Understanding Cavities - Dr. Zach Ehrmantrout

One word nobody wants to hear when they visit their dentist is Cavity! That’s right, the dreaded cavity; but what exactly is a cavity and how do they happen? A cavity is a hole that develops in a tooth when the tooth begins to decay. It’s important to get a cavity filled as soon as it’s detected so that it does not grow bigger.

So, what causes a cavity? A cavity is caused by plaque, a sticky substance that forms on the tooth as a result of germ and bacteria build-up. Plaque is acidic and as it clings to your teeth the acids eat away the outside of the tooth (also called the enamel) and a hole is formed.

Yes, cavities can be repaired by your dentist, but here are a few simple steps you can take to prevent cavities:

• Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily
• Gently brush your gums to keep them healthy (when choosing a toothbrush it is recommended to use soft bristles)
• Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food that may be caught between your teeth and braces where your toothbrush can’t reach
• Limit the amount of soda and sugary treats you eat/drink
• Be sure to visit your dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning and check-up in addition to your orthodontic appointments

Now That I Have Braces, What Can I Eat? - Hawks Prairie Orthodontics

You just got braces and the orthodontist has informed you that over the next several months you will want to avoid eating anything sticky, hard, crunchy, or chewy. What does this leave for you to eat? Lettuce? Nothing?

Luckily, there was someone else wondering the same thing when she first got braces! Brenda Waterman, 13, decided she was going to find a way to have her cake and eat it too, so she created a variety of “braces-friendly” recipes that allow you to enjoy your favorite treats without interfering with your orthodontic care! Her cookbook, “The Braces Cookbook: Recipes you (and your Orthodontist) will Love,” gives patients a variety of delicious recipes, safe to eat with braces; plus additional tips and advice for packing lunches, what to eat at parties, and braces-friendly restaurant dishes! There’s even a section with tips for dealing with the soreness that can occur when your braces or appliance are adjusted. Enjoy the foods you love – even with braces!
Here is a delicious, sneak peek recipe from “The Braces Cookbook:”

Wonderful Waffles

Forget the recipe that came with your waffle iron – this recipe will redefine fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. The secret to delicious waffles is letting the batter "sit" for five minutes before pouring into the waffle iron. Top cooked waffles with syrup, jam, fresh fruit or even whip cream. Makes about 5 servings!

Preheat your waffle iron according to the directions. You may want to lightly spray it with vegetable oil before heating.
• 3 cups flour
• 2 Tbl + 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 Tbl sugar
• 4 cups milk
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
In a large bowl, whisk (or use electric mixer on low) together all ingredients. Let batter sit for about five minutes to activate the baking powder.

When waffle iron is ready, pour about 1/3 cup of batter onto each of the four squares (experiment with your iron – you don't want the batter overflowing). Gently close the cover and set your timer as the manufacturer suggests. Do not lift the cover while they bake. When done, carefully lift one edge with a flat spatula and pull the waffle away from the iron. Keep waffles warm on a plate under a clean dishtowel while the others bake.

When Is Thumb-Sucking a Cause for Worry? - Dr. Zach Ehrmantrout

Lots of you have asked us about whether it’s healthy for children to suck thumbs (or, less frequently, fingers). If you’ve got a thumb-sucker in the house, you are not alone. Research tells us that between 75% and 95% of infants suck their thumbs. Is this anything to worry about?

In most cases, no. Sucking is a natural reflex for an infant, and can provide security and contentment as well as relaxation for your little one. It’s a habit that most children grow out of between the ages of 2 and 4.

However, if your child keeps sucking after he’s gotten his permanent teeth, it’s time to take a closer look. If your child sucks his thumb aggressively, putting pressure on the inside of his mouth or his teeth, it could cause problems with tooth alignment and proper mouth growth. If you’re worried, give us a call at 360-491-4884 and we can help assess the situation, and provide tips for how to help your child break the habit.

Regular Checkups Are important!

Are you brushing your teeth twice a day? If yes, that’s great; but, don’t forget that it’s also important to visit the dentist every six months in addition to your orthodontic visits. Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health. Your dentist can:

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

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

Are There Teeth Grinders in Your House?

Grind, grind, grind, grind. If you live with a teeth grinder, especially a night grinder, you may be familiar with this unpleasant sound. Other symptoms of teeth grinding (technically called “bruxism”) include:

• Sensitivity in the teeth
• Tightness or pain in the jaw
• Dull headaches, earaches, or facial pain
• Chipped, worn down, or loose teeth

People frequently grind their teeth in response to stress, so taking measures to reduce or eliminate stress can help solve the problem. Here are some things you can try to stop grinding:

• Cut back on caffeine and alcohol
• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
• Relax right before bedtime with a warm bath or shower
• Help your jaw learn to relax by quitting any chewing habits (pens, pencils, gum)
• When clenching or grinding happens during the day, place your tongue between your teeth to serve as a reminder to avoid the habit

If grinding goes untreated, it can lead to chipped teeth, worn enamel, chronic pain, or even TMJ, a painful jaw disorder. If the teeth-grinder in your house can’t stop, make an appointment to see us by calling 360-491-4884. Dr. Ehrmantrout can help determine the cause of the problem and possibly even prescribe a custom mouthpiece to help break the habit.

Senior Pictures Coming Soon? Try Invisalign!

Why Is It So Important to Have Straight Teeth?

Some people wonder why we work so hard to give our patients straight teeth. Of course it’s nice to have a smile full of evenly aligned teeth, but did you know that straightening your teeth can keep them healthier? Straight teeth lead to better oral hygiene, increasing your chances of keeping your own natural teeth for a lifetime.

Straight teeth are less prone to decay, because they collect less plaque – the sticky colorless substance that forms on our teeth and leads to tooth decay; and they are easier to keep clean!

If you’re wondering whether your teeth might cause problems because they are out of alignment, give us a call at 360-491-4884 to set up a consultation. Dr. Ehrmantrout can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment.

Invisalign World Wide

For those of you who don’t already know, Invisalign® is a great way for orthodontic patients to straighten their teeth without worrying about having a mouth full of metal wires and brackets. Recently I travelled to Costa Rica for an Invisalign study group and a chance to meet with my dedicated Invisalign technicians.

After returning from the study sessions I am pleased to announce that Hawks Prairie Orthodontics now offers Invisalign Teen for qualified teenage patients. Invisalign Teen aligners are made especially for teens! Teens can wear the invisible aligners without the worry or self-consciousness of traditional metal braces. Invisalign aligners are clear and unnoticeable, they are easy to take care of, simple to remove and most importantly, the aligners are comfortable! We do still offer adult Invisalign treatment as well; so if you are an adult or teen and interested in orthodontic treatment without all the metal, please contact our office and find out more about Invisalign and Invisalign Teen.

6th Graders get a Lesson in Oral Health

During the month of October Dr. Ehrmantrout invites local sixth graders from the North Thurston School District to visit for an in-office field trip! Students get to see firsthand what it’s like to work as a dentist and in a dental office. Dr. Ehrmantrout gives a one hour educational lesson with discussions and videos. Students then have four different stations they rotate through, including: dental records, dental problems and materials, general dental hygiene and last but not least a video game session. Throughout the field trip students learn about the importance of dental hygiene with a behind-the-scenes, hands-on look at what it takes to keep their teeth looking great.

Braces that make even Teens Smile!

In the past Invisalign® has been used to treat adult patients; however, Align Technology (the makers of Invisalign) have created Invisalign Teen – which is great news for all teenage orthodontic patients!

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!

As an orthodontist, one of the greatest concerns about Invisalign for teens was that many teens began treatment when they were much younger and many of their permanent teeth had not erupted. With Invisalign Teen this is no longer a concern! If permanent teeth are still on their way in, orthodontists can order special aligners with specially designed tabs that allow permanent teeth to erupt without disrupting the progress of the other teeth, but still come in straight.

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! If you or your teen is considering orthodontic treatment, please contact us and we’ll answer any questions you may have about Invisalign Teen – the invisible braces that can make even teens smile about orthodontics!

Welcome Christy Richmond!

We would like to extend a warm welcome to the newest member of our team at Hawks Prairie Orthodontics. Christy Richmond has joined us as our new scheduling coordinator. We are delighted that Christy has joined our practice and we invite you to join us in welcoming her!

iBraces or Invisalign?

Lingual braces (ibraces) are similar to braces placed on the cheek surface of the teeth in terms of adjustment time. It will take approximately 2 weeks for the patients tongue to adjust to the braces. In terms of price, lingual braces are more expensive due to a significant lab cost, however this payment is spread out (if neccessary) over the course of treatment. My office does offer Invisalign as well, and I feel that we can accomplish our goals with Invisalign in most cases. The cost of Invisalign is within a few hundred dollars of our braces placed on the cheek surface of the tooth. Call our office for a consultation to determine the perfect method for you!

What’s so Special About an Orthodontist?

We often find our patients wondering about the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist.

Dr. Ehrmantrout started out in dental school and got a DDS (dental) degree, just like your dentist. But after dental school, Dr. Ehrmantrout decided he/she wanted to learn more about orthodontics, which is one of nine specialties in the dental field.

So he/she stayed in a school for a few more years to become an expert in orthodontics, which focuses on tooth and jaw alignment and bite problems such as overbites and underbites.

Fluoride is your Friend

There are so many ways you protect your teeth throughout your orthodontic treatment. You brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly and protect your mouth and appliances from being damaged. But did you know there is another, often forgotten about, way to keep your teeth clean and healthy during your treatment? Fluoride – a mineral that helps prevent cavities and tooth decay – can help keep your teeth strong! Fluoride comes in two varieties, topical and systemic. Topical fluoride is applied directly to the tooth. Topical fluoride includes toothpastes and mouth rinses. Systemic fluorides are swallowed in the form of a dietary supplement. Dentists and orthodontists use in-office fluoride treatments to help protect the oral health of adults and children undergoing dental/orthodontic procedures.

Fluoride used in the dentist/orthodontists office is often times a stronger concentration than in toothpaste or mouthwash, but is available at some drug stores or a pharmacy (ask your doctor how to purchase professional strength fluoride). A fluoride treatment typically takes just a few minutes. After the treatment patients may be asked not to rinse, eat or drink for at least 30 minutes in order to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride. Depending on your oral health or doctor’s recommendation, you may be required to have a fluoride treatment every three, six or 12 months. Your doctor may also prescribe a fluoride product such as mouthwashes, gels or antibacterial rinses for at-home treatment.

When choosing your own fluoride product be sure to check for the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of acceptance. Products marked with the ADA seal of approval have been carefully examined and have met the criteria of the ADA for safety and effectiveness. Take care of your teeth, and smile bright!

Toothbrush Trivia

People have been brushing their teeth for thousands of years! In fact, the first “toothbrush” was created around 3000BC! Ancient civilizations used a thin twig with a frayed edge to rub against their teeth for cleaning.

The first toothbrush with bristles – similar to today’s toothbrushes – was invented in 1498 in China. Brushes were made out of bone or bamboo with bristles made from the hairs on the back of a hog’s neck.

It wasn’t until 1938 that the first nylon bristle toothbrush was introduced and people quickly became aware of practicing good oral hygiene.

Here are some other interesting facts about your toothbrush (and toothpaste):

· Most people are said to use blue toothbrushes over any other color

· The first toothpaste was used in 500 BC in China and India

· On average, children smile about 400 times per day

· Your toothbrush should be replaced every two months

· The first known toothpaste was used in 1780, Crest was introduced in the US in 1955 and Colgate in 1873

$1.50 for a Cavity

Vending machines are a quick way to satisfy hunger. You put in $1.50 and you get back a candy bar, bag of chips or even a soda…but that’s not all! Vending machines not only dispense sweet treats and caffeine bursts, but they also dispense cavities!


Every time you chow down on that chocolate bar the bacteria in your mouth have a party feasting on the sugar. The sugar quickly turns into acid; that’s right, ACID!!! The acid sits on your teeth and eats away at the tooth’s natural enamel (the stuff that protects your tooth from decay). When this enamel is eaten away by the acid on your tooth, you get a cavity! Brushing your teeth after eating a sugary treat can help prevent cavities; but before you indulge remind yourself: “can’t brush? Hold the sugar!”

When choosing a snack, consider these nutritional options that will not only satisfy your hunger and that “sweet tooth”, but won’t cause acid build up resulting in cavities:

· Fresh Fruits (berries, oranges, melon, pears, etc)

· Raw Vegetables (broccoli, celery, carrots, etc)

· Bread

· Pretzels (low salt)

· Milk (low or non-fat)

· Cheese (low or non-fat)

· Nuts and seeds (pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, etc)

· Sliced meat

Everybody Benefits from Braces!

Everybody Benefits from Braces!

Braces aren’t just for pre-adolescents and teenagers anymore! Anyone, at any age, can benefit from orthodontic care; whether it is correcting a problem not treated in your younger years, or catching a problem early.

To ensure the best overall treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive an orthodontic consultation as early as age seven. If a problem is evident, taking action early can spare a lot of treatment and expense down the road.

If you never received orthodontic treatment when you were young, don’t worry! You’re never too old for a beautiful smile. Set up an appointment for a consultation and find out how adult orthodontics will transform your smile, and your life!

When Are Two Phases of Treatment Necessary?

Usually patients in orthodontic treatment already have their permanent teeth – they are pre-teens, teens and adults. But in some cases we have to start treatment earlier, even before the patient’s permanent teeth come in. We call this “two-phase treatment.”

When we have patients with clear developmental problems at an early age, it’s best to start work when they are young, before the problems get bigger and more difficult to treat. Examples include an upper or lower jaw that is not growing correctly, or a mouth growing in a way that doesn’t leave enough room for all the permanent teeth to come in, or what we call a “severe malocclusion” (the orthodontic word for “bad bite” which means the jaws don’t fit together correctly).

In these cases we will start early and do one round of treatment – phase one – while the patient still has “baby teeth.” Phase one usually does not involve braces, but can include a different type of appliance that helps the jaw grow into place properly. We’ll follow up with phase two usually a few years later, when permanent teeth are in place. Generally phase two involves standard braces.

In order to catch any early problems, we recommend that children have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven (and so does the American Association of Orthodontics). However, if your dentist or pediatrician sees any sign that early treatment might be necessary, he or she may recommend your child visit our office even sooner.

Office Contests

Office Contests
Office Myspace Contest

For the 1st quarter of 2008, the office created an official myspace account (www.myspace.com/drzachehrmantrout). We held a contest for the 1st quarter of 2008, the rules of which were as follows:

1. Create a myspace account and request Dr. Ehrmantrout to be your friend
2. Place Dr. Ehrmantrout in your "top 8" friends
3. Link Dr. Ehrmantrout's Youtube video (www.youtube.com/watch?v=6EfKIEMEspg) to your myspace web site

We then randomly drew from a hat 1 winner who received an ipod Nano or Nintendo DS (their choice).

We currently have a second contest going, with the same criteria. The winner will be chosen on September 15th, with the prize being an ipod shuffle.



Cheyenne, the winner of our April, 2008 Myspace Ipod Nano contest.

Questions About the Damon System? Here's Answers

A Great Story and A Must Share

I came across this story and had to share:

Omaha orthodontist Dr. Clarke Stevens tries to run a fun practice.

He keeps videos running in his office. He holds contests. One day, he noticed an 8-year-old patient's little heart necklace. "I thought, 'You know, it would be cute if she had hearts on her teeth'."

So he found a manufacturer to make brackets for braces in shapes. He started in 2001 with hearts and stars. Then he added soccer balls, footballs, flowers and diamonds to the patented WildSmiles Braces lineup.

They're popular with kids, he said, but some adults opt for them, too. Women in their 40s have chosen them. Two 50-year-old guys picked footballs.

The company now sells the braces around the world — they're big in South America — and has representatives in Dubai, London, Australia and Spain, Stevens said. About 460 doctors now use WildSmiles, which he said are made in the United States.

Shaped brackets might add $35 to an orthodontist's costs, he said, but most don't pass that on to patients.

Final Patient Testimonial: Invisalign

This is my final patient testimonial for awhile. Readers keep asking for them, so I keep posting them, but I think that the ones I have chosen definitely get the message out. The new advances in orthodontic treatment (from Damon Brackets to Invisalign aligners), definitely make getting braces an easier and more comfortable experience. While there are many options out there, only one is right for you. So while considering orthodontic treatment, don't hesitate to ask me any questions you might have.

Patient Testimonials Continued: Damon Brackets

A Patient Testimonial: Invisalign

If you have been curious about which orthodontic treatment is best for you, I highly encourage you to consult your orthodontist as well as the peanut gallery. Where can you find this peanut gallery I speak of? On YouTube of course. With the internet becoming the number one form of communication today, it's understandable that opinions on all sorts of things (even orthodontics) will be easily found. On YouTube, I as well as many other orthodontists, have worked hard to post relevant video about the different types of orthodontic treatment. Beyond this, the patients are taking things into their own hands by posting video about how their treatment is working. Here is a great patient testimonial about Invisalign that I found:

iBraces - The Next Generation

I stumbled across this very cute and funny video and had to share. Though traditional iBraces aren't exactly like this, it's still quite fun to watch:



To learn about what iBraces are really like, keep reading this blog for more information.

Science Evolves and Orthodontics Follows

As an orthodontist in Olympia, WA, I try to keep up with the latest trends and scientific achievements. Despite all the things I've heard people try in orthodontics, this latest treatment surprised even me: Researchers Use A Patient's Own Bone To Accelerate Orthodontics.

As the bone begins to heal, it softens slightly, allowing teeth to be moved into alignment with dental braces in a matter of months, rather than the years required with traditional orthodontics. The cost for accelerated orthodontics typically ranges from $10,000 to $15,000, depending on the course of treatment.

For those of you who don't want to read the whole thing, let me quickly summarize it for you: Accelerated orthodontics is a new form of treatment that involves surgery and bone grafting to help speed up the orthodontic process. This is typically used with adults who's bones have already matured. From the sounds of it, the procedure seems a bit too invasive. If you're looking for a quick and successful way to achieve that perfect smile, consider Damon System Braces instead.

Getting Invisalign in Olympia, WA

As an orthodontist in Olympia, WA, I have many patients ask me what treatment is best for them. There are many differences between Damon Braces, traditional braces, and Invisalign (invisible braces), but the end result is always the same: a healthier, straighter smile. If you're not sure if you want Invisalign or not, ask yourself the following questions:

1. Do you feel that having braces might effect your overall view of yourself? How will it effect this view?
2. Do you feel that braces might be inconvenient? Does your schedule allow for you to come in once a month for tightening of your wire?
3. How do you feel about brushing around braces? Would you prefer the opportunity to take off your braces while you eat and brush?

If you answered "yes" to any of these, then Invisalign might be for you. Invisalign offers an invisible option to straighten your teeth with clear aligners that you can remove while you eat and brush. If you're interested in Invsalign in Olympia, WA, contact my office for an initial consultation.

Damon Braces in Olympia, WA - Some Visuals

I've had a lot of patients ask me for more information about getting Damon System Braces in Olympia, WA. For the most part, they see before and after pictures and realize that Damon braces are the way to go. Still, to help my patients better understand Damon, I like to use relevant video along with pictures and other detail. Here is a video to help explain what Damon braces are all about!

Not smiling?

Start Smiling Today!

There are many concerns patients face when thinking about orthodontic treatments. The look of traditional braces, discomfort, marks left on teeth, length of treatment, not being able to eat their favorite foods, the cost the list goes on.

At our practice Dr. Ehrmantrout has a legacy of not only providing excellent results to meet your smiling goals, he also takes special care to make sure each step of the way your treatment is comfortable, suitable for you Hawks Prairie Ortho also provides flexible payment terms.

Whether you have a common problem like an overbite, underbite or crooked teeth, or maybe you want to work towards the beautiful smile for your wedding. As a bride or groom having a beautiful smile is essential as your dress and tux.

Why not have your beautiful smile work done in one of Washington's most beautiful areas in Olympia?

Shorter Treatment Time:

Using the newest technology and Damon system treatment, the number of office visits, level of discomfort, and overall treatment time can be reduced significantly, offering patients flexibility, convenience, and hassle-free treatment involving less pain with use of light
active forces.

Non-Extraction Philosophy:

Dr. Ehrmantrout believes in preserving the integrity of each smile through a concerted effort to retain all teeth. He has had tremendous success in producing full smiles and profiles through non-extraction.

Treatment Options:

Dr. Ehrmantrout offers Damon metal and hybrid braces, ceramic braces, gold braces, lingual braces, as well as Invisalign.

So call today 360-491-4884 or visit our website for more information about Dr. Ehrmantrout and Hawks Prairie Ortho.

Our Orthodontic Treatment Philosophy - Orthodontics and Braces in Olympia and Lacey Washington

From growing up in Olympia, Washington (WA), the orthodontic needs of the Olympia and Lacey communities are well understood. At Hawks Prairie Orthodontics, we pride ourselves on our ability to build beautiful smiles through top orthodontic treatment including traditional metal braces, Invisalign (invisible braces), Damon System Brackets, and even treatment without braces. Below, I have defined our treatment philosophy to better display how we work with you to make your orthodontic treatment in Olympia and Lacey a one-of-a-kind experience worth smiling about!

Everything we do at Hawks Prairie Orthodontics centers around making both your teeth and face look better because of our treatment. Traditional orthodontics often requires the removal of up to eight teeth to allow for the necessary space to remedy a crowded mouth. Using the newest technologies, the extraction of teeth occurs far less than it used to. As a result our patients enjoy a beautiful final result along with the facial support that comes with maintaining all of your teeth for your lifetime. We do still extract teeth when it is apparent that either the face of the patient, or their overall dental condition, will benefit from such care. However, this decision is made only after exhaustively reviewing the patient diagnostic records as well as all non-extraction treatment choices. We want our patients to be happy with their final result now, as well as for the rest of their lives.

We are also committed to providing the care to our patients in as efficient and convenient a manner as possible. This means that we try to do as much work as we comfortably can at each visit as well as scheduling as much time as is practical between visits. Furthermore, since our office is open during evening and weekend hours, we make every attempt possible to minimize time away from school and work during the course of treatment. Our goal is to finish your care as well as possible with as little disruption of your daily life style as possible. The incorporation of the new wire and bracket technology we utilize assists us in achieving this goal.

Learn About Damon System Braces in Olympia, Washington

As an orthodontist in Olympia and Lacey Washington, I feel that it's necessary to use only the best and most advanced orthodontic technology available. As such, I am highly experienced and skilled at providing Invisalign and Damon System braces. Through the Damon System, you can straighten your teeth in a way that is faster and much more comfortable than traditional metal braces. The Damon System requires fewer office visits as well, so that you can continue to fill your schedule with fun and enjoyable activities without having to worry about your next orthodontic appointment. View my Damon video to learn more:

A Little History About Myself and My Practice

I grew up in Olympia, WA, graduating from Capital High School in 1996. I went on to attend the University of Washington, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Business in 2000. At the University of Washington I was elected to membership in Phi Beta Kappa, Golden Key, and Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Societies. Following my undergraduate training, I was accepted into the University of Washington School of Dentistry, one of the premier dental schools in the United States.

After graduating, I received my Orthodontic training at the University of Colorado Health Science Center. Here, I trained under many well known leaders of the Orthodontic profession, and became exceptionally proficient with the latest technological advances in Orthodontics and Dentistry.

I am Board Certified and a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, an honor enjoyed by less than one quarter of all orthodontists in the United States. I am also a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists, the Washington State Society of Orthodontists, the World Federation of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association, the Washington State Dental Association, and the Thurston-Mason County Dental Society.

My Orthodontic Practice, Hawks Prairie Orthodontics, Serves Central and Western Washington in Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater, Shelton, Centralia, Yelm, Dupont, Lakewood, University Place, Fort Lewis, Tacoma, and All Surrounding WA communities. To Learn more about Invisalign, Damon System Braces, and Your Orthodontic Treatment Options Simply Contact Me