Happy New Year from all of us at Crofton Orthodontics!

The year is almost over, so Dr. Martin and our team thought we’d ask: what was memorable about 2010 for you, and what are you most looking forward to in 2011? Do you have a new year's resolution, or any exciting plans for the coming year?

Have a safe and happy New Year, to all our patients, friends, family, and all our dental and medical colleagues.

See you in 2011 everyone!

Ask Crofton Orthodontics: Do cold germs live on toothbrushes?

Thanks for the question! Fall is here, and with it comes the dreaded cold and flu season. After recovering from your cold, Dr. Robert Martin & our team at Crofton Orthodontics will tell you one of the most important steps you can take to avoid becoming reinfected is replacing your toothbrush!

Germs are known to linger on the bristles, and you risk prolonging your sickness by continuing to use the same toothbrush. Be smart - keep a spare, just in case! To protect your toothbrush from bacteria all year long, consider the following tips:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing

• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen

• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster

• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Worn bristles are less effective in properly cleaning your teeth, and can actually be damaging to teeth if used too long!

Hope these tips help! Feel free to call us at Crofton Orthodontics if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

What helps you relax at Crofton Orthodontics?

Dr. Martin and team understand not everyone is thrilled about visiting their orthodontist. But here at Crofton Orthodontics, we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit. Today, we’d like to know: What is it about our office that makes you comfortable or puts you or your child at ease? Is it something about our pleasant environment? Our courteous staff? Dr. Martin himself?

Let us know by posting on Facebook or by giving us a call!

Thanks to Invisalign at Crofton Orthodontics, moms and dads can have a great smile, too!

Hey parents! Focusing on your kids’ teeth and oral health so much that you’re neglecting your own? If you’ve been thinking about having your own set of perfectly-aligned teeth, Dr. Robert Martin and our staff at Crofton Orthodontics can help! We are specially trained to offer an adult-friendly option for straightening teeth called Invisalign.

This course of treatment consists of a set of clear aligners that are molded to fit your teeth using a proprietary technology. You wear them all day and night, except for meals, brushing, and flossing – when you can easily slip them out to make eating and cleaning a snap!

Because they’re clear, your teeth will be steadily straightening – and no one will know it but you! Please give us a call to set up a FREE initial consultation, so we can discuss the specifics of your treatment.

Ask Dr. Martin: Why are regular dental checkups so important?

Great question. If you're brushing and flossing daily properly during your orthodontic treatment, that’s wonderful! But, don’t forget that it’s also important for you to visit your general dentist every 3-to-6 months in addition to brushing your teeth and flossing (and visiting Crofton Orthodontics, of course). Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health, especially during orthodontic treatment.

Your general dentist can check for problems that might not be seen or felt, detect cavities and early signs of decay, treat oral health problems early and show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth.

During an oral exam your dentist can check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If you have not been to the dentist in the last six months, let us know during your next visit and we will provide a few great references in Crofton or neighboring communities here in Maryland!

A season of thanks

All of us at Crofton Orthodontics extend our best wishes to you, our patients, referring doctors and families, for a wonderful Thanksgiving.

We appreciate the opportunity to work together with you in the creation of your ideal smile and look forward to the day when your treatment is completed and you join our family of beautiful smiles, which we create daily at our Crofton office. It's a big food holiday, so be careful what you eat, especially with those braces!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Does Dr. Martin have your current contact info?

We hope you’re having a great week so far! There is nasty weather ahead this fall and winter in Maryland and across the eastern seaboard.

Please help Dr. Robert Martin and our staff at Crofton Orthodontics get prepared by calling us and letting us know if you have any new phone numbers or if your contact information has changed!

At times of power outages and inclement weather, we need to be able to get a hold of you. Please call us with any updates to phone numbers and addresses, so we may be able to reach you. Thank you and Happy Holidays from our entire staff!

National Young Reader's Week!

This week marks National Young Reader’s Week, and during this time, it’s more important than ever to remind your child to read on a regular basis. After all, reading helps kids develop the mind, expands a child’s knowledge base, activates his or her flow of ideas and boosts their confidence. Plus, reading is always fun!

Tell us: Are you reading a book this fall? If so, what’s on your reading list?

If you’re out of ideas for great fall reads, we encourage you to ask our staff for suggestions, and we’ll be happy to provide a few great titles. You may also ask a local librarian in Crofton or surrounding neighborhoods for some suggestions or check out various fall books for kids and teens that we found this morning, courtesy of Barnes & Noble.

Happy reading everybody!

Dr. Martin and Crofton Orthodontics, helping dispel myths about braces

Trust us when we say that we are aware that there are quite a few myths about orthodontics (and orthodontists) out there nowadays.

But before you buy into all those myths, we want you to get the facts! Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, help set the record straight and have provided some information that sheds some light on the myths and facts of orthodontics. We definitely encourage you to check them out today!

If you have any questions about braces or your orthodontic treatment at Crofton Orthodontics, please feel free to give us a call, ask us on Facebook or ask Dr. Martin during your next visit!

Dr. Martin & Crofton Orthodontics with the 411 on Halloween treats

For parents in Crofton worried about their kids going overboard on candies this weekend, sugar and other sweets, Halloween is a dreaded annual event (no pun intended).

Dr. Robert Martin and our staff will tell you those sweet, sour and sticky candies may taste great, but these treats are known to damage teeth, as well as braces! Did you know sour candies can be acidic to your teeth, and actually wear down the enamel that protects them? This can cause tooth decay and cavities! Sour and fruity candy, such as Starburst and Skittles, are the worst for your child’s teeth since these candies have a low pH value, which is known to ruin enamel. In addition, we also want your child to steer clear of sticky, chewy, gummy and nutty goodies.

Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists recommend softer treats, such as soft chocolate or peanut butter cups, or melt-in-your-mouth foods. Trick-or-treaters who indulge should make sure they brush and floss between teeth, around brackets and at the gum line. If damage occurs, call Crofton Orthodontics as soon as possible at (410) 721-3403.

We hope everyone has a fun, safe and scary Halloween!

Straight talk with Dr. Robert Martin

Past and current patients have asked us at Crofton Orthodontics why we work so tirelessly to give our patients straight teeth. Of course it’s great to have a smile full of evenly-aligned teeth, but did you know that straightening your teeth at our Crofton, Maryland office can keep them healthier as well? Straight teeth lead to better oral hygiene, increasing your chances of keeping your own natural teeth for a lifetime!

Straight teeth are less prone to decay, because they collect less plaque—the sticky colorless substance that forms on our teeth and leads to tooth decay; and they are easier to keep clean! If you’re wondering whether your teeth might cause problems because they are out of alignment, please give us a call at (410) 774-4809 to set up a FREE initial consultation. Our dedicated staff can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment.

Crofton Orthodontic Associates is Maryland’s choice provider for orthodontic care because we believe in giving patients more than just a great smile; we strive to give our patients a life-changing experience.

Write a review of Crofton Orthodontics!

At Crofton Orthodontic Associates, we believe in giving patients more than just a great smile; we strive to give our patients a life-changing experience.

Whether you've visited Dr. Robert Martin for a week, months or even years, we'd love to hear your feedback about how our practice is faring! There are lots of ways you can share your thoughts about our practice with the rest of the world, but we encourage you to head to our Google Local page and write a review there. After all, your generous reviews help Dr. Martin and team create more beautiful smiles!

You may write a review here. Thanks in advance and enjoy the rest of your weekend! Dr. Martin, as well as our entire team, look forward to reading your reviews!

Dr. Robert Martin & Crofton Orthodontics, helping dispel all the myths about braces

Happy Monday! Our team at Crofton Orthodontics are fully aware there are quite a few myths about orthodontics (and orthodontists) going around these days. But before you buy into those myths, Dr. Robert Martin and team think you should get the facts! Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists help set the record straight (no pun intended) and have shed some light on the myths and facts about braces. We encourage you to check them out today!

If you have any questions about orthodontics or your treatment here at our convenient Crofton, Maryland Orthodontic Office, feel free to give us a call at (410) 721-3403.

October is National Orthodontic Health Month! From Crofton Orthodontics

With October being National Orthodontic Health Month, our staff at Crofton Orthodontics thought we'd remind our patients to be careful when they bite into their treats this month.

Remember, caramels, taffy, nuts, bubble gum, popcorn kernels and suckers are some of the foods you should be avoiding this Halloween Season! Indulging in these foods can break your braces and lengthen your treatment time with Dr. Robert Martin!

Of course, October doesn’t have to be completely treat-less. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have provided a helpful list of tips and braces-friendly recipes for the Halloween Season. Check them out, and we hope you've had a wonderful weekend!

Crofton Orthodontics, helping you save face this fall

Let’s face it: sports-related injuries are common among children, let alone teens undergoing orthodontic treatment. In a recent survey, the American Association of Orthodontists discovered that 70 percent of parents said their biggest worry is that their child will get hurt while playing sports. But 67 percent admitted that their child doesn’t wear a mouth guard when participating in organized sports such as football, basketball, baseball and soccer. That’s why our team at Crofton Orthodontics is helping spread the word that many facial sports injuries can be prevented simply by reminding your kids to wear mouth guards.

When on the field this fall, please remember 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

Lastly, remember to ask us—Dr. Robert Martin will provide a mouth guard for any patient in active treatment.

Invisalign and your oral health, from Dr. Robert Martin

When considering treatment options in Maryland, patients often ask Dr. Robert Martin how Invisalign treatment is so different than traditional braces. Well, there are more reasons to smile about Invisalign with Crofton Orthodontics than you may know. Invisalign is a series of removable aligners that are nearly invisible, and besides straightening your teeth, can improve your oral health. Here’s how:

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 even 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. Martin the next time you’re in for an appointment. Or, you may post your question on our Facebook page! You can also read this article for more information on Invisalign and your oral health.

Celebrities and braces, from Crofton Orthodontics

Did you know that, back in 2002, Tom Cruise had braces? Yes, THE Tom Cruise. During this time, Cruise was 40 years old and filmed Minority Report, Austin Powers in Goldmember and the Last Samurai. Just check out his smile in Jerry Maguire, Rain Man or The Firm and compare to the post-braces Tom Cruise in Valkyrie or Tropic Thunder. The fact is, movie stars need to look their best for the silver screen, and it wouldn't be possible without orthodontists like Dr. Robert Martin.

In fact, lots of Hollywood stars have had orthodontic treatment. Check out this slideshow of famous faces with braces. If you’ve thought about getting the perfect smile you’ve always wanted, please give Crofton Orthodontics a call at (410) 721-3403.

Happy Wednesday!

"Hey Dr. Martin! What's the deal with retainers?"

Have you recently completed treatment at Crofton Orthodontics? Our staff would like to congratulate you again! Now that your braces have been removed, Dr. Robert Martin will provide—or has provided you—with retainers. You see, after braces come off, your teeth may shift out of position if they're not stabilized.

Retainers, however, provide that stabilization, and are designed to hold your teeth in their corrected, ideal positions until your bones and gums adapt to treatment changes. Wearing retainers exactly as instructed by Dr. Martin and our staff is the best insurance that the treatment improvements last for your lifetime!

It is absolutely crucial that you wear your retainer at all times. The only time you should remove your retainer should be when you're eating or brushing/flossing. Your retainer will not work as well as it should if it is not worn consistently. If you have additional questions about retainers or your treatment at Crofton Orthodontics, please give us a call at (410) 774-4809 and we'll try to answer any question you may have.

Have a great upcoming week!

At Crofton Orthodontics, access your account—any day, any time, anywhere

Access to your account, 24/7. Sounds simple and convenient, doesn’t it?

Patients at Crofton Orthodontics enjoy access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—all through our website. You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, all from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

You, too, may sign up for this convenient service on our website by clicking on the "Patient Login" button on our homepage. Please give us a call if you have any questions about getting started!

- Dr. Martin and team

Welcome to the Crofton Orthodontics blog!

For those who are new to our social networks, Dr. Robert Martin and our staff would like to welcome you to the official Crofton Orthodontic Associates blog! We've recently installed new ways to stay connected to our patients, including our Facebook page, YouTube channel and our very own blog, which we’ll be updating every week!

Feel free to leave a comment or question for our doctors and staff – we hope this will be a valuable resource for our patients, their families, and friends!

We hope you're having a fantastic rest of the summer!

Summer fun with Crofton Orthodontics!

It's still officially summer here at Crofton Orthodontics, which means a season full of vacations, adventures and great memories is here for another six weeks. Whether you're headed to a barbecue, an Orioles game, a camping trip, hitting the great American open road or just having fun in the sun, Dr. Robert Martin and our staff want to hear all about it! Leave a comment on our Facebook fan page and tell us about your summer!

We also encourage you to post any photos from your adventures to our Facebook wall!

Happy and safe travels. Enjoy summer while it's still here!

Ask Dr. Martin: Who, exactly, benefits from braces?

Ask, and Dr. Robert Martin will tell you that braces aren’t just for pre-adolescents and teenagers anymore. Anyone, at any age, can benefit from orthodontic care; whether it’s correcting a problem not treated in your younger years, or catching a problem early.

To ensure the best overall treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, recommends that children receive an orthodontic consultation as early as age seven. If a problem is evident, taking action early can spare a lot of treatment and expense down the road.

If you've never received orthodontic treatment when you were young, don’t worry! You’re never too old for a beautiful smile, says Dr. Martin. Set up an appointment for a free consultation at Crofton Orthodontics by calling (410) 721-3403 and find out how orthodontics will transform your smile, and your life!

Have a great weekend!

What do patients have to say about Crofton Orthodontics?

Crofton Orthodontics, serving Crofton, MD and surrounding areas, has been receiving some great patient reviews lately! Check out what our current patients are saying about Dr. Martin and team!

"The office personnel are extremely professional, friendly and helpful. The offices are beautifully decorated and clean. We love Dr. Martin!" ~Chartese

"The staff is extremely professional, friendly and personal." ~Lynda

"I've known Dr. Martin since 1980 (when he put my braces on!) and I have found him very patient friendly and extremely experienced!" ~Edward

"Dr. Martin and his staff has a very professional attitude towards the patients and the parents. They are very understanding and caring individuals. They make the children feel comfortable and the office environment gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling each and every time my son comes for his regular check up. Dr. Martin, keep up the good professionalism you have passed onto your Staff, those LADIES are the BEST!" ~Kim

"I love this office, my kids love the office. The staff is wonderful with the patients. I have recommended this office to one of my girlfriends and her daughter loves the office as well." ~Nicole

Dr. Martin, wishing you a happy Parents' Day!

Our team at Crofton Orthodontics wants to know, do you and your family have any plans for this weekend? If you didn't know already, the third Sunday of every July is Parents' Day! According to the Congressional Resolution, this holiday is a time for recognizing, uplifting, and supporting the role of parents in the rearing of children, similar to Mother's and Father's Day.

Dr. Martin and our team at Crofton Orthodontics would like to wish you a safe and happy Parents' Day! Thank you to all of the amazing parental role models in our Crofton, MD community! If you have any stories or pictures to share with us, we encourage you to share them on our Facebook page.

Have a great weekend,

-Crofton Orthodontics

What do you love about Crofton Orthodontics?

From your very first visit to Crofton Orthodontics our doctor and team strive to provide superior treatment in a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. We thought we’d ask you, our wonderful patients:

Have you been especially impressed by Dr. Martin's work? Did our team go out of their way to make your day? Are you in love with your new smile?

Whether you’ve just come in for a consultation or your family has been visiting our office for years, we’d love to hear your feedback. You can tell us by posting on our Facebook page or by giving us a call!

Thank you,

The team at Crofton Orthodontics

Ask Dr. Martin: Why the Damon® System?

The Damon System is revolutionizing the world of orthodontics, enabling Dr. Martin's patients to end treatment with full, natural smiles. This new orthodontic treatment enables teeth to move more comfortably than traditional braces and aligns teeth using light biologically-sensible forces. With the Damon System, finding that perfect smile is easier than ever!

Why is Damon® better?
One of the greatest benefits of Damon braces is their ability to achieve amazing results with faster treatment periods. Depending upon your specific situation, this may mean saving several months of treatment! After analyzing your particular needs, we will be able to provide you with a treatment plan that will have you smiling soon! Because Damon braces are so precise and effective, we can reduce the need for many of the time-consuming and complicated procedures that are used with traditional braces. Because Damon braces work more efficiently, fewer adjustments are required. As a result, your appointments will be faster and fewer in number. Due to the unique design of this new braces system, we can move your teeth into their correct positions with much less discomfort than traditional braces. Also, Damon braces are small, very comfortable, and easy to keep clean.

Dr. Martin is a certified Damon System provider. To learn more about the Damon System or your treatment here at Crofton Orthodontics, please give us a call. We look forward to hearing from you!

Crofton Orthodontics Wishing You a Safe and Happy Fourth of July

This Sunday, our team will celebrate America's 234th birthday. For most people, Independence Day is a time to celebrate, as well as commemorate, the anniversary of the signing of America's Declaration of Independence. It's also a time for most Americans to pay homage to all our soldiers - past and present - who lost their lives in battle - and those soldiers who continue to place themselves in danger every day so that Americans everywhere may celebrate our freedom.

Today, we thought we'd ask: what are your Fourth of July weekend plans? Are you heading to a barbecue? Hitting the great American open road with family?

We invite you to post your responses on our Facebook page! Please feel free to post photos as well!

Whatever you end up doing over Independence Day weekend, our entire staff hope you have a safe and happy Fourth of July weekend!

The advantage of Invisalign Teen™ at Crofton Orthodontics

Dr. Martin knows image is everything. At an age when image is so important, the thought of having metal brackets and wires constantly attached to teeth may intensify the already-delicate confidence of today's teens. But... not to worry! There is a clear alternative to traditional braces! The team at Crofton Orthodontics thought we'd remind you that Invisalign Teen™ gives you a whole new way to wear braces for a "clearly" amazing smile!

So how does Invisalign Teen work, you ask? Much in the same fashion 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!

The treatment period for Invisalign Teen varies from nine to 18 months. If your teen is considering orthodontic treatment, please contact us and we’ll answer any questions you may have about Invisalign Teen.

Crofton Orthodontics Celebrating the National Smile Month

It's June already! Where does the time go?

Dr. Martin and team are excited to tell you June marks National Smile Month, a great time to remind our patients to brush, floss, practice good nutrition at home (and over the summer) to avoid cavities and gum disease, among other dental health issues.

After all, there's more and more evidence that suggests folks with gum disease are more at risk for serious health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and strokes.

Here are a few easy steps you can improve your oral health at home:

* Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
* Floss everyday to clean between your teeth and braces
* Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks during orthodontic treatment.
* Visit your general dentist regularly (usually every six months apart).

If you have questions about any of the tips here, we encourage you to give us a call!

Meet Our Orthodontist

Dr. Robert Martin earned a bachelor of arts degree from the City University of New York. Following graduation from the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Dental Medicine where he was class recipient of the Pediatric Dentistry Award, he served in the United States Air Force as a general dentist and was stationed in Texas and Vietnam. During his tour in Vietnam, he performed general dental procedures on our servicemen as well as pediatric dentistry in the orphanages and remote “hamlets of the countryside.” He returned to the University of Pittsburgh where he completed a thirty-month graduate doctorate program in orthodontics in 1973, which required original research and a thesis publication.

In the 1999 and 2003 issues of Baltimore Magazine, Dr. Martin was voted by his peers as one of the most “Outstanding Orthodontists” in the Annapolis/Baltimore area. He was also featured in the 2007 and 2008 What’s Up Annapolis magazine article for being an outstanding orthodontist.