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!