New Facebook announcements/photos!

We invite you to our Facebook page to see all the latest and greatest at Hilgers Orthodontics! We've got announcements for our Wii contest, as well as recent photos from Soccer Fest 2010, so check us out!

Staying connected with Dr. Mike and Hilgers Orthodontics

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! Enjoy your weekend!

Giving thanks this holiday season

Dr. Michael Hilgers and our entire orthodontic staff at Goodyear's Hilgers Orthodontics extend our best wishes to you, our patients and referring doctors, for a wonderful Thanksgiving.

We appreciate the opportunity to work together with you in the creation of your ideal smile, and would like to know: what are you most thankful for this year? Leave us a comment, or if you have any photos or stories to share with us, we encourage you to post them on our Facebook page.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Talking retainers with Hilgers Orthodontics

If you recently completed treatment at Hilgers Orthodontics, we’d like to congratulate you! Now that your braces have been removed, Dr. Michael Hilgers will provide—or has provided you—with retainers. After braces are removed, teeth can shift out of position if they are not stabilized. Retainers, however, always provide that stabilization. They are designed to hold teeth in their corrected, ideal positions until the bones and gums adapt to the treatment changes. Wearing retainers exactly as instructed by Dr. Mike is the best insurance that the treatment improvements last for a lifetime.

To learn more about the advantages of wearing retainers after your orthodontic treatment with Dr. Mike, please read this helpful article about retainers from KidsHealth or give us a call!

Happy Veteran's Day from Dr. Michael Hilgers and team!

We hope most of you got the day off and are taking good advantage of it! We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the veterans and those currently on active duty who have put their lives on the line for the freedoms we all enjoy.

In celebration of Veteran’s Day, Dr. Michael Hilgers and our team at Goodyear's Hilgers Orthodontics would like to share a few fun facts about our flag, our national holiday, and our country’s history!

-Veteran's Day, a day that was originally called Armistice Day, is a time to thank and honor the men and women who have served in our military.

- President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the official legislation for Veteran's Day on June 1, 1954, changing the name of the holiday from Armistice Day to Veteran's Day

-There are 23.2 million veterans in the U.S.

-The flag was first approved by Congress on June 14, 1777

-Each of the flag’s colors signify different American values - red is for valor and zeal, white is for hope, purity, and cleanliness of life, and blue is for heaven, loyalty, sincerity, justice, and truth

-Veteran's Day is often confused with Memorial Day. Memorial Day is a time for remembering and honoring the men and women who died while serving our country, or as a result of injuries that incurred in battle. Veteran's Day honors and gives thanks to all veterans who served in our military.

-There are five states with over 1 million veterans in their population – California, Florida, Texas, New York and Pennsylvania.

Thanks again to our veterans! We are so thankful for all who have and are currently serving in the U.S. and abroad.

Hilgers Orthodontics proudly support AYSO 225 Soccer Fest 2010!

Dr. Michael Hilgers and our staff, as well as our friends at Hilgers Pediatric Dentistry, are proud sponsors of AYSO 225 Soccer Fest 2010, coming on December 11th-12th at Friendship Park in Avondale. The younger divisions will play one game in a tournament style format all day on Saturday. Upper Divisions will have a game on Saturday with a possibility of playing for a Championship on Sunday.

The event will have a festival atmosphere with food, games, vendors, jumpers and many other activities to keep your family entertained.

Ask us for info here or on our Facebook page!

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!