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!