What is your New Year’s Resolution?

Many folks consider the beginning of a new year a time to not only reflect on the year that was, but also to set personal goals for the upcoming year. How are you planning to improve your health and happiness in 2011? Drs. Haerian, Ludwig, Simon and our team recommend that you make a New Year’s resolution to benefit your oral health!

It is important that New Year’s resolutions are reasonable and attainable, and that they improve your overall quality of life—for example, did you know that flossing every day is the very best way to prevent periodontal, or gum, disease? Using a straw when drinking sugary beverages can also help prevent cavities. There are many small steps that you can take to prevent cavities, oral infections and bad breath.

Be sure to give us a call if you need a few suggestions on ways to improve your oral health, or visit this helpful article from our friends at the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). After all, we know your oral health is about more than just a beautiful smile.

Happy New Year!

-Your friends at Sylvania & Lambertville Orthodontics

January Special at Sylvania, Lambertville, & Fallen Timbers Orthodontics

Let’s face it- when was the last time you managed to keep a New Year’s resolution? We at Sylvania, Lambertville, & Fallen Timbers Orthodontics believe the key to sticking to a goal is picking one that is both reasonable and attainable. If you haven’t yet picked a New Year’s resolution, consider setting one that will improve your oral health!

To help you get motivated this January, our offices we will be offering a special for anyone starting a new full orthodontic treatment (some restrictions apply). If you begin treatment in January you will receive an iPod Touch or $250 off. We offer various treatment options including: Traditional Braces, Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, and iBraces.

Please feel free to give one of our offices a call if have additional questions about starting orthodontic treatment.

Happy Holidays!
- Drs. Haerian, Ludwig, Simon, and Team

What is Invisalign, and is it right for me?

Today we thought we'd share a helpful video for those who are intrigued by the idea of straightening their teeth without using traditional metal braces. The Invisalign system at Sylvania & Lambertville Orthodontics is a state-of-the-art system of clear, removable aligners that we proudly offer to adults and teens at our convenient offices in Sylvania and Fallen Timbers Ohio, and Lambertville Michigan. We have plenty of resources on our website to check out about Invisalign, or give our office a call to learn if this revolutionary new treatment option is right for you!

Not only are the aligners invisible, they are removable, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment. Plus, brushing and flossing are no problem. They are also comfortable, with no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment. And no metal and wires usually means you spend less time in our office getting adjustments.

Shane has lots to Smile about!

Shane had the misfortune to fall on a wooden block when he was 18 months old and push his baby teeth on the bottom forward. Unfortunately, as his permanent lower incisors erupted, they followed suit.

His pediatric dentist, Dr. Jennifer Zoll, referred him to Sylvania & Lambertville Orthodontics when he was ten because his two front teeth were trapped behind his lower teeth. This Class III bite can cause extensive problems with not just the teeth, but also the jaw. Early treatment (Phase I) is necessary in most cases to adjust the front teeth so the upper teeth fit over the lower. Sometimes a palate expander is needed to create more upper jaw width or braces on a few of the upper teeth to make this adjustment. In Shane’s case, however, one of the simplest (and cheapest!) methods was used. He was given tongue depressors to use to push the top teeth forward. Shane even used his thumb when he was in the car to push on those teeth when he forgot to bring a tongue depressor.

We followed his progress carefully and Shane was able to achieve his goal. Once he accomplished this, it was just a matter of watching and waiting until his permanent teeth were in. His evaluation a year later showed a need for a palate expander along with a face mask to keep pulling the upper jaw forward. Shane was as complaint with orthodontic treatment as he was with tongue depressors and his mother is very pleased with his beautiful smile.

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, we 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 Sylvania & Lambertville Orthodontics if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook.