Our Blog

Who said the month of August is devoid of any holidays? It’s National Smile Week through Friday, and a great time for Dr. Zach Ehrmantrout and team to remind our patients to practice good oral hygiene this summer! After all, you want to keep those pearly whites shining during your orthodontic treatment and long after that! That, of course, includes brushing and flossing regularly, avoiding foods that can stain your teeth such as tea and coffee and visiting your general dentist here in Lacey or Olympia for regular checkups and cleanings.

And remember to smile at people you come across throughout the week, whether you know them or not! Smiles are contagious, and are wonderful to both give and receive. In addition, did you know that smiling can actually help you live longer, according to a recent study? We hope you're having a GREAT summer!

This is exciting.

If you refer five people who start treatment (braces or Invisalign) with Dr. Ehrmantrout, you could win an iPad! There are prizes for each referral who starts along the way! All you have to do is tell your friends to tell us YOU referred them and you could be the lucky owner of an iPad, iPod, a $100 Visa gift card and more!

Make sure you let us know when you refer a friend! Have a great friend!

At Hawks Prairie Orthodontics, we see smart patients who often ask Dr. Ehrmantrout how Invisalign treatment is so different than getting traditional braces. Well, there are more reasons to smile about Invisalign than you may know. Invisalign, which is a series of removable aligners that are nearly invisible, manages to straighten your teeth just as effectively as traditional braces, all while improving your oral health. Here’s how Invisalign can help improve your health, while shaping your healthy, beautiful smile:

Healthy gums: Straight teeth allow a close fit for gums. This lessens the gum stress that is caused by crowded or widely spaced teeth, thus also reducing red and swollen gums.

Easy cleaning: Invisalign is removable, therefore brushing and flossing is easier and you are able to maintain a healthy mouth. These habits are vital to avoiding tooth decay, plaque, and gum disease.

Improved speech and chewing: Properly-aligned teeth don’t have the discomfort or compound speech impediments that can be caused by crowded teeth or a deteriorating jawbone.

If you have any questions about Invisalign, just ask Dr. Ehrmantrout the next time you’re in for a visit. Or, you may post your question on our Facebook page!

Dr. Ehrmantrout and staff want to know: how would you like to blog about your experience in braces AND come away with a $100 American Express gift card? Thanks to the American Association of Orthodontists' Braces Brigade campaign, you can do just that!

To complete your Braces Brigade application, you'll need to provide your:

* Name
* Age – Must be 14 years of age or older
* E-mail
* Phone number
* Stage of orthodontic treatment
* A photo of your braces/smile
* A sample blog post – picture yourself as a member of Braces Brigade and show off those blogging skills! (100-word minimum)

Here's how it works: In your blog, you'll answer the following questions:

• Why did you decide to get orthodontic treatment at Dr. Ehrmantrout's office?
• What advice would you share with other orthodontic patients?
• What does it feel like to get braces on?
• What foods do you miss the most?
• What new foods have you discovered?
• Do your friends have braces or retainers?
• Where is the first place you’re going to show off your new, beautiful smile?
• How has your new smile changed your life?

If you happen to be under 18, your parents must fill out a consent form along with your official entry, giving you permission to enter the contest.

We strongly encourage you to apply for the Braces Brigade! If you get accepted, let us know during your next visit or post on our Facebook page!