Ask Dr. Martin: When should our child come in for a consultation?

GREAT question! Braces were originally considered to be best appropriate for teens. But these days, kids as old as seven are beginning their orthodontic treatment. Because preadolescent kids are typically not self-conscious, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists suggest it could be a good idea to start early.

Experts, however, say it depends on the treatment required. Some children who get braces at an early age end up in a second phase of treatment, and end up having braces well into their teenage years despite starting young.

Most orthodontic treatment begins between ages nine and 14, and the folks at AAO estimate most orthodontic treatment lasts from one to three years, with two years being the average. It’s important, however, that children be screened no later than age seven for Dr. Robert Martin and our team at Crofton Orthodontics to assess what the best age for treatment is.

We hope this helps! Give us a call at 410-774-4809 if you have any questions about your child’s treatment or to schedule a FREE consultation appointment!

At Crofton Orthodontics, access to your account any day, any time

At Crofton Orthodontics, we embrace new technology, whether it is through the innovative orthodontic treatments that Dr. Robert Martin offers, our high-tech web site and social networks, or our modern office conveniently located in Crofton, Maryland.

Did you know that patients at our office have 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, from the comfort of your own home! And, because we know folks sometimes forget, you can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

You, too, can 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!

When Are Two Phases of Treatment Necessary? Dr. Martin Explains...

Thanks for the question. Phase I, or early interceptive treatment, is limited orthodontic treatment (i.e. expander or partial braces) before all of the permanent teeth have erupted. Such treatment can occur between the ages of six and ten.

This treatment is sometimes recommended to make more space for developing teeth, correction of crossbites, overbites, underbites, or harmful oral habits. Phase II treatment is also called comprehensive treatment, because it involves full braces when all of the permanent teeth have erupted, usually between the ages of eleven and thirteen.

When we at Crofton Orthodontics have patients with clear developmental problems at an early age, it’s best to start work when they are young, before the problems get bigger and more difficult to treat.

Examples include:
•An upper or lower jaw that is not growing correctly
•A mouth growing in a way that doesn’t leave enough room for all the permanent teeth to come in
•A severe malocclusion, or bad bite, which means the jaw doesn’t fit together correctly

Has your child visited our Crofton, MD office for a complimentary consultation? If not, please give us a call and let Dr. Robert Martin help your child begin the journey to a gorgeous smile.

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!

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.

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.

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.