Happy Halloween from Hilgers Orthodontics!

Trick-or-treat! In the spirit of this weekend's sweet and spooky holiday, Dr. Mike Hilgers and our experienced team at Hilgers Orthodontics would like to remind all of our patients in Goodyear, Litchfield Park and nearby communities to be safe while celebrating with friends and family this weekend. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists were kind enough to provide trick-or-treaters with some tips for a ghoulishly good time.

A few Halloween safety guidelines:
• Young children should always be accompanied by an adult
• Carry a flashlight
• Wear a light-colored or reflective costume
• Choose face paint over masks for young ghosts and goblins
• Have an adult inspect all treats before the children dig in

Many treats can cause havoc for trick-or-treaters who are going through orthodontic treatment, including sticky, chewy, gummy and nutty goodies. If you happen to damage your braces, please give us a call immediately. Typically, small problems can be solved over the phone.

We wish you all a safe, fun and happy Halloween weekend!

Thank you for supporting Officer Murphy's family on Saturday!

Dr. Mike Hilgers and our entire staff at Hilgers Orthodontics would like to thank everyone for coming out and supporting Travis Murphy's family on Saturday morning. We lost one of Arizona's finest and we need to continue to support his family! Saturday's event was a wonderful representation of our community's support!

Officer Travis P. Murphy was shot and killed when he confronted a suspect who had fled the scene of a shots fired call on May 26th. Officer Murphy had served with the Phoenix Police Department for four and a half years. He is survived by his wife, 2-year-old daughter, and 2-week-old son.

Tips on getting through cold & flu season, from Hilgers Orthodontics

It's that time of year again...cold and flu season! To promote a healthy and clean environment here at Hilgers Orthodontics, we give a great deal of attention to sanitation and sterilization in our Goodyear office at all times, as well as following all requirements for sterilizing instruments and work surfaces.

For the protection of other patients, Dr. Mike Hilgers and our staff, we always ask that patients reschedule their appointments if they have any type of cold or illness that can infect others.

Maintaining and protecting oral hygiene equipment is also important this flu season. To protect your toothbrush from bacteria follow these steps:

• 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 toothbrush after every cold or flu or every 3-4 months when bristles appear worn

Hope this helps! Stay healthy!

- The Hilgers Orthodontics team

October is National Orthodontic Health Month at Dr. Hilgers' office!

October is National Orthodontic Health Month, and a great time to remind our patients to be careful when they bite into their treats this month. Remember, caramels, taffy, nuts, bubble gum, popcorn kernels and suckers are some of the foods you should be avoiding this Halloween Season! Indulging in these foods can break your braces and lengthen your treatment time!

Of course, Halloween doesn’t have to be completely treat-less. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have provided a helpful list of tips and braces-friendly recipes for the Halloween Season.

Enjoy and have a wonderful weekend!

By the way, Hilgers Orthodontics and Hilgers Pediatric Dentistry are proud to present "Princess and the Frog" next Friday, October 15 at the Goodyear, Arizona Ball Park - See you there! More info on our Facebook page!

Dr. Mike Hilgers, Goodyear's Invisalign provider

Are you interested in straightening your teeth, but aren't interested in doing so through conventional orthodontic treatment? Dr. Mike Hilgers and our staff would like to recommend Invisalign or Clear Aligners?

Invisalign aligners are customized, clear aligners used to straighten teeth quicker and with fewer office visits than traditional braces. Visit Hilgers Orthodontics in Goodyear for a complete orthodontic evaluation - Dr. Hilgers is a certified Invisalign provider in Goodyear, Phoenix, Litchfield Park, Avondale, Surprise and Buckeye.

Another GREAT reason to visit us this month? October is National Orthodontic Health Month! We look forward to seeing you soon!