The dog days of summer are almost upon us, and what better time for us to ask our patients’ summer plans!

Whether you’re going camping, hitting America’s great open roads, visiting our nation’s capitol, or just staying in town and hanging out, we want to know how you’re all going to spending your summer! Please feel free to share your summer plans and experiences with us below or on our Facebook page!

We look forward to reading all about your summer adventures!

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!

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!

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!

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!

Here is our wonderful team at the 2011 Walk For Hope - Thank you to everyone that came out to donate their time and money to such a wonderful event.

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!

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!

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!

The dog days of summer are upon us, and what better time for Dr. Hilgers and our team to ask our patients about their summer!

Whether you visited our nation’s capitol, went on a camping trip, visited the state fair or just stayed in town and hung out with friends, we want to know how you’re all spending your summer! Please feel free to share your summer plans and experiences with us below or on our Facebook page as the summer comes to an end soon for a lot of our patients at Hilgers Orthodontics!

We look forward to reading all about your adventures! Enjoy the rest of your summer!

Dr. Mike Hilgers wants to know: is your child brushing his or her teeth twice a day as recommended during their treatment? If yes, he thinks that's fantastic! But, it’s also important for your child to visit the dentist every six months in addition to brushing their teeth a couple times a day (and visiting Hilgers Orthodontics as recommended by Dr. Hilgers during your treatment). Our staff will tell you regular dental checkups are vital for maintaining good oral health. Your dentist can:

• Check for problems that might not be seen or felt
• Detect cavities and signs of tooth decay
• Treat oral health problems early
• Show your child how to properly brush and floss their teeth, even during their orthodontic treatment

During an oral exam, your dentist will check the health of your child’s mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups also typically include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If your child has not been to the dentist in the past six months, it’s time for you to schedule an appointment!
If you don't have a general dentist in Goodyear, Litchfield Park or nearby communities, please ask and we'll be happy to provide one!

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.

Dr. Mike Hilgers and our team at Hilgers Orthodontics are happy to announce our "Traveling Hilgers T-shirt" summer contest that just started! We want to see where our patients are wearing their Hilgers t-shirt this summer! Whether they are on vacation or traveling around Arizona our patients need to have a picture taken this summer with their Hilgers t-shirt on and send it to us for a chance to win a Flip Video camera. Entries can be brought it at an appointment, sent to us, posted on our Facebook page or emailed to info@hilgersorthodontics.com.

Contest ends July 28th! Let's see those photos!

Should you need to call Hilgers Orthodontics in case you sustain any damage to your braces, we can help you more effectively if you can tell us exactly which piece is in trouble! Here’s a handy diagram and corresponding list of all the parts that make up your braces.

Elastic Tie: Tiny rubber band that fits around the bracket to hold the archwire in place.

Archwire: The main wire that acts as a track to guide the teeth along. It's changed periodically throughout treatment, as teeth move to their new positions.

Loop in Archwire: Frequently used for closing space left by an extraction. Many archwires don't have a loop.

Bracket: Small attachment that holds the archwire in place. Most often, a bracket is cemented directly onto the tooth's surface, eliminating the need for a band.

Headgear Tube: Round, hollow attachment on the back bands. The inner bow of the headgear fits into it.

Coil Spring: Fits between brackets and over archwire to open space between teeth.

Tie Wire: Fine wire that is twisted around the bracket to hold the archwire in place.

Band: A thin ring of metal fitted around a tooth and cemented in place. The band provides a way to attach the brackets to the tooth.

Hook: Welded or removable arm to which elastics (rubber bands) are attached.

Elastic (Rubber Band): Small rubber band that is hooked between different points on the appliance to provide pressure to move the teeth.

Hope this helps! Give us a call if you have any questions!

--Dr. Hilgers and team.

It may still be a bit chilly out there, but the fact remains: we’re only a month away from spring! Dr. Mike Hilgers and our team at Hilgers Orthodontics want to know: What are you doing in February? What have you accomplished so far this year? Are you keeping up with your New Year’s Resolution? Got any exciting spring break plans?

If you have any photos or videos that you would like to share with us, please send them our way, post them on Facebook or call our Goodyear office and ask how! Have a great week!

Here at Hilgers Orthodontics, Dr. Mike and our staff knowall too well the rumors going around – mostly among kids – that once you swallow a piece of chewing gum it will stake a claim and take up residency in your stomach for at least seven years! We really hate to take all the fun out of the mystery, but the truth is that chewing gum, when swallowed, will enter the stomach and move through the digestive system just like any other piece of food and leave the body long before seven years! So, if you ever have accidentally swallowed a piece of gum, there is no need to worry!

This being said, gum does not have any dietary benefits, so while it’s not harmful to swallow, you still want to avoid swallowing it. If you are a gum-chewer, make sure you chew sugarless gum, because gum with sugar can lead to cavities. Sugarless gum still has the same amount of flavor, but with less cavity causing ingredients. You see, when the bacterium in your mouth breaks down sugar, what’s left behind is acid. This acid eats away at the enamel coating of your teeth, causing holes that we call cavities. Cavities can lead to other long term mouth problems if they are not treated in time, so it is best to try and avoid overexposing your teeth to too many harmful substances!

Happy (sugar-free) gum chewing! From Dr. Mike & team

At Hilgers Orthodontics, we know one word nobody wants to hear when they visit their dentist is Cavity! Yes, the dreaded cavity; but what exactly is a cavity and how do you get one? A cavity is a hole that develops in a tooth when the tooth begins to decay. It’s important to get a cavity filled as soon as it’s detected so that it does not grow bigger.

So, what causes a cavity? Well, a cavity is caused by plaque, a sticky substance that forms on the tooth as a result of germ and bacteria build-up. Plaque is acidic and as it clings to your teeth the acids eat away the outside of the tooth (also called the enamel) and a hole is formed.

Yes, cavities can be repaired by your general dentist, but here are a few simple steps you can take to prevent cavities while you’re wearing braces:

· Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily

· Gently brush your gums to keep them healthy (when choosing a toothbrush it is recommended to use soft bristles)

· Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food that may be caught between the teeth and braces where your toothbrush can’t reach

· Limit the amount of soda and sugary treats you eat or drink

· Be sure to visit your dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning and check-up during your orthodontic treatment with Dr. Michael Hilgers

We hope that helps! Give us a call to learn more about keeping your braces and oral health in tip-top shape! Happy New Year!

The year is almost over, so our staff at Hilgers Orthodontics thought we’d ask: what was memorable about 2010 for you, and what are you most looking forward to in 2011? Do you have a new year's resolution, or any exciting plans for the coming year?

Have a safe and happy New Year, to all our patients, friends, family and all our dental and medical colleagues in Goodyear and surrounding communites.

See you all in 2011!

Dr. Michael Hilgers understands not everyone is always thrilled to see their orthodontist. But we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit, and it's part of the reason Dr. Hilgers is Goodyear, AZ’s trusted, experienced orthodontist, who genuinely cares about his patients!

We’d like to know: What is it about Hilgers Orthodontics that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant environment? Our friendly staff? Dr. Mike himself?

Let us know by posting here or on Facebook! Happy Holidays!

Dr. Michael Hilgers and our staff, as well as our friends at Hilgers Pediatric Dentistry, are proud sponsors of AYSO 225 Soccer Fest 2010, coming on December 11th-12th at Friendship Park in Avondale. The younger divisions will play one game in a tournament style format all day on Saturday. Upper Divisions will have a game on Saturday with a possibility of playing for a Championship on Sunday.

The event will have a festival atmosphere with food, games, vendors, jumpers and many other activities to keep your family entertained.

Ask us for info here or on our Facebook page!

It's that time of year again...cold and flu season! To promote a healthy and clean environment here at Hilgers Orthodontics, we give a great deal of attention to sanitation and sterilization in our Goodyear office at all times, as well as following all requirements for sterilizing instruments and work surfaces.

For the protection of other patients, Dr. Mike Hilgers and our staff, we always ask that patients reschedule their appointments if they have any type of cold or illness that can infect others.

Maintaining and protecting oral hygiene equipment is also important this flu season. To protect your toothbrush from bacteria follow these steps:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing

• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen

• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster

• Replace toothbrush after every cold or flu or every 3-4 months when bristles appear worn

Hope this helps! Stay healthy!

- The Hilgers Orthodontics team

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 wonderful weekend!

By the way, Hilgers Orthodontics and Hilgers Pediatric Dentistry are proud to present "Princess and the Frog" next Friday, October 15 at the Goodyear, Arizona Ball Park - See you there! More info on our Facebook page!

Are you interested in straightening your teeth, but aren't interested in doing so through conventional orthodontic treatment? Dr. Mike Hilgers and our staff would like to recommend Invisalign or Clear Aligners?

Invisalign aligners are customized, clear aligners used to straighten teeth quicker and with fewer office visits than traditional braces. Visit Hilgers Orthodontics in Goodyear for a complete orthodontic evaluation - Dr. Hilgers is a certified Invisalign provider in Goodyear, Phoenix, Litchfield Park, Avondale, Surprise and Buckeye.

Another GREAT reason to visit us this month? October is National Orthodontic Health Month! We look forward to seeing 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.

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 can write a review on our Facebook page or on our Google listing!

Happy Friday!

Great question. There are a variety of foods Dr. Michael Hilgers wants you to avoid while you're wearing braces. Some foods can occasionally damage braces, but certain foods can bend the wires or even break the brackets on your braces. If you’re wearing braces, you should avoid starch, sugar and gummy foods, as these foods can be difficult to remove during brushing. Foods that are high in sugar and starch tend to cause plaque, cavities and even tooth decay.

Avoid tough meats, hard breads and raw vegetables such as carrots and celery. Before long, you'll be able to bite a cucumber again. But you'll need to protect your orthodontic appliances when you eat for as long as you're wearing braces.

Foods you should Avoid
• Chewy foods: bagels, hard rolls, licorice
• Crunchy foods: popcorn, ice, chips
• Sticky foods: caramels, gum
• Hard foods: nuts, candy
• Foods you have to bite into: corn on the cob, apples, carrots
• Chewing on hard things (for example, pens, pencils or fingernails) can damage the braces. Damaged braces will cause treatment to take longer.

If you have any questions on which foods you should be avoiding and why, we invite you to give us a call at (623) 935-3908 or ask one of our team members during your next visit at our convenient Goodyear office! We also definitely encourage you to check out this helpful article about eating with braces, courtesy of Parenthood.com.

Have a great rest of the week!

It's late August, which means most kids around Goodyear and Phoenix have started classes (or will soon). Dr. Michael Hilgers and our staff thought this might be a good time to remind all of our patients about the importance of scheduling your appointments in advance this fall. With school, clubs, sports and family/social functions to consider, we know that it can be challenging to find time to visit Dr. Mike's office this fall. In order to accommodate all of our patients' busy schedules, it is important that you plan ahead for your appointments so that we are able to provide you with an appointment time that is convenient for you.

As always, please remember to give us advanced notice if you're unable to make your regularly-scheduled appointment. If we receive enough notice, we might be able to schedule another patient for that time. Feel free to give us a call at (623) 935-3908 if you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule your fall appointment with Dr. Mike.

Have a great weekend everybody - we look forward to seeing you this fall!

Dr. Michael Hilgers and our friends at Hilgers Pediatric Dentistry continue to support the American Cancer Society, which for more than 60 years has led the way in cancer research while educating the public about treatment and prevention. Cancer has surpassed heart disease as the leading cause of death of Americans under age 85.

Through research funding, patient services, and advocacy, the American Cancer Society has already made great progress. Cancer occurrence and death rates for most cancers are on the decline, and more than 10 million cancer survivors are alive today.

Our entire staff at Hilgers Orthodontics encourage you to donate this worthy organization (above are Dr. Michael Hilgers and spouse Dr. Kelly Hilgers at the 2009 Jewel Ball).

Both Dr. Mike and Dr. Kelly are very involved in Goodyear community charities, and are particularly involved with children's causes and local non-profits. We donated to the Insight.com bowl and the Fiesta Bowl and have also worked with the Phoenix Coyotes Children charity as well. We are very active in our community and understand the importance of giving back to make the world a better place.

Have a great weekend!

Hey parents! Focusing on your kids' teeth and oral health so much that you're neglecting your own? If you've been thinking about having your own set of perfectly-aligned teeth, Dr. Mike Hilgers and our staff at Hilgers Orthodontics would love to help! Dr. Hilgers is specially trained to offer an adult-friendly option for straightening teeth here in Goodyear called Invisalign.

This course of treatment consists of a set of clear aligners that are molded to fit your teeth using a proprietary technology. You wear them all day and night, except for meals, brushing, and flossing – when you can easily slip them out to make eating and cleaning a snap! And, because they're clear, your teeth will be steadily straightening – and no one will know it but you!

Please give us a call at (623) 935-3908 to set up a consultation with Dr. Mike. Happy Friday!!

Most of us take a vacation during the summer, and often forget to pack the most important of things. Sometimes, trips fall apart because they are not properly organized. Let's face it, a trip can turn bad from one minor setback.

Until now.

This morning, our friends at Hilgers Pediatric Dentistry posted a few summer travel tips for you parents. We strongly encourage you to give this article a read if you’re heading out with the family this summer. Here are even more tips you can use to ensure your vacation packing—and the traveling itself—goes as smooth as possible!

Happy traveling! Be sure to share your summer photos on our Facebook page!

Doing anything special this weekend? We're asking because the third Sunday of every July happens to be 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."

Dr. Mike Hilgers and our team at Hilgers Orthodontics would like to wish you a safe and happy Parents' Day (as well as a GREAT weekend)! Thank you to all of the amazing role models in our community! If you have any stories or pictures to share with us, we encourage you to post them on our Facebook page.

We'll leave you with a quote from Angela Schwindt: "While we try to teach our children all about life. Our children teach us what life is all about."

- Dr. Mike and team