Ask Dr. Ehrmantrout: “Where can I get more info about braces?”

Great question! Besides here on Dr. Ehrmantrout’s website, which provides you with a plethora of information about all things braces and Invisalign, we would like to point you to a helpful website: Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, have provided lots of important information about everything braces, including myths and facts of orthodontics, tips for a better orthodontic experience and cool webisodes about orthodontics.

We encourage you to check out AAO today and feel free to contact us if you have any questions here on our blog or on our Facebook page.

Hope this helps,

Dr. Ehrmantrout & Team

Does Dr. Ehrmantrout have your current contact info?

We hope you’re off to a great summer so far! If you are planning on traveling with family this summer or think you might not be able to make it to your scheduled adjustment appointment at our Lacey or Olympia office, please let us know ahead of time so that we may be able to accommodate you, as well as schedule another patient with Dr. Ehrmantrout at that appointment time.

Also, we ask that you give us a call and let us know if you have any new phone numbers or if your contact information has changed! Please call us with any updates to phone numbers and addresses, so we may be able to reach you. Thank you! Enjoy the rest of your week!

How important is your smile? From Dr. Ehrmantrout

With our Hawks Prairie Orthodontics office in Lacey, Washington and our Olympia Orthodontics office in Olympia, our expert orthodontist and talented staff are committed to excellent in orthodontics and we aim to provide patient-oriented care with your best interests in mind.

Dr. Ehrmantrout and team know having a beautiful smile is important to you. And it's important to us, too.

And speaking of smiling, in a new poll conducted by Glamour Magazine, people were asked, “If you had to pick between having perfect teeth, eyesight or hair, which would you choose?

Well, 44 percent of folks out there are choosing teeth! In addition, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, or AACD, conducted a study and found that 99.7 percent of those polled believed a smile is an important social asset. Respondents said straightness, whiteness, cleanliness, as well as the sincerity and sparkle of a person’s smile were all important factors not only socially, but career-wise as well.

As a native of Olympia, Washington, Dr. Ehrmantrout is an orthodontist dedicated to providing beautiful smiles in a comfortable, caring, and convenient environment. Give us a call to schedule your free initial consultation today!

Access your account—any day, any time, anywhere!

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!

Braces & Photoshop

This is an awesome way to get rid of your braces in your pictures! Adobe Photoshop is amazing and you can get a free trial! Anyone out there getting photos professionally done, you can request them do this to your pics instead of getting braces removed!

Connect with us on Facebook!

At Dr. Ehrmantrout's office, 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

Dr. Ehrmantrout & team, supporting National Children's Dental Health Month

Each February for the past 61 years, the American Dental Association (ADA) has sponsored National Children's Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

For kids wearing braces, brushing and flossing can become more difficult, requiring extra time and vigilance to remove food particles that accumulate on and between the teeth and in braces. If the health of your teeth is ignored during treatment with braces, the results can be significantly compromised. Dr. Ehrmantrout is available and happy to explain why effective brushing and flossing is one of the most critical actions needed from patients during orthodontic treatment. Have you visited our Lacey or Olympia, WA office? Give us a call and schedule a free initial consultation!

We also invite you to connect with us on Facebook!

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!

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!

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 and team wish you happy holidays!

The holiday season is upon us, and as Dr. Ehrmantrout and his team at Hawks Prairie Orthodontics reflect on the past, we’d like to ask you: What do you love about the holidays? Being with your loved ones? 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. Stay warm, and don’t forget to stay away from those sweets!

--Dr. Ehrmantrout and the team at Hawks Prairie Orthodontics

Updated staff bios and photographs!

Have you recently wondered what Dr. Ehrmantrout's team looks like? With the addition of the new "Meet the Staff" page on our web site, you can view our happy faces and even read short bios about us.

While you're cruising through our site, you may stop by and learn why choosing Dr. Ehrmantrout as your orthodontist is a good call. Or you can read a few testimonials posted by our loyal patients.

Call us if you have any questions! Happy Tuesday!

Patient reviews for Dr. Ehrmantrout!

Dr. Ehrmantrout and his team love getting patient reviews. And lately, Hawks Prairie Orthodontics, serving Lacey, Olympia and surrounding areas of Washington, has been getting some pretty great reviews! We thought we'd share some with you today! Happy Tuesday!

"The employees are very welcoming and patient. I love the technology as well." ~ Sarah W.

"Dr. Ehrmantrout is gentle with our daughter and he takes his time with her. He also is willing to explain things that we dont understand. The staff is great too...." ~ Marc T.

"Max likes your staff and we feel comfortable taking him to a state of the art facility! It's a very comfortable setting!" ~ Janice P.

"He took time to get to know us and was very helpful on explaining what the process for a better smile would be like." ~ George S.

Dr. Ehrmantrout and team want to know: What did you do in November?

Believe it or not, we’re almost in December – and in full holiday mode! But before you go celebrating, Dr. Ehrmantrout and team want to know: Did you do anything exciting this month? Do you have plans for Thanksgiving? If so, we'd love to hear all about it!

You may share your stories with us here, on our social networks or by giving us a call!
--The team at Hawks Prairie Orthodontics

A great fall braces-friendly recipe! From Hawks Prairie Orthodontics

Fall is here, and sometimes we here at Hawks Prairie Orthodontics just feel like a hot delicious meal is in order. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) made an appetizing (and braces-friendly!) fall dish that is sure to delight. Dr. Ehrmantrout would like to remind you that a healthy diet provides essential nutrients and helps you achieve the best possible result from your orthodontic treatment.

Pasta Pomodorini
Ingredients:
•¾ pound spaghetti or spaghetti
•¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
•¼ cup sliced garlic
•½ teaspoon finely minced Calabrian chilies, or 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
•1 pint small cherry tomatoes, stems removed, crushed between your thumb and forefinger
•Sea salt, preferably gray salt
•½ cup fresh basil leaves, each torn into 2 or 3 pieces
•Wedge of Parmesan cheese

Directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta. While the pasta cooks, heat the 1/4 cup olive oil in a large skillet over moderate heat. Add the garlic and cook until the slivers are golden brown and crisp, then add the chilies and cook for about 30 seconds. Raise the heat to high and add the tomatoes. Simmer briskly to soften the tomatoes and thicken the juices, about 3 minutes. Season with salt. When the pasta is al dente, scoop out about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta. Return the pasta to the warm pot off the heat. Add the sauce and the basil and mix well. Add some of the reserved cooking water if the pasta seems dry. Transfer to a warmed serving bowl and grate Parmesan over the top to taste. Drizzle with a little more olive oil. Serve immediately. Makes 4 servings.

Enjoy this great fall dish and have a great rest of the week!
--From the team at Hawks Prairie Ortho

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

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

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.