Ask Dr. Hilgers: “I’m 29 – am I too old for braces?”

Thanks for the question, and of course not!

Recently, we came across an article that reported adults getting braces has jumped 24 percent from just 15 years ago! In fact, did you know one of every five patients in orthodontic treatment is over the age of 21?

In an age—and society—where looks matter as much as anything, and at a time when evenly-aligned teeth might be the difference between getting a job or that promotion, adults are choosing to invest—rather wisely—in orthodontics. While orthodontics are often associated with teenagers, adult orthodontics and braces at our Goodyear office can achieve amazing results for adult patients. Orthodontic treatment at Hilgers Orthodontics can be successful at any age, and our dedicated staff knows that adults especially appreciate the benefits of a gorgeous smile.

If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, Dr. Mike Hilgers would love to have you visit for a consultation. Please give us a call to set one up!

Children and Mouthguards

Pat Smith, wife of Emmitt, encourages use of mouth guards

According to a recent survey by the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), 67 percent of parents admitted that their child does NOT wear a mouth guard during organized sports such as football, baseball, basketball, soccer and lacrosse. The statistic validates an unsettling trend: Orthodontists and dentists are seeing young patients suffer oral and facial trauma as a result of sports injuries.

Sadly, many of these injuries could have been minimized, or even prevented, if the child had been wearing a mouth guard. To help spread the word that mouth guards save smiles, Pat Smith, wife of Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinee Emmitt Smith and mother of four, has teamed up with the AAO to encourage mothers across North America to take the Moms For Mouth Guards Pledge. In taking the pledge, moms promise that their children will consistently wear mouth guards and other protective gear during competitions and practices.

As part of the AAO Sport Safety Program, the Moms For Mouth Guards Pledge is being launched in conjunction with National Facial Protection Month, in April. By taking the Moms For Mouth Guards Pledge online, parents and coaches can help to make sports play safer for kids while making a difference in the lives of other young athletes as well. Each time someone takes the Moms For Mouth Guards Pledge, the AAO will make a donation to the National Alliance for Youth Sports to help protect the smile of a child.

“Injuries to the face and mouth can happen in an instant,” said Smith. “That’s why it’s so important for kids, especially those with braces, to wear mouth guards and other protective gear while playing sports. Part of our job as parents is to help protect our children on and off the field and that’s why I’m leading the charge to get moms and coaches to take the Moms for Mouth Guards Pledge.”
One Signature Can Help to Save A Smile

According to the Centers for Disease Control, baseball, soccer, basketball and football account for about 80 percent of all sports-related emergency room visits for children between 5 and 14 years of age. The AAO survey also revealed that one out of every four (27 percent) parents said their child has sustained an injury during an organized sport that resulted in a trip to the emergency room. By taking proactive measures and requiring children to wear facial protection and mouth guards, parents and coaches can help prevent injury and keep young athletes in the game.

“Using a mouth guard is one of the most inexpensive and simple measures parents and coaches can take to help keep their kids safe during sports,” said Robert J. Bray, DDS, MS, president of the AAO. “As experts in helping patients achieve a healthy, beautiful smile, the last thing my colleagues and I want to see is a smile ruined by a preventable injury.”

It Is Never Too Late For Braces

As each New Year begins, many people take time to reflect on the year gone by. Some make resolutions to change or improve themselves; others make a list of things they hope to achieve in the coming 12 months. For many people who aren’t happy with their smiles, a new year can also bring new hope as they consider tuning up their smile with orthodontic treatment. 2011 could be just the year for you to improve your smile.
If you have crooked teeth or a “broken smile” from gaps or missing teeth, you don’t have to suffer any longer. There is a reason more and more adults are choosing to wear braces. A straighter, brighter smile can really go a long way in boosting your confidence. No matter what your age may be, you are likely only a few visits away from straight teeth, and a better smile.

The number of adults who are electing to improve their smile with braces is increasing. In fact, one in five orthodontic patients today is an adult. The truth is crooked teeth or spaces from missing teeth can cause real confidence problems. Some people even avoid smiling altogether to hide their smile. If this describes you or someone you know, then you will be happy to know that you can learn more about how Dr. Hilgers can “remodel” your smile by scheduling an appointment to discuss your particular needs. With your initial consultation, Dr. Hilgers will be able to recommend the right treatment for you to get your self-confidence back. 2011 just may be the right time you treat yourself to straight teeth and a smile that really shines! We look forward to working with you!!

Why Is It So Important To Have Straight Teeth? Hilgers Orthodontics

Some people wonder why we work so hard 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 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, give us a call at 623-935-3908 to set up a consultation. Dr. Hilgers can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment.

Hilgers Orthodontics Is Dedicated To The Latest In Technology

At Hilgers Orthodontics, we are committed to providing the most up-to-date orthodontic treatments for our Goodyear patients. That is one reason that we were featured in the May issue of the Doctor of Dentistry Magazine.

The orthodontic and dental fields constantly make great advances. It takes an expert like Dr. Hilgers to be able to stay on top of the latest discoveries and determine how to best apply them. One way that we accomplish such a great feat is through digital technology. Not only do digital x-rays provide a low dose of radiation and are better for the environment, but Dr. Hilgers gains instant access to their results. With High-Def televisions throughout the office, clear and concise pictures of your orthodontic process are readily available. If your treatment requires lab work, we have an adjoining full-service lab attached to our practice. Knowing how important and unique this is, we provide our lab services to other dental professionals in the community.

We offer a host of products ranging from Damon System braces, to Clarity, Micro Twin, and Invisalign. Because Dr. Hilgers does not contract with any of these providers, his only vested interest is to find the best treatment plan to fit your individual needs.

As if this weren't enough, state-of-the-art patient management systems provide text message or email appointment reminders, and a custom dashboard for patients to watch their progress.

We would love to show you the great things our practice has to offer, so stop by today and see for yourself why Hilgers Orthodontics is a great place to be.