Stay Cool with a Braces-Friendly Summer Treat!

Summer is here!

Kids and adults alike will now be spending more time outside being active and enjoying the hotter temperatures. What’s better on a hot summer day than a delicious treat that will cool you down after doing something active in the summer sun? Luckily, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) have just the thing, Watermelon Sorbet! You can find the complete recipe below:

Watermelon Sorbet

Ingredients
• ¾ cup water
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• 2 to 3 cups watermelon, diced, no seeds or rind

Directions
In a small saucepan, heat the water, sugar, and lime juice on medium high for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Chill this “syrup” at least 20 minutes. In the meantime, place the watermelon chunks in a food processor or blender and liquefy them. Add the chilled syrup to the watermelon puree and blend. Freeze sorbet in an ice-cream maker according to manufacturer’s directions. Serve immediately.

Happy Summer!

Ask Dr. Martin: “I got my braces. Now what?”

We love when patients ask us that question! Now that you’re wearing braces, it’s just as important to maintain a good oral hygiene regimen as you did before before orthodontic treatment began.

Braces are known to trap food particles and make it difficult to brush or remove plaque, which is why Dr. Robert Martin and our team at Crofton Orthodontics recommend that you brush and floss after every meal. We also encourage you to use a proxabrush to help with the smaller areas where your toothbrush doesn’t reach. We encourage the use of fluoride rinse is recommended as well; ask us for a recommendation.

When your braces are initially placed, your teeth are likely to be very sensitive. You may experience discomfort for up to 3 or 5 days, which is why we encourage you to eat soft foods during that time. Remember, the less pressure you put on your teeth, the less discomfort you will have.

You may also be thinking, “Okay, so what can I eat?” We would encourage you to avoid eating sticky, hard, crunchy or chewy snacks that can stick to your teeth.

Dr. Martin and team will tell you it’s crucial to regularly check your braces for bent or loose wires and brackets. In the event of a loose/broken wire or bracket, please call our Crofton, MD office immediately to schedule an appointment for repair.

Lastly, in addition to visiting Dr. Martin’s office during your orthodontic treatment for adjustments, you should visit your dentist for professional check-ups and teeth cleaning appointments about every six months, or as recommended by your dentist.

"Dentists, Orthodontists ... What's the Difference?"

“Dentists, Orthodontists, they’re all the same right?” We hear our patients asking this question as they wonder about the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist. Before becoming an orthodontist Dr. Robert Martin started out in dental school and earned a dental degree, just like your dentist. After dental school however, Dr. Martin decided he wanted to learn more about orthodontics, which is one of nine specialties within the dental field. So he stayed in school for a few more years and became an expert in orthodontics, which focuses on tooth and jaw alignment and bite problems like overbites and under bites.

Other dental specialties you may have heard of include endodontic (focusing on the soft tissue inside your teeth), periodontic (focusing on the gums and other tissues surrounding your teeth) and prosthodontic (focusing on restoring and replacing damaged teeth).

Isn’t it nice to know there’s a dental expert in Dr. Martin to help you through any type of treatment your teeth, jaw and gums might need?

We proudly offer complimentary consultations!

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

One of our commitments is meeting with you to help you explore all or the options available to you or your child. We offer complimentary consultations for those interested in orthodontic treatment. During this time, you'll have time reserved with Dr. Robert Martin, who will assess your particular needs as well as discuss treatment options available and answer any questions you may have. We place a high value on making sure you have complete information before beginning treatment.

If you have been thinking about obtaining the dazzling smile you’ve always wanted, we invite you to give us a call at one of our offices in Crofton, MD.

See you soon!

May is National Teen Self-Esteem Month!

At Crofton Orthodontic Associates, we know image is everything. At an age when image is so important, the thought of having braces may intensify the already-delicate confidence of today’s teens. Well, May is National Teen Self-Esteem Month, and during this time, parents are encouraged to act as positive role models, stop negative self-images, and improve confidence and security among teenagers.

One of the great ways to improve your confidence is to improve your smile. And that begins with a free consultation to our convenient Crofton, MD office. After all, what better time to avoid having crooked teeth in your adulthood than coming in for a consultation with Dr. Robert Martin?

We also proudly provide Invisalign Teen for today’s image-conscious teens and invite you to give us a call to schedule a consultation or ask us on Facebook!

Ask Dr. Martin: Who benefits from braces?

Braces aren’t just for pre-adolescents and teenagers anymore! Dr. Robert Martin will tell you that anyone, at any age, can benefit from orthodontic treatment, 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 with Crofton Orthodontics can spare a lot of treatment and expense down the road.

If you never received orthodontic treatment when you were young, don’t worry! You’re never too old for a beautiful smile at Crofton Orthodontics. Set up an appointment for a FREE consultation with Dr. Martin at our Crofton, MD office and find out how orthodontics will transform your smile, as well as your life!

Complimentary Consultations at Crofton Orthodontics

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

One of our commitments is meeting with you to help you explore all or the options available to you or your child. We offer complimentary consultations for those interested in orthodontic treatment. During this time, you'll have time reserved with Dr. Robert Martin, who will assess your particular needs as well as discuss treatment options available and answer any questions you may have. We place a high value on making sure you have complete information before beginning treatment.

If you have been thinking about obtaining the dazzling smile you’ve always wanted, we invite you to give us a call at one of our offices in Crofton, MD.

See you soon! Happy Valentine's Day!

Dr. Martin & team, supporting National Children's Dental Health Month

Each February for the past 61 years, the American Dental Association (ADA) has sponsored National Children's Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

For kids wearing braces, brushing and flossing can become more difficult, requiring extra time and vigilance to remove food particles that accumulate on and between the teeth and in braces. If the health of your teeth is ignored during treatment with braces, the results can be significantly compromised. Dr. Robert Martin is available and happy to explain why effective brushing and flossing is one of the most critical actions needed from patients during orthodontic treatment. Have you visited our Crofton, MD office? Give us a call and schedule a complimentary new-patient exam!

We also invite you to connect with us on Facebook!

Here comes the Braces Brigade!

At Crofton Orthodontics, we know our patients want to get as much out of their treatment as possible. That includes asking a lot of questions and making sure they take care of both their appliances and oral health.

Would you like to learn more about what to expect during orthodontic treatment, from someone with firsthand experience? Well, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recently developed the Braces Brigade blog, where past, present, as well as future orthodontic patients from coast to coast document their (or their child’s) orthodontic journeys.

Dr. Robert Martin and our team at Crofton Orthodontics encourages you to visit the Braces Brigade blog to read these great and informative blogs—who knows, maybe you’ll learn a thing or two! As always, don’t hesitate to give us a call at our Crofton, Maryland office if you have any questions about the Braces Brigade or your own orthodontic treatment with Dr. Martin!

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!

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!

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!

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.

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!

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