontists is due to over-biting due to crowded teeth resulting in oral injuries, gingivitis and miscellaneous issues presented at times of adulthood.

Do you want to know more about getting started at the orthodontist? Make sure you visit us at Spannhake Orthodontics  as we have good reviews about our treatments and friendly staff.

It's About Gain, Not Pain

When thinking about orthodontic treatment the first question people usually have is, "Will it hurt?”. There seems to be a common fear amongst everyone with regards to the pain orthodontic treatment might bring. Well Dr. Spannhake has some good news…orthodontic treatment is not as bad as you think it is.

Orthodontic treatment has improved dramatically over the years. But as a general rule, initially, braces do make your teeth tender and sore for the first few days after having them placed. But the soreness is not unbearable. The slight soreness you feel comes from the fact that your teeth are beginning to move and they are not used to the pressure the arch wire and brackets are causing. As time goes by, your teeth will get use to the braces and your soreness will go away.

It is important to know that today’s braces are more comfortable than ever. But if you still think braces might hurt more than we are letting on, here are a few tips that will help reduce any soreness you may feel:

    Take an over the counter medicine...like Advil.

    Rinse your mouth with warm salt water.

    Eat soft foods like yogurt and mash potatoes.

    Place heating pad or warm was rag on jaw.

    Avoid acidic drinks; those drinks with acid can irritate a sore mouth.

    Use over the counter oral anesthetic like Orajel.

    Apply wax to any bracket or wire bothering your cheek, tongue or lips.

If you have any questions about starting orthodontic treatment at our office, please feel free to give us a call anytime, or leave a question on our Facebook page!

Thanksgiving Foods Healthy For Teeth

It’s pretty safe to say the words Thanksgiving and Healthy don’t pair up when you think about the delicious foods flowing around the table on Turkey Day.  But, believe it or not, you’ll have reason to feel less guilty when you indulge in the feast this season because of the benefits some of these traditional foods will have on your teeth.

Dr. Spannhake wants you to know you can now be extra thankful for pumpkin pie and turkey!

Pumpkin

Pumpkins aren't only decorative and delicious, they’re filled with magnesium too! Magnesium is a nutrient known for strengthening teeth. Also, pumpkin pulp is a good source of Vitamin A, potassium, and fiber, all which help build enamel.

Turkey

Not only is turkey the main attraction at the table on Thanksgiving Day, but it benefits your body and teeth in several ways due to the high protein content. Protein helps build strong bones and healthy teeth; just another reason to keep smiling!

So when it’s time to sink your teeth into your holiday meal, go ahead and grab a big helping of turkey and an extra slice of pumpkin pie, as these are great foods in achieving a healthy smile.

National Orthodontic Health Month

Every year, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recognizes October as a time to raise awareness of the benefits of orthodontic treatment. 

If you have never been to an orthodontist before, you might not know what to expect. Meeting with Dr. Spannhake and her staff is a great way to find out what kind of people you’ll be seeing during your treatment. This is also a time to get your questions answered and to learn more about what an orthodontist can do for you and your family.

In a month full of sweet treats, it’s more important than ever to be mindful of your braces and/or your orthodontic appliances. Try to avoid hard and sticky candy. If you can’t keep yourself away from the sugar, choose soft candies that melt-in-your-mouth. As always, remember to brush and floss after eating sugary foods. Exposing your teeth to sweets increases your risk for cavities…and allowing sugar to sit on your teeth can lead to decalcification (permanent white discoloration of the teeth).

If you have any questions about what foods are best during orthodontic treatment, feel free to ask during your next visit! We look forward to seeing you and your family this October!

Westminster

419 Malcolm Dr. Ste. C

Westminster, MD 21157

Ph. (410) 857-4700

Towson

7801 York Rd., Ste. 315

Towson, MD 21204

Ph. (410) 321-5004