Softly Brushing Your Way to Clean Teeth

Just as there are so many different types of toothbrushes to choose from, each brush also has a different type of bristle! There are generally three different types of bristles; hard, medium, and soft. We always recommend that our patients, especially children and seniors, use a soft bristled toothbrush.

Using a hard and medium bristled brush can actually harm your teeth and gums by stripping the enamel from the teeth and irritating the gums so that they become red and sore, and can even cause gum recession. If you do use a hard or medium bristled brush as a personal preference, we recommend using an electric toothbrush.

Soft bristles are much gentler on your teeth and gums, and while patients of all ages are recommended to use soft bristled brushes, they are particularly great for children, seniors, patients recovering from a dental procedure, and patients wearing braces.

Soft bristles, and even extra-soft bristles are every bit as effective when it comes to cleaning your teeth; in fact, if you currently use a hard or medium bristled brush, try a soft bristled brush next time you buy a toothbrush and we bet you won’t even notice a difference!

--Dr. Ehrmantrout

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.

Dr. Zach Ehrmantrout: Now An Invisalign Premier Provider

We are proud to announce that Dr. Ehrmantrout is now an Invisalign Premier Provider! He is now one of only two doctors in the Olympia and Lacey area to achieve this distinction. See for yourself on Invisalign's doctor locator.

What makes an Invisalign Premier Provider so special?

Every doctor who wishes to offer Invisalign treatment must undergo training with the makers of Invisalign, and can then become a certified Invisalign provider. To reach Premier Provider status however, the doctor must complete many successful cases of Invisalign treatment each year. Dr. Ehrmantrout has achieved this distinction through extensive experience using Invisalign, and works with many patients each year to create beautiful smiles.

If you have been considering Invisalign treatment, know that you are in great hands at Hawks Prairie & Olympia Orthodontics! Give us a call at 360-491-4884 to schedule your free consultation for Invisalign or Invisalign Teen.

Braces 101 From Hawks Prairie & Olympia Orthodontics

Should you need to call Dr. Ehrmantrout in case you sustain any damage to your braces, we can help you more effectively if you can tell us exactly which piece is in trouble! Here’s a handy diagram and corresponding list of all the parts that make up your braces.



Elastic Tie: Tiny rubber band that fits around the bracket to hold the archwire in place.


Archwire: The main wire that acts as a track to guide the teeth along. It's changed periodically throughout treatment, as teeth move to their new positions.

Loop in Archwire: Frequently used for closing space left by an extraction. Many archwires don't have a loop.

Bracket: Small attachment that holds the archwire in place. Most often, a bracket is cemented directly onto the tooth's surface, eliminating the need for a band.

Headgear Tube: Round, hollow attachment on the back bands. The inner bow of the headgear fits into it.

Coil Spring: Fits between brackets and over archwire to open space between teeth.

Tie Wire: Fine wire that is twisted around the bracket to hold the archwire in place.

Band: A thin ring of metal fitted around a tooth and cemented in place. The band provides a way to attach the brackets to the tooth.

Hook: Welded or removable arm to which elastics (rubber bands) are attached.

Elastic (Rubber Band): Small rubber band that is hooked between different points on the appliance to provide pressure to move the teeth.

--Hawks Prairie & Olympia Orthodontics

The Myths and Facts of Orthodontics From Hawks Prairie & Olympia Orthodontics

There are quite a few myths about orthodontists circulating around. Before you buy into those myths, you should get the facts! We came across a great site that helps set the record straight. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have some excellent information on the myths and facts of orthodontists, check them out today!

Hope this helps,

--Dr. Ehrmantrout

Hawks Prairie Orthodontics Around the Web

If you've ever visited us at Hawks Prairie & Olympia Orthodontics, you already know that Dr. Ehrmantrout and the rest of the team love connecting with their patients. We love the ability to communicate with all of you online too! Besides our web site and our blog, Hawks Prairie & Olympia Orthodontics are on several other networks too!

* Share a video with us, or watch one of ours on YouTube

* Become a "fan" of Hawks Prairie & Olympia Orthodontics on Facebook

* View and comment on our photos on MySpace

See you around the web!

--Hawks Prairie & Olympia Orthodontics

Summer Fun with Hawks Prairie & Olympia Orthodontics!

Its summer here at Hawks Prairie & Olympia Orthodontics, a season full of vacations, adventures and great memories. Whether you are headed to a barbeque, a camping trip, or just having fun in the sun, we want to hear about it! Leave a comment on our blog and tell us about your summer!

Happy Travels,

-From Hawks Prairie & Olympia Orthodontics