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