Cold season is here, stay healthy!

Cold and flu season is here - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that a common cold usually includes sneezing, runny nose, sore throat and coughing. Symptoms can last for up to two weeks.

To promote a healthy and clean environment, Dr. Edmund Guyer and our entire staff give a great deal of attention to sanitation and sterilization in our Niles and Stevensville, MI offices at all times, as well as following all requirements for sterilizing instruments and work surfaces. For the protection of other patients and our staff at Main Street Orthodontics, we always ask that patients reschedule their appointments if they have any type of cold or illness that can infect others.

And remember to constantly wash your hands and avoid contact with those who are ill! Stay healthy!

Dr. Guyer in the Niles Daily Star

We are excited to announce that Dr. Edmund Guyer was on the front page of the Niles Daily Star! In the article, Dr. Guyer talked about the Damon Bracket System and how it is more gentle than traditional braces. The paper stated:

"Dr. Ed Guyer, who has been practicing at Main Street Orthodontics in downtown Niles for 23 years, uses the Damon Bracket System when treating his patients. Main Street Orthodontics was one of the first offices in the Midwest to begin using the system about 10 years ago, which has been updated and improved over the years."

"'It’s quite unique,' Guyer said. 'It causes the teeth to move faster with a lot less discomfort to the patient.' Guyer says traditional braces are tied with elastics that cause friction and pressure, while the Damon System uses a mechanism that doesn’t cause that friction."

To read the rest of the article, visit the Niles Daily Star online! If you have any questions about the Damon Bracket System, visit our website or give us a call at the office!

Patient Referral Contest at Main Street Orthodontics

All of us at Main Street Orthodontics are excited to announce our Patient Referral Contest going on NOW! Simply tell your friends about us and once they schedule a free orthodontic consultation, you will be entered to win 4 free tickets to the Niles Haunted House or to the Babbit Farms Corn Maze!

Make sure to tell your friends to inform us that you sent them so that we can enter you into the drawing! The deadline for this contest is October 26, 2011 so act now. Good luck!

The latest technology helps you relax at Main Street Orthodontics

It used to be that people were terrified to see the orthodontist. And Dr. Guyer understands that some patients are still nervous. But fear not! The days of fear and loathing when driving to an orthodontist appointment are gone! And it’s all due to technology. That’s right, technology has allowed orthodontists everywhere to zero in on patient care and comfort.

For example, braces are much more comfortable and the treatment time has been reduced. In addition, the advances in the orthodontic field have permitted digital photos and X-rays of your mouth, patient charting and improved communications between doctor and patient.

If you have any questions about how Main Street Orthodontics uses state-of-the-art technology, write to us on Facebook or give us a call and ask!

October is National Orthodontic Health Month!

Happy October! For those who don't know, it's National Orthodontic Health Month. This month-long event is organized by our pals at the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO.

Dr. Edmund Guyer and our team realize that this is a great opportunity for us to raise awareness about the importance of oral hygiene. National Orthodontic Health Month also aims to recognize the dedicated work of orthodontists like Dr. Guyer and other dental professionals.

The AAO recommends patients avoid the following Halloween treats, or recipes with these ingredients:

• Caramel
• Nuts
• Popcorn (including un-popped kernels)
• Taffy
• Jelly beans
• Hard pretzels
• Licorice
• Bubblegum
• Taco chips
• Ice

If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call, ask us on Facebook or ask Dr. Guyer during your visit this month!

When should you call Main Street Orthodontics?

Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) have put together a helpful list that outlines when you should call Dr. Edmund Guyer. 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!

Hope this helps,

The team at Main Street Orthodontics

Breaking bad habits, with Main Street Orthodontics

At Main Street Orthodontics, we know good dental health requires only a few minutes a day. We thought we’d provide some practical advice on how to improve your or your child’s smile between your adjustment visits with Dr. Edmund Guyer.

Start by brushing your teeth twice a day. Proper brushing techniques are an essential part of maintaining good oral health during your orthodontic treatment, as well as preventing gum disease. More care and time are needed to adequately brush your teeth when you are wearing braces. Brushing daily helps remove decay-causing plaque from tooth surfaces. Please consult Dr. Guyer if you would like us to review brushing techniques with you or your child. The use of a mechanical toothbrush such as a Sonicare or Oral B can aid in removing plaque around braces. Flossing daily will also prevent plaque to build up between the teeth and prevent stains between your teeth. Research has shown the bacteria of gum disease has been linked to coronary artery disease, stroke, diabetes and memory loss. Lastly, we encourage you to throw away old toothbrushes and replace them every 2 or 3 months, or after an illness.

We hope this helps! If you have any further questions about any of these tips, please contact Main Street Orthodontics or ask your general dentist during your next scheduled visit! Or, ask us on Facebook!