Dr. Guyer and Main Street Orthodontics Remind You to Visit the Dentist

Are you brushing your teeth twice a day? If yes, that’s great; but, don’t forget that it’s also important to visit the dentist every six months in addition to your regular orthodontic appointments. Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health. Your dentist can:

• Check for problems that might not be seen or felt
• Detect cavities and early signs of decay
• Treat oral health problems early
• Show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth

During an oral exam the doctor will check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If you have not been to the dentist in the last six months, it’s time for you to schedule an appointment!

Are There Teeth Grinders in Your House? - Dr. Ed Guyer

Grind, grind, grind, grind. If you live with a teeth grinder, especially a night grinder, you may be familiar with this unpleasant sound. Other symptoms of teeth grinding (technically called “bruxism”) include:

• Sensitivity in the teeth
• Tightness or pain in the jaw
• Dull headaches, earaches, or facial pain
• Chipped, worn down, or loose teeth

People frequently grind their teeth in response to stress, so taking measures to reduce or eliminate stress can help solve the problem. Here are some things you can try to stop grinding:

• Cut back on caffeine and alcohol
• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
• Relax right before bedtime with a warm bath or shower
• Help your jaw learn to relax by quitting any chewing habits (pens, pencils, gum)
• When clenching or grinding happens during the day, place your tongue between your teeth to serve as a reminder to avoid the habit

If grinding goes untreated, it can lead to chipped teeth, worn enamel, chronic pain, or even TMJ, a painful jaw disorder. If the teeth-grinder in your house can’t stop, make an appointment to see us by calling 269-684-2355. Dr. Guyer can help determine the cause of the problem and possibly even prescribe a custom mouthpiece to help break the habit.

Toothbrush Trivia! - Main Street Orthodontics

People have been brushing their teeth for thousands of years! In fact, the first “toothbrush” was created around 3000BC! Ancient civilizations used a thin twig with a frayed edge to rub against their teeth for cleaning.

The first toothbrush with bristles – similar to today’s toothbrushes – was invented in 1498 in China. Brushes were made out of bone or bamboo with bristles made from the hairs on the back of a hog’s neck.

It wasn’t until 1938 that the first nylon bristle toothbrush was introduced and people quickly became aware of practicing good oral hygiene.

Here are some other interesting facts about your toothbrush (and toothpaste):

• Most people are said to use blue toothbrushes over any other color
• The first toothpaste was used in 500 BC in China and India
• On average, children smile about 400 times per day
• Your toothbrush should be replaced every two months
• The first known toothpaste was used in 1780, Crest was introduced in the US in 1955 and Colgate in 1873

Everybody Benefits from Braces!

Braces aren’t just for pre-adolescents and teenagers anymore! Anyone, at any age, can benefit from orthodontic care; whether it is correcting a problem not treated in your younger years, or catching a problem early.

To ensure the best overall treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive an orthodontic consultation as early as age seven. If a problem is evident, taking action early can spare a lot of treatment and expense down the road.

If you never received orthodontic treatment when you were young, don’t worry! You’re never too old for a beautiful smile, and with Damon self-ligating braces, treatment is faster than ever! Set up an appointment for a consultation and find out how adult orthodontics will transform your smile, and your life!

Why Is It So Important to Have Straight Teeth?

Some people wonder why we work so hard to give our patients straight teeth. Of course it’s nice to have a smile full of evenly aligned teeth, but did you know that straightening your teeth can keep them healthier? Straight teeth lead to better oral hygiene, increasing your chances of keeping your own natural teeth for a lifetime.

Straight teeth are less prone to decay, because they collect less plaque – the sticky colorless substance that forms on our teeth and leads to tooth decay; and they are easier to keep clean!

If you’re wondering whether your teeth might cause problems because they are out of alignment, give us a call at 269-684-2355 (Niles) or 269-983-7669 (St. Joseph) to set up a consultation. Dr. Guyer can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment.

When Are Two Phases of Treatment Necessary?

Usually patients in orthodontic treatment already have their permanent teeth – but in some cases we have to start treatment earlier, even before the patient’s permanent teeth come in. We call this “two-phase treatment.”

When we have patients with clear developmental problems at an early age, it’s best to start work when they are young, before the problems get bigger and more difficult to treat. Examples include an upper or lower jaw that is not growing correctly, or a mouth growing in a way that doesn’t leave enough room for all the permanent teeth to come in.

In these cases we will start early and do one round of treatment – phase one – while the patient still has “baby teeth.” Phase one usually does not involve braces, but can include a different type of appliance that helps the jaw grow into place properly, such as a retainer. We’ll follow up with phase two usually a few years later, when permanent the patient’s permanent teeth have come in. Phase two often does involve braces and sometimes headgear.

In order to catch early problems, we recommend that children have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven (and so does the American Association of Orthodontics). However, if your dentist or pediatrician sees any sign that early treatment might be necessary, he or she may recommend your child visit an orthodontist even sooner. For more information about two-phase orthodontics, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Guyer please call 269-684-2355 (Niles) or 269-983-7669 (St. Joseph) and visit www.guyerortho.com.

Meet the Team!

Linda Kohman: Treatment Coordinator
Linda has been working with Dr. Guyer since 2004, although she has been in the field of orthodontics for much longer. She is a native of Eau Claire, Michigan, but has lived with her husband Kevin in South Bend, Indiana for the past 19 years. When she is not assisting Dr. Guyer with new patient consultations, she enjoys traveling, sewing, watching movies and spending time with her husband and family.

Pat Ryder: Scheduling Coordinator
Pat is a native of Niles, Michigan, where she lives with her husband, John, and raised her son, Brian. She has worked with Dr. Guyer for almost 20 years, scheduling appointments, answering phones, and working on accounts payable. She enjoys getting to know each patient that comes into the office and seeing the beautiful, straight smiles of patients when they get their braces off. In her free time she enjoys reading novels, flower gardening and photography and traveling.

Vanessa Rudlaff: Orthodontic Assistant
Vanessa has assisted Dr. Guyer and his patients since 2001. She is a native of Niles, Mi, where she currently resides with her husband, Brian, and her two daughters, Meygan and Hayley. When not sitting chairside, she enjoys walking and spending time with her family.

Julie Moody: Orthodontic Assistant
As an assistant to Dr. Guyer, Julie enjoys the quality of care that he gives all of his patients and the knowledge and precision in his technique. She is a native of Niles, where she currently lives with her husband Norman and two daughters, Elizabeth and Ava. When she is not taking care of her two Scottie dogs, C.J. and Leo, she loves to read, walk, and spend time with family and friends.

Jennifer Sturdee: Orthodontic Assistant
Jennifer resides in Niles with her boyfriend, Mike, her daughter, McKenzie, her dog, Shylo, and her son, Gavin! She enjoys fishing, gardening, crafts, gambling, roller coaster parks and spending time with her family when she is not in the office. She loves working with children, who all add variety and fun to her days.

Kristin Baker: Orthodontic Assistant
Kristin has worked with Dr. Guyer since 2004, where she enjoys working on the patients. She is a native of Watervliet, and has lived in Buchanan since 2002. She and her husband, Dave, enjoy fishing, hunting and volunteering at the BCYF, when not playing with their son Wyatt and dog Chevy.

Mary Smallwood: Lab Coordinator
Mary has worked with Dr. Guyer since 1989, processing impressions and making retainers. She loves interacting with the great staff and learning about the new technological advances Dr. Guyer brings into the office. She is a native of Buchanan, MI where she currently lives with her husband, Jack, and their two daughters, Jaclyn and Kirtsten. She enjoys camping and attending her children’s school activities.