Tell Dr. Martin about your summer!

The dog days of summer are upon us, and what better time for Dr. Martin and our team at Crofton Orthodontics to ask our patients about their summer!

Whether you visited our nation’s capitol, went on a camping trip, visited the state fair or just stayed in town and hung out with friends, we want to know how you’re all spending your summer! Please feel free to share your summer plans and experiences with us below or on our Facebook page as the summer comes to an end soon for a lot of our patients!

We look forward to reading all about your adventures! Enjoy the rest of your summer!

Smile wide! It's National Smile Week!

It’s National Smile Week, and a GREAT time to remind our patients at Crofton Orthodontics to practice good oral hygiene to keep those teeth shining during your orthodontic treatment!

This includes brushing and flossing regularly, avoiding foods that can stain your teeth such as tea and coffee and visiting your general dentist in Bowie, Crofton or surrounding communities as recommended.

And remember to smile at people you come across throughout the week, whether you know them or not. Smiles are contagious, and are a good thing to give and to get. In addition, smiling can actually help you live longer, according to a recent study! We hope you’re all having a relaxing summer!

- Dr. Martin and team

Ask Dr. Martin: What, exactly, are cavities?

Dr. Robert Martin and team know one word nobody wants to hear when they visit the dentist – especially during their orthodontic treatment – is Cavity! That’s right, the dreaded cavity; but what exactly are cavities and how do they happen? A cavity is a hole that develops in a tooth when the tooth begins to decay. It’s important to get a cavity filled as soon as it’s detected so that it does not grow bigger.

So, what causes a cavity? A cavity is caused by plaque, a sticky substance that forms on the tooth as a result of germ and bacteria build-up. Plaque is acidic and as it clings to your teeth the acids eat away the outside of the tooth (also called the enamel) and a hole is formed. Yes, cavities can be repaired by your general dentist, but here are a few simple steps you can take to prevent cavities at home:

• Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily
• Gently brush your gums to keep them healthy (when choosing a toothbrush it is recommended to use soft bristles)
• Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food that may be caught between the teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach
• Limit the amount of soda and sugary treats you eat/drink
• Be sure to visit your dentist every six months – or as recommended – for a teeth cleaning and check-up

If you don’t have a general dentist, Dr. Martin and our team at Crofton Orthodontics would be glad to provide a few recommendations in our area!

We hope you’re having a great summer!

Ask Dr. Martin: “I’m 34 – am I too old for braces?”

Thanks for the question – at Crofton Orthodontics, NOBODY is “too old” for braces!

In fact, we read a fascinating statistic recently: the number of adults getting braces has actually climbed 24 percent since 1996! Yes, braces help make your pearly whites strong, healthy and perfectly-aligned, but perhaps another reason for the spike in adult braces is this: people want to look and feel great. In an age—and society—where looks matter as much as anything, and at a time when evenly-aligned and sparkling teeth might be the difference between getting a job or a promotion, adults are choosing—wisely, we might add—to invest in orthodontics. Orthodontic treatment with Dr. Robert Martin can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile.

In fact, we are proud to offer an adult-friendly option for straightening teeth called Invisalign, which uses a series of invisible, removable and comfortable aligners that no one can tell you're wearing. So, you can smile more during treatment as well as after.

Contact our office to schedule an initial FREE consultation, and start your journey to a beautiful, new smile. We look forward to working with you!

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!

Love your new smile? Tell the world ALL ABOUT IT!

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!

Happy Independence Day!

America turns 235 years old tomorrow! It’s a day to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence and also a time for every American to pay homage to our soldiers - past and present - who have placed themselves in harm’s way so that we may continue to enjoy our freedom.

Our team at Crofton Orthodontics would like to know: what are your plans for the 4th of July? Are you out in the sun? Have you stocked up on fireworks? Are you going to grill up your favorite summer foods? If you have a 4th of July tradition, we would love to hear all about it.

We hope you have a fun and safe holiday! Feel free to upload your 4th of July photos to our Facebook page and let us know how your Independence Day turned out this year.