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.