Thanks to everyone who wrote in over the past month! Here are our featured five-star patient reviews for the month of May. Have a great week!

Excellent dentist

I always enjoy taking my daughter to your office. Everyone is friendly, the place is so inviting. I only wish I had the same experience when I was growing up! :)Dr. Hilgers, you and your wife are the BEST!!!
- By Lindsay, Mar 14, 2012

LOVE THEM!!

Amazing service, awesome staff, incredibly friendly, go way beyond just getting the work done!
- By Elise, Mar 13, 2012

Outstanding Ortho!

We come away with sore teeth 9a good thing) and a happy attitudes! we are always treated with outstanding customer service and beautiful smiles! We love Hilgers Ortho, they are amazing in all they do~ The Taylor Family Four sets of Braces Later!
- By Audrey T., Mar 9, 2012

Outstanding Orthodontic Care

This office goes above and beyond to meet your needs. Each employee is always so friendly and helpful. If you are looking for affordable orthodontic care and the best customer service, Hilgers is the right choice!
- By Ciana, Mar 6, 2012

Hilgers, safe, warm and inviting for kids of all ages

My kids know, from past experiences, that a visit to the dentist can be painful and have not looked forward to making the trip. It has made it easy for me to put the visits off for as long as possible. Since our first encounter to Hilgers, both the dentinst and now the orthodontist, my kids remind me and we look forward to the visits. It's great to see them learn about how good care to their teeth is so important. The staff is excellent at making their feelings count and are sensitive to their questions and concerns. We love Hilgers!
- By Davina G., Mar 1, 2012

At Hilgers Orthodontics, we know image is everything. At an age when image is so important, the thought of having braces may intensify the already-delicate confidence of today’s teens. Well, May is National Teen Self-Esteem Month, and during this time, parents are encouraged to act as positive role models, help stop negative self-images, and improve confidence and security among teenagers.

One of the great ways to improve your confidence is to improve your smile. And that begins with a consultation with Dr. Michael Hilgers. After all, what better time to avoid having crooked teeth in your adulthood?
Come visit either of our Goodyear, AZ offices for a complimentary consultation. Our talented and experienced staff provide traditional metal braces as well as clear braces, Invisalign® clear aligners and the famous Damon® System brackets. We offer orthodontic treatments for all ages, so bring the whole family!

See you soon!

Wouldn’t you believe it, it’s already springtime! The spring and summer months, however, bring an increase in outdoor activities and a greater chance of damaging your precious mouth and pearly whites. If you play sports, it's important that you consult Dr. Mike Hilgers for special precautions. A protective mouth guard is advised for playing spring sports such as baseball and soccer. Be sure to avoid mouth guards that custom form to your teeth as these will resist any tooth movements we are trying to achieve.

In case of any accident involving the face, check your mouth and the appliances immediately. If teeth are loosened or the appliances damaged, please schedule an appointment with Hilgers Orthodontics.

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 if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at Hilgers Orthodontics.

Many parents here in Goodyear think they must wait until their child has all permanent teeth, only to find that treatment would have been much simpler if started earlier. Some orthodontic problems are easier to correct while the jaw is still growing. So, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven.

What’s so special about age seven? Enough permanent teeth have arrived for an orthodontist to make a determination about whether any problems are present. The first molars have come in, providing an opportunity to check for malocclusion, or “bad bite.” Also, the incisors have begun to come in, and problems such as crowding, deep bites, and open bites can be detected, Dr. Mike says.

Orthodontic evaluation at an early age provides one of two positive outcomes: For some, early identification or problems will lead to easier or shorter orthodontic treatment in the future. For others, a healthy prognosis will provide immediate peace of mind.

Early evaluation, of course, may signal a need for early treatment. For some children, early treatment can prevent physical and emotional trauma. Aside from spurring on years of harmful teasing, misaligned teeth are also prone to injury and detrimental to good oral hygiene. So if your child is nearing age 7, give us a call at Hilgers Orthodontics to schedule an appointment.

Visiting your dentist during your orthodontic treatment will not only help keep your teeth and mouth healthy while you have braces, but will also help keep the rest of your body healthy. The fact is, every hour of every day in the U.S., someone dies of oral cancer, which is the sixth-most common diagnosed form of the disease. The five-year survival rate is only 50 percent, and oral cancer is one of the few cancers whose survival rate has not improved. Since April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, we would like to take this opportunity to remind all of our patients about the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene while you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Your dentist is specifically trained to diagnose, treat, and prevent oral health problems. Please let us now if you have any questions about your oral health during your next adjustment appointment. Take care of your teeth!

When you visit Hilgers Orthodontics for your orthodontic consultation, you’ll probably have a lot of questions. We want you to be prepared for your appointment and feel in charge of your orthodontic treatment decisions, so keep these questions in mind to ask when you come in for your appointment:

• How long will I have to wear braces?
• Will getting braces hurt?
• Will I have to wear additional appliances to correct jaw problems while I have braces?
• What can I eat when I have braces?
• Are there certain things, like playing sports or playing an instrument, which I won’t be able to do?
• How can I make sure my teeth stay clean and healthy while I have braces?
• How often will I need to come in for appointments?
• How much will my orthodontic treatment cost?

Dr. Michael Hilgers and team are here to answer all your questions and concerns, and we’re happy to explain all aspects of your treatment plan and expected outcome. We believe your orthodontic experience should be comfortable, hassle-free, and most importantly, leave you smiling! Serving Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Avondale and Buckeye, AZ, Dr. Hilgers proudly offers Invisalign and braces for children, teens, and adults. See you soon!

Orthodontic treatment for adults is becoming more and more common. In fact, the number of adults getting braces has actually climbed 24 percent since 1996! More adults than ever are realizing that orthodontic treatment is not just for kids, and can help improve the aesthetics and health of a smile of any age! In society where appearance matters and can help make the difference between getting a job or a promotion, adults are choosing wisely to invest in orthodontic treatment.

Some of the most common reasons our adult patients come to us considering orthodontic treatment include:

• Teeth that are crowded or spaced apart, sometimes as a result of tooth decay or gum disease
• Pain or pressure from crooked teeth or a misaligned jaw
• A bad bite or malocclusion, causing teeth to fit together incorrectly

Most of all though, adult patients come to our office seeking a healthier mouth and a more confident smile! Orthodontic treatment at our office can be successful at any age, and adults especially can appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile.

As an adult patient, we recognize that you have different needs than our younger patients, and we will work with you to ensure you receive the most appropriate treatment and that your needs are met with understanding and respect from us.

If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, we would love to have you visit for a consultation. We understand you have a busy schedule, and will work with you to find a time that is convenient for you. Please visit our website or give our office a call to schedule your appointment today!

“I have never been to an office as pleasant as this. From the moment you walk in the door, you are made to feel like "its all about you". Everyone is smiling and saying hello. I've had ladies at the front desk asking to make sure I knew there was coffee available while waiting. The ortho techs always come out smiling and then make small talk with the patients. Dr. Hilgers is very personable and makes sure I don't have any questions before leaving. Simply put- this office has a great feel to it!”

“Amazing service, truly care for each patient, extremely thorough, very detailed, so thrilled with everything.”

“It's very hard to find a Dr. whom you can trust with your child and or yourself. Dr. Hilgers is the best in town, he will answer all your questions and put you at ease and is great with children. His office is very welcoming and my kids love to go to their appointments. You have nothing to worry about your in good hands with Dr. Hilgers and his staff!!!!”

There are several reasons why some people's teeth grow in crooked, overlapping, or twisted. Some people's mouths are too small for their teeth, which crowds the teeth and causes them to shift. In other cases, a person's upper and lower jaws aren't the same size or are malformed. Most often, crooked teeth are inherited traits just as the color of your eyes or hair. Other causes of crooked teeth are early loss of baby or adult teeth, undue pressure on the teeth and gums, misalignment of jaw after facial injury, or common oral health problems in children such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, or prolonged use of a bottle or pacifier.

Having crooked teeth isn’t just a cosmetic issue; it can lead to serious health problems as well. Crooked teeth can:

• interfere with proper chewing
• make keeping teeth clean more of a challenge, increasing the risk of tooth decay, cavities, and gingivitis
• strain the teeth, jaws, and muscles, increasing the risk of breaking a tooth

There are several orthodontic procedures that can help correct crooked teeth, and at Hilgers Orthodontics we have many services that we can customize to meet your needs, including traditional metal braces and Invisalign®, among others. We want you to be proud to show off your smile!

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!

Valentine’s Day was yesterday, and there is a lot of candy making the rounds this week. It’s once again time to remind all our patients to be extra careful when choosing those candies and treats!

All those sweet, sour and sticky candies may taste great, but these treats are known to damage teeth, as well as braces if you’re wearing them! Did you know sour candies can be acidic to your teeth, and actually wear down the enamel that protects them? This can cause tooth decay and cavities! Sour and fruity candy, such as Starburst and Skittles, are the worst for your teeth since these candies have a low pH value, which is known to ruin enamel.

We recommend softer treats, such as soft chocolate or peanut butter cups, or melt-in-your-mouth foods. Those who indulge should make sure they brush and floss between teeth, as well as at the gum line.

All of us at Hilgers Orthodontics hope you had a great Valentine’s Day!

February is National Children's Dental Health Month, and Dr. Mike Hilgers and team thought we’d promote good oral hygiene among our patients with a few tips and tricks, courtesy of the American Dental Association.

• Teeth brushing techniques: It takes only two minutes to properly brush using short, gentle strokes and devoting extra attention to the gumline, areas around fillings and hard-to-reach areas such as the back teeth.

• Flossing: hold the floss snugly between thumbs and index finger and insert it between each of the teeth, making sure to go beneath the gumline and curving the floss around the base of each tooth.

• Snack wisely: choose healthy snacks such as cheese, fruits and vegetables and avoid crunchy, sticky, chewy candies that can stick to the teeth. If you eat these snacks, be sure to brush after doing so.

• Carbonated or sugary drinks: these drinks create acids that can damage the teeth when mixed with saliva, so they should be avoided altogether. If you’re going to drink one of these beverages, don’t sip on it throughout the day. Rather, drink it and then brush your teeth.

• Regular dental visits: in addition to seeing our team at Hilgers Orthodontics during your orthodontic treatment, you should visit your dentist for professional check-ups and teeth cleaning appointments about every six months.

National Dental Health Month aims to increase awareness about the importance of our patients' oral health. If you have any questions about keeping your mouth healthy, or about your treatment with Hilgers Orthodontics, please feel free to give us a call or ask us on Facebook!

Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) have put together a helpful list that outlines when you should call Dr. Hilgers. Here are some early warning signs indicating it’s time to check in with us:

1. Early or late loss of baby teeth
2. Difficulty of chewing or biting
3. Mouth breathing
4. Finger sucking or other oral habits
5. Crowding, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
6. Jaws that shift, make sounds, protrude or retrude
7. Speech difficulty
8. Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
9. Protruding teeth
10. Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or don’t meet at all
11. Facial imbalance or asymmetry
12. Grinding or clenching of teeth

Do any of these warning signs fit you? If so, give us a call as soon as possible!

The fact is, most of us aren’t born with a red carpet smile. And that’s where Dr. Michael Hilgers and our team can help. Of course, orthodontic treatment help make your teeth stay strong, healthy and become perfectly-aligned. But did you know you can get the beautiful straight teeth you've always wanted — without braces?

Our team at Hilgers Orthodontics are proud to offer an adult-friendly option for straightening teeth called Invisalign, which uses a series of invisible, removable and comfortable aligners that no one can tell you're wearing. So, you can smile more during treatment as well as after. Not only are the aligners invisible, they are removable, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment. Plus, brushing and flossing are no problem. They are also comfortable, with no metal to cause mouth abrasions during treatment. And no metal and wires usually means you spend less time at our office getting adjustments. Invisalign also allows you to view your own virtual treatment plan when you start so you can see how your straight teeth will look when your treatment is complete.

If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, we would love to have you in for a visit. Please give us a call to set one up! A complimentary consultation with Dr. Hilgers can determine if Invisalign is right for you. See you soon!

At Hilgers Orthodontics, we know having an attractive smile puts a spring in your step—or two—as well as increases your self-confidence, no matter if you’re 14 or in your late forties. Smiling not only makes people happy and puts them in a good mood, doing it often can even help you live longer, according to previous studies!

If you’ve been hiding your smile because you have crooked teeth or gaps between your teeth, it’s time to consider orthodontic treatment at Hilgers Orthodontics. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn how quickly and efficiently today’s most advanced correction techniques can straighten your smile!

Don’t hide your smile any longer—give us a call today to schedule yours or your child’s complimentary orthodontic consultation. See you soon!

Hilgers Orthodontics is always family friendly! We treat adults, teens, and children - no matter what your age, we believe you deserve a great smile. Our warm, welcoming staff is touted for their skill and hospitality, and proudly serve Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Avondale and Buckeye.

Whether you’ve just come in for a consultation with Dr. Mike Hilgers or your family has been visiting our Goodyear office for years, we’d love to hear your feedback. You may write a review on our Facebook page or on our Google Places page!

Thanks so much in advance—your generous reviews help us build more beautiful smiles!

Dr. Mike and our entire team at Hilgers Orthodontics are family-friendly! We proudly treat adults, teens, and children - no matter what your age, we believe you deserve a great smile.

And speaking of smiles, in a poll conducted last spring by Glamour Magazine, people were asked, “If you had to pick between having perfect teeth, eyesight or hair, which would you choose?

Well, 44 percent of folks out there chose teeth! In addition, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, or AACD, conducted a study and found that 99.7 percent of those polled believed a smile is an important social asset. Respondents said straightness, whiteness, cleanliness, as well as the sincerity and sparkle of a person’s smile were all important factors not only socially, but career-wise as well.

Call us to schedule your orthodontic consultation! (623) 935-3908.

Have a great weekend!

October is National Orthodontic Health Month, and a great time to remind our patients to be careful when they bite into their treats this month. Remember, caramels, taffy, nuts, bubble gum, popcorn kernels and suckers are some of the foods you should be avoiding this Halloween Season! Indulging in these foods can break your braces and lengthen your treatment time!

Of course, Halloween doesn’t have to be completely treat-less. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have provided a helpful list of tips and braces-friendly recipes for the Halloween Season.

Enjoy and have a great week!

By the way, during the month of October, Hilgers Orthodontics is going "PINK." Dr. Hilgers will donate $1 to the Susan G. Koman Breast Cancer Foundation for every patient who chooses to wear all pink ties on their braces!

Great question! Besides Dr. Hilgers’ website, which provides a plethora of information about all things braces and Invisalign, we would like to point you to a helpful website: Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, have provided lots of important information about everything braces, including myths and facts of orthodontics, tips for a better orthodontic experience and cool webisodes about orthodontics.

We encourage you to check out AAO today and feel free to contact us if you have any questions here on our blog or on our interactive Facebook page.

Hope this helps,

Dr. Hilgers & Team

Hilgers Orthodontics is always family friendly! We treat adults, teens, and children - no matter what your age, we believe you deserve a great smile. Our warm, welcoming staff is touted for their skill and hospitality, and proudly serve Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Avondale and Buckeye.

Whether you’ve just come in for a consultation with Dr. Mike Hilgers or your family has been visiting our Goodyear office for years, we’d love to hear your feedback. You may write a review on our Facebook page or on our Google Places page!

Thanks so much in advance—your generous reviews help us build more beautiful smiles!

These days, Americans everywhere are putting greater emphasis on health, fitness and self-improvement, and more people are seeking orthodontic treatment to improve their smile. September happens to be Self-Improvement Month, and our team at Hilgers Orthodontics know that orthodontic treatment is an investment in self-improvement that will reap benefits for a lifetime. And, recent advances in orthodontia, such as Invisalign and more effective brackets and wires, now make orthodontic treatment more palatable for many interested in obtaining that beautiful smile.

Not only does orthodontic treatment give you that beautiful smile, it can also benefit your dental and general health. If teeth are poorly aligned, removing plaque and tartar by brushing and flossing alone may be difficult. A poor bite may result in fractured or excessively worn tooth surfaces, and the extra stress caused by a poor bite may even result in problems with your jaw joints.

If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, come visit either of our Goodyear, AZ offices for a complimentary consultation. We will show you around our state-of-the-art facilities and will perform a simple oral exam to determine which orthodontic treatments we recommend. We are happy to answer any questions you may have. We’re here to make you smile!

See you soon!

At Hilgers Orthodontics, we know your smile is important. And we know you want to keep it sparkling and looking its very best during your orthodontic treatment. Recently, we came across an article that suggests at least 20 things can ruin that perfect smile you have.

These include:

- Sports drinks
- Bottled water
- Tobacco
- Wine
- Soft drinks
- Citrus and acidic foods

Dr. Michael Hilgers and our team encourage you to read the rest of the article and ask us here on our blog or during your next visit to our convenient Goodyear office. For more tips or for general questions about your ongoing dental treatment, we invite you to ask us during your next visit! We also invite you to ask us on Facebook!

The United Goodyear Firefighters L4005, in conjunction with the Goodyear
Fire and Police Departments and Hilgers Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentstry will be hosting their annual 9-11 Memorial Ceremony along with a pancake breakfast on Sunday, September 11th, 2011. The community is invited to come out and join both fire and police
officers on this special day of remembrance. This September 11th marks
the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks that took the lives of
firefighters, police officers, military personnel, and civilians in the largest
domestic act of terrorism on American soil in modern history.

This memorial event will take place at Goodyear Fire Station #183
located at 3075 North Litchfied Rd, just north of the YMCA, between
Thomas Rd and Indian School Rd.

A flag raising ceremony will begin at 7:30 a.m. followed by a short memorial
service. A pancake breakfast will be served immediately following the
memorial service by Goodyear Firefighters and donations will be accepted.
All donations will go to the United Goodyear Firefighters Charities.

Let us never forget

This event will also feature:
• Station tour
• Apparatus displays
• Tee-shirt sales
• Raffle
Local 4005

One of the most common orthodontic appliances used in young children is the palatal expander. These appliances look intimidating to patients and the thought of having to “do the turns” every day scares a lot of parents. Dr. Hilgers is excited to inform you that the expanders are automatic now!!! Parents no longer have to turn the appliance at home. They are also much more comfortable than they use to be! Come and see these state of the art appliances at Hilgers Orthodontics in Goodyear, Arizona.

What can you expect while your child has an expander in their mouth?

Arch expansion is one of the most common ways to eliminate crowding and crossbites in growing patients. Successful expansion requires that the growth plate in the room of the mouth (the midpalatal suture) is not fused. This fusion usually occurs between 14 and 16 years of age.

An expander is attached to the upper arch by bands placed around the teeth or plastic bonded over the teeth. Although there are removable expanders, fixed ones have an important advantage in that they cannot be lost or forgotten.

While there may be some initial discomfort when an expander is placed just because there has never been anything like that attached to the teeth before, for the most part upper arch expansion is relatively painless. Patients report that they feel pressure on the teeth, in the roof of the mouth, behind the nose, and even between the eyes as their expander is activated. This pressure fades within minutes.

Besides pressure, you can also expect your child to speak differently for the first few days. Additionally, you may hear them slurping as their mouth creates extra saliva after expander cementation. One of the most visible signs that the suture is opening (the desired effect) is the appearance of a space between the upper central incisors. The space is created as the expander pushes the two halves of the palate in opposite directions. Once you have stopped activating the expander, it is normal for the space to close spontaneously. This occurs as the elastic fibers in the surrounding gum tissues return to their original positions. The underlying bone, however, remains expanded.

To make the first couple of days more bearable for your child as they adapt to their new expander, you may want to find some fun foods for them to eat that don’t require a lot of chewing. Examples include yogurt, pudding, mashed potatoes, ice cream, etc. A day or two after their delivery appointment, the expander will feel natural in their mouth and normal eating will resume. While expanders are more forgiving of hard and sticky foods than are braces, it is recommended that patient avoid jelly like candies that would get stuck in the expansion screw.

Because there is always some relapse (movement back towards the original size), your orthodontist may choose to over-expand your child’s palate. He will decide how much expansion is necessary as part of the initial diagnosis and treatment plan. After your orthodontist indicates that you’ve reached your target, he will instruct you on how long the retainer should stay in place to stabilize the results. This may range from two months to the entire length of treatment.

Have a consistent bedtime and get plenty of sleep every night.

Eat a healthy breakfast as it’s the MOST IMPORTANT meal of the day.

Pack a healthy lunch or make healthy choices when selecting your school lunch. Limit junk foods.

Try to limit the number of days you are absent from school so you are not missing important information.

Have a regular homework time and place. This should be a place free from distractions so you can concentrate on your homework. When you have completed your homework, ORGANIZE IT and put it back in your backpack so you don’t lose it or forget it.

Stay active and don’t become a couch potato. Limit the time in front of the TV or playing video games. Instead, try to get outside to get some exercise—go for a walk or ride your bike.

When you are having a hard time understanding a concept, ask for help. Your school may have tutors available to assist you as needed.

Do your BEST and have a POSITIVE ATTITUDE

We hope everyone has a productive and fun school year!!

At Hilgers Orthodontics, we know a lot of people enjoy a hot-brewed coffee or tea in the morning, followed by a cola (or more coffee) in the afternoon. But what many don’t know is that both coffee and tea are especially tough on your teeth – especially during orthodontic treatment – because tannic acid (the substance that makes the dark color) etches into the pits and grooves of tooth enamel, and can stain your pearly whites brown.

So, if you can't give up that morning cup o’joe, what can you do? Dr. Hilgers and team suggest rinsing with a glass of water after every cup. If you enjoy iced coffee or tea, drink your beverage with a straw so that tannins don’t make contact with your front upper and lower teeth. Even if you’re not a big coffee drinker, we encourage you to swish and swallow some water at the end of each meal. Water, after all, helps neutralize acids left in your mouth after eating and also reduces cavity-causing bacteria.

And if you’re one of those folks who just needs their morning coffee or tea, Dr. Hilgers and our team suggest using a colored ligature instead of a clear or white one. If all else fails, ask us to use tie wires instead of elastic ligatures as tie wires do not stain at all.

We hope this helps! Let us know if you have any questions below or ask us on Facebook!

By now, you’re probably familiar with our blog process: Each week, Dr. Mike Hilgers and our team write about important orthodontic topics and your well-being, including innovative orthodontic treatments Dr. Hilgers offers.

This week, we thought we’d step back and ask you, our wonderful patients: what’s on your mind? What would you like to know about the always-changing and exciting field of orthodontics? What would you like us to focus on our blog? Perhaps there’s something you’ve wanted to ask Dr. Mike for a while now? Here’s your chance! Let us know by posting here or on our Facebook page!

Give us your best shot, and Dr. Mike will try to answer any question you may have!

We hope you’re off to a great summer so far! If you are planning on traveling with family this summer or think you might not be able to make it to your scheduled adjustment appointment at Hilgers Orthodontics, please let us know ahead of time so that we may be able to accommodate you, as well as schedule another patient with Dr. Hilgers at that appointment time.

Also, we ask that you give us a call and let us know if you have any new phone numbers or if your contact information has changed! Please call us with any updates to phone numbers and addresses, so we may be able to reach you. Thank you! Enjoy the rest of your week!

Hilgers Orthodontics and our friends at Hilgers Pediatric Dentistry want to thank everyone for coming out to our 4th of July Celebration at Goodyear Ballpark!! Goodyear, Arizona and Litchfield Park, Arizona.

Now that June is here, our team at Hilgers Orthodontics thought we’d tell you June is National Smile Month, and a good time to remind all our patients to practice good oral hygiene between your visits to our convenient Goodyear office, as well as your general dentist to avoid cavities and gum disease, among other dental health issues.

That means you too, parents! 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 simple steps you can take to improve your oral health so that you may celebrate National Smile Month for many, many years to come:

* Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
* Floss everyday to clean between your teeth and braces.
* Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks during your orthodontic treatment
* Visit your dentist regularly (every 6 months or as recommended by your dentist)!

If you have questions about any of these tips, we encourage you to give us a call, ask Dr. Hilgers during your next visit …or ask us on Facebook!

Hilgers Orthodontics and our good friends at Hilgers Pediatric Dentistry want to thank the schools that participated in our Dental Health Education Program!!

Many parents here in Goodyear think they must wait until their child has all permanent teeth, only to find that treatment would have been much simpler if started earlier. Some orthodontic problems are easier to correct while the jaw is still growing. So, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven.

What’s so special about age seven? Enough permanent teeth have arrived for an orthodontist to make a determination about whether any problems are present. The first molars have come in, providing an opportunity to check for malocclusion, or “bad bite.” Also, the incisors have begun to come in, and problems such as crowding, deep bites, and open bites can be detected, Dr. Mike says.

Orthodontic evaluation at an early age provides one of two positive outcomes: For some, early identification or problems will lead to easier or shorter orthodontic treatment in the future. For others, a healthy prognosis will provide immediate peace of mind.

Early evaluation, of course, may signal a need for early treatment. For some children, early treatment can prevent physical and emotional trauma. Aside from spurring on years of harmful teasing, misaligned teeth are also prone to injury and detrimental to good oral hygiene. So if your child is nearing age 7, give us a call at Hilgers Orthodontics to schedule an appointment.

Patients at Hilgers Orthodontics can feel confident they are receiving the best in orthodontic health care. Dr. Michael Hilgers' goal is to provide you and your family with a wonderful orthodontic experience that will leave you smiling!

Dr. Hilgers is also passionate about providing the most up-to-date technology and techniques using the best equipment possible. He is devoted to continuing education and furthers his learning through reading, attending conferences and continuing education courses. One of those conferences includes the 2011 AAO Annual Session in Chicago, where Dr. Hilgers will head this weekend.

The AAO Annual Session is an always-educational event that is also one of the largest orthodontic conventions in the world. It’s also a time for Dr. Hilgers to consult with dental experts and orthodontists from around the country and stay up-to-date on all the latest technologies and orthodontic treatment options available. This, of course, allows Dr. Hilgers to give you, our phenomenal patients, the best treatment experience possible.

If you’ve got an appointment scheduled with us soon, we invite you to ask Dr. Hilgers about his Chicago trip, including what he learned and how continuing education and acquisition of new technology helps us treat you more effectively!