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When not working with patients at our Lacey and new Olympia offices, Dr. Ehrmantrout and staff are working to continue their education in the field of orthodontics through forums, study groups, and seminars.

Quarterly Invisalign Study Clubs

Every quarter, Hawks Prairie Orthodontics hosts an Invisalign study club for dental hygienists in the community. The next study club will be held at our new Olympia office on July 29th. Our hope with these events is to educate the dental and orthodontic community on the best practices of one of the most talked about treatments in the field, Invisalign. Dr. Ehrmantrout has treated many Invisalign cases the community, and will soon be receiving his Invisalign Premier Provider certification.

Annual Damon Forum

Each year, the entire team attends the Damon Forum, a yearly educational gathering for orthodontists offering the Damon System. We learn about new technologies and treatments to serve our patients better.

Levin Group Practice Management Seminar

Hawks Prairie Orthodontics is not just about Dr. Ehrmantrout and the clinical assistants. Our front office staff help our day to day operations, and help make your experience at our office enjoyable and worry-free. Therefore we are participating in a practice management seminar this week to find new and better ways to run both of our orthodontic offices.

All of these educational opportunities mean when you visit us at Hawks Prairie Orthodontics, you can rest assured that we are keeping up with the cutting edge of orthodontic technologies and practice, and providing you the highest level of service.

This week is a very exciting day for Hawks Prairie Orthodontics; our Olympia office has officially opened! Dr. Ehrmantrout is an Olympia native, and the addition of this new office will allow us to serve you, the Olympia and surrounding communities, better than ever before!

Please note that with the opening of the new office, the hours of both offices have changed!

New Lacey Office Hours

Monday & Tuesday: 8:30am - 6:00pm

Wednesday & Thursday: 8-30am-6:00pm

Friday: By Appointment Only

New Olympia Office Hours

Monday & Tuesday: 8:30am - 6:00pm

Wednesday & Thursday: Closed

Friday: By Appointment Only

Come see our new Olympia office today!

Because orthodontists can spot subtle problems with jaw growth or teeth while a child still has primary or “baby” teeth present, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends all children get a check-up with an orthodontic specialist no later than age seven.

Some problems are not so subtle, and you may notice them early on. If you see any of the following signs in your child, please make an appointment with Dr. Ehrmantrout immediately. (If your child is younger than seven, it is not necessary to wait till his or her seventh birthday to visit our office.) We want to identify any problems as early as possible so that we can implement the appropriate treatment at the appropriate time for your child’s individual needs.

1. Early or late loss of baby teeth
2. Difficulty in chewing or biting
3. Mouth breathing
4. Finger sucking or other oral habits
5. Crowding, misplaced, or blocked-out teeth
6. Speech difficulty
7. Jaws that shift or make sounds
8. Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
9. Teeth that stick out too far
10. Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or don't meet at all
11. Upper and lower jaws that don’t line up
12. Grinding or clenching of teeth

If your child is displaying any of these signs, contact us and set up an appointment!

If you have been told you have periodontal disease (also known as gum disease or periodontitis), you're not alone. An estimated 80 percent of American adults currently have some form of the disease! Periodontal diseases range from simple gum inflammation to serious disease that results in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. In the worst cases, teeth are lost.

Gum disease is a threat to your oral health. Research is also pointing to health effects of periodontal diseases that go well beyond your mouth. So we at Hawks Prairie Orthodontics want to let you know some interesting facts and ways to treat the disease.

What is Periodontal Disease?

"Perio" means around, and "dontal" refers to teeth. Periodontal disease is an infection of the structures around the teeth, including the gums and the bones that hold the teeth. The earliest stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis – an infection of the gums. In more severe forms of the disease, all of the tissues are involved, including the bone. Bacteria that live and reproduce on the teeth and gums cause periodontal disease.

Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

Symptoms may include the following:
--redness or bleeding of gums while brushing teeth or using dental floss
--halitosis, or bad breath
--gum recession, resulting in apparent lengthening of teeth
--"pockets" between the teeth and gums indicating that the bone which holds the teeth in the mouth is dissolving
--loose teeth
Gum inflammation and bone destruction are largely painless. Hence, people may wrongly assume that painless bleeding after teeth cleaning is insignificant, although this may be a symptom of progressing periodontitis. If your hands bled when you washed them, you would be concerned. Yet, many people think it's normal if their gums bleed when they brush or floss.

Periodontal Disease Affects Your Health

Periodontal disease is a putrid, festering infection of the mouth. Bacteria and inflammatory particles can enter the bloodstream through ulcerated and bleeding gums and travel to the heart and other organs. In recent years, gum disease has been linked to a number of health problems. Researchers are studying possible connections between gum disease and:
--Heart disease: Gum disease may increase the risk of heart disease. Gum disease also is believed to worsen existing heart disease.
--Stroke: Gum disease may increase the risk of the type of stroke caused by blocked arteries
--Diabetes: People with diabetes and periodontal disease may be more likely to have trouble controlling their blood sugar than diabetics with healthy gums.
--Premature births: A woman who has gum diseases during pregnancy may be more likely deliver her baby too early and the infant may be more likely to be of low birth weight.

Combating Periodontal Disease

--See your dentist! See your dentist every six months for a checkup! Regular professional cleanings and checkups make you feel good, look good, and could be a lifesaver!
--Brush and floss daily. Take your time and do it right!
--Use an anti-bacterial mouthwash. Daily use of an anti-bacterial mouthwash helps to disinfect the teeth and gums, and reduces the number of bacteria.
--Straighten your teeth. Crowded teeth are nearly impossible to keep clean. Orthodontic treatment can greatly reduce inflammation and periodontal disease.

--Hawks Prairie Orthodontics