Our Blog

Everyone loves fun facts. Fun, fun, fun. The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, has come up with some fun facts about orthodontics that Dr. Ehrmantrout and our team at Hawks Prairie Orthodontics thought you might enjoy.

• There are nearly 4 million people in orthodontic treatment throughout the United States. Three out of four are younger than 18.

• The first mechanical treatment for correcting irregular teeth was suggested by Gaius Plinius Secundus (A.D 23-79).The American Association of Orthodontists is comprised of more than 12,000 members in the United States, Canada and abroad.

• The time required to complete orthodontic treatment ranges from 12 to 36 months depending on the nature and severity of the problem.

• Of the 160,000 dentists in the United States and Canada, 8,000 are practicing orthodontists.

• The cement that attaches the braces to the teeth is now made with a special fluoride-releasing substance.

• Wires activated by body heat used in today's braces originally were developed by NASA for use in the space program.

• Famous orthodontic patients include: Dr. Joyce Brothers, Hale Irwin, Cher, Diana Ross, Phyllis Diller, Chelsea Clinton, Whoopi Goldberg, Daisy Fuentes and Brandi.

Hawks Prairie Orthodontics, with offices in Lacey and Olympia, and serving surrounding communities, is situated around some pretty special neighborhoods here in Washington. Each community is unique with its own personality, created by the people and places (and our amazing young patients) living within.

Today, Dr. Ehrmantrout and our team thought we'd ask: What are your favorite things about Lacey or Olympia? Is there a local event you like to attend every year? Do you have a favorite eatery? Perhaps a favorite Washington getaway?

Please feel free to share some information about your favorite local hang-outs in Lacey or Olympia, and everything you love best about “your neck of the woods.” And, who knows, Dr. Ehrmantrout and team just might post your response on our social networks! Enjoy your weekend!

Here is Lydia, a recent contest winner at our office. She won a limousine ride from school to the mall in west Olympia, as well as shopping and dining out at the mall with her friends. Olympic Limousine provided the services.

Here is the criteria for entering the drawing:
1. Excellent oral hygiene
2. No broken brackets, appliances, or wires
3. On time for the appointment
4. Excellent elastic wear if wearing elastics

We also have daily points awarded, called "Trout Dollars" based on the same criteria, in which the patient can accumulate dollars to purchase prizes from our "Trout Store," such as gift cards to restaurants. Remember, every quarter we have a drawing for a prize. You could be our next winner. Call us and ask about upcoming contests!

At Hawks Prairie Orthodontics, we know how important it is to protect your face. The spring months bring an increase in outdoor activities and a greater chance of damaging your mouth and pearly whites. Dr. Ehrmantrout and our team also know sports-related injuries are common among children. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, 70 percent of parents said their biggest worry is that their child will get hurt while playing sports. That’s why the team at Hawks Prairie Orthodontics are doing our part to spread the word that facial sports injuries can be avoided simply by reminding your kids to wear mouth guards. Ask us—Dr. Ehrmantrout may recommend the best mouth guard for you.

In addition, the AAO has provided the following tips for keeping your kids safe on the field. Please remind them to:

• Wear mouth guards during contact sports
• Wear a helmet
• Stretch before and after a game or practice
• Wear protective eye wear
• Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
• Be observant—even as a spectator

All of these can reduce injuries. Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Be sure to avoid mouth guards that custom form to your teeth as these will resist any tooth movements Dr. Ehrmantrout is trying to achieve. Lastly, please give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at Hawks Prairie Orthodontics.