Make 2012 the year to improve your oral health

Many folks in 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 2012? Our team recommends 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. After all, we know your oral health is about more than just a beautiful smile.

Happy New Year!

-Your friends at the office of Drs. Simon, Haerian, & Ludwig

Giving thanks this holiday season

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season here, Drs. Simon, Haerian, Ludwig and our entire team wanted to stop for a moment and extend our best wishes to you, our patients, referring doctors and families, this holiday season.

As always, if you know anyone we can help, just let us know. We promise to give them the same quality orthodontic care that we have given you.

We hope that this holiday season brings fond memories. Thank you for being part of our family.

The importance of regular checkups

Are you brushing and flossing daily properly during your orthodontic treatment? If yes, that’s great! 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 our office, 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 the greater area!

Getting the Bite Right

In the United States, we take for granted the experienced dental personnel available. However, for the mother of two of our patients who grow up in China, this wasn’t the norm. There was only one dentist and no orthodontist in her rural village. When her upper cuspids (canine/eye teeth) erupted above her other teeth because of lack of space, the dentist came up with a solution. He removed both her cuspids so it would “look better.”

After her daughters went through orthodontic treatment at our office, she asked if there was any solution to her own dental dilemma. By removing two vital teeth on top, her dentists unknowingly created a Class III bite for her. The top arch is designed to fit over the lower, but since her lower arch was larger than her upper, her top teeth fit inside her lower. A Class III bite makes it difficult to eat and can cause problems with the tempomandibular joint (TMJ).

She did not want any teeth removed on the lower or implants on the upper so our doctors developed a treatment plan involving braces and diligent use of elastics. She wore her elastics faithfully and was able to get an amazing correction for a very difficult case. Now mom can eat her food without effort and, as a bonus, has a smile just as engaging as her two daughters.

Do we have your current contact info?

Happy holidays from all of us at the office of Drs. Simon, Haerian, and Ludwig! As you probably know, you can always connect with Drs. Simon, Haerian, & Ludwig and our team on our Facebook page, but we also encourage you to call us and let us know if you have any new phone numbers or if your contact information has changed!

Please contact our office with any updates to phone numbers and addresses, so that we may be able to reach you. Thank you!
- The team at the office of Drs. Simon, Haerian, and Ludwig

Happy Thanksgiving!

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season knocking at our door, our entire team at the office of Drs. Simon, Haerian, & Ludwig wanted to stop for a moment and extend our best wishes to you, our patients, referring doctors and families, for a wonderful Thanksgiving.

As always, if you know anyone we can help, just let us know. We promise to give them the same quality orthodontic care that we have given you.

We hope that this Thanksgiving and holiday season brings fond memories. Thank you for being part of our family.

Vote Drs. Simon, Haerian, & Lugwig for the Best of Toledo 2011

We are going for the "Triple Crown!" Please go vote for us for Best Orthodontists at Toledocitypaper.com, thanks for making US smile!

What do you enjoy most about fall?

It’s fall here at the office of Drs. Simon, Haerian, & Ludwig, a time when all across the country, the leaves begin to change colors and the air becomes crisp.

Today we wanted to ask you, our wonderful patients, "How are you spending your time this fall?" Our team would love to hear about your favorite places for eating, shopping, and entertainment. We are interested in learning about what makes your community “yours.”

Feel free to post your responses on our Facebook page, or give us a call!

Open Bite? Case Closed!

Jacob started treatment at the orthodontic office of Drs. Simon, Haerian, and Ludwig when he was 15 years old. He had a Class III Open Bite and needed a palate expander to widen the upper palate and also a face mask to bring it forward. Because he was nearing the completion of growth, we weren’t sure if orthodontic treatment alone would get the job done. If it didn’t, the only other option to get his jaws into a Class I occlusion would be jaw surgery after he was done growing.

Jacob was 100% on board with his treatment plan and faithfully wore his face mask at night and turned the screw mechanism on his palate expander until it was the correct width. When it came time to “fine tune” his occlusion by wearing elastic bands, he never forgot to put them on the upper and lower hooks of his braces. His diligence paid off and he finished one month early AND had his braces removed in time to show off his perfect smile for his senior pictures!

Side Effects of Orthodontic Treatment

When an adult decides to have orthodontic treatment there is usually more to the story than the desire to have straight teeth. In Pamela’s case, it was medically necessary to provide a functional bite. She had undergone orthognathic surgery ten years prior to address the problem but now she could not chew on the left side because the teeth no longer touched.

After her initial exam, our doctors met with Dr. Lark, her dentist, to discuss possible ways to correct her occlusion. Since getting the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) in a comfortable position was crucial to the case, it was imperative that Pamela, her husband, her orthodontists, and her dentist who specializes in TMJ treatment be all on the same page. Our orthodontists worked closely with Dr. Lark to achieve the best occlusion possible for Pam. She wore upper and lower braces for three years as we re-evaluated and repositioned brackets for two years until everyone concerned with her case was satisfied with the result.

Pam’s teeth now come together in a comfortable occlusion on both sides. She can once again chew her food easily and effortlessly. And she is quite pleased with the known side effects of the orthodontic treatment she experienced – a perfect smile!

Halloween Tips from Drs. Simon, Haerian, and Ludwig

Halloween can be a scary time for your teeth. The American Association of Orthodontists offers these tips to keep your teeth safe from decay during the Halloween Season:

• Don't get into a sticky situation....avoid sticky or chewy candy and snacks. These include hard or chewy candies, caramel, licorice, taffy, bubblegum, (even the sugarless kind) and jelly beans.

• Good alternatives for people with braces include soft chocolates, peanut butter cups or other melt-in-your-mouth varieties.

• If you eat sweets, do so in moderation. Don't be tempted to grab another handful from the bowl filled with treats. Parents may want to limit the time during which children eat from the Halloween bowl.

• Regular brushing and flossing are more important than ever during the Halloween season, when teeth may receive more exposure to sugary foods that can cause cavities. People with braces should be especially conscientious about brushing and flossing often.

If you have any other questions about how to keep your teeth and braces safe from sugary foods, call our office. Have a safe and enjoyable Halloween!

Trick or Treat!

-Drs. Simon, Haerian, Ludwig and staff

October marks National Orthodontic Health Month!

For those who don't know, it’s National Orthodontic Health Month. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists put together a helpful website that provides important information on protecting your braces, including tips for trick-or-treaters, braces-friendly recipes, facts about braces and treats you should avoid while undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Drs. Simon, Haerian, Ludwig, and our team also recommend you to ask us if you have any follow-up questions about keeping your braces in tip-top shape. Please feel free to give us a call, ask us on Facebook or ask us during your visit this month!

5 Tips to Avoid Plaque

At the offices of Drs. Eugene Simon, André Haerian, and Jennifer Ludwig, we know nobody likes getting plaque on their teeth. Here are five other ways you can avoid that dreaded enemy of the teeth during orthodontic treatment, courtesy of WebMD.

Let’s start with brushing regularly. Brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride-containing toothpaste is vital to a healthy mouth. Make sure you softly brush all the surfaces of your teeth.

Next on the list is flossing daily: a simple daily flossing between teeth clears away plaque before it can cause damage and can also clean plaque at the gum line. Plaque is known to reach the spaces between teeth.

Also, evading a trip to visit the dentist is probably not a great idea. Let’s say you brush and floss daily. You’re still at risk for plaque. With time, the plaque hardens and turns into tartar. Consider visiting your general dentist at least twice a year or as recommended by your dentist, and you have a lower chance of getting cavities or losing your teeth while wearing braces.

You’ll also want to stop avoiding those fruits and veggies. Believe it or not, there are foods out there that play a key role in keeping plaque off our teeth. They include apples, carrots, cucumbers and other raw fruits and vegetables. You can still eat these types of fruits and veggies if you have braces, but be sure to cut them up into bite sized pieces to avoid breaking off brackets.

Finally, before you pick up that candy bar, remember to not give in to your sweet tooth. Consuming sugary drinks or eating candy or other junk food allows sugar to stick to our teeth. The bacteria, then, becomes plaque, which turns into acid and damages our teeth. Avoiding these five bad habits keeps your plaque in check and your mouth as healthy as can be during your orthodontic treatment with Drs. Simon, Haerian, and Ludwig. If you have any questions, visit our website’s oral hygiene page, give us a call or ask us on Facebook!

A Confident Smile

With Meghan’s mouth being so crowded, her Mom harbored serious doubts that correction could be made without extractions -- especially when she knew there was a cuspid stuck somewhere in the palate that would need to enter the mix!

At Meghan’s initial exam at our office, however, Mom was encouraged by Dr. Haerian’s foresight, confidence and with the way he attacked the issue head on. After two months of braces, exposure of the cuspid by Dr. Carroll, and seeing the game plan in action mom began to buy into Dr. Haerian’s vision for Meghan. Now mom is totally sold as Meghan’s smile reflects that beautiful possibility Dr. Haerian envisioned three years before.

A beatiful smile that was worth the wait!

Brennan started coming to orthodontic office of Drs. Simon, Haerian, and Ludwig in July of 2003 at age 7 (the age the American Orthodontic Association recommends as a good time to start evaluating a child’s teeth). It was easy to see that he would require orthodontic treatment in the future to correct his severe crowding issues. Our team evaluated him on a yearly basis until he was ready to start treatment at the best optimal time so he would be in braces the least amount of time possible. However, with a very slow eruption pattern, it actually took longer than estimated. We worked with Brennan on every step of that orthodontic journey until the mission was achieved – a beautiful smile!

Mom and Brennan agree that is was, indeed, worth the wait!

Breaking bad habits

At the office of Drs. Simon, Haerian, & Ludwig, we know good dental health requires only a few minutes a day. We thought we’d provide some practical advice on how to improve your or your child’s smile between your adjustment visits with Dr. Eugene Simon, Dr. André Haerian, or Dr. Jennifer Ludwig.

Start by brushing your teeth twice a day. Proper brushing techniques are an essential part of maintaining good oral health during your orthodontic treatment, as well as preventing gum disease. More care and time are needed to adequately brush your teeth when you are wearing braces. Brushing daily helps remove decay-causing plaque from tooth surfaces. Please consult our team if you would like us to review brushing techniques with you or your child. The use of a mechanical toothbrush such as a Sonicare or Oral B can aid in removing plaque around braces. Flossing daily will also prevent plaque to build up between the teeth and prevent stains between your teeth. Research has shown the bacteria of gum disease has been linked to coronary artery disease, stroke, diabetes and memory loss. Lastly, we encourage you to throw away old toothbrushes and replace them every 2 or 3 months, or after an illness.

We hope this helps! If you have any further questions about any of these tips, please contact our office or ask your general dentist during your next scheduled visit! Or, ask us on Facebook!

What was your favorite part of Summer 2011?

The end of Summer and then subsequently the beginning of Fall are just around the corner. Soon the temperatures will cool down, the leaves will start to change, and we’re sure that you’ll be thinking about Halloween costumes and Thanksgiving plans.

But wait! First, we want to know: What were your favorite parts of the Summer of 2011? Did you go on a wonderful family trip? Did you pick up a new hobby? Did you try to spend as much time outside and in the sun as possible?

Share your favorite memories, stories, or photos with us by leaving a comment below or on our Facebook page.

-Drs. André Haerian, Jennifer Ludwig, Eugene Simon, and team

LATEST FALL FASHION!

Jenny came in for her orthodontic appointment this week at the office of Drs. Simon, Haerian, & Ludwig and we just had to take her photo.

Her black “Bling” t-shirt looked perfect with her black skirt, black pumps, and cream colored blazer. It made our day to see someone stepping out in style on their journey to a great smile!

Colten is welcomed into our "Ortho Family"

Colten is one of many children these days that are emotionally sensitive and socially delayed. Doctor visits can be very trying for both him, the doctor, and of course mom! Mom asked that Dr. Jennifer Ludwig do his initial consult because he is less fearful of women. Things went very smoothly because Dr. Ludwig just happens to have a very pleasant, soothing type of personality.

On a subsequent recheck, however, Dr. Ludwig was not available and instead Dr. Haerian came into the room. Dr. Haerian is the direct opposite of Dr. Ludwig. A naturally high energy personality with a great sense of humor, he tends to dominate a space. When he found out that Colten was 11, he patted him on the shoulder and reassured him that he had been 11 once, too. After he had examined his teeth, he explained to mom and Colten what he was checking and why he was waiting before taking action. After Dr. Haerian left the room, Anja, the orthodontic assistant, reiterated what was happening until she was satisfied that Colten was up to speed, too.

Mom told me that after this visit, Colten commented with delight on Dr. Haerian’s bright pink shirt with his name on it and how he must have liked him because he had patted his shoulder. She was happy that Colten felt so comfortable in our office, and we’re just as happy, because having kids feel a part of our “ortho family” is something we all can appreciate.

The Amazing MARA

John’s mom was devastated when the first orthodontist they visited said they would need to wait until John’s growth was complete and then do braces along with orthognathic surgery to correct his severe overbite. Upset at the thought of waiting six years before treatment could begin, she sought a second opinion. She was elated to hear Dr. Jennifer Ludwig’s idea of using a MARA/Hyrax (an appliance for correcting overbites along with a palate expander) to get the job done while he was still growing.

It took three years but John just celebrated his 16th birthday with a perfect smile. Not only did John avoid surgery, his results were nothing short of phenomenal!

If you are considering orthodontic treatment in Toledo, Sylvania, Maumee (Ohio), Lambertville or Southfield (Michigan), give us a call!

The Go-To Mom Talks Invisalign

Our team at the office of Drs. Eugene Simon, André Haerian, and Jennifer Ludwig found a great video that discusses the advantages of Invisalign. In the video, Kimberley Clayton Blaine, "The Go-To Mom," discusses the Invisalign and Invisalign Teen treatment and her personal experience with Invisalign.

To determine if Invisalign is right for you, schedule a consultation with one of our orthodontists. Have a great week!

Straight Teeth and your Oral Health

Some people wonder why Dr. Jennifer Ludwig, Dr. André Haerian, Dr. Eugene Simon and our team work tirelessly to give our patients straight teeth. Of course it’s nice to have a smile full of evenly-aligned teeth, but did you know that straightening your teeth at the office of Drs. Simon, Haerian, and Ludwig can keep them healthier? 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 to set up a consultation. We can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment.

A Good Fit

At the orthodontic office of Drs. Simon, Haerian, & Ludwig, we’re all about a good fit. After all, having teeth lined up properly so they fit together perfectly is what we do best. Jennifer’s mom, however, mentioned at her daughter’s post ortho consult that it was our office that proved to be a good fit for her family. She had a consult originally scheduled at another orthodontic office, but after being treated rudely after a scheduling error, she decided to look elsewhere. She then gave our office a try, and we turned out to be a perfect fit for her and her children.

Having three children go through orthodontics gave mom ample time to get to know the staff and doctors. Her children were always treated in a pleasant and patient manner which she appreciated. She also gave our office kudos for doing something important for people by enhancing their sense of well-being.

Mom was concerned more with function of the teeth rather than aesthetics. She knew that the tight contact her daughter experienced before orthodontics could lead to jaw problems later on in life. To her, the beautiful smile that resulted after fixing the problem was just an added bonus. (That’s why our why our website is called “perfectbraces.com” and not “goodenoughbraces.com")

If you are considering orthodontic treatment, give our office a call to schedule your initial consultation.

Imagining your Life with Invisalign

Are you wondering what Invisalign treatment is really like, and what effect it will have on your day-to-day activities? Will it slur your speech? Will people know you're in treatment? You're not alone in your concerns! Drs. André Haerian, Jennifer Ludwig, Eugene Simon , and our team thought we’d share this list of questions and answers for anyone pondering Invisalign treatment at our office.

How exactly does Invisalign work?

Using 3-D computer imaging technology, Invisalign creates a series of custom-made, clear aligners exclusively for your teeth, based on the treatment plan that we specify for you. Each aligner moves teeth incrementally and is worn for about two weeks, then replaced by the next in the series until the final position is achieved.

Will I experience pain during treatment?
Most people experience temporary discomfort for a few days after a new aligner is placed. This feeling of pressure is normal and is a sign that Invisalign is working by sequentially moving your teeth to their final destination.

Can other people see that I'm in treatment?

One of the benefits of Invisalign is that the aligners are clear. You can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing.

Are there any foods I shouldn’t eat while in treatment?

You can eat normally during the entire course of treatment. One of the advantages of Invisalign is that the aligners are removable. Simply take the aligners out before each meal, brush when you're finished eating, then reinsert the aligners afterward.

What about chewing gum?

We recommend removing your aligners for all meals and snacks, as gum and other chewy substances can stick to the aligners.

How often must I wear my aligners?

Aligners should be worn all day, except when eating, brushing, and flossing.

Will my speech be affected by the aligners?

As with any orthodontic treatment, aligners may temporarily affect your speech. If this does happen, your tongue will adjust within a day or two and your speech should return to normal.

How do I clean my aligners?

The best way to clean your aligners is by brushing and rinsing them in lukewarm water.

How often must I visit the office during treatment?

For most patients, visits every 4-6 weeks are frequent enough for us to determine that your treatment is progressing properly. We will provide you with a specific schedule that supports your individual treatment plan.

If you have additional questions about the Invisalign treatment, please give our office a call.

Reasons to Embrace Summer Treatment

Summertime . . . and the living is easy . . . which makes it the perfect time to go to perfectbraces.com to schedule an initial orthodontic exam with Drs. Eugene Simon, Andre Haerian, & Jennifer Ludwig.

What a perfect time to get started with orthodontic treatment while there’s less demand from school and sport commitments. It also allows the perfect time period to adjust to being braced before being immersed into a brand new school year. And as an added bonus, you can spend the rest of the summer shimmering instead of simmering!

Go to perfectbraces.com now to book the best vacation ever – the journey to a perfect smile . . .

Kids Getting Braces at a Younger Age

Drs. André Haerian, Eugene Simon, and Jennifer Ludwig will tell you that 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 the 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 our doctors to assess what the best age for treatment is.

Hope this helps! Give us a call if you have any questions about your child’s treatment!

You're Never Too Old to Treat Yourself to a New Smile!

Did you know one in every five orthodontic patients is an adult? We’re living longer and technology is improving, making orthodontic treatment an appealing and safe option for patients of all ages. As the trend toward treatment later in life grows, we’re seeing braces on parents as well as children – and even adult celebrities such as Tom Cruise, Gwen Stefani and Nicholas Cage have shown off their braces. It’s never too late to look and feel your best with Drs. Simon, Haerian, & Ludwig.

Can Braces Work for Adults?

People of all ages can benefit from orthodontic treatment with Drs. Eugene Simon, Jennifer Ludwig, and André Haerian. The physical process for moving teeth is the same, young or old, which means it’s never too late to address issues such as an overbite or underbite, crooked or crowded teeth, or jaw disorders.

How Do I Get Started?

If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, we’ll make a consultation appointment with you. During this meeting we will perform a general assessment of your oral health, discuss options for treatment, and answer any questions you may have. We will also discuss matters of cost and insurance. The next step is an orthodontic records appointment in which we take x-rays, photos, and an impression of your teeth. This information drives your unique treatment plan.

What Are the Benefits?

Straightening your teeth can improve your smile, your self-esteem, and your dental health. Technologically advanced new treatments make it easier to identify the option that best fits your lifestyle. Modern techniques and materials have made braces and aligners more effective, comfortable and unobtrusive than ever.

If you think you might benefit from orthodontic treatment, give the office of Drs. Simon, Haerian, & Ludwig a call, so we may set up a consultation to determine what type of treatment best meets your needs.

What are your 4th of July plans?

This coming Monday, July 4th, is Independence Day and the United States of America will be turning 235 years old! 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.

Drs. André Haerian, Jennifer Ludwig, Eugene Simon and team will be celebrating this Monday and we would like to know, what are your plans for the 4th of July? Will you be out in the sun? Have you stocked up on fireworks? Are you going to grill up your favorite summer foods? Are you staying in town or heading somewhere else? If you have a 4th of July tradition, we would love to hear about it.

Whatever you plan to do, the office of Drs. Simon, Haerian, & Ludwig 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.

YOU GO, GIRLS!

We are happy to announce that we have two patients of Drs. Simon, Haerian, and Ludwig participating at the state level in the National American Miss Pageant happening the weekend of July 15th.

Both of these fine young women possess poise, sparkling personalities, and definitely light up a room with their winning smiles! We wish them both the best of luck and a great experience in Columbus.

-Drs. André Haerian, Jennifer Ludwig, Eugene Simon, and team

June is National Smile Month!

According to the American Dental Association, a person's smile outranked eyes, hair and body as the most important physical feature, which is why it's important for our team at Drs. Simon, Haerian, & Ludwig to support National Smile Month this June.

Show off your pearly whites by posting your favorite smile photos on the wall of our Facebook page. We look forward to seeing what you share!

Orthodontic Emergency Care with Drs. Simon, Haerian, & Ludwig

True orthodontic emergencies are very rare, but when they do occur we are available to you. As a general rule, you should call the office when you experience severe pain or when you have a painful appliance problem that you can't take care of yourself. We’ll be able to schedule an appointment with Dr. Eugene Simon, Dr. Jennifer Ludwig, or Dr. André Haerian.

You might be surprised to learn that you may be able to temporarily solve many problems yourself until you schedule an appointment with Drs. Simon, Haerian, and Ludwig.

The following solutions may help you relieve your discomfort:

Poking Wire: Using a pencil eraser, push the poking wire down or place wax on it to alleviate the discomfort.

Loose Bracket or Band: If your bracket or band is still attached to the wire, you should leave it in place and put wax on it. If the wire comes out entirely, wrap the bracket with a tissue.

Loose Wire: Using a tweezers, try to place your wire back into place. If doing this and using wax does not help, as a last resort use a small fingernail clipper to clip the wire behind the last tooth to which it is securely fastened. If your discomfort continues, place wax on it.

Loose Appliance: If your appliance is poking you, place wax on the offending part of your appliance.

Headgear Does Not Fit: Sometimes headgear discomfort is caused by not wearing the headgear as instructed by your orthodontist. Please refer to the instructions provided by your orthodontist. If the facebow is bent, please call our office for assistance. Surprisingly, headgear becomes more comfortable the more it's worn, so be sure you’re getting in the prescribed hours.

General Soreness: When you get your braces on, you may feel general soreness in your mouth and teeth may be tender to biting pressures for three to five days. This can be relieved by rinsing your mouth with a warm salt water mouthwash. Dissolve one teaspoonful of salt in 8 ounces of warm water, and rinse your mouth vigorously. If the tenderness is severe, take aspirin or whatever you normally take for headache or similar pain.

Remember, after alleviating your discomfort, it is still very important that you call our office as soon as possible to schedule a time to repair the problem.

A SCIENCE PROJECT TO SINK YOUR TEETH INTO!

Michael, a patient at the orthodontic office of Drs. Simon, Haerian, & Ludwig, recently finished his orthodontic treatment. Michael’s orthodontic treatment included removing his upper and lower bicuspids and also any remaining baby teeth. After the extractions, Michael asked if he could keep the teeth. No, he didn’t want to put them under his pillow for the Tooth Fairy; he wanted to do a science experiment. During his post-orthodontic consult visit, he told us all about it.

For the project, Michael soaked each tooth in a specific liquid to see how it would react with the tooth. He put Pepsi, Mountain Dew, coffee, orange juice and water in baby food jars and put each tooth in a different solution. After 17 days, he removed the teeth and photographed the results as a comparison to the photos he took of the teeth before the experiment.He found that Pepsi, Mountain Dew and orange juice affected the enamel while coffee only stained the enamel. Water caused no affect at all. All soda pops, whether sugar or diet, weaken the enamel of the tooth. Once enamel is weakened, bacteria can attack those areas to form cavities. Every sip of pop allows an acid attack to occur.

Michael graciously let us display the results of his experiment in our office so that other patients could see how soda pop can negatively affect the enamel of your teeth. We are pleased to have our patients utilize the knowledge gained from orthodontic treatment to help someone else, and we are very happy we put a great smile on Michael’s face in the process!

The office of Drs. Simon, Haerian, and Ludwig, wishing you a safe and relaxing Memorial Day Weekend!

Memorial Day weekend, a time to remember and honor the men and women lost while serving for our country. Memorial Day is also the unofficial start of summer, and for many folks, getting out of town for three days after being cooped up in the classroom or the office spells sweet, sweet relief.

What about you? What are you up to this Memorial Day weekend? Whether you are headed to a barbecue, a camping trip, or just hitting the great American open roads, we’d like to hear all about it!

Our entire team at the office of Drs. Simon, Haerian, and Ludwig wishes you a happy, safe and relaxing Memorial Day weekend!

Is Invisalign® really customized for each patient?

Yes, it is, and that’s part of what makes it work, says Drs. André Haerian, Jennifer Ludwig, Eugene Simon. To find out if you are the right candidate for Invisalign treatment, the first thing we do is to take an impression of your teeth as they are now and digitize it. Using special software, we look at the current positioning of your teeth and compare it to the way your teeth should look.

Next we use special software to map out the exact path your teeth will take from the beginning of your treatment to the end. Based on the results, a set of custom aligners are created just for your teeth. Throughout the course of treatment, you will be required to wear these clear, removable aligners one at a time; each one moving your teeth closer and closer to their final, perfectly aligned position. The best thing about it all? Nobody around you will even know you are wearing braces!

Drs. Simon, Haerian and Ludwig are some of the most experienced certified Invisalign® providers in Northwest Ohio/Southeast Michigan. If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment, please give us a call.

Mother and Son receive Orthodontic Treatment with Drs. Simon, Haerian, and Ludwig

In 2007, Kelly’s son, Sebastien, had orthodontic treatment at the office of Drs. Simon, Haerian, & Ludwig so he was of course an expert when his mother decided it was time for her to “straighten up, too.” Kelly had put off her own need for treatment until Sebastien was finished. Her dentist, Dr. Hires, kept urging her to pursue orthodontic treatment because the position of her teeth made flossing extremely difficult.

Sebastien was excellent at following our instructions and understood the importance of wearing elastics to align the posterior teeth. Kelly, however, was not as diligent and that extended her total treatment time. It wasn’t until she followed Sebastien’s advice that her bite was lined up enough to get her braces off, too.

The braces are off and now Kelly’s teeth are not only easy to brush and floss; they also look awesome. When correcting crooked teeth and misaligned jaws, the “side effect” just happens to be a very nice one -- a beautiful smile!

What’s on your reading list?

With the school year close to winding down for a lot of our patients at Drs. Simon, Haerian, & Ludwig, we wanted to remind all our patients about the importance of reading. Sure it’s easy to keep putting off reading this time of year, but reading is a vital step in brain development and literacy. And if you needed any more reason to read, May marks “Get Caught Reading Month.”

Today, we thought we’d ask: What's on YOUR reading list? What are some of your all-time favorites? Out of ideas for great reads? Ask us for suggestions, and Drs. Eugene Simon, André Haerian, Jennifer Ludwig, and our team would be happy to provide a few. You may also ask a local librarian for some ideas on what to read next!

Happy reading! Be sure to share with us your book picks or your all-time favorite novels or literature on our Facebook page!

Orthodontic Memories from Drs. Simon, Haerian, and Ludwig

We have amazing patients! With the help of Grand Lubell Photography, the orthodontic offices of Drs. Simon, Haerian, & Ludwig have been able to capture some of our patients' beautiful smiles throughout the years. Check out our slideshow!

Ask Drs. Simon, Haerian, and Ludwig : Who benefits from Incognito™?

Drs. Eugene Simon, André Haerian, and Jennifer Ludwig serving the Sylvania, Fallen Timbers, Monclova OH, Lambertville, and Southfield MI areas, are pleased to offer our patients Incognito. Our team is always receiving questions about Incognito, which is why we wanted to discuss today a few of the unique benefits of this new orthodontic treatment. To begin, Incognito is placed behind your teeth, rather than in a visible area. Because of this, no one will ever know that you are wearing braces! This unique type of braces is created using state-of-the-art technology and is entirely customized to the shape of your teeth. Hence, you can improve your smile efficiently and effectively in a discreet new way.

Who especially benefits from Incognito?

• Athletes
• Models
• Actors
• Musicians, especially those who play wind instruments
• Adult professionals

For more information on Incognito and treatment options at Drs. Simon, Haerian, & Ludwig, please give us a call today to schedule your consultation!

Lambertville Orthodontics attends the 2011 Bedford Trade Fair

Lambertville Orthodontics attended the 2011 Bedford Trade Fair!

At the Trade Fair, we celebrated the 175th year of the Bedford Community, tossed some horse shoes, saw several of our amazing patients including our Celebrity Smile Winners and Miss Monroe County, and even took home the Best of Show award. We made sure to take plenty of photos. Now, sit back, relax and enjoy our 2011 Bedford Trade Fair Slideshow.

Ashley's Orthodontic Journey with Drs. Haerian, Ludwig, & Simon

BEFORE
AFTER

When it comes to orthodontic treatments, there are a lot of options to choose from. To illustrate how difficult it can be to decide on the right course of treatment, we’d like to share with you the story of how Ashley and her Mom decided to pursue orthodontic treatment with Drs. Haerian, Ludwig, & Simon.

Ashley’s Mom knew that her daughter would need orthodontic treatment; the only question was when. She got three different opinions and ended up with an orthodontist in Tecumseh. Mom knew that her overbite would need to be addressed but her first concern was the big gap between Ashley’s two front teeth. She had braces placed on the upper four teeth to straighten and close the gap while waiting for all the permanent teeth to come in. When that day finally arrived, Ashley’s mom was shocked to hear the Tecumseh orthodontist insist that the only way to correct her overbite would be with orthognathic surgery. She went for a second opinion in Monroe where the orthodontist wanted to try a removable Frankel appliance but wasn’t very optimistic about the end result.

She then decided to visit Drs. Haerian, Ludwig & Simon where the third time proved to be a charm. We still felt a MARA (Mandibular Advancement Repositioning Appliance) was the best option, but cautioned that her severe overjet was over 7 mm, so surgery after orthodontic treatment remained a possibility. Two years later, the MARA and braces were removed. Ashley’s bite isn’t just acceptable; it’s exceptional! The result also would not have been possible without Ashley’s diligent work at the end wearing elastics to fine tune the fit of her upper and lower teeth. Both Ashley and her Mom are very pleased with the result AND very happy to get a surgery-free perfect smile!

If you are considering orthodontic treatment for your child or yourself, make sure to give Drs. Haerian, Ludwig, & Simon a call to schedule a consultation. We look forward to seeing you!

Drs. Simon, Haerian & Ludwig; providing children with the best and brightest smiles!

What is the best way to find excellent orthodontic treatment? If you’re a scientist, you could do extensive research and perhaps even a double blind study or two. If you’re a dance instructor with an aesthetic eye, simple observation will suffice.

One of our Moms has double the reason to find a good orthodontist since she has twins with overbites. Luckily, she runs a dance studio that provided her with a plethora of students at just the right age for undergoing orthodontic treatment. She paid attention to who was sporting braces and how their teeth and bite looked after they were finished. She found the children with the best and brightest smiles turned out to be patients of Drs. Simon, Haerian & Ludwig.

Her daughter is finished with Phase I of treatment and is waiting for all her permanent teeth to see if Phase II is necessary. Her son recently was fitted for a MARA. Mom is now patiently waiting until the day that her twins have the best and brightest smiles, too.

A Beauty AND a Beast!

Sophia, a patient of Drs. Simon, Haerian, & Ludwig, recently turned in an outstanding performance in Bedford High School's production of Beauty and the Beast. She really stood out because of her height and the gigantic hat she wore as she sang a solo in the opening act! Plus, she was finally brace-less and was able to show off her perfect smile in style.

She performs just as beautifully on the court as she does on the stage. Volleyball is her game and she excels at being "a beast" as she uses her height to the full advantage to spike the ball. Sophia's smile has always been a memorable one since she even scored the team award of "best smile" while still in braces.

It's awesome to have a patient who is able to shine in such diverse ways and even more awesome to know we helped create that winning smile!

A Festive and Braces-Friendly Recipe to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day

If you're planning to spend St. Patrick's Day celebrating your Irish heritage, or just enjoying the festivals, food and "wearing of the green"- we've got a treat for you! Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have a tasty and braces-friendly recipe that is perfect for today. Corned Beef Casserole presents a twist on the traditional St. Patrick's Day corned beef and cabbage, and will surely become a family favorite!

Corned Beef Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 (8-ounce) package medium egg noodles, uncooked
• 1 (12-ounce) can corned beef
• 1 (10.5- to 14-ounce) can cream of celery soup, undiluted
• ¾ cup milk (use just ½ cup if using larger soup can)
• 1 Tablespoon dried minced onion
• ¼ cup bread crumbs (seasoned or toasted plain)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°. In a saucepan, cook the noodles just until tender; drain. In a large bowl, chop the corned beef into a coarse crumbly texture.

Stir in soup, milk and onion. Grease a 2-quart casserole. Add the noodles and the corned beef mixture and stir together well. Sprinkle the bread crumbs on top.

Bake covered at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Serves 6-8 people.

Try serving the casserole with petite whole green beans from the freezer…or add 1 cup of finely chopped purple cabbage, 1/4 cup diced onion and 2 teaspoons fennel seed or powder for some true Irish flavor.

Happy St. Patrick's Day, from all of us at Drs. Simon, Haerian, & Ludwig!

Foods to Avoid during your Orthodontic Treatment

There are a variety of foods Drs. André Haerian, Jennifer Ludwig, and Eugene Simon want you to avoid while you're wearing braces. Some foods can occasionally damage braces, but certain foods can bend the wires or even break the brackets on your braces. If you’re wearing braces, you should avoid starch, sugar and gummy foods, as these foods can be difficult to remove during brushing. Foods that are high in sugar and starch tend to cause plaque, cavities and even tooth decay.

Avoid tough meats, hard breads and raw vegetables such as carrots and celery. Before long, you'll be able to bite a cucumber again. But you'll need to protect your orthodontic appliances when you eat for as long as you're wearing braces.

Foods you should avoid include:

• Chewy foods: bagels, hard rolls, licorice
• Crunchy foods: popcorn, ice, chips
• Sticky foods: caramels, gum
• Hard foods: nuts, candy
• Foods you have to bite into: corn on the cob, apples, carrots

Also, chewing on hard things (for example, pens, pencils or fingernails) can damage the braces. Damaged braces will cause treatment to take longer.

If you have any questions on which foods you should be avoiding and why, we invite you to give Drs. Simon, Haerian, & Ludwig a call or ask our staff during your next visit! We also encourage you to check out this helpful article on eating with braces, courtesy of Parenthood.com.

Distinguishing the Myths and Facts about Orthodontics

Trust us when we say Drs. Eugene Simon, Andre Haerian, Jennifer Ludwig and our staff know there are quite a few myths about orthodontics (and orthodontists) floating around these days. But before you buy into those myths, we think you should get the facts! Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists set the record straight (no pun intended) and have provided some information that sheds some light on the myths and facts of orthodontics. We encourage you to check them out today!

If you have any questions about orthodontics or your treatment here at Drs. Simon, Haerian, and Ludwig, feel free to give us a call.

What's the difference between a Dentist and an Orthodontist?

"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, Drs. Simon, Haerian, and Ludwig all started out in dental school and earned a DDS (dental degree), just like your dentist. After dental school however, Drs. Simon, Haerian, and Ludwig decided they wanted to learn more about orthodontics, which is one of nine specialties within the dental field. So they 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 are dental experts here at Drs. Simon, Haerian, & Ludwig to help you through any type of treatment your teeth, jaw and gums might need?

Ask Drs. Simon, Haerian, & Ludwig: What is Malocclusion?

Malocclusion, or what Drs. Andre Haerian, Eugene Simon and Jennifer Ludwig call “bad bite,” is the improper alignment of teeth and/or jaws. When your teeth and jaws are not properly aligned, it may impact your bite, the ability to properly care for your teeth, your gum tissue health and even your appearance.

Most people experience some degree of malocclusion, but it generally is not severe enough to require corrective measures. If your malocclusion is serious enough, however, treatment may be necessary to correct the issue.

Our doctors will tell you that untreated malocclusion can lead undesirable mouth problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, or chipped and cracked teeth. The most common solution for malocclusion, of course, is orthodontic treatment. The actual course of treatment, including the length of time you will require braces, will be determined by severity of your malocclusion. The goal of your treatment is to move your teeth into the proper position and correct any misalignment in the jaw.

At Drs. Simon, Haerian, & Ludwig, we use the most advanced technology in the field in order to ensure that you receive the best possible results. If you have any questions about malocclusion, please give us a call and we’ll try to answer any questions you may have.

Best Orthodontic Practice in Toledo OH, two years in a row!

We are so excited! At the 2010 Best Of Toledo Award Show, Drs. Simon, Haerian, & Ludwig won "Best Orthodontic Practice in Toledo," for the second year in a row!

Here's a slideshow with pictures from the event. Enjoy!

As always, feel free to give us a call with any questions you might have or if you need to schedule your next appointment.

Miss America Party at the office Drs. Simon, Haerian & Ludwig!

It might have been a cold night on January 15th in Sylvania, Ohio, but patients of Drs. Simon, Haerian & Ludwig still managed to have a good time! The Lunch and Learn room in our Sylvania office was transformed with glittering stars and golden garlands as Ohio and Michigan patients alike gathered to cheer on Miss Ohio, Becky Minger, as she competed for the title of Miss America.

Becky underwent years of orthodontic treatment at Drs. Simon, Haerian & Ludwig to correct an overbite; but when the MARA and braces came off, her confidence turned on. Becky’s beauty was always there inside and now that she was no longer self-conscious, it’s reflected on the outside too. Becky had the talent, the smarts, and the look to win Miss Ohio which gave her the chance to compete for numerous scholarships and the coveted title of Miss America.

Even though Miss Ohio and Miss Michigan didn’t make it to the final fifteen, we were very happy to have some of our great patients on board for a night of pizza, popcorn, and paparazzi. We also managed to keep the night going by holding our own pageant in the office. Cara was crowned Miss Ortho Diva with Ali and Erica as runner ups. At the office of Drs. Simon, Haerian and Ludwig orthodontics, we consider ALL of our patients are winners!

--Drs. André Haerian, Jennifer R. Ludwig, Eugene Simon and team

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month!

One in four parents says their child has had an injury during an organized sport resulting in a trip to the emergency room, according to the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO. That why Drs. Eugene Simon, Andre Haerian, and Jennifer Ludwig and team at Drs. Simon, Haerian, & Ludwig thought February—also known as National Children’s Dental Health Month—would be great time to remind our patients to be mindful of their braces and teeth while playing sports. Here are a few tips to stay safe on the field this spring, courtesy of the AAO:

1. Wear mouth guards for contact sports such as baseball, softball, soccer and lacrosse.
2. Wear a helmet
3. Wear protective eyewear
4. Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
5. Be alert, even as a spectator

We hope that helps. Protective gear is vital for anyone engaging in tooth or mouth-threatening activities. If you have any further questions about any of these tips, please contact Drs. Simon, Haerian, & Ludwig . Stay safe and have fun!

10 tips to keep your BRACES sparklin’ clean!

At the office of Drs. Simon, Haerian, & Ludwig, we always tell our patients that keeping your teeth clean is more important than ever when you have braces. Food bits have more spots than usual to hide in your mouth, so you must be diligent in order to avoid bad breath, swollen gums, discolored teeth and cavities. If you remove plaque regularly during treatment, you'll experience better results and shorter treatment time. Keep plaque at bay with these 10 tips:

1. One tooth at a time. When you brush, take time with each individual tooth – at least 10 seconds each – and pay careful attention to the spots where your teeth touch your braces.

2. It’s all about the angles. Brush the tops of your teeth and braces with your brush angled down toward where they meet. Brush the bottoms of your teeth and braces with your brush angled up.

3. The tooth, the whole tooth, nothing but the tooth. While the front surface of your teeth may seem like the most logical to clean, it’s equally important to clean the inner surface of your teeth (tongue side) as well as the chewing surface. And be sure to clean along your gum line – a key spot for plaque buildup.

4. Step 1: eat, step 2: clean. While you’re in treatment, it’s important to brush after every meal. Bits of food can easily get caught between braces and teeth, and these food bits interact with bacteria in your mouth to cause decay. The longer food is in contact with your teeth, the greater opportunity for plaque to form. If you are eating somewhere that you can’t brush, thoroughly rinse your mouth with water.

5. Like a Boy Scout, always be prepared. The easiest way to be sure you can brush after every meal is to get in the habit of taking a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss with you wherever you go. Designate a special container just for your teeth-cleaning tools and keep it in your purse, backpack, or laptop case.

6. Remove the moving parts. If you have elastic bands or headgear, remove these parts before you brush or floss.

7. Fluoride is your friend. Fluoride helps prevent cavities. Be sure to brush with fluoride toothpaste, and rinse with fluoride mouthwash.

8. Pointy brushes reach tiny places. Interproximal brushes (sometimes called proxa brushes or interdental brushes) are cone-shaped and come in very handy for reaching spots around your braces that standard brushes can’t.

9. Find the floss for you. Regular floss works for some patients, but others find it easier to work with a floss threader, which helps you get the floss into tight places. Other patients like an all-in-one product called Superfloss, which comes with a stiff end for easy threading, a spongy section for cleaning wide spaces, and regular floss for narrow spaces.

10. Make time for the pros. It’s your job to take care of the everyday cleaning. But make sure to visit your dentist regularly while in treatment, to get the deep, thorough cleaning that only a professional can provide. If you need help finding the right Dentist for you, feel free to contact our office - we’d love to help!

Hope this helps!
Drs. Simon, Haerian, & Ludwig and Team