Monday, March 15, 2010

Ask Dr. Mike: Why the Damon™ System?

Dr. Mike Hilgers and our dedicated team are pleased to offer our patients The Damon® System. Damon braces allow your teeth to move more comfortably and easily than traditional braces. Thanks to these innovative new braces, achieving your perfect smile will be faster and easier than you ever thought possible.

You're probably thinking, "All right, Dr. Mike. Give me the specifics on how Damon braces are an advantage."

Time-Saving

Damon's innovative technology of self-ligating braces saves you time in orthodontic treatment. The Damon system allows for fewer trips to Hilgers Orthodontics, as well as faster movement of your teeth than with traditional braces. The light forces applied by Damon braces are "biologically compatible" meaning that they work with your body for gentler and quicker tooth movement.

Comfortable

Damon System braces have a unique slide mechanism that allows Dr. Hilgers to use far lighter forces to move teeth to their correct positions. That makes your treatment not only shorter, but it is also far more comfortable.

Because of its unique sliding door, the Damon bracket allows us to use high-tech, light-force wires to achieve tooth movement. This means less pressure on your teeth for more comfortable treatment. Not every orthodontist uses Damon self-ligating braces. The reason Dr. Hilgers does is simple: it means your experience in uncovering your radiant new smile will be more comfortable and convenient than ever.

To learn more about the Damon System, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hilgers, please give us a call.

Monday, March 8, 2010

Yelp reviews for Dr. Mike and Hilgers Orthodontics

Last week, Dr. Mike and our team shared a few generous reviews written by our patients. This morning, we noticed a new patient review on our Yelp listing. Here's what the patient - Ken W. - had to say:

As an ER physician, I expect a lot from other healthcare providers (especially when it comes to my children), and I have the highest respect for Hilgers Orthodontics. I recently moved from Arizona to Chicago, but I expect that when my next kid needs braces, I'll be returning to Arizona to visit Dr. Mike again.

The office is a fun environment, the staff is friendly, and Dr. Mike is one of the most highly trained orthodontists (he trained at Yale). I have great confidence that he yields the best results, and that going out to Goodyear for treatment by Dr. Mike would be totally worth it.

If you have any reviews of Hilgers Orthodontics you'd like to share with the world, please take some time and review us on Yelp. Or, you could always write up a review on our Google Local page. Either way, Dr. Mike and our team appreciate our patients and their testimonials! Happy Monday!

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

What are patients saying about Hilgers Orthodontics?

Hilgers Orthodontics, serving Goodyear and surrounding communities, deliver the highest quality orthodontic care in a personalized environment. Dr. Mike Hilgers and team make orthodontic treatment fun and enjoyable. Just see what our patients have to say! Please feel free to contribute your own thoughts about our office!

"We are new patients and I already would not be able to pick just one thing ... everything so far has been an amazing experience." ~ Michael N.

"The sincere care given by Dr. Hilgers and the entire staff. It's like visiting family every time I am there. The service, technology and results are awesome, not to mention it being a fun experience. Thank you!" ~ Catherine M.

"Staff is very nice and personable. Very willing to help you to accomplish whatever you need done! The office is very patient friendly." ~ Christy G.

"Dr. Hilgers is very professional yet he makes the kids feel very comfortable." ~ Leanne D.

"Dr. Hilgers is extremely friendly and knowledgeable." ~ Timmy P.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Fun facts with Hilgers Orthodontics!

Everyone loves fun facts. Fun, fun, fun. The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, has come up with some fun facts about orthodontics that Dr. Mike and our team at Hilgers Orthodontics thought you might enjoy.

• There are nearly 4 million people in orthodontic treatment throughout the United States. Three out of four are younger than 18.

• The first mechanical treatment for correcting irregular teeth was suggested by Gaius Plinius Secundus (A.D 23-79).The American Association of Orthodontists is comprised of more than 12,000 members in the United States, Canada and abroad.

• The time required to complete orthodontic treatment ranges from 12 to 36 months depending on the nature and severity of the problem.

• Of the 160,000 dentists in the United States and Canada, 8,000 are practicing orthodontists.

• The cement that attaches the braces to the teeth is now made with a special fluoride-releasing substance.

• Wires activated by body heat used in today's braces originally were developed by NASA for use in the space program.

• In addition to alleviating or preventing physical health problems, orthodontics can boost self-esteem as treatment aligns teeth, jaws and lips.

• Famous orthodontic patients include: Dr. Joyce Brothers, Hale Irwin, Cher, Diana Ross, Phyllis Diller, Chelsea Clinton, Whoopi Goldberg, Daisy Fuentes and Brandi.

Friday, February 19, 2010

Getting social with Hilgers Ortho

At Hilgers Orthodontics, we embrace technology, whether it’s through the innovative orthodontic treatments we offer, our high-tech web site or our Facebook fan page. We love connecting with our patients online, whether it’s by sharing news on our blog or communicating ideas on our fan page. For social media to work, however, conversation is vital, and that’s why we invite you to join in and tell us what’s on your mind. Although social networks hugely popular these days, we know they're unpredictable and ever-changing.

While Dr. Mike Hilgers and our dedicated staff take a little time to research how to best use social media, we thought we’d ask you, our loyal patients: How would you like us to use our social networks? What would you like us to share on our blog? Send us your thoughts or give us a call!

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

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.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Access your account anytime at Hilgers Orthodontics

Access to your account, 24/7. Sounds convenient, doesn’t it?

Patients of Dr. Mike's have access to their account, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on our web site. You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages! Just see what some of our patients are saying about this service:

"It is very useful to me as a parent to be able to see when the last time my son has been to the office. Recently my husband and I were trying to figure out when his 6 month appointment should be and it was easier to go online and check." ~ Leanne D.

"I have worked in all aspects of dental for 18 years now and by being able to view the xrays it allows me to access the suggested treatment for myself and builds a great since of confidence in the doctor and the treatment my son is receiving." ~ Patricia B.

"The overview of different types of braces, the process, what to expect. I love the fact I can confirm appointments, see my financials, pictures, etc. It's like a one-stop-shop." ~ Catherine M.

"I forgot the appointment time and I checked on the website. Super easy." ~ Stacey W.

You, too, may sign up for this convenient service on our web site by clicking the "Patient Login" button on our homepage. Please call the team at Hilgers Orthodontics if you have any questions!