Ask Dr. Lohner : Am I too old for braces?

Who’s afraid of “metal mouth” and the appearance of braces? Not adults, apparently. Recently, our staff at Skyland Smiles read a fascinating statistic: 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. Lohner can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile.

If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, Dr. Lohner would love to have you visit for a consultation. Please give us a call to set one up!

Cold and Flu Season is Here - Replace Your Toothbrush!

Fall is upon us, and with it comes the dreaded cold and flu season. After recovering from your cold, Dr. Lohner 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!

We hope these tips help! Feel free to call us at Skyland Smiles if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook.

Meet Our Orthodontist

Dr. Joseph Lohner attended dental school at the University of Maryland, where he received his DDS degree and his Master of Science in Anatomy. He then continued on to the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey to earn his orthodontic specialty certificate. Concurrently with dental school, Dr. Lohner worked part time as an emergency medical technician at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. While at the University of Maryland, he was selected by the faculty for membership in the GORGAS Dental Honor Society, and earned the Anatomy Department Award and American Association of Orthodontists Award. Upon completing his orthodontic training at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, his thesis was published by the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics.

In the field of orthodontics, Dr. Lohner has been given special recognition, receiving the "Most Outstanding Case Presentation" at the 1998 Eastern Strang-Tweed Meeting and named a "Top Orthodontist" by New Jersey Monthly Magazine in 2005. In 2009, he was honored to receive "Best Non-Extraction Treatment Teacher" by the orthodontic residents at UMDNJ.

Dr. Lohner and his wife, Denise, have lived in Sussex County since 1988. They raised their two sons in the beautiful Skylands area. He enjoys hiking with his dog, boating, photography, golf, and reading. He is an Eagle Scout and Dentistry Merit Badge Instructor for the Boy Scouts of America.