Kids getting braces at a younger age

Drs. Ahman, Janowski and Mayers will tell you that braces were originally considered to be best appropriate for teens. But these days, kids as old as seven are beginning their orthodontic treatment. Because preadolescent kids are typically not self-conscious, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists suggest it could be a good idea to start early.

Experts, however, say it depends on the treatment required. Some children who get braces at an early age end up in a second phase of treatment, and end up having braces well into their teenage years despite starting young.

Most orthodontic treatment begins between ages nine and 14, and the folks at AAO estimate most orthodontic treatment lasts from one to three years, with two years being the average. It’s important, however, that children be screened no later than age seven for our doctors to assess what the best age for treatment is.

Hope this helps! Give us a call if you have any questions about your child’s treatment!

Congratulations, Ellie and Kara! They were the August Hygiene Card Contest winners at our Celina office.

Drs. Thomas Ahman, Joseph Janowski, and Matthew Mayers would like to congratulate Ellie and her hygienist, Kara, at Dr. Willmann's office. They were the winners of our August Hygiene Card Contest at our Celina, OH office! Thank you, Ellie, for seeing your family dentist for cleanings and check-ups! Regular checkups are essential in maintaining good oral health, especially during orthodontic treatment.

If you have not been to the dentist in the last six months, let us know during your next visit and we will provide a few great references in your area. As always, feel free to give us a call if you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule your next appointment at Orthodontic Associates. We would love to hear from you!

Don't forget about your oral health!

Are you brushing and flossing daily properly during your orthodontic treatment at Orthodontic Associates? If yes, that’s great! But, don’t forget that it’s also important for you to visit your general dentist every 3-6 months in addition to brushing your teeth and flossing (and visiting our office, of course). Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health, especially during orthodontic treatment.

Your general dentist can check for problems that might not be seen or felt, detect cavities and early signs of decay, treat oral health problems early and show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth.

During an oral exam your dentist can check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If you have not been to the dentist in the last six months, let us know during your next visit and we will provide a few great references in the greater Ottawa, Lima, and Celina, OH areas!

Orthodontic Associates welcomes the new school year with extended hours!

Here in Lima, Celina, and Ottawa, OH, kids and parents are beginning to stock up on pencils, spiral notebooks, and binders because it’s back to school time! To better accommodate the changing schedules of our patients, our team at Orthodontic Associates will be introducing extended hours at our office. Once a month, Drs. Ahman, Janowski, and Mayers will be hosting Saturday hours from 8am to 12pm this fall and winter. Because it is more challenging to work around school, sports, and after school activities, we want to remind our patients about how important it is to plan in advance for your orthodontic appointments!

Next time you're visiting our Lima, OH office, be sure to check out our new interior remodeling! If you take a look around you may notice the fresh coat of paint, new flooring, and decor changes. Let us know what you think! As always, feel free to give us a call if you have any questions or if you would like to schedule your next appointment.

All the cool kids do it! From Orthodontic Associates

Braces today are “cool” and—many would say—even “fun.” These were among the findings of a 2010 nationwide survey of moms whose children are going through or have had orthodontic treatment. New technologies, advanced computer software, color options, and even popular celebrities—Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, Danny Glover, Serena Williams—sporting stylish braces are making orthodontic treatment more comfortable, fashionable and cool for today’s teens.

The study, conducted on behalf of our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists for February’s National Children’s Dental Health Month, found 86 percent of moms reporting that braces are cooler today than when they were children. Sixty-nine percent of moms also said wearing braces makes their children feel cool, and 81 percent reported their children’s experience with orthodontic treatment as either positive or extremely positive.

Different color options and the ability to change colors, for example, provide exciting ways for young patients to customize appearances. That enthusiasm helps them to feel good about their orthodontic treatment with our doctors, and may contribute to the success of treatment.

Has your child or teen visited Orthodontic Associates for a consultation? If not, please give us a call and let us help your child begin the journey to a gorgeous smile!

What do you love about Orthodontic Associates?

From your very first visit to Orthodontic Associates our doctors and team strive to provide superior treatment in a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. We thought we’d ask you, our wonderful patients: Did Drs. Ahman, Mayers or Janowski and our team go out of their way to make your day? Are you in love with your new smile?

Whether you've visited Orthodontic Associates for a week or months, we'd love to hear about your experience with our office! There are many ways you can share your thoughts about your experience with Drs. Ahman, Mayers or Janowski, but we encourage you to visit our Google Places pages to write a review. You can write a review for our Lima, OH office here, our Celina, OH office here, or for our Ottawa, OH office here. You may also connect with us on our Facebook page!

Six reasons to visit Orthodontic Associates this summer!

Our team at Orthodontic Associates knows that summer is a time when folks are putting off visiting the orthodontist due to the nice weather, vacations, and other obligations. However, our team has six good reasons why you should visit one of our Lima, Celina, or Ottawa, OH offices today! Here's why you shouldn't wait to give us a call today to schedule your summer orthodontic checkup:

1) Outstanding customer service is our top priority. We will communicate with you at every level of care.

2) Experienced, knowledgeable, friendly doctors. Drs. Ahman, Janowski, and Mayers have over 35 years of experience and all of them complete over 40 hours of continuing education every year.

3) Multiple office locations and convenient office hours. We have three convenient locations, in Lima, Celina, and Ottawa, OH and provide convenient office hours that work with your busy schedule, including limited Saturday hours!

4) Orthodontic Treatment for Adults. As an adult, you want the most aesthetic option to straighten your teeth and enhance your smile. We offer Invisalign and In-Ovation C clear braces for our adult patients.

5) Phase One Orthodontic Treatment for Children. Some orthodontic problems are best treated with early phase treatments, before the age of 10, and can't be treated later. You may be able to shorten your time in braces if these problems are taken care of early.

5) Flexible Financing options. We offer many convenient payment plans, including a low-down-payment option.

Have a great weekend,

-Orthodontic Associates

How to turn an expander in the mouth, from Dr. Janowski

Has your orthodontist said that it's time to turn your palatal expander? Watch this great video to see how Dr. Janowski instructs patients to turn their expander. The palatal expander "expands" (widens) your upper jaw by putting gentle pressure on your upper molars each time an adjustment is made. Please give us a call if you have any questions about your palatal expander. Or, ask Dr. Janowski, Dr. Ahman, or Dr. Mayers the next time you're in for an appointment!

Have a great week!

-Orthodontic Associates

Drs. Ahman, Janowski, and Mayers, wishing you a happy Parents' Day!

Our team at Orthodontic Associates wants to know, do you and your family have any plans for this weekend? If you didn't know already, the third Sunday of every July is 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.

Our team at Orthodontic Associates would like to wish you a safe and happy Parents' Day! Thank you to all of the amazing parental role models in our community! If you have any stories or pictures to share with us, we encourage you to share them on our Facebook page.

Have a great weekend,

-Orthodontic Associates

Drs. Ahman, Mayers and Janowski and Cooks for Books

At Orthodontic Associates, we value children's literacy, which is why we are continuing supporters of the Lima Juniors Service League. Our involvement within the service league has focused on their Cooks for Books- Chef Challenge, an annual must-attend event and fundraiser at the Lima Veterans Civic Center in Lima, OH. This year's theme for the Cooks for Books fundraiser was “A Black and White Affair: Celebrating 75 Years of Lima Junior Service League.”

In celebration of the program's diamond anniversary, six local chefs prepared appetizer samples. Everyone had the opportunity to vote for their appetizer favorites. One of the event highlights was when the two chefs with the most votes competed in a Iron Chef style competition using a secret ingredient.

Next time you're in for an appointment, let us know if you have any questions about the Lima Junior Service League or the Cooks for Books- Chef Challenge event! Our office enjoys supporting children's literacy through non-profit organizations and community events.

Have a great week,

Your friends at Orthodontics Associates

Featured patient reviews for Orthodontic Associates!

Once in a while, our staff at Orthodontic Associates like to highlight patient reviews that make us really proud to do the work we do: creating beautiful smiles in Lima, Celina ane Ottawa. Here's what two of our patients had to say about their treatment:

"Dr. Joseph Janowski: Just starting the process with my daughter, but the office is great! Pleasant atmosphere; helpful staff; very relaxing environment overall. Really puts the patient (and parents) at ease." ~ Randi

"Scene & Service: So clean, decorated really nice, bright, spacious. Assistants are well at their jobs. Cheerful. Knowledgable. Dr.'s are great. My TMJ is getting resolved after so many years. They have monthly drawings. On time. Seats are facing out the windows which is really nice, you can watch whats going on outside instead of being bored inside.. It's great!!!" ~ Anonymous

Thanks for writing in! We're glad to have helped create such a beautiful smile for you both! We encourage all our patients to contribute your own thoughts about our office!

Orthodontic Associates want to know: Are you suffering from sleep disorders?

Sleep apnea, a condition in which folks repeatedly stop breathing at night, can occur as many as 20 to 30 times an hour. Drs. Ahman, Mayers and Janowski will tell you sleep apnea is considered a serious medical problem that, if left untreated, can lead to high blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart failure and stroke.

There are two kinds of sleep apnea: obstructive apnea and central apnea, and the preferred method of treating the condition is a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device, which includes a mask, tubes and a fan. A CPAP device uses air pressure to push your tongue forward and open your throat, allowing air to pass through your throat.

The following symptoms can indicate the presence of sleep apnea. If you notice one or more of these, give our team a call as soon as possible.

* Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
* Loud snoring at night
* Waking up at night short of breath
* Snorting or choking sounds during the night (indicating a restart of breathing)
* Headaches upon waking in the morning
* Falling asleep unintentionally during the day
* Extreme drowsiness throughout the day

Have a great week everyone! We hope you had a GREAT Fourth of July weekend!

Tell Orthodontic Associates what’s on your mind!

Week after week, our creative staff at Orthodontic Associates blog about important topics pertinent to orthodontic treatment care and your well-being, including innovative techniques we offer at our convenient offices in Lima, Celina and Ottawa.

Today, however, we thought we’d step back and ask you, our wonderful patients and readers: what’s on your mind? What would you like to know about the always-changing field of orthodontics? What would you like us to focus on our blog in the coming months? Perhaps there’s something you’ve wanted to ask us for a while now? Let us know by posting here or on our Facebook fan page!

So… take it away and our doctors & staff will try to answer any questions you may have! We hope you're having a stress-free and relaxing summer!

Smile Contest at Orthodontic Associates!

We are excited to tell you about (and invite you to enter) our “Smile Contest”!

Whether you are a current patient or a friend from the past, we would like you to post your most creative “smile” photo on the Orthodontic Associates Facebook Page. (In order to post, you will need to "Like" our page first.

Have fun and show us your beautiful smiles!

The grand prize winner will be determined by our office and will receive an iPad!

Visit our website at www.smilecreators.net and click on the Facebook icon to enter!

Contest ends December 20, 2010.

GOOD LUCK!

Share your summer plans and adventures with us!

It's almost summer here at Orthodontic Associates, a magical season full of adventures, vacations and great memories. Whether you're headed to a barbecue, an exotic destination, a camping trip, or just having fun in Lima, Celina or Ottawa this summer, we want to hear about it, and would like to encourage you to share your summer plans and experiences on our Facebook page!

Happy travels and have a great summer,

The entire team at Orthodontic Associates

Ask Orthodontic Associates: Who really benefits from braces?

Braces aren’t just for pre-adolescents and teenagers anymore! Drs. Ahman, Janowski and Mayers will tell you that anyone, at any age, can benefit from orthodontic treatment at our convenient offices in Lima, Celina and Ottawa.

To ensure the best overall treatment, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists recommend that children receive an orthodontic consultation as early as age seven. Taking action early - if a problem is evident - can spare a lot of treatment and expense down the road. If you never received orthodontic treatment when you were young, not to worry! You’re never too old for a beautiful smile. Set up an appointment for a complimentary consultation and find out how orthodontic treatment will transform your smile and your life!

Orthodontic Associates, helping you save face this summer

Wouldn’t you believe it, summer is only two weeks away! At Orthodontic Associates, we know that the summer months bring with them an increase in outdoor activities and a greater chance of our athletes damaging their teeth. If you're playing sports this summer, it's important that you consult Drs. Mayers, Ahman or Janowski for special precautions, such as wearing a mouth guard.

Our staff was reminded about the need to wear mouth guards after reading an article recently about hockey great Keith Tkachuk requiring reconstructive surgery after taking a puck to the mouth. Tkachuk’s injury underscores the need for all of our patients to use facial protection at all times when out on the field this summer.

In case of any accident involving the face, we want you to check your mouth and appliances immediately. If teeth are loosened or the appliances are damaged, please schedule an appointment to see us immediately. And don’t forget to ask us—our doctors and staff will be more than happy to provide a mouth guard for any patient in active treatment!

Our team at Orthodontic Associates will tell you that 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 at one of our three convenient offices if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment.

Enjoy the rest of the week everyone!

June is National Smile Month! From Orthodontic Associates

At Orthodontic Associates, we can't believe June is already here! For our staff, June means one thing: it's National Smile Month, and it's once again time to remind our patients about the importance of brushing, flossing and practice good nutrition. After all, there's more and more evidence that suggests folks with gum disease are more at risk for serious health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and strokes.

Here are a few easy steps you can improve your oral health at home, courtesy of Drs. Mayers, Ahman and Janowski:

* Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Here's a helpful video showing you how to brush with your braces on.
* Floss everyday to clean between your teeth.
* Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks during your treatment.
* Visit your dentist regularly (usually every six months apart).

If you have questions about any of these tips, we encourage you to give us a call. We hope you had a relaxing and fun Memorial Day weekend!

Write a review of Orthodontic Associates!

At Orthodontic Associates, serving Lima, Celina, Ottawa and surrounding communities, we have been creating astounding smiles for more than 35 years, and We strive to provide the best orthodontic care for our patients, focusing our efforts on maintaining solid relationships with each of our patients. We want you to know you are family, and you can count on us for your orthodontic needs!

Whether you've visited Orthodontic Associates for a week or months, we'd love to hear your feedback about how our practice is faring! There are lots of ways you can share your thoughts about your experience with Drs. Ahman, Mayers or Janowski with the world, but we encourage you to head to our Google Local page and write a review there. You may also, of course, post your thoughts on our Facebook page!

Thanks in advance and enjoy your week! We look forward to reading your reviews!

Dairy and gum disease, from Orthodontic Associates

Last week, we told you all about fluoride and its health benefits. This week, our team at Orthodontic Associates thought we'd spotlight another healthy yet under appreciated ingredient to a healthy you: dairy.

If dairy's not already a part of your diet, it should be! A 2008 study from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) has found that regular consumption of dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt can lower your chances of contracting periodontal disease (also known as gum disease).

Gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection in the mouth that affects your gums and jaw, and results in a loss of teeth and bone - and has also been connected in studies to certain cases of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease and osteoporosis.

Results of the study show that adults who consume at least 55 grams of lactic acid a day are less at risk for gum disease. Eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but is essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth. Next time you reach for a quick snack, choose some cheese, or a glass of milk, and remember with each bite, and every sip you are preserving your teeth for a lifetime of smiles and good oral health!

For more information about keeping your teeth healthy, give us a call!

Orthodontic Associates present: Your Friend, fluoride

Our team at Orthodontic Associates will tell you there are many, many ways you protect your teeth throughout your orthodontic treatment with either Drs. Janowski, Mayers or Ahman.

Think about it: You brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly and protect your mouth and appliances from being damaged. But did you know there is another, often forgotten about, way to keep your teeth clean and healthy during your treatment?

Fluoride – a mineral that helps prevent cavities and tooth decay – can help keep your teeth strong! Fluoride comes in two varieties, topical and systemic. Topical fluoride is applied directly to the tooth. Topical fluoride includes toothpastes and mouth rinses. Systemic fluorides are swallowed in the form of a dietary supplement. Dentists and orthodontists use in-office fluoride treatments to help protect the oral health of adults and children undergoing dental or orthodontic procedures.

Fluoride used in the dentist/orthodontists’ office is often times a stronger concentration than in toothpaste or mouthwash, but is available at some drug stores or a pharmacy (ask Drs. Janowski, Mayers or Ahman how to purchase professional strength fluoride).

A fluoride treatment typically takes just a few minutes. After the treatment patients may be asked not to rinse, eat or drink for at least 30 minutes in order to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride. Depending on your oral health or doctor’s recommendation, you may be required to have a fluoride treatment every three, six or 12 months. Your doctor may also prescribe a fluoride product such as mouthwashes, gels or antibacterial rinses for at-home treatment.

When choosing your own fluoride product be sure to check for the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of acceptance. Products marked with the ADA seal of approval have been carefully examined and have met the criteria of the ADA for safety and effectiveness. Take care of your teeth, and smile bright!

Orthodontic Associates, wishing you a happy Mother's Day!

Our entire staff at Orthodontic Associates would like to take this time to thank all the wonderful moms out who - week after week - bring their kids to our office for treatment. We want to let you know we appreciate you all and would like to wish you a Happy Mother's Day!

Whether it's driving their kids to our office or just "being there," all of you do a great job in supporting your kids' through their orthodontic treatment, and you all deserve more than just a day of recognition and praise!

And moms? It was also great seeing you all at the Open House last night! Enjoy your special day on Sunday!

"How Orthodontics Changed My Life" video contest!

Our staff at Orthodontic Associates wanted to direct your attention to an exciting contest that our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists are currently running. The contest, “How Orthodontics Changed My Life,” is all about you - tell the AAO your story about treatment at Orthodontic Associates. Contest entrants should tell their stories on video, answering questions such as:

* - What were you like before you had orthodontic treatment?
* - How have you changed How proud are you of your new smile?
* - When did you notice changes in yourself?
* - What kinds of changes have you noticed?
* - What does your new smile mean to you?
* - What would you say to others whose smiles make them self-conscious?

There will be two winners; each winner will be awarded a $2,500 scholarship. The contest is open to students who are age 18 who have completed active orthodontic treatment (braces must have been removed) and be in the active retention phase of treatment or have completed active retention.

Contest guidelines, available here, provide instructions to contestants on submitting their videos, which are to be submitted on DVDs or USB flash drives and accompanied by a signed release.

Drs. Mayers, Janowski and Ahman hope you'll find time to submit your video! GOOD LUCK!!

Retainers, retainers, retainers...

If you've recently completed your treatment at Orthodontic Associates, our staff would like to take this time to congratulate you! Now that your braces have been removed, Drs. Ahman, Mayers or Janowski will provide—or have provided you—with retainers.

Retainers are important because after braces are removed, teeth may shift out of position if they are not stabilized. Retainers 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 Drs. Ahman, Mayers or Janowski is the best insurance that the treatment improvements last for a lifetime. Here are some things to remember when you receive your retainers:

* Wear your retainers full time, until the doctor instructs otherwise. Wearing your retainers at night ensures that your pearly whites won’t relapse.
* Take your retainers out when eating...and always put retainers in their case! (Most appliances are lost in school lunch rooms or restaurants.)
* Clean retainers thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and only a small amount of toothpaste. Use warm but not hot water.
* When retainers are not in your mouth they should ALWAYS be in a retainer case.
* Retainers are breakable, so treat them with care. If retainers are lost or broken, give us a call immediately.
* Remove retainers when swimming or during any sporting activity in which the retainers could fall out and get broken or lost (cheerleading, basketball, etc.) or when you should be wearing a mouth guard (football, soccer, etc.).

Give us a call if you have any questions and again, congratulations on being braces-free!

Ask Orthodontic Associates: Am I too old for treatment?

Who’s afraid of “metal mouth” and the appearance of braces? Not adults, apparently. Recently, our staff read a fascinating statistic: the number of adults getting braces has climbed 24 percent since 1996! Yes, braces help make your pearly whites strong, healthy and perfectly-aligned, but perhaps another reason for the spike in adult braces is this: people want to look and feel great. 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 a promotion, adults are choosing—wisely, we might add—to invest in orthodontics. Treatment at Orthodontic Associates can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile.

If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, Drs. Mayers, Ahman and Janowski would love to have you visit for a consultation. Please give us a call to set one up!

Parsing through the myths and facts about orthodontics with the Orthodontic Associates team

Drs. Mayers, Ahman and Janowski know there quite a lot of myths about orthodontics (and orthodontists) flying around these days. But before you buy into those myths, our team at Orthodontic Associates think you should get the facts! We came across a great site that helps set the record straight. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have some excellent information on the myths and facts of orthodontics. We encourage you to check them out today!

If you have any questions about orthodontics or your treatment here at Orthodontic Associates, feel free to give us a call at our Lima, Ottawa or Celina locations! Happy Wednesday!

Play it safe this spring, from Drs. Mayers, Janowski and Ahman

You may remember our blog post a few weeks ago about the advantages of wearing a mouth guard. Today, we thought we'd follow-up on that post and remind you that April is National Facial Protection Month. According to the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation, children, high-school athletes and adults will have more than 5,000,000 teeth knocked out in sporting events this year. By simply protecting your face, these accidents could be fully prevented.

Above is a video from our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists that outlines five ways you can save face on the field this spring. If you have any further questions about any of the tips offered in the video, please contact our team at Orthodontic Associates. And remember to have fun and stay safe!

Join us at our Invisalign Open House on May 6!

Mother's Day is not too far away, and our team at Orthodontic Associates would like to tell you about a special offer at our Lima office on Thursday, May 6 from 2-6:30 p.m. All moms are invited to join our Open House featuring a discussion on Invisalign.

Why are we holding this Open House? Because Moms deserve a great smile, too!

To learn more about this offer, please give us a call at (419) 229-8771. We look forward to seeing you there!

Sleep disorders and treatment options in Lima, Celina and Ottawa

Drs. Ahman, Janowski and Mayers know sleep disorders are fairly common, with around 50 to 70 million Americans being affected by some type chronic sleep disorder, with some of these progressing to Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which can cause loss of sleep among many other health problems. Snoring is one of the most easily identified symptoms, and as it worsens it can lead to full airway blockage while you sleep, which can severely disrupt your sleep patterns.

Sleep apnea is considered a serious medical problem that if left untreated can lead to high blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart failure and stroke. It can also take a toll on your overall energy level, as sleep apnea causes an ongoing state of fatigue.

There are several different approaches to sleep apnea treatment, including:

• Surgery to the jaws or airway tissue to open the airway. This is typically only used in the most severe cases.
• Continuous airway pressure therapy which involves a mask and machine (CPAP machine) to keep your throat muscles and tissue open while sleeping
• Oral appliance therapy, a less intrusive method involving a customized oral device that positions your jaw in a favorable position to keep your airway open while you sleep.

If you suspect that you may suffer from a sleep disorder or sleep apnea, give us a call. Depending on your situation, treatment may involve an oral device that we can custom-create for you.

Happy Tuesday!

The importance of mouth guards, with Orthodontic Associates

Let’s face it: sports-related injuries are common among children, let alone teens with braces. In a recent survey, the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, discovered that 70 percent of parents said their biggest worry is that their child will get hurt while playing sports. That’s part of the reason why our team at Orthodontic Associates is helping spread the word that many facial sports injuries can be prevented simply by reminding your kids to wear mouth guards. Ask us—Drs. Ahman, Mayers and Janowski will provide a mouth guard for any patient in active treatment. In addition, the AAO has provided the following tips for keeping your kids safe on the field this spring. Please remind them to:

• Wear mouth guards during contact sports
• Wear a helmet
• Stretch before and after a game or practice
• Wear protective eye wear
• Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
• Be observant—even as a spectator

All of these can reduce injuries. Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Be sure to avoid mouth guards that custom form to your teeth as these will resist any tooth movements Drs. Ahman, Mayers and Janowski are trying to achieve.

Give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at Orthodontic Associates.

Ask Orthodontic Associates: Why are straight teeth so important?

Some people wonder why Drs. Mayers, Ahman and Janowski work tirelessly 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!

A smile is very powerful, and Orthodontic Associates has been making smiles beautiful for over 35 years! Drs. Thomas Ahman, Joseph Janowski, and Matthew Mayers offer orthodontic treatment for both children and adults, making you look and feel better at any age! If you’re wondering whether your teeth might cause problems because they are out of alignment, please give us a call to set up a consultation. Drs. Ahman, Janowski and Mayers can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment.

Diet and Braces - Foods to Avoid While In Orthodontic Treatment

Good dietary habits are important during orthodontic treatment. While candy is often thought of as a food to avoid during orthodontic treatment, sports drinks, juices, and soda can all be very damaging to your teeth as well. Watch as Dr. Mayers explains why it is important to brush after every meal and snack to maintain a healthy smile!

Check out our YouTube channel for more useful tips and information about life with braces. The Orthodontic Associates have three conveniently located offices in Lima, Celina and Ottawa OH, call today to schedule a complimentary orthodontic consultation.

Meet Our Orthodontists

Dr. Thomas Ahman has been in the specialty practice of orthodontics since 1985. He received his undergraduate and dental degrees from The Ohio State University, and after practicing general dentistry for six years, he returned to Ohio State to complete his master's degree and residency in orthodontics. He is very active in various dental and orthodontic organizations and is a member of the American Dental Association, the Ohio Dental Association, the Northwestern Ohio Dental Society, the Lima Academy of Dentistry, the American Association of Orthodontists, the Great Lakes Association of Orthodontists, and the Ohio Association of Orthodontists.

Dr. Ahman is past-president of several of these organizations, and continues to serve in elected and appointed positions in regional and national orthodontic associations. He contributes to the community through his involvement with United Way and various other organizations. He has coached junior-high and elementary youth in a number of sports through the years, with particular interest in cross-country. Dr. Ahman and his staff continuously strive to deliver outstanding, state-of-the art orthodontic care to their patients.

Dr. Joseph Janowski has been delivering outstanding orthodontic care since 1996. He received his dental education from The Ohio State University, and his orthodontic certificate from the University of Tennessee. He is a member of many professional organizations including the American Association of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association, the Great Lakes Association of Orthodontists, the Northwestern Ohio Dental Society, and the Lima Dental Society. He and the staff at Orthodontic Associates strive to provide the very best in orthodontic care.

Dr. Matthew Mayers joined the practice in May of 2004. He has been practicing dentistry since 1998. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. He received his dental and orthodontic education from the Ohio State University where he graduated with high honors. He is a published author in the American Journal of Orthodontics. He has served three years in the United States Navy at Camp Pendleton, California. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the American Association of Orthodontists, the Great Lakes Association of Orthodontists, and the Northwestern Ohio Dental Society. Dr. Mayers and his staff enjoy providing excellent, high-quality care.