A few helpful webisodes about orthodontics, from Hilgers Orthodontics

Dr. Hilgers and his team at Hilgers Orthodontics would like to point you to a few interesting webisodes about orthodontics, located on the YouTube page of the American Association of Orthodontics, or AAO. There, they tend to post some very pertinent videos about orthodontic treatment, as well as state-of-the-art technology in orthodontia. These include "Orthodontic Treatment Basics," "Common Bite Problems Seen in Children" and "Does My Child Need Braces?"

We think you may find these webisodes interesting, as well as enlightening. If you have any questions about the videos, or your treatment here at Hilgers Orthodontics, please give us a call.

Happy New Year from the entire team at Hilgers Orthodontics

When should you call Hilgers Orthodontics?

Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) have put together a helpful list that outlines when you should call Dr. Hilgers. Here are some early warning signs indicating it’s time to check in with us:

1. Early or late loss of baby teeth
2. Difficulty of chewing or biting
3. Mouth breathing
4. Finger sucking or other oral habits
5. Crowding, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
6. Jaws that shift, make sounds, protrude or retrude
7. Speech difficulty
8. Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
9. Protruding teeth
10. Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or don’t meet at all
11. Facial imbalance or asymmetry
12. Grinding or clenching of teeth

Do any of these warning signs fit you? If so, give us a call as soon as possible!
Hope this helps,

Dr. Hilgers wants to know: What do you love about the Holidays?

The holiday season is upon us, and as Dr. Hilgers and his team at Hilgers Orthodontics reflect on the year that was, we’d like to ask: What’s your favorite part about the holidays? Being with your loved ones? Opening presents by the fireplace? All the delicious food? Also, what gift are you most looking forward to getting this year?

We’d love if you shared with us all the things you love about the holidays. Stay warm, and don’t forget to stay away from those sweets!

Happy Wednesday from Hilgers Orthodontics

Patient reviews for Dr. Hilgers

Dr. Hilgers and his team love getting patient reviews. And lately, Hilgers Orthodontics, serving Goodyear and surrounding communities, has been getting some pretty great patient testimonials! We thought we'd share some with you today! Happy Tuesday!

"I love the staff they are so friendly. It makes braces not as scary." ~ Daniele T.

"The staff at the office is outstanding. Dr. Hilgers along with his staff seem to genuinely care about their patients. So far, our experience with everyone involved has gone above and beyond our expectations." ~ Jennifer T.

"He's the best. He makes Orthodontics fun for my son. My daughter can't wait till she's old enough for braces.... :)" ~ Martin G.

"Dr. Mike and his staff are very nice and take good care of their patients. I'm so glad I come to Hilgers Orthodontics and will tell all my friends about you." ~ Jessica H.

"The whole visit is made to feel comfortable and easy. The staff is and doctor are all easy to talk to and make my child feel at ease." ~ Stacey W.

Now that I have braces, what can I eat? Hilgers Orthodontics Explain...

Last week, the Hilgers Orthodontics staff gave you a recipe for a delicious fall meal. Today, we'd like to give you another recipe that is both braces-friendly and delicious. Let's say you just got braces and Dr. Hilgers has informed you that over the next several months you will want to avoid eating anything sticky, hard, crunchy, or chewy. What does this leave for you to eat? Lettuce? Nothing?

Luckily, there was someone else wondering the same thing when she first got braces! Brenda Waterman, 13, decided she was going to find a way to have her cake and eat it too, so she created a variety of “braces-friendly” recipes that allow you to enjoy your favorite treats without interfering with your orthodontic care! Her cookbook, “The Braces Cookbook: Recipes you (and your Orthodontist) will Love,” gives patients a variety of delicious recipes, safe to eat with braces; plus additional tips and advice for packing lunches, what to eat at parties, and braces-friendly restaurant dishes! There’s even a section with tips for dealing with the soreness that can occur when your braces or appliance are adjusted. Enjoy the foods you love – even with braces!
Here is a delicious, sneak peek recipe from “The Braces Cookbook:”

Wonderful Waffles

Forget the recipe that came with your waffle iron – this recipe will redefine fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. The secret to delicious waffles is letting the batter "sit" for five minutes before pouring into the waffle iron. Top cooked waffles with syrup, jam, fresh fruit or even whip cream. Makes about 5 servings!

Preheat your waffle iron according to the directions. You may want to lightly spray it with vegetable oil before heating.
•3 cups flour
•2 Tbl + 2 tsp baking powder
•1 tsp salt
•2 Tbl sugar
•4 cups milk
•4 eggs
•1/2 cup vegetable oil

In a large bowl, whisk (or use electric mixer on low) together all ingredients. Let batter sit for about five minutes to activate the baking powder.

When waffle iron is ready, pour about 1/3 cup of batter onto each of the four squares (experiment with your iron – you don't want the batter overflowing). Gently close the cover and set your timer as the manufacturer suggests. Do not lift the cover while they bake. When done, carefully lift one edge with a flat spatula and pull the waffle away from the iron. Keep waffles warm on a plate under a clean dishtowel while the others bake.

Enjoy this great dish! From Hilgers Orthodontics