What's your New Year's resolution?

2010 has come and gone, so Dr. Ehrmantrout and our team thought we’d ask: what was memorable about 2010 for you, and what are you most looking forward to in 2011? Do you have a new year's resolution, or any exciting plans for the coming year?

Have a safe and happy New Year, to all our patients, friends, family, and all our dental and medical colleagues in Lacey, Olympia, University Place and surrounding communities.

Also, for those patients who have appointments we will be open in the Hawks Prairie office today (Monday) and Tuesday, the 27th and 28th of December from 8:30 am- 4 pm. The West Olympia Office will be CLOSED until Monday January 10th. If you have any questions please feel free to call us at (360) 491-4884.

Otherwise, see you in 2011!

Holiday JibJab!

Check out our Holiday JibJab! It's a Snowball Fight here at Dr. Ehrmantrout's office! Happy Holidays everyone!

Also, We are getting ready to come up with new ideas for our next three month drawings! We want your suggestions everyone! What would you like to win?! Let us know on our Facebook page!

Season's greetings from Dr. Ehrmantrout & team!

The holidays are here, and as Dr. Ehrmantrout and our team reflect on the year that was, we’d like to ask you, our wonderful patients: What do you love about the holidays? Being with your loved ones? A clean slate for 2011? Opening presents by the fireplace? All the delicious food? Also, what gift are you most looking forward to getting this year?

We’d love if you shared with us all the things you love about the holidays on our Facebook page. Stay warm, and don’t forget to stay away from those sweets!

Happy Holidays!

Win a night at the Great Wolf Lodge on us!

Don't forget everyone! Our current in-office contest in a night paid at the Great Wolf Lodge! If you have all of your trout dollars and entered cross your fingers, drawing is next Wednesday, December 15th!

There are only 9 days left, and also make sure you make your upcoming appointments for the chance to win! We also have two runner-up prizes: Shankz glow golf and laser fun zone family fun packs!

Hey, Dr. Ehrmantrout! What is Invisalign, and is it right for me? [Video]

We've discussed Invisalign treatment in the past, and thought we'd share with you a helpful video that walks you through the process of Invisalign a bit "clearer." The Invisalign system is a state-of-the-art system of clear, removable aligners that we proudly offer at the offices of Dr. Zach Ehrmantrout in Lacey and Olympia.

Here's how it works: You wear each set of aligners for about two weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move — little by little, week by week — until they have straightened to the final position Dr. Ehrmantrout has prescribed. You'll visit Dr. Ehrmantrout about once every 6 weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned. Total treatment time averages 9-15 months and the average number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30, but both will vary from case to case.

If you've been wanting to straighten your teeth but are unsure about going through traditional orthodontic treatment, please give us a call to learn if Invisalign is the right option for you!

Enjoy your Sunday everyone!!

We are in Hawks Prairie this Monday & Tuesday!

Please be advised that tomorrow, Monday, as well as Tuesday (November 22 & 23) Dr. Ehrmantrout and staff will be working in our Hawks Prairie office, not in the usual Olympia location. Please let us know if this is of concern to you or your child by giving us a call or letting us know on Facebook, and we will try and accommodate you.

Also, with Thanksgiving approaching on Thursday, we thought it would be a perfect opportunity to thank all of our patients and their families, our referring doctors and patients and our own families for all their support, encouragement and help throughout the year!

Dr. Ehrmantrout and our entire team would like to wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving. It’s a big food holiday, so be careful what you eat with those braces! If you have any stories or photos to share with us, we’d encourage you to send them along or post them on our Facebook page!

What are we thankful for at Hawks Prairie Orthodontics this holiday season?

With Thanksgiving almost upon us, it’s a great time to ask ourselves what we’re thankful for. With our friends and family around us.

We here in the office are thankful to each other, always a positive, fun environment, Doctor Ehrmantrout and all of your patients! :) We want to share the love and are hosting a food drive for Thurston County Food Bank, we want everyone to enjoy the holidays!

Give us a call for more info, or ask us on Facebook!

Do we have your current contact info?

We are looking at bad winter this year and want to be prepared. At times of power outages and bad weather, we need to be able to get a hold of you. Please contact us at (360) 491-4884 with any updates to phone numbers and addresses, so we may be able to reach you. Thank you and Happy Holidays from Dr. Ehrmantrout and Staff!

What do you enjoy most about fall in Lacey and Olympia?

It’s fall here in the Pacific Northwest, a time when the leaves change colors, the air becomes crisp, and families begin to make plans for Thanksgiving and the holidays.

Today we wanted to ask you, our amazing patients, how are you spending your time this fall? Dr. Ehrmantrout and our team would love to hear about your favorite places for eating, shopping, and entertainment within our Olympia and Lacey communities. We are interested in learning about what makes our unique community “yours.”

Feel free to post your responses on our Facebook page, or give us a call!

Ask Dr. Ehrmantrout: What's the deal with Halloween treats?

For parents in Olympia and Lacey worried about their kids going overboard on candies, sugar and other sweets, Halloween is a dreaded annual event (no pun intended).

All those sweet, sour and sticky candies may taste great, but these treats are known to damage teeth, as well as braces! Did you know sour candies can be acidic to your teeth, and actually wear down the enamel that protects them? This can cause tooth decay and cavities! Sour and fruity candy, such as Starburst and Skittles, are the worst for your child’s teeth since these candies have a low pH value, which can ruin enamel. In addition, we also want your child to steer clear of sticky, chewy, gummy and nutty goodies.

As Halloween draws nearer, try to limit the amount of these candies that your child eats, and when your child does eat them, either have him or her rinse their mouth with water afterward or have them drink a glass of milk or eat a slice of cheese. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists recommend softer treats, such as soft chocolate or peanut butter cups, or melt-in-your-mouth foods. Trick-or-treaters who indulge should make sure they brush and floss between teeth, around brackets and at the gum line. If damage occurs, call Dr. Ehrmantrout and team as soon as possible.

We hope that everyone has a safe and scary Halloween!

At Hawks Prairie Orthodontics, easy and reliable access to your account any day, any time!

Access to your account, 24/7. Sounds simple and convenient, doesn’t it?

Patients at Hawks Prairie Orthodontics enjoy access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—all through our website. You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, all from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

You, too, may sign up for this convenient service on our website by clicking on the "Patient Login" button on our homepage. Please give us a call at 360-491-4884 if you have any questions about getting started! Or, you may ask us on Facebook!

At Hawks Prairie Orthodontics, rewards for keeping your braces in tip-top shape!

Dr. Ehrmantrout and team know how difficult it can be to get patients, especially the young ones, to take good care of their teeth between visits during their orthodontic treatment.

We reward patients by allowing them to earn Trout Dollars for our Trout Store! In order to earn all of their trout dollars they must be on time to their appointments, have great oral hygiene, nothing can be loose or broken and they must wear their elastics as instructed!

It is an awesome way to encourage kids (and adults) to keep up the good work! We provide great prizes from Starbucks cards to movie tickets!

Ask Dr. Ehrmantrout: What's the deal with Halloween candy?

To follow-up on our last post about October being National Orthodontic Health Month, we thought we'd discuss the negative effects Halloween candy (and candy in general) has on your teeth, especially while you're undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Even soft candy is bad when it comes to braces! Not only do the chewy, crunchy and messy candy's create issues but all candy. Sugar sits in your teeth and above, in between and under brackets and wires. The best thing is sugar free candies, but make sure they are not chewy. If they are hard, suck on them - don't chew whatever you do do not chew! But all in all we know there is no such thing as sugar free candy on Halloween, so best advice "Just be careful, and have fun!" :)

PS instead of all that candy Halloween, we encourage you to check out these braces-friendly Halloween recipes, provided by our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists.

Dr. Ehrmantrout and staff, supporting National Orthodontic Health Month

October is National Orthodontic Health Month, and we always appreciate it when it comes around! This year we have created Pumpkin carving kits with our Ortho health month in mind for all of our patients. Also, our office has a Halloween Dress up week!

Lastly, our staff is using the month of October to encourage more adults who want a perfect smile to consider orthodontic treatment with Dr. Zach Ehrmantrout at our convenient offices in Lacey or Olympia.

What's going on at Dr. Ehrmantrout's office lately?

We are newly located in West Olympia, conveniently by Starbucks, a popular hangout, as well as Westfield Mall! There are some really good restaurants around, like Red Robin. Our Hawks Prairie Location is also by some good food, like the Sushi Go Round and The Ram. Walgreens is right next door as well, which is a huge convenience. There are some cool events that go on this time of the year - a favorite spot of our patients is the Rutledge Corn Maze, which we are also incorporating into our current office contest!

Lastly, our entire staff will be attending the next Damon Forum in Florida this upcoming January! The whole staff will be attending various continuing education classes, including how to make the most out of your visits to our convenient offices in Lacey and Olympia.

12 early signs of orthodontic problems in children

Because Dr. Zach Ehrmantrout can spot subtle problems with jaw growth or teeth while a child still has primary or “baby” teeth present, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends all children get a check-up with an orthodontic specialist no later than age seven.

Some problems are not so subtle, and you may notice them early on. If you see any of the following signs in your child, please make an appointment with Dr. Ehrmantrout immediately. (If your child is younger than seven, it is not necessary to wait till his or her seventh birthday to visit our office.) We want to identify any problems as early as possible so that we can implement the appropriate treatment at the appropriate time for your child’s individual needs.

1. Early or late loss of baby teeth
2. Difficulty in chewing or biting
3. Mouth breathing
4. Finger sucking or other oral habits
5. Crowding, misplaced, or blocked-out teeth
6. Speech difficulty
7. Jaws that shift or make sounds
8. Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
9. Teeth that stick out too far
10. Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or don't meet at all
11. Upper and lower jaws that don’t line up
12. Grinding or clenching of teeth

If your child is displaying any of these signs, please contact us and set up an appointment!

Dr. Zach Ehrmantrout, reminding you September is National Childhood Injury Prevention Month

Fall is almost upon us, which means it's a great time for Dr. Zach Ehrmantrout and our staff to remind our patients (especially you athletes) to take care of both your mouth and appliances while participating in contact sports, as well as leisure sports this fall. Let's face it: this is a busy time of year sports-wise, whether you're playing soccer in the local park or preparing for high school football.

With September being National Childhood Injury Prevention Month, our entire staff at Dr. Ehrmantrout's office want you to know that only by using a mouth guard can athletes with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. So, the next time you're in for a visit at our convenient offices in Lacey or Olympia, we encourage you to ask Dr. Ehrmantrout for a mouth guard, and we will provide one! For more info on sports injuries and how to avoid them, check out this helpful article.

We hope you're having a wonderful and safe Labor Day weekend!

Love your smile? Then we invite you to review us on Google!

Happy Friday! Whether you've visited Dr. Zach Ehrmantrout for a week, months or even years, we'd love to hear your feedback about how our Olympia or Lacey office has fared during your orthodontic treatment. There are lots of places on the Web where you may share your reviews, but we'd like to direct you to our Google Local Page to write a review of us - it only takes a moment!

You may write your review here.

Thanks in advance and have a joyous and relaxing weekend!

Ask Dr. Ehrmantrout: Why start orthodontic treatment before school begins in September?

With the dog days of summer close to wrapping up, most kids are getting ready – albeit reluctantly – to head back to class for another school year. For many kids and teens, starting orthodontic treatment before school commences in September can give teens (and their parents) a peace of mind.

Starting treatment during the summer or right before school is convenient, and allows patients to come at times of the day where school would interfere. Dr. Zach Ehrmantrout and our team do all of our long bonding appointments in the morning time, so doing so during summer is great for our patients! Also, it allows kids and adults to get used to having appliances in their mouths, therefore dealing with it at school is less of a problem. Summer is a great time to start treatment!

Have you been thinking about straightening your pearly whites? We encourage you to give us a call at 360-491-4884 for a complimentary consultation! Happy Friday!

Smile! It's National Smile Week!

Who said the month of August is devoid of any holidays? It’s National Smile Week through Friday, and a great time for Dr. Zach Ehrmantrout and team to remind our patients to practice good oral hygiene this summer! After all, you want to keep those pearly whites shining during your orthodontic treatment and long after that! That, of course, includes brushing and flossing regularly, avoiding foods that can stain your teeth such as tea and coffee and visiting your general dentist here in Lacey or Olympia for regular checkups and cleanings.

And remember to smile at people you come across throughout the week, whether you know them or not! Smiles are contagious, and are wonderful to both give and receive. In addition, did you know that smiling can actually help you live longer, according to a recent study? We hope you're having a GREAT summer!

Play the Trout Dollar Game at our office!

This is exciting.

If you refer five people who start treatment (braces or Invisalign) with Dr. Ehrmantrout, you could win an iPad! There are prizes for each referral who starts along the way! All you have to do is tell your friends to tell us YOU referred them and you could be the lucky owner of an iPad, iPod, a $100 Visa gift card and more!

Make sure you let us know when you refer a friend! Have a great friend!

Invisalign and your oral health

At Hawks Prairie Orthodontics, we see smart patients who often ask Dr. Ehrmantrout how Invisalign treatment is so different than getting traditional braces. Well, there are more reasons to smile about Invisalign than you may know. Invisalign, which is a series of removable aligners that are nearly invisible, manages to straighten your teeth just as effectively as traditional braces, all while improving your oral health. Here’s how Invisalign can help improve your health, while shaping your healthy, beautiful smile:

Healthy gums: Straight teeth allow a close fit for gums. This lessens the gum stress that is caused by crowded or widely spaced teeth, thus also reducing red and swollen gums.

Easy cleaning: Invisalign is removable, therefore brushing and flossing is easier and you are able to maintain a healthy mouth. These habits are vital to avoiding tooth decay, plaque, and gum disease.

Improved speech and chewing: Properly-aligned teeth don’t have the discomfort or compound speech impediments that can be caused by crowded teeth or a deteriorating jawbone.

If you have any questions about Invisalign, just ask Dr. Ehrmantrout the next time you’re in for a visit. Or, you may post your question on our Facebook page!

This summer, will you be a part of the Braces Brigade?

Dr. Ehrmantrout and staff want to know: how would you like to blog about your experience in braces AND come away with a $100 American Express gift card? Thanks to the American Association of Orthodontists' Braces Brigade campaign, you can do just that!

To complete your Braces Brigade application, you'll need to provide your:

* Name
* Age – Must be 14 years of age or older
* E-mail
* Phone number
* Stage of orthodontic treatment
* A photo of your braces/smile
* A sample blog post – picture yourself as a member of Braces Brigade and show off those blogging skills! (100-word minimum)


Here's how it works: In your blog, you'll answer the following questions:

• Why did you decide to get orthodontic treatment at Dr. Ehrmantrout's office?
• What advice would you share with other orthodontic patients?
• What does it feel like to get braces on?
• What foods do you miss the most?
• What new foods have you discovered?
• Do your friends have braces or retainers?
• Where is the first place you’re going to show off your new, beautiful smile?
• How has your new smile changed your life?

If you happen to be under 18, your parents must fill out a consent form along with your official entry, giving you permission to enter the contest.

We strongly encourage you to apply for the Braces Brigade! If you get accepted, let us know during your next visit or post on our Facebook page!

Patient question: What should I avoid doing during my treatment?"

Most times, when our patients get their braces on, they know it's time to part with some unhealthy habits. One of those habits is biting their nails. Fingernail biting and chewing on lips and pencils can be very damaging to the enamel on your teeth also changes how you are biting down on a day to day basis. Nail biting can be harmful to your braces and cause you to break brackets, hence delaying your treatment with Dr. Zach Ehrmantrout. Kicking that habit can be the best thing you can do for yourself.

Also, hard candies and mints can damage your teeth and give you cavities. Especially if you chew those candies. The pure sugar can get crunched into your teeth and linger there for a long time. Avoiding these are the best thing you can do.

If you feel the need to chew mint. Choose sugar free mint gum. Which you can also chew with braces as long as it is sugar free.

Hawks Prairie Orthodontics present: 7 tips for traveling with teens

Perhaps you're busy planning that perfect family vacation for the whole family? At Hawks Prairie Orthodontics, we know that summer is the season when many families choose to hit the open road—or catch a flight—to make those memories together.

That’s why we want to share a few tips for summer travel from our friends at Yahoo! Shine.

1) Have your teens set the pace—and even the itinerary. No teen wants to be dragged around a city that they have no interest in, by allowing everyone a voice in the trip itinerary, children and parents alike become more invested in the vacation.

2) Everyone offers up a playlist. A trip soundtrack isn’t complete without a hodgepodge of every family member’s favorite tracks!

3) Set a limit on phones/electronics use. This decision has to be specific to your family, but a good rule of thumb is that if you’re setting the rules for minute limits or check-ins that all family members should stick to them—not just teens and tweens.

4) Keep food & drinks on hand. Sometimes a snack is all you need to stay cheery- hunger can oftentimes create unnecessary arguments and tension between families.

5) Don’t make them clean the hotel room. While on vacation, the same rules that apply at home for cleaning don’t necessarily apply while staying in a hotel.

6) Set a gift shop budget. These costs can add up quickly, so be sure to set limits ahead of time!

7) Give them a little freedom. When traveling with tweens and teens, it is important that they are able to have some areas, maybe a five-block radius or even the hotel lobby, where they are able to wander without the whole family.

We hope that these tips are useful for helping plan those family vacations! For more articles on parenting and for the parenting pick of the day, check out Shine. Also, if you have any great family vacation photos, feel free to share them on our Facebook page!

Happy travels everyone!

Dr. Ehrmantrout and team Relay for Life

This weekend, our staff at Dr. Ehrmantrout's office participated in the Relay for Life, a 24-hour event to raise money for cancer research. Each of our staff members walked around the track of Black Hills High School in two hour shifts and sold raffle tickets and took donations. Some of our staff members even camped out. We had a blast!

You can find more photos from Relay for Life on our Facebook fan page! Happy Monday!

Dr. Ehrmantrout, reminding you to get those checkups

Dr. Zach Ehrmantrout wants to know: are you brushing twice a day during your orthodontic treatment? If the answer is yes, that's phenomenal! But, it’s also important for your child to visit the dentist every six months in addition to brushing their teeth a couple times a day, flossing (and visiting Hawks Prairie Orthodontics as recommended by Dr. Ehrmantrout during your treatment). Our staff will tell you regular dental checkups are vital for maintaining good oral health. Your dentist can:

• Check for problems that might not be seen or felt
• Detect cavities and signs of tooth decay
• Treat oral health problems early
• Show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth, even during your treatment

During an exam, your dentist usually will check the health of your child’s mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups also typically include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If your child has not been to the dentist in the past six months, it’s time for you to schedule an appointment!

If you don't have a general dentist in Lacey, Olympia or nearby communities, please ask us and our staff will be happy to provide a few names for you!

Happy Friday and enjoy your weekend!

Dr. Ehrmantrout wants to know: what's on your summer reading list?

Two weeks ago, Olympia and Lacey orthodontist Dr. Zach Ehrmantrout and team asked you, our amazing patients, about your summer plans.

With summer only a week away, some of us at Hawks Prairie Orthodontics have been thinking increasingly about the importance of reading.

Sure it’s easier to go play ball or kick back and watch television this summer, but our team will tell you that summer reading is a key step in being prepared for classes in the fall, as well as maintaining your skill level. Out of ideas for great summer reads? Ask us for suggestions, and our staff (as well as Dr. Ehrmantrout) would be happy to provide a few titles. You may also ask a local librarian in Lacey or Olympia for some ideas or check out some summer reading lists that we came across recently.

Happy reading!

What are people saying about Dr. Ehrmantrout and Hawks Prairie Orthodontics?

Dr. Zach Ehrmantrout loves getting patient reviews. And lately, our team at Hawks Prairie Orthodontics, serving Olympia, Lacey and surrounding communities, have been getting some pretty great patient testimonials from current and former patients! We thought we'd share some with you today! Happy Monday!

"The whole office was nice, and Dr. Ehrmantrout is really easy going, and patient." ~ Stephanie M.

"It is a nice, comfortable, friendly atmosphere. Staff seem to be very happy and enjoy their jobs." ~ Terra H.

"I am very impressed! The office is very nice. Kelli was not only extremely friendly, but also didn't mind conversing about unrelated things!! She is truly wonderful and full of great ideas! Anyone that takes this much time to "DO IT RIGHT" and has an amazing staff as he does...MUST BE ON TOP OF HIS GAME!"
~ Ramona P.

"The kindness and patience of everyone. Dr. Zach knew my name which made me feel like I was important. I was able to carry on a conversation with my "helper" and they answered any questions I had. There have been a couple of occasions where I did something to my brackets or wire and they were able to fix it right away without any hesitance." ~ Erica M.

Tell Dr. Ehrmantrout: What are you up to this summer?

As the school year comes to a close for a lot of Dr. Ehrmantrout's patients, the days get longer and the temperatures climb in the Northwest, there’s no better way to beat the heat than jump into a pool and cool off. For a lot of people here in Lacey and Olympia, summer brings a chance to get away from it all and escape every-day life, if only for a week or two. For others, it means a season of relaxation and relief from homework and other duties.

What about you?

What are your plans for summer? Do you have any interesting plans for a summer vacation? Does your family have a vacation or family reunion planned that has become a tradition? Please feel free to share your summer plans and experiences with us on our Facebook page as the summer rolls along!

Dr. Ehrmantrout and team, wishing you a safe and relaxing Memorial Day weekend!

Memorial Day is a time to pay tribute to the servicemen and women who died protecting our country. It’s also the unofficial start of summer, and for many kids in Olympia and Lacey, getting out of town for three days with parents after being in school for nine months spells sweet, sweet relief.

At Hawks Prairie Orthodontics, we know Memorial Day weekend is ripe for travel. After all, it’s unofficially the start of summer 2010 and time for a season full of vacations, adventures and great memories with parents or friends. What are you up to this Memorial Day weekend? What will you be doing on your day off from school or work?

Whether you are headed to a barbecue, a camping trip, or hitting the open road with your family, we’d like to hear all about it! Enjoy the long weekend if you're not scheduled for an appointment this week!!

Join us on Facebook!

At Hawks Prairie Orthodontics, we truly value the relationships we have developed with our patients in Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Shelton, Centralia, Yelm, Dupont, Lakewood, University Place, Fort Lewis and surrounding communities. Even if you only see us for your appointment every three- to four months, did you know that you can now connect with Dr. Ehrmantrout and team on our Facebook page?

We invite you to “like” Hawks Prairie Orthodontics on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/HawksPrairieOrtho. We share office news and updates on our Fan Page, so, please, check it out! By Liking our page, you will receive updates from our office automatically on Facebook!

See you online! Enjoy your week!

- Dr. Ehrmantrout and team

Write a review of Dr. Ehrmantrout and Hawks Prairie Orthodontics!

As a native of Olympia Washington, Dr. Zach Ehrmantrout is an orthodontist dedicated to providing beautiful smiles in a comfortable, caring, and convenient environment. Wev use the newest technologies in orthodontic treatment including Damon® System Braces, Invisalign® (clear or invisible braces), Invisalign Teen™, iBraces™ and non-extraction treatment for both children and adults.

Whether your family has visited Hawks Prairie Orthodontics for a week or for years, we'd love to hear your feedback about Hawks Prairie Orthodontics. Now with the Internet, it is even easier to write your thoughts and share them with the world. We'd want to encourage you to write a review of us. It only takes a moment!

You may write a review here.

Thank you and we hope you have a great weekend!

Hawks Prairie Orthodontics, wishing you a Happy Mother's Day!

Dr. Zach Ehrmantrout and the team at Hawks Prairie Orthodontics would like to take this moment and thank all the wonderful moms out there who bring their kids - and who've brought their kids over the years - to our office. We want to let you know we appreciate you all!

Happy Mother’s Day from our entire team! You all work very hard and deserve more than just a day of acknowledgment and praise!

Hawks Prairie Orthodontics present: Mr. Bean goes to the dentist

How about a treat today? Here's a little classic dental humor for you to enjoy, from the lovable British spy, Mr. Bean. Our staff at Hawks Prairie Orthodontics enjoyed it, and know you'll get a laugh as well. Enjoy "Mr. Bean Goes to the Dentist”!

If you have any other dental- or orthodontic-related video suggestions you think we should share with other patients, please let us know!

Quarterly contest winners at Hawks Prairie Orthodontics!

Congratulations to Jeremy and Angela, our quarterly contest winners! They received four movie passes and dinner at The Rock. For those of our wonderful patients interested in our quarterly contest, here are the following four rules:

1. You must not have anything broken or loose.
2. You must have exceptional oral health (brushing & flossing)
3. You must be on time for your appointments
4. You must wear your elastics as directed

Our next quarterly contest is starting soon! Give us a call for more info or ask us at your next appointment!

Smile now, smile later, smile often! From Hawks Prairie Orthodontics

Great news to report this Friday morning! People with big smiles may actually live than those who don’t! That, according to a March 2010 study at Wayne State University. Researchers there looked at photos of 230 baseball players who began their careers prior to 1950 - and studied their smile intensity (ranging from big smile, no smile or partial smile). The players' smile ratings were compared with data from deaths that occurred from 2006 through 2009. The researchers then took into account other factors that impact life longevity, including body mass index, career length and, yes, even college attendance.

The results? Researchers found that players who weren't smiling in the photos died at the average age of 72.9 years. Players with partial smiles lived to be 75. Those with big smiles, however, lived on average to be almost 80 years old! So smile now, smile often and you might just live longer! Have you been perfecting your smile by visiting Hawks Prairie Orthodontics?

Play it safe this spring, from Hawks Prairie Orthodontics

April, also known as National Facial Protection Month, is upon us, and for Dr. Ehrmantrout and our staff at Hawks Prairie Orthodontics that only means one thing: it’s once again time to remind our dear patients to protect their faces and pearly whites. According to the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation, children, high-school athletes and adults will have more than 5,000,000 teeth knocked out in sporting events this year.

For Dr. Ehrmantrout and our staff, that’s simply unacceptable.

Above is a helpful video from our friends at the AAO about staying safe on the ball field this spring. We hope the above video helps. If you have any further questions about any of the tips offered in the video, please contact our staff by calling 360-352-6376, and we’ll try to answer any question you may have. And remember to have fun and stay safe!

Ask Dr. Ehrmantrout: How do my gums affect my heart?

Believe it or not, an estimated 80 percent of American adults currently have some form of gum disease. Periodontal diseases range from simple gum inflammation to serious disease that result in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. In gingivitis, the milder form of gum disease, infection leads to chronic inflammation—gums are swollen, red, and sometimes bleeding. In the worst cases, teeth are lost.

We know that gum disease is a threat to your oral health, but research is also pointing to health effects of periodontal diseases that go well beyond your mouth. Recently, our staff at Hawks Prairie Orthodontics read an article that reported a study that indicated an association between gum disease and heart disease.

In a recent report published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology, researchers found that the more severe the gum disease, the thicker and harder the walls of your arteries. We encourage you to check out the article for tips on how to improve your overall oral health. If you have any questions, please give us a call and we'll answer any concerns you may have!

Talking retainers with Dr. Ehrmantrout

If you recently completed treatment at Hawks Prairie Orthodontics, our entire staff would like to congratulate you! Now that your braces have been removed, Dr. Ehrmantrout will provide—or has provided you—with retainers. After braces are removed, teeth can shift out of position if they are not stabilized. Retainers provide that stabilization. They are designed to hold teeth in their corrected, ideal positions until the bones and gums adapt to the treatment changes. Wearing retainers exactly as instructed by Dr. Ehrmantrout is the best insurance that the treatment improvements last for a lifetime.

To learn more about the advantages of wearing retainers after your orthodontic treatment with Dr. Ehrmantrout, please read this helpful article about retainers from KidsHealth or give us a call!

Your turn! From Hawks Prairie Orthodontics

You know the drill: Week after week, Dr. Zach Ehrmantrout and our staff blog about important topics pertinent to orthodontic care and your well-being, including innovative orthodontic techniques offered at Hawks Prairie Orthodontics.

This week, we thought we’d step back and ask you, our wonderful patients: what’s on your mind? What would you like to know about the always-changing field of orthodontics? What would you like us to focus on our blog? Perhaps there’s something you’ve been wanting to ask us for a while now? Let us know by posting here or on our interactive Facebook fan page!

So… give us your best shot and we’ll try to answer any questions you may have!

Ask Dr. Ehrmantrout: Am I too old to get braces?

Who’s afraid of “metal mouth” and the appearance of braces? Not adults, apparently. Recently, our staff read a fascinating statistic: adults getting braces has jumped 24 percent from 14 years ago! Yes, braces help make your pearly whites strong, healthy and perfectly-aligned, but perhaps another reason for the spike in adult braces is this: cosmetics. In an age—and society—where looks matter as much as anything, and at a time when evenly-aligned teeth might be the difference between getting a job or a promotion, adults are choosing to invest in orthodontics. Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile.

If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, Dr. Ehrmantrout would love to have you visit for a consultation. Give us a call to set one up!

Getting social with Dr. Ehrmantrout

At Hawks Prairie Orthodontics, we love and embrace technology, whether it’s through the innovative orthodontic treatments we offer, our high-tech and patient-friendly web site or our Facebook fan page. Dr. Zach Ehrmantrout and team love connecting with our patients online, whether it’s by sharing news on our blog or communicating ideas on our fan page.

For social media to work, Dr. Ehrmantrout understands that conversation is vital, and that’s why we invite you to join in and tell us what’s on your mind. Although social networks are hugely popular these days, we know they’re unpredictable and ever-changing.

While Dr. Ehrmantrout and our staff take a little time to research how to best use social media, we thought we’d ask you, our loyal patients: How would you like us to use our social networks? What would you like us to share on our blog? Please post your thoughts or give us a call!

Orthodontic fun facts with Dr. Ehrmantrout!

Everyone loves fun facts. Fun, fun, fun. The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, has come up with some fun facts about orthodontics that Dr. Ehrmantrout and our team at Hawks Prairie Orthodontics thought you might enjoy.

• There are nearly 4 million people in orthodontic treatment throughout the United States. Three out of four are younger than 18.

• The first mechanical treatment for correcting irregular teeth was suggested by Gaius Plinius Secundus (A.D 23-79).The American Association of Orthodontists is comprised of more than 12,000 members in the United States, Canada and abroad.

• The time required to complete orthodontic treatment ranges from 12 to 36 months depending on the nature and severity of the problem.

• Of the 160,000 dentists in the United States and Canada, 8,000 are practicing orthodontists.

• The cement that attaches the braces to the teeth is now made with a special fluoride-releasing substance.

• Wires activated by body heat used in today's braces originally were developed by NASA for use in the space program.

• Famous orthodontic patients include: Dr. Joyce Brothers, Hale Irwin, Cher, Diana Ross, Phyllis Diller, Chelsea Clinton, Whoopi Goldberg, Daisy Fuentes and Brandi.

Dr. Ehrmantrout wants to know: What do you love about your community?

Hawks Prairie Orthodontics, with offices in Lacey and Olympia, and serving surrounding communities, is situated around some pretty special neighborhoods here in Washington. Each community is unique with its own personality, created by the people and places (and our amazing young patients) living within.

Today, Dr. Ehrmantrout and our team thought we'd ask: What are your favorite things about Lacey or Olympia? Is there a local event you like to attend every year? Do you have a favorite eatery? Perhaps a favorite Washington getaway?

Please feel free to share some information about your favorite local hang-outs in Lacey or Olympia, and everything you love best about “your neck of the woods.” And, who knows, Dr. Ehrmantrout and team just might post your response on our social networks! Enjoy your weekend!

Congratulations to Lydia, our contest winner!

Here is Lydia, a recent contest winner at our office. She won a limousine ride from school to the mall in west Olympia, as well as shopping and dining out at the mall with her friends. Olympic Limousine provided the services.

Here is the criteria for entering the drawing:
1. Excellent oral hygiene
2. No broken brackets, appliances, or wires
3. On time for the appointment
4. Excellent elastic wear if wearing elastics

We also have daily points awarded, called "Trout Dollars" based on the same criteria, in which the patient can accumulate dollars to purchase prizes from our "Trout Store," such as gift cards to restaurants. Remember, every quarter we have a drawing for a prize. You could be our next winner. Call us and ask about upcoming contests!

Tackling sports injuries with Dr. Ehrmantrout

At Hawks Prairie Orthodontics, we know how important it is to protect your face. The spring months bring an increase in outdoor activities and a greater chance of damaging your mouth and pearly whites. Dr. Ehrmantrout and our team also know sports-related injuries are common among children. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, 70 percent of parents said their biggest worry is that their child will get hurt while playing sports. That’s why the team at Hawks Prairie Orthodontics are doing our part to spread the word that facial sports injuries can be avoided simply by reminding your kids to wear mouth guards. Ask us—Dr. Ehrmantrout may recommend the best mouth guard for you.

In addition, the AAO has provided the following tips for keeping your kids safe on the field. Please remind them to:

• Wear mouth guards during contact sports
• Wear a helmet
• Stretch before and after a game or practice
• Wear protective eye wear
• Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
• Be observant—even as a spectator

All of these can reduce injuries. Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Be sure to avoid mouth guards that custom form to your teeth as these will resist any tooth movements Dr. Ehrmantrout is trying to achieve. Lastly, please give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at Hawks Prairie Orthodontics.

At Hawks Prairie Orthodontics, 24/7 access to your account

At Hawks Prairie Orthodontics, Dr. Ehrmantrout and our team embrace new technology, whether it is through the innovative orthodontic treatments that we offer, our high-tech web site and social networks, or our modern offices conveniently located in Lacey and Olympia.

Did you know that patients at our office have access to their account, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on our web site? You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages! Just see what a few of our patients are saying about this service!

"I like being able to confirm appointments using email. I also like being able to see progress with the pictures." ~ David J.

"Love the reminders by email and am able to share the appointment info and pictures with spouse that cannot attend appointment." ~ Ramona P.

"It helps to be able to look at my appointments and financial information." ~ Lisa K.

"I can double check when our appointments are and I like that I can check the balance on our account whenever I want." ~ George S.

You can sign up for this convenient service on our web site by clicking the "Patient Login" button on our homepage. Please call the team at Hawks Prairie Orthodontics if you have any questions!

Ask Dr. Ehrmantrout: When should my child come in for a check-up?

Many parents assume they must wait until their child has all of his or her permanent teeth to come in and see the team and Dr. Ehrmantrout, only to find that treatment would have been much easier if started earlier. Did you know the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, recommends that every child have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven.

Ok, so what’s so great about age seven, you ask? Enough permanent teeth have arrived for Dr. Ehrmantrout to make a determination about whether any problems are present. The first molars have come in, providing an opportunity to check for malocclusion, or “bad bite.” Also, the incisors have begun to come in, and problems such as crowding, deep bites and open bites can be detected.

Orthodontic evaluation at an early age provides one of two positive outcomes: For some, early identification or problems will lead to easier or shorter orthodontic treatment in the future. For others, a healthy prognosis will provide immediate peace of mind.

Early evaluation, of course, may signal a need for early treatment. For some children, early treatment can prevent physical and emotional trauma. Aside from spurring on years of harmful teasing, misaligned teeth are also prone to injury and detrimental to good oral hygiene. So if your child is nearing age seven, please give us a call at Hawks Prairie Orthodontics to schedule an appointment.

The Damon System at Hawks Prairie Orthodontics: What's the advantage?

We've blogged about The Damon System in the past, and today thought we'd remind you about this revolutionary new braces system that can give you better results in less time! We did this partly because a lot of our patients, (especially you parents!) come to Dr. Ehrmantrout thinking traditional braces are the only answer to straight teeth.

Are you a candidate for the Damon System? Dr. Ehrmantrout will evaluate your eligibility for the Damon System, and the procedure can be performed for children and adults alike!

What makes Damon braces better? Probably the biggest advantage of Damon braces over traditional brackets is the amount of time and effort involved. Dr. Ehrmantrout and our team at Hawks Prairie Orthodontics can often cut months off of the total treatment time for patients using the Damon System, and less visits to our office are necessary to make adjustments.

In addition, the Damon System brackets are:

• Cleaner- Damon brackets don’t have the elastic of traditional brackets, and are less prone to all the plaque buildup that your dentist warns you about!
• Discreet- Damon braces are smaller and have fewer parts than traditional brackets, making them less noticeable and more comfortable.
• No tightening- With the Damon system, Dr. Ehrmantrout can position your teeth and avoid frequent adjustments. This also reduces the need for complicated tooth extractions or surgery.

If you have been thinking about an orthodontic procedure, come see us in our Olympia or Lacey locations for an assessment to see if the Damon System is right for you!

Hawks Prairie Ortho wants to know: What puts you at ease?

Dr. Ehrmantrout understands not everyone is thrilled to see their orthodontist. But, the team at Hawks Prairie Orthodontics strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at every visit. Tell us: What is it about our office that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our amiable environment or our friendly staff? Dr. Ehrmantrout himself?

Let us know by posting here or by giving us a call! Have a great week everyone!

Ask Dr. Ehrmantrout: What is the benefit of Invisalign® Teen?

Dr. Ehrmantrout knows image is everything. At an age when image is so important, the thought of having metal brackets and wires constantly attached to teeth may intensify the already-delicate confidence of today's teens. But... not to worry! There is a clear alternative to traditional braces! The team at Hawks Prairie Orthodontics thought we'd remind you that Invisalign Teen gives you a whole new way to wear braces for a "clearly" amazing smile!

For many teens, Invisalign Teen offers a trouble-free, clear alternative to traditional braces; and not only that, but it offers them the chance to have straight teeth without losing self-confidence!

So how does Invisalign Teen work? Invisalign Teen works in the same way as Invisalign, but with a few added characteristics tailored specifically to teenagers’ lifestyles. For instance, Invisalign Teen is designed with “compliance indicators” that fade from dark to light during the two week period that particular tray is used and once it has faded teens know to change trays. Each aligner comes with up to six free individual replacement aligners in case the original aligner ends up lost or broken. Another big benefit for the patient!

The treatment period for Invisalign Teen varies from nine to 18 months. If your teen is considering orthodontic treatment, please contact us and we’ll answer any questions you may have about Invisalign Teen.

Happy Tuesday!