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!

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!

The year is almost over, so we wanted to ask what was memorable about 2011 for you, and what are you looking forward to in 2012? Do you have a new year's resolution, or any exciting plans for the coming year?

Have a safe and happy New Year, from Hilgers Orthodontics!

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!

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

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 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!

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!

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!

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!!

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!

Did you know that back in 2002, Tom Cruise had braces? During this time, he was 40 years old and filmed Minority Report, Austin Powers in Goldmember and the Last Samurai. Check out his smile in Jerry Maguire, Rain Man or The Firm and compare to the post-braces Tom Cruise in Valkyrie or Tropic Thunder. The fact is, movie stars need to look their best for the silver screen, and it wouldn't be possible without orthodontists like Dr. Hilgers.

In fact, lots of Hollywood stars have had orthodontic treatment. Check out this slideshow of famous faces with braces. If you’ve thought about getting the permafect smile you’ve always wanted, please give Hilgers Orthodontics a call.

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.

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!

We invite you to our Facebook page to see all the latest and greatest at Hilgers Orthodontics! We've got announcements for our Wii contest, as well as recent photos from Soccer Fest 2010, so check us out!

At Hilgers Orthodontics, we embrace technology, whether it’s through the innovative orthodontic treatments we offer, our high-tech web site or our Facebook fan page. We love connecting with our patients online, whether it’s by sharing news on our blog or communicating ideas on our fan page. For social media to work, however, conversation is vital, and that’s why we invite you to join in and tell us what’s on your mind. Although social networks hugely popular these days, we know they're unpredictable and ever-changing.

While Dr. Mike Hilgers and our dedicated staff take a little time to research how to best use social media, we thought we’d ask you, our loyal patients: How would you like us to use our social networks? What would you like us to share on our blog? Send us your thoughts or give us a call! Enjoy your weekend!

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!

We hope most of you got the day off and are taking good advantage of it! We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the veterans and those currently on active duty who have put their lives on the line for the freedoms we all enjoy.

In celebration of Veteran’s Day, Dr. Michael Hilgers and our team at Goodyear's Hilgers Orthodontics would like to share a few fun facts about our flag, our national holiday, and our country’s history!

-Veteran's Day, a day that was originally called Armistice Day, is a time to thank and honor the men and women who have served in our military.

- President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the official legislation for Veteran's Day on June 1, 1954, changing the name of the holiday from Armistice Day to Veteran's Day

-There are 23.2 million veterans in the U.S.

-The flag was first approved by Congress on June 14, 1777

-Each of the flag’s colors signify different American values - red is for valor and zeal, white is for hope, purity, and cleanliness of life, and blue is for heaven, loyalty, sincerity, justice, and truth

-Veteran's Day is often confused with Memorial Day. Memorial Day is a time for remembering and honoring the men and women who died while serving our country, or as a result of injuries that incurred in battle. Veteran's Day honors and gives thanks to all veterans who served in our military.

-There are five states with over 1 million veterans in their population – California, Florida, Texas, New York and Pennsylvania.

Thanks again to our veterans! We are so thankful for all who have and are currently serving in the U.S. and abroad.

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!

Dr. Mike Hilgers and our entire staff at Hilgers Orthodontics would like to thank everyone for coming out and supporting Travis Murphy's family on Saturday morning. We lost one of Arizona's finest and we need to continue to support his family! Saturday's event was a wonderful representation of our community's support!

Officer Travis P. Murphy was shot and killed when he confronted a suspect who had fled the scene of a shots fired call on May 26th. Officer Murphy had served with the Phoenix Police Department for four and a half years. He is survived by his wife, 2-year-old daughter, and 2-week-old son.

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!

Hilgers Orthodontics is always family friendly! We treat adults, teens, and children - no matter what your age, Dr. Michael Hilgers and our team believe you deserve a great smile! Whether you've visited our office once for a cleaning, or have been coming here for years, we encourage you to recommend us on our Google Local page!

After all, your generous reviews help Dr. Hilgers create more beautiful smiles in Goodyear and surrounding areas. We appreciate your feedback and look forward to reading your reviews! Happy Friday!

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!

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

Braces, are in fact, “cool,” "hip" and—many would even say “fun” these days. These were among the findings of a nationwide survey this year of moms whose children are going through or have had orthodontic treatment. New technologies such as Invisalign and the Damon System, advanced computer software, color options, and even popular celebrities—Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, Danny Glover, Serena Williams—sporting stylish braces are making orthodontic treatment more comfortable, fashionable and cool for today’s teens.

The study, conducted on behalf of our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists for February’s National Children’s Dental Health Month, found 86 percent of moms reporting that braces are cooler today than when they were children. Sixty-nine percent of moms also said wearing braces makes their children feel cool, and 81 percent reported their children’s experience with orthodontic treatment as either positive or extremely positive.

Different color options and the ability to change colors, for example, provide exciting ways for young patients to customize appearances. That enthusiasm helps them to feel good about their orthodontic treatment, and may contribute to the success of treatment.

Has your child visited Hilgers Orthodontics for a consultation? If not, please give Dr. Mike Hilgers and team a call at (623) 935-3908 and let us help your child begin the journey to a gorgeous smile this summer!