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.