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!

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

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!

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, 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!!

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!

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.

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.