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.