Parents' Day is this Sunday! From Hilgers Orthodontics

Doing anything special this weekend? We're asking because the third Sunday of every July happens to be Parents' Day! According to the Congressional Resolution, this holiday is "a time for recognizing, uplifting, and supporting the role of parents in the rearing of children, similar to Mother's and Father's Day."

Dr. Mike Hilgers and our team at Hilgers Orthodontics would like to wish you a safe and happy Parents' Day (as well as a GREAT weekend)! Thank you to all of the amazing role models in our community! If you have any stories or pictures to share with us, we encourage you to post them on our Facebook page.

We'll leave you with a quote from Angela Schwindt: "While we try to teach our children all about life. Our children teach us what life is all about."

- Dr. Mike and team

Dr. Mike Hilgers, breaking down the myths about orthodontics

Trust us: Dr. Mike Hilgers is well-aware that there are a lot of myths flying around the topic of orthodontics these days. But, before you buy into those myths, he thinks you should get the facts first! Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have some excellent information on the myths and facts of orthodontics, and we encourage you to check them out before settling for rumors about braces!

If you have any questions about orthodontics or your treatment at Hilgers Orthodontics, feel free to give us a call at our convenient Goodyear office.

Our entire team wish you a safe and memorable Memorial Day weekend!

Dr. Mike and Hilgers Orthodontics, helping you avoid avoid sports injuries

Wouldn’t you believe it, it’s almost springtime! The spring and summer months, however, bring an increase in outdoor activities and a greater chance of damaging your precious mouth and pearly whites. If you play sports, it's important that you consult Dr. Mike Hilgers for special precautions. A protective mouth guard is advised for playing spring sports such as baseball and soccer. Be sure to avoid mouth guards that custom form to your teeth as these will resist any tooth movements we are trying to achieve.

In case of any accident involving the face, check your mouth and the appliances immediately. If teeth are loosened or the appliances damaged, please schedule an appointment with Hilgers Orthodontics.

Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Please give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at Hilgers Orthodontics.

Ask Dr. Mike: When should my child get an orthodontic check-up?

Many parents think they must wait until their child has all permanent teeth, only to find that treatment would have been much simpler if started earlier. Some orthodontic problems are easier to correct while the jaw is still growing. So, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven.

What’s so special about age seven? Enough permanent teeth have arrived for an orthodontist to make a determination about whether any problems are present. The first molars have come in, providing an opportunity to check for malocclusion, or “bad bite.” Also, the incisors have begun to come in, and problems such as crowding, deep bites, and open bites can be detected, Dr. Mike says.

Orthodontic evaluation at an early age provides one of two positive outcomes: For some, early identification or problems will lead to easier or shorter orthodontic treatment in the future. For others, a healthy prognosis will provide immediate peace of mind.

Early evaluation, of course, may signal a need for early treatment. For some children, early treatment can prevent physical and emotional trauma. Aside from spurring on years of harmful teasing, misaligned teeth are also prone to injury and detrimental to good oral hygiene. So if your child is nearing age 7, give us a call at Hilgers Orthodontics to schedule an appointment.

What puts you at ease at Hilgers Orthodontics?

Dr. Mike understands not everyone is thrilled to see their orthodontist. But we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit. We’d like to know: What is it about Hilgers Orthodontics that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant environment? Our friendly staff? Dr. Mike himself?

Let us know by posting here or by giving us a call! Have a great week!

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