We're BAAAAACK!

We are back! The Damon forum was great! We all had such a wonderful time but man we are all so happy to be home!

Some neat items coming down the road include bicuspid to bicuspid clear Damon braces for the upper arch (currently we are only able to offer cuspid to cuspid). We are also beginning to offer customized Damon braces for select cases, which includes a process similar to what we do for Invisalign treatment (It is called Insignia if you want to google it).

Check out our Facebook page for more photos and be sure to ask Dr. Ehrmantrout what else he learned at the Damon Forum during your next visit!

Damon system animation - Hawks Prairie Orthodontics

Here is a cool animation about the Damon system that we proudly offer at our Lacey and Olympia office.

Probably the biggest advantage of Damon braces over traditional brackets is the amount of time and effort involved. Dr. Zach 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.

Dr. Ehrmantrout is a leading specialist in this system! Give us a call to learn more!

The "Bracelift" Facelift, an interesting article about the Damon System

Dr. Ehrmantrout recently read an interesting article about the use of the Damon System with adults. This is just another example that braces aren't just for kids! Have a look at this article and let us know what you think! (Article originally from the September Issue of Life after 50)

As we grow older, many of us turn to expensive and invasive cosmetic treatments ranging from lip augmentations to facelifts in an effort to retain a youthful appearance. More and more adults, however, are now turning to less traumatic orthodontic treatments as an anti-aging tool and are gaining not just a beautiful smile, but some remarkable facial aesthetics, as well.“Bracelift” treatments can help you look younger and feel more confident about your appearance than ever before. Of course, most people want a nice smile with straight, white teeth, but properly aligned teeth can do much more than just improve a smile. By enhancing the alignment and widening the arch of the teeth, orthodontic treatment can create better facial balance and aesthetics, lending the appearance of fuller cheeks and lips, smoother and higher cheek contours, and broader smiles, as well as compensate for the inevitable loss of facial muscle over time.

Braces? At my age?
While the thought of braces may conjure up images of a metal-mouth teenager—perhaps you’ve even seen wildly-colored braces on your children or grandchildren—new technology is making treatment faster, more comfortable and more discrete. These advancements are also helping orthodontists achieve remarkable aesthetic results for patients. Bracelift patients often experience a dramatic improvement in their overall appearance. Beyond just straight teeth, they can gain a broader arch, more mid-face support, and a fuller, wider smile with wall-to-wall teeth, resulting in a more youthful look. HOW IT WORKS Unlike traditional braces, the Damon System incorporates “tieless” brackets instead of elastic ligatures to hold the archwire in place. These brackets allow the archwire to slide and move more freely, reducing the friction and tension on the teeth. Patients report the brackets more comfortable than traditional braces, but extremely easy to keep clean. Far more than just a bracket, the Damon System uses archwires made of a unique hi-tech memory-shape alloy that is initially formed into the desired arch shape. Throughout treatment, the wire works to regain its original shape, gently moving the teeth into their optimal arch shape based on the patient’s unique biology. Because the system exerts only gentle pressure, the blood flow to the surrounding gum tissues is not interrupted, and teeth don't have to be extracted to make room as in the past.

No more pulling teeth
When H.H., now in her 40s, first arrived in her orthodontist’s chair in 1990, she suffered from extensive crowding of her teeth, loss of bone structure and tissue, TMJ and other issues. A common practice at the time would have been extractions of at least four teeth to make room to straighten her teeth with traditional braces. Because of the possible negative long-term impact removing teeth could have on the appearance of her face, her doctor initially advised against orthodontic treatment. Several years later, with the availability of more minimally invasive treatment using the Damon System, H.H. returned for treatment and was able to avoid tooth extractions. In addition to straight teeth, she gained a broader arch and wider smile that help accentuate her cheek contours and lip support, giving her a more youthful appearance.

More than good looks
We all know that healthy teeth are important to maintaining overall health, especially as we age and nutritional needs change. But we sometimes overlook the impact our teeth can have on our mental and emotional well-being. Poor alignment cannot only affect your speech and airway, contributing to sleep apnea, but also your self-confidence and poise. A “bracelift” can provide a life-long improvement to your overall appearance and self-confidence at a comparable cost to traditional orthodontic treatment. Of course, when seeking treatment, it’s important to consult a trained professional. And patients with severe periodontal disease should be aware that orthodontic treatment may impact their existing condition -Dr. Tom Pitts

The Ormco Insignia System at Hawks Prairie & Olympia Orthodontics

Recently Dr. Ehrmantrout has been certified in the patient customized bracket technique called Insignia, from Ormco. This system combines interactive software with custom milled patient specific Damon System brackets, customized wires and precision jigs for optimal placement of your brackets.

This means we can facilitate better, faster treatment results, even in complicated cases!

We are utilizing this on some of our patients now, and plan on implementing the Insignia system with all patients starting in January 2010. For more information, check out this video below, and head to the Ormco site! Ask about this exciting new technology at Hawks Prairie Orthodontics by calling 360-464-2502.

Damon Forum Offers Great New Information

Recently my staff and I attended the Damon Forum in Phoenix, AZ (Arizona) where we were able to learn more about the Damon product and the benefits it has for our patients. As you may already know, Damon provides patients with a more comfortable braces experience. Treatment times are shorter and Damon braces will straighten teeth with fewer extractions.

If you would like to learn more about the Damon System, please visit our web site, or contact our practice at 360-491-4884. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have. If you’ve been treated with the Damon System, or are currently receiving treatment, let us know about your experience.

Don’t forget to check out our great pictures from the Damon Forum!

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:

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.

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!

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