Write a review for Dr. Guyer!

Main Street Orthodontics, serving St. Joseph and Niles, MI, strives to improve the health, appearance, and self-confidence of each and every patient that we serve. Today, we would like to hear about your experience with Dr. Guyer and our team!


Just select the “Write a Review” button to share your story on our Google Place Page. We look forward to receiving your feedback!

Thank you,

-Dr. Guyer and team

What is your New Year’s Resolution?

The 2010 holiday season is upon us, and our team at Main Street Orthodontics would like to wish all our patients and their families the merriest of holidays and best wishes for the New Year.

We thought we’d ask: what was memorable about 2010 for you, and what are you 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, from all of us at Main Street Orthodontics!

Access your account—anywhere, any day, any time—at Main Street Orthodontics

Access to your account, 24/7. Sounds simple and convenient, doesn’t it?

Patients at our offices enjoy access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—all through our website. You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, all from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

You may also sign up for this convenient service on our website by clicking on the "Patient Login" button on our homepage. Please give us a call if you have any questions about getting started!

Regular checkups are essential in maintaining good oral health

Are you brushing and flossing daily properly during your orthodontic treatment? If yes, that’s great! But, don’t forget that it’s also important for you to visit your general dentist every 3-to-6 months in addition to brushing your teeth and flossing (and visiting Main Street Orthodontics, of course). Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health, especially during orthodontic treatment.

Your general dentist can check for problems that might not be seen or felt, detect cavities and early signs of decay, treat oral health problems early and show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth.

During an oral exam your dentist can 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, let us know during your next visit and we will provide a few great references in the greater St. Joseph and Niles areas!

What’s so bad about nail biting?

We’ve all heard that biting your nails is an awful habit, but you many wonder- really- what’s so bad about it? Recently, our team at Main Street Orthodontics found an interesting article that discusses how biting your nails affect your teeth and oral health.

Nail biting, also known as Onychophagia, is a common habit among various age groups, including primarily children, teens and young adults. Nail biting is generally triggered by stress and most often decreases with age. That being said, nail biting is unsanitary, unattractive, as well as unhealthy for your teeth!

Here’s why:
• It’s unsanitary. Your nails are dirty, almost twice as dirty as your fingers! Hence, biting your nails is just asking for germs and bacteria.
• No good things come to your teeth. Nail biting causes your teeth to constantly be chewing, which is not good for them. This excessive motion wears your teeth down faster than a non-nail biter’s and puts a large amount of stress on your front teeth- contributing to teeth misalignment.
• Braces don’t love it either. Braces already put pressure on teeth, nail biting ads unnecessary pressure, further stressing your teeth and weakening their roots.
• It can be costly. Nail biting can result in up to $4,000 in additional dental bills over one lifetime, according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). Yikes!

What can you do about it?
Now that you know how harmful nail biting can be, it’s time to take action to break your nail biting habit. Try to be conscious of your fingernails and to keep them looking good- this will help you resist the temptation. Ask Dr. Guyer or visit the article for tips on how to break a nail biting

Happy Thanksgiving!

Dr. Guyer and team would like to wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy a day filled of friends, family, and great Thanksgiving food! What are you most thankful for this year? Leave us a comment, or if you have any stories or pictures to share with us, we encourage you to share them on our Facebook page!

Happy Thanksgiving!

What do you enjoy most about fall?

It’s fall here at Main Street Orthodontics, a time when all across the country, the leaves begin to change colors, the air becomes crisp, and families begin to make plans for Thanksgiving.

Today we wanted to ask you, our wonderful patients, "How are you spending your time this fall?" Our team would love to hear about your favorite places for eating, shopping, and entertainment within the Niles and St. Joseph areas. We are interested in learning about what makes your community “yours.”

Feel free to post your responses on our Facebook page, or give us a call!

Cool kids get braces with Dr. Guyer!

Braces today are “cool” and—many would say—even “fun.” These were among the findings of a 2010 nationwide survey 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, Justin Bieber—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 with Dr. Guyer, and may contribute to the success of treatment.

Has your child or teen visited Main Street Orthodontics for a consultation? If not, please give us a call and let us help your child begin the journey to a gorgeous smile!

How well do you know celebrity faces with braces?

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. The fact is, movie stars need to look their best for the silver screen, and it wouldn't be possible without orthodontists like Dr. Guyer. That's why beginning Nov. 3, 2010, we want to test your orthodontic knowledge of celebrities with our "Celebrity Faces with Braces" contest.

Many Hollywood stars have had orthodontic treatment. Be sure to test your celebrity trivia knowledge the next time you're in for an appointment. The contest ends this January, so don't hesitate to participate!

Why the Damon® System?

Something big is happening in the orthodontics world, and it’s no other than Damon braces, which allow your teeth to move more comfortably and easily than traditional braces. With the Damon System, achieving that perfect smile will be faster and easier than you ever thought possible.

Dr. Guyer is a certified Damon System provider in Niles and St. Joseph, MI. To learn more about the Damon System or your treatment here at Main Street Orthodontics, please give us a call.

Why do you choose Main Street Orthodontics?

From your very first visit to Main Street Orthodontics our doctor and team strive to provide superior treatment in a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. We thought we’d ask you, our wonderful patients: Have you been especially impressed by Dr. Guyer's work? Did our team go out of their way to make your day? Are you in love with your new smile?

Whether you’ve just come in for a consultation or your family has been visiting our office for years, we’d love to hear your feedback. You can write a review here for our Niles, MI office. You could also write a review here for our St. Joseph, MI office. Or, you can tell us by posting on our Facebook page or by giving us a call!

Thank you,

The team at Main Street Orthodontics

A braces-friendly recipe, in celebration of National Orthodontic Health Month!

Did you know that October is National Orthodontic Health Month? Dr. Guyer and our team know how tempting this time of the year can be for your sweet tooth. With all of the caramel, candy corn, and lollipops that are often passed around to trick-or-treaters, we know that it can sometimes be hard to find hard candy alternatives.

However, there is good news! Today, we would like to share a great braces-friendly Halloween recipe with all of our patients, courtesy of the American Association of Orthodontics, or AAO, and “The Braces Cookbook” by Pamela Waterman. This Spider Bites recipe is delicious, and provided that you remember to brush and floss after indulging, this is a cookie that won’t bite back!

Spider Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 cup shortening
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 Tbsp. water
• 1 Tsp. vanilla
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cocoa
• 1 Tsp. salt
• ½ Tsp. baking powder
• 1 package black rope licorice, cut into 1-inch pieces**
• 1 small tube of white (or color of choice) frosting
• Toothpicks

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a large bowl, combine shortening, sugar, water, and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Add eggs into the mixture and blend. Slowly mix in flour, cocoa, salt and baking powder using low-medium speed. Drop tablespoon helpings of mixture onto ungreased cookie sheets and roll each helping into a ball.

Bake 9 minutes at 375 degrees. The batch should produce around three dozen cookies.

Let cookies cool for about 10 minutes. Then using a toothpick, create four small holes in either side of the cookie. Still using the toothpick, push one end of a piece of the cut licorice into each hole, creating the “legs” of the spider. Once all eight pieces are in place, create eyes or decorate at will using the white frosting. Then eat and enjoy!

**Licorice can sometimes stick to braces; parents should monitor

Dr. Guyer congratulates our summer contest winners!

This summer, Dr. Guyer and our team enjoyed hosting the "Where in the World is Dr. Guyer?" summer contest and the Tailgate Drawing. Congratulations to all of our summer contest winners! For the "Where in the World is Dr. Guyer?" contest, here are our $50 Visa gift card winners:

Farthest Vacation Photo Winner- Chris K.

Funniest Vacation Photo Winner- Matthew K.

Most Unique Vacation Photo Winner- Grant D.



The Main Street Orthodontics Tailgate Drawing was a drawing for everything that you might need to tailgate before the big game, with a prize of a mini grill, charcoal, a cooler, and chairs. Cole H. is the lucky winner of the Tailgate Drawing.

Thanks to everyone who submitted their summer photos with Dr. Guyer and entered our Tailgate Drawing. We enjoyed staying connected with all of our patients this summer! As always, feel free to give us a call if you have any questions about the summer contests, or if you would like to schedule a consultation at our office.

Top ten tips for keeping plaque at bay, from Main Street Orthodontics

Keeping your teeth clean is more important than ever when you have braces. Food bits have more spots than usual to hide in your mouth, so you must be diligent in order to avoid bad breath, swollen gums, discolored teeth and cavities. If you remove plaque regularly during treatment, you'll experience better results and shorter treatment time. Keep plaque at bay with these top ten tips:

1. One tooth at a time. When you brush, take time with each individual tooth – at least 10 seconds each – and pay careful attention to the spots where your teeth touch your braces.

2. It’s all about the angles. Brush the tops of your teeth and braces with your brush angled down toward where they meet. Brush the bottoms of your teeth and braces with your brush angled up.

3. The tooth, the whole tooth, nothing but the tooth. While the front surface of your teeth may seem like the most logical to clean, it’s equally important to clean the inner surface of your teeth (tongue side) as well as the chewing surface. And be sure to clean along your gum line – a key spot for plaque buildup.

4. Step 1: eat, step 2: clean. While you’re in treatment, it’s important to brush after every meal. Bits of food can easily get caught between braces and teeth, and these food bits interact with bacteria in your mouth to cause decay. The longer food is in contact with your teeth, the greater opportunity for plaque to form. If you are eating somewhere that you can’t brush, thoroughly rinse your mouth with water.

5. Like a Boy Scout, always be prepared. The easiest way to be sure you can brush after every meal is to get in the habit of taking a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss with you wherever you go. Designate a special container just for your teeth-cleaning tools and keep it in your purse, backpack, or laptop case.

6. Remove the moving parts. If you have elastic bands or headgear, remove these parts before you brush or floss.

7. Fluoride is your friend. Fluoride helps prevent cavities. Be sure to brush with fluoride toothpaste, and rinse with fluoride mouthwash.

8. Pointy brushes reach tiny places. Interproximal brushes (sometimes called proxa brushes or interdental brushes) are cone-shaped and come in very handy for reaching spots around your braces that standard brushes can’t.

9. Find the floss for you. Regular floss works for some patients, but others find it easier to work with a floss threader, which helps you get the floss into tight places. Other patients like an all-in-one product called Superfloss, which comes with a stiff end for easy threading, a spongy section for cleaning wide spaces, and regular floss for narrow spaces.

10. Make time for the pros. It’s your job to take care of the everyday cleaning. But make sure to visit your dentist regularly while in treatment, to get the deep, thorough cleaning that only a professional can provide. If you need help finding the right Dentist for you, feel free to contact our office - we’d love to help!

Hope this helps!

Main Street Orthodontics

Thanks to Invisalign® with Dr. Guyer, mom and dad can also have a perfect smile!

Hey parents! Focusing on your kids' teeth and oral health so much that you're neglecting your own? If you've been thinking wistfully about having your own set of perfect teeth, our staff at Main Street Orthodontics can help! We are specially trained to offer an adult-friendly option for straightening teeth 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!

Because they're clear, your teeth will be steadily straightening – and no one will know it but you!

Please give us a call to set up a consultation, so we can discuss the specifics of your treatment.

What puts you at ease at Main Street Orthodontics?

Dr. Guyer and team understand not everyone enjoys visiting their orthodontist. But we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit. We’d like to know: What is it about Main Street Orthodontics that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant office environment? Our friendly staff or Dr. Guyer?

Let us know by posting here or by giving us a call!

Tailgate with Main Street Orthodontics!

This September, Dr. Guyer and our team at Main Street Orthodontics will be hosting a Tailgate Drawing. One lucky patient will win everything that you might need to tailgate before the big game, specifically a mini grill, charcoal, a cooler, and chairs.

The drawing will be held September 20th, so don't forget to enter your name into the Tailgate Drawing at your next appointment! As always, feel free to give us a call if you have any questions about the tailgate drawing, or if you would like to schedule your next appointment.

Good luck,

-Main Street Orthodontics

Ask Dr. Guyer: What can Invisalign® do for my oral health?

When considering treatment options, patients often ask us how Invisalign treatment is so different than traditional braces. Well, there are more reasons to smile about Invisalign with Main Street Orthodontics than you may know. Invisalign is a series of removable aligners that are nearly invisible, and besides straightening your teeth, can improve your oral health. Here’s how:

Healthy gums: Straight teeth allow a close fit for gums. This lessens the gum stress that is caused by crowded or widely spaced teeth, thus also reducing red and swollen gums.


Easy cleaning: Invisalign is removable, therefore brushing and flossing is easier and you are able to maintain a healthy mouth. These habits are vital to avoiding tooth decay, plaque and even gum disease.

Improved speech and chewing: Properly-aligned teeth don’t have the discomfort or compound speech impediments that can be caused by crowded teeth or a deteriorating jawbone.

If you have any questions about Invisalign, just ask Dr. Guyer the next time you’re in for an appointment. Or, you may post your question on our Facebook page! You can also read this article for more information on Invisalign and your oral health.

Back to school extended hours at Main Street Orthodontics

Now that many of the schools in Niles and St. Joseph, MI are starting session again, Dr. Guyer and our team want to remind all of our patients about scheduling appointments in advance. With school, clubs and sports to consider, we know that it can be challenging to find time to visit Main Street Orthodontics. To help accommodate all of our patients' busy schedules, our office will have extended hours until 6pm on Wednesday beginning after Labor Day. 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.

Dr. Guyer and our team also want to remind everyone of how important it is to give advance notice if you are unable to make an appointment. If we receive enough notice, we might be able to schedule another patient for that time. As always, feel free to give us a call if you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule your fall appointment. We hope that everyone is enjoying the last couple weeks of summer!

Where in the world is Dr. Guyer?

Are you traveling outside of Niles and St. Joseph, MI this summer? If so, don't forget to bring your Dr. Guyer paper plate cutout with you! Our team loves staying connected with patients, which is why we are giving away three different $50 Visa gift cards for the most creative Dr. Guyer vacation pictures that we receive.

To enter, bring your Dr. Guyer vacation photo in to your next appointment. Winners will be announced September 8th, so don't wait to snap those pictures!

If you have any questions, feel free to connect with us on our Facebook page, or you can give us a call.

Have a great week,

-Main Street Orthodontics

Summer savings at Main Street Orthodontics!

Are you considering orthodontic treatment in Niles or St. Joseph, MI? Dr. Guyer and our team are excited to introduce to you our practice, where our mission is to improve the health, appearance, and self-confidence of each and every patient that we serve. If you haven't already had a chance to take a look at the Main Street Orthodontics website, we encourage you to come see what our orthodontic team is all about! If you look carefully, you might even see a coupon for $200 off your initial fee!

Give us a call today to schedule a complimentary consultation with Main Street Orthodontics. We look forward to a long and positive relationship and one we are totally confident you will be happy to recommend us to your family and friends.

Are you wearing your mouth guard?

Can you believe we're halfway through summer? As the weather gets - and stays - hot here in Michigan, the chances for athletes to sustain a mouth injury get likelier and likelier because of all the sports they play over the summer. Dr. Guyer would like to remind you to always take care of both your mouth and appliances while participating in contact sports.

That includes wearing a mouth guard at all times when you're out on the field. Only by using a mouth guard can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. And don't forget to ask us for a mouth guard - Dr. Guyer will provide a mouth guard for anyone in active treatment! We hope you're having a GREAT summer!

This summer, be a part of the Braces Brigade!

Thanks to our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists' Braces Brigade campaign, YOU can blog about your experience in braces AND come away with a $100 American Express gift card!

To complete your Braces Brigade application, you'll need to provide the AAO with your:

* Name
* Age – Must be 14 years of age or older
* E-mail
* Phone number
* Stage of orthodontic treatment
* A photo of your braces/smile
* A sample blog post – picture yourself as a member of Braces Brigade and show off those blogging skills! (100-word minimum)

In your blog, you'll (hopefully) answer the following questions:

• Why did you decide to get orthodontic treatment at Main Street Orthodontics?
• What advice would you share with other orthodontic patients?
• What does it feel like to get braces on?
• What foods do you miss the most?
• What new foods have you discovered?
• Do your friends have braces or retainers?
• Where is the first place you’re going to show off your new, beautiful smile?
• How has your new smile changed your life?

Remember, if you're under 18, your parents must fill out a consent form along with your official entry, giving you permission to enter the contest.

We strongly encourage you to apply for the Braces Brigade by August 31! If you get accepted, let us know during your next visit or post on our Facebook page!

Invisalign: How, exactly, does it work? [Video]

Perhaps you've thought about how Invisalign treatment at Main Street Orthodontics manages to straighten your teeth without using metallic traditional braces? Invisalign is a state-of-the-art system of clear, removable aligners that we proudly offer at our convenient locations in Niles and St. Joseph.

Not only are the aligners invisible, they're also 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 in your doctor's 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.

Dr. Ed Guyer, who happens to be a certified Invisalign provider, also provides plenty of resources on our website about Invisalign, or give us a call to learn if this revolutionary new treatment option is right for you!

Enjoy the rest of the week everyone!

Dr. Guyer and team want to know: what are your Independence Day weekend plans?

Like most Americans, our staff at Main Street Orthodontics will celebrate America's 234th birthday next Sunday.

Today, we thought we'd ask: what are you planning for the Fourth of July weekend? Are you heading to a barbecue? Hitting the open road with family? Are you planning on using fireworks to light up the night sky?

Whatever you and your family end up doing over Independence Day weekend, we hope you have a fantastic Fourth of July weekend!

See you all next week!

Dr. Guyer and Main Street Orthodontics want to know: What do you love about summer?

With summer finally here, Dr. Guyer and our staff at Main Street Orthodontics thought we’d ask: What’s your favorite part about summer? The warm weather we get? The free time you get? Less homework? Spending quality time with friends and family? Grilling barbecue in the backyard?

We'd like to know what makes summer truly special for you. Let us know by posting on our Facebook page!

Enjoy your weekend everyone!!

More happy patients at Main Street Orthodontics!

Our team at Main Street Orthodontics (as well as Dr. Guyer) love getting patient testimonials from current and former patients at our Niles and St. Joseph offices. Here are a few reviews we received recently - our patients like us and we love our patients!

"The personable environment of the entire office." ~ Danyzk T.

"The way Dr. Guyer takes his time. Plus he does a good job." ~ Greg D.

"We really liked Dr. Guyer and we feel very confident in the treatment plan that he recommended would be best." ~ Connor F.

"Dr. Guyer is very polite. I have the impression that he has his patients' best interests at heart. He's an excellent orthodontist, and loves what he does!" ~ Carlos N.

"He is very friendly and was very informative when I had questions and the office has a very friendly atmosphere." ~ Cynthia S.

"What I like best is that they work with your schedules." ~ Elizabeth M.

Please feel free to contribute your own thoughts about our office!

Tell Main Street Orthodontics: What should we blog about?

As the summer rapidly approaches in Michigan, our team at Main Street Orthodontics strive to continue writing about important topics related to orthodontics and your treatment with Dr. Ed Guyer.

To help us continue doing that through the course of the long, hot summer, however, we're looking for your help: What would you like us to focus on our blog in the coming months? Perhaps there’s something you’ve wanted to ask Dr. Guyer and staff for a while and just haven't found the chance? Let us know by posting here or on our Facebook page!

We hope you a relaxing rest of the weekend! See you soon!

Fun facts with Dr. Guyer and Main Street Orthodontics!

At Main Street Orthodontics, we know our patients love fun facts - LOVE THEM. The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, has come up with some fun facts about orthodontics that our team thought you would enjoy. Have a great rest of Memorial Day weekend!

• There are nearly 4 million people in orthodontic treatment throughout the United States. Three out of four are younger than 18.

• The first mechanical treatment for correcting irregular teeth was suggested by Gaius Plinius Secundus (A.D 23-79).The American Association of Orthodontists is comprised of more than 12,000 members in the United States, Canada and abroad.

• The time required to complete orthodontic treatment ranges from 12 to 36 months depending on the nature and severity of the problem.

• Of the 160,000 dentists in the United States and Canada, 8,000 are practicing orthodontists.

• The cement that attaches the braces to the teeth is now made with a special fluoride-releasing substance.

• Wires activated by body heat used in today's braces originally were developed by NASA for use in the space program.

• In addition to alleviating or preventing physical health problems, orthodontics can boost self-esteem as treatment aligns teeth, jaws and lips.

• Famous orthodontic patients include: Dr. Joyce Brothers, Hale Irwin, Cher, Diana Ross, Phyllis Diller, Chelsea Clinton, Whoopi Goldberg, Daisy Fuentes and Brandi.

At Main Street Orthodontics, easy access to your account information!

Access to your account any time you wish sounds pretty great, doesn't it? At Main Street Orthodontics, our wonderful patients may access their accounts 24/7, thanks to a helpful tool called OrthoSesame. You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, all from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

You, too, may sign up for this convenient service on our web site by clicking on the "Patient Login" button at the top of our homepage. Please give us a call if you have any questions about getting started, and enjoy the rest of the weekend!

Share your experience at Main Street Orthodontics with the world!

Dr. Ed Guyer has been practicing orthodontics in Michigan for over 20 years. He understands the needs and expectations of his patients, and is dedicated to working with you and your family to achieve the healthy, beautiful smile you want!

We cater to people, not teeth! Our practice works hard to make your experience as comfortable, convenient, and rewarding as possible.

Whether you have visited Main Street Orthodontics for weeks or months, we'd love to hear your feedback about Dr. Guyer and our team. Now with the Internet, it’s even easier to write your thoughts and share them with the world. We'd want to encourage you to write a review of us on our Google Local page. It only takes a moment!

You may write a review here.

Thank you and have a great weekend! We really look forward to reading your reviews!

Dr. Guyer at the 2010 AAO Annual Session!

If you know Dr. Ed Guyer, you know things he's very passionate about include continuing education and new technology. One of the ways we continue to improve at Main Street Orthodontics is by attending important seminars and conferences. Dr. Guyer attended one of those very important conferences - the AAO Annual Session - this past weekend in Washington D.C.

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. Guyer 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 our team at Main Street Orthodontics to give you, our phenomenal patients, the best treatment experience possible.

In addition to being a proud member of the American Association of Orthodontists, Dr. Guyer is a member of the American Dental Association, World Federation of Orthodontists and the Michigan Damon System Study Club. Dr. Guyer has also been the president of the Lakeland Valley Dental Association, published in journals such as the Angle Orthodontist and lectures regularly on the Damon® System, which my office has utilized to become one of the Midwest’s most experienced and advanced orthodontic practices.

Isn't it comforting to know you have a complete dental expert in Dr. Guyer perfecting your smile?

"Hey, Dr. Guyer! Which toothbrush should my kid use?"

At Main Street Orthodontics, we'll always tell you that brushing your teeth - even during orthodontic treatment - is one of the easiest methods of cavity prevention. But the question remains: which type of toothbrush should your child use? When choosing a toothbrush, look for round-ended (polished) bristles that clean while being gentle on the gums. Choose one that is specifically designed for children's smaller hands and mouths. Also, look for large handles that can help children control the toothbrush. Lastly, throw out a toothbrush after three months or as soon as bristles begin fraying.

As far as which toothpaste is best? It doesn't really as long as it has fluoride in it. However, for small children who tend to swallow toothpaste, do not use fluoridated toothpaste. Make sure to touch each tooth and every side of that tooth. Also, make sure to gently brush on your gums.

To learn more about choosing the right toothbrush and toothpaste for your child, we encourage you to read this helpful article from Parenthood.com. Or, you may give us a call at either our Niles or St. Joseph location, and we'll try to answer any question you may have about keeping your child's mouth as healthy as possible!

Main Street Orthodontics want to know: Did you change the world today?

At Main Street Orthodontics, we support Earth Day. Whether lending our helping hands to plant trees or grasses or getting out to volunteer in various projects around St. Joseph or Niles, today was our opportunity to get involved in making our year-round impact in the community. Dr. Guyer wants to know: Did you make a difference today? Tell us, what Earth Day-related activities did you accomplish? How long have you participated in helping our community and planet?

Earth Day, which today marks its 40th anniversary, is designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for our environment and ecosystem. If you’d like to join the millions of people around the world who are making small but important changes to help sustain our ecosystem, we encourage you to try these helpful environmental tips, courtesy of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Have a great rest of the week everyone!

-- The staff at Main Street Orthodontics

Hey, Dr. Guyer: What, exactly, is malocclusion?

Malocclusion, or what Dr. Guyer calls “bad bite,” is the improper alignment of teeth and/or jaws. When your teeth and jaws are not properly aligned, it may impact your bite, the ability to properly care for your teeth, your gum tissue health and, believe it or not, even your appearance.

The most common solution for malocclusion, of course, is orthodontic treatment. The actual course of treatment, including the length of time you will require braces, will be determined by severity of your malocclusion. The goal of your treatment is to move your teeth into the proper position and correct any misalignment in the jaw. If overcrowding is causing the problem, Niles and St. Joseph orthodontist Dr. Guyer may need to remove one or more teeth as part of treatment.

At Main Street Orthodontics, we use the most advanced technology in the field in order to ensure that you receive the best possible results. If you have any questions about malocclusion, please give us a call and we’ll try to answer any questions you may have. Have a terrific weekend, patients!

Ask Main Street Orthodontics: What should I expect during my consultation?

At your initial consultation at Main Street Orthodontics, our team and Dr. Guyer will conduct a comprehensive examination to assess your oral health. This will better enable us to determine the best treatment method for you.

Your orthodontic evaluation will consist of an oral and facial examination to assess your oral health. Dr. Guyer will have you take intraoral and facial photographs as well as panoramic and cephalometric x-rays to help determine the proper orthodontic treatment method. Then, an impression of your teeth and bite will be taken to construct a model of your mouth. (This will help Dr. Guyer when examining your diagnostic records).

At your second appointment, Dr. Guyer will discuss your options with you. Our team feels it’s important to take the time to carefully examine your diagnostic records after your consultation so that Dr. Guyer can more thoroughly prepare for your treatment at Main Street Orthodontics. This additional preparation will ensure that you receive the best orthodontic care possible. At this time, we encourage you to ask us any questions you may have about your treatment.

If you are seeking orthodontic treatment for your child, our staff asks that both you and your child attend the initial consultation. We feel it is important that both you and your child completely understand Dr. Guyer’s recommendations before we proceed with treatment.

Give us a call and schedule a consultation! We look forward to hearing from you!

Don't be fooled! From Dr. Guyer

April 1st is traditionally known as April Fools' Day. Dr. Guyer and our entire team at Main Street Orthodontics would like if you shared a great story about a trick you played, or someone else played on you, on this silliest of days.

Feel free to post them here or on our Facebook page, and stay alert out there today! Lots of pranksters running around!

Talking retainers with Dr. Ed Guyer

If you recently completed treatment with Dr. Guyer, our professional team at Main Street Orthodontics would like to congratulate you! Now that your braces have been removed, Dr. Guyer will provide—or has provided you—with retainers. After braces are removed, teeth can shift out of position if they are not stabilized.

Retainers provide that stabilization. They are designed to hold teeth in their corrected, ideal positions until the bones and gums adapt to the treatment changes, Dr. Guyer says. Wearing retainers exactly as instructed is the best insurance that the treatment improvements last for a lifetime.

If you have additional questions about retainers or your treatment here at Main Street Orthodontics, please give us a call at (269) 684-2355. Our staff would love to hear from you!

Wishing you a safe and happy St. Patrick's Day, from Main Street Orthodontics

Dr. Guyer and team hope you remembered to wear green on your way out this morning! Whether Irish or not, millions of people in the U.S. and around the world celebrate St. Patrick's Day with toasts, parades and "the wearing of the green." Here are some fun facts about St. Patty’s Day our team at Main Street Orthodontics thought you might enjoy:

• St. Patrick’s Day is observed on March 17th because that is the feast day of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. It is also a worldwide celebration of Irish culture and history.

• The name “leprechaun” has several origins. It could be from the Irish Gaelic word “leipreachan,” which means “a kind of aqueous sprite.” Or, it could be from “leath bhrogan,” which simply means “shoemaker.”

• Some American towns have Irish names. They include: Shamrock Lakes, Indiana; Shamrock, Oklahoma; Shamrock, Texas; Dublin, California and Dublin, Ohio and Mount Gay-Shamrock, West Virginia.

• Despite what you may have heard, St. Patrick never banished snakes from Ireland. In fact, no snakes exist or ever existed in Ireland. Ireland is surrounded by icy ocean waters, much too cold to allow snakes to migrate from Britain or anywhere else.

• St. Patrick's Day was first celebrated in Boston, in 1737. Approximately 34 million Americans claim Irish ancestry. That’s almost nine times the population of Ireland, which has 4.1 million people.

Burning Invisalign® questions, with Dr. Ed Guyer

Are you wondering what Invisalign treatment is really like, and what effect it will have on your day-to-day activities? Will it slur your speech? Will people know you're in treatment? You're not alone in your concerns! Dr. Ed Guyer and our professional team thought we’d share this list of questions and answers for anyone pondering Invisalign treatment at Main Street Orthodontics.

How exactly does Invisalign work?

Using 3-D computer imaging technology, Invisalign creates a series of custom-made, clear aligners exclusively for your teeth, based on the treatment plan that we specify for you. Each aligner moves teeth incrementally and is worn for about two weeks, then replaced by the next in the series until the final position is achieved.

Will I experience pain during treatment?

Most people experience temporary discomfort for a few days after a new aligner is placed. This feeling of pressure is normal and is a sign that Invisalign is working by sequentially moving your teeth to their final destination.

Can other people see that I'm in treatment?

One of the benefits of Invisalign is that the aligners are clear. You can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing.

Are there any foods I cannot eat while in treatment?

You can eat normally during the entire course of treatment. One of the advantages of Invisalign is that the aligners are removable. Simply take the aligners out before each meal, brush when you're finished eating, then reinsert the aligners afterward.

What about chewing gum?

We recommend removing your aligners for all meals and snacks, as gum and other chewy substances can stick to the aligners.

How often must I wear my aligners?

Aligners should be worn all day, except when eating, brushing, and flossing.

Will my speech be affected by the aligners?

As with any orthodontic treatment, aligners may temporarily affect your speech. If this does happen, your tongue will adjust within a day or two and your speech should return to normal.

How can I clean my aligners?

The best way to clean your aligners is by brushing and rinsing them in lukewarm water.

How often must I visit your office during treatment?

For most patients, visits every 4-6 weeks are frequent enough for us to determine that your treatment is progressing properly. Dr. Guyer will provide you with a specific schedule that supports your individual treatment plan.

What are patients saying about Main Street Orthodontics?

Main Street Orthodontics deliver the highest quality orthodontic care in a personalized environment here in Niles and St. Joseph. We make orthodontic treatment fun and enjoyable. Just see what our patients have to say!

"He is very friendly and accessible for any question I may have especially since I am a novice." ~ Betty K.

"The way Dr. Guyer takes his time. Plus he does a good job." ~ Greg D.

"Very up-to-date office. Friendly doctor and staff." ~ Allison C.

"Dr. Guyer seems to care about his patients.Also he takes time to answer any questions that I have." ~ Anthoney W.

Happy Washington's birthday, from Main Street Orthodontics!

Everyone knows George Washington was the first President of the United States and one of our country's founding fathers. But in honor of Washington birthday, we at Main Street Orthodontics thought we'd share a few little-known facts about the man who was known for never telling a lie.

• Washington is the only President inaugurated in 2 cities (New York and Philadelphia)
• Toothaches bothered Washington for years. When he was 57, he had all his teeth pulled. From then on, he wore ivory false teeth. At the time of his inauguration, George Washington had only one tooth.
• Five states were added to the Union during Washington's presidency - North Carolina (1789), Rhode Island (1790), Vermont (1791), Kentucky (1792) and Tennessee (1796).
• At six feet, two inches tall, and 200 pounds, Washington was one of our biggest presidents.
• There were only 13 stars on the United States flag when Washington became President in 1789.

The great social media adventure, with Main Street Orthodontics

Isn’t social media great? The team at Main Street Orthodontics love communicating with our patients online, whether it’s by sharing news on our blog or communicating ideas on our Facebook fan page. For social media to work, conversation is vital, and that’s why we invite you to join in and tell us what’s on your mind. Although social media is hugely popular these days, it is unpredictable and ever-changing.

While Dr. Guyer and team are taking a little time to research how to best use social media, we thought we’d ask you, our "in-the-know" patients: How would you like us to use our social networks? What would you like us to share? Send us your thoughts or give us a call!

Tackling sports injuries with Dr. Guyer

Let’s face it: sports-related injuries are common among children, let alone teens with braces. In a recent survey, the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, discovered that 70 percent of parents said their biggest fear is that their child will get hurt while playing organized sports. But 67 percent admitted that their child doesn’t wear a mouth guard during organized sports such as football, basketball, baseball and soccer. That’s why Main Street Orthodontics is helping spread the word that many facial sports injuries can be prevented simply by reminding your kids to wear mouth guards.

Did you know mouth guards are one of the least expensive pieces of protective equipment available? Over-the-counter versions may cost as little as $5, although custom-fit mouth guards offer greater protection. Dr. Guyer can recommend the best mouth guard for you. In addition, the AAO has four quick tips for keeping kids safe during sport activities.

• Wear mouth guards during contact sports
• Wear a helmet
• Stretch before and after a game or practice
• Wear protective eyewear
• Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
• Be observant even as a spectator

All of these can reduce injuries. Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at Main Street Orthodontics.

Dr. Guyer wants to know: What do you love about our community?

Main Street Orthodontics, located in Niles and St. Joseph, and serving surrounding communities, is situated around some pretty unique neighborhoods. Each is special with its own personality, created by the people and places (and our fantastic patients) living within.

Today, Dr. Guyer and our team thought we'd ask: What are your favorite things about Niles, St. Joseph or our local communities? Is there a local event you attend every year? Do you have a favorite eatery? Perhaps a favorite Michigan getaway?

Please feel free to share some information about your favorite local hang-outs in Niles or St. Joseph, and everything you love best about “your neck of the woods.” And, who knows, we might post your response on our social networks!

The Damon System at Main Street Orthodontics: Better Results in Less Time

A lot of our patients, (especially you parents!) come to Dr. Guyer convinced that traditional braces are the only answer to straight teeth. Here at Main Street Orthodontics, we offer the Damon System, a revolutionary new braces system that can give you better results in less time!

Some questions you're probably asking yourself include:

Am I right for the Damon System?

Main Street Orthodontics will evaluate your eligibility for the Damon System, and the procedure can be performed for children and adults alike!


What makes Damon braces better?

Probably the biggest advantage of Damon braces over traditional brackets is the amount of time and effort involved. Main Street Orthodontics can often cut months off of the total treatment time for patients using the Damon System, and less visits to our office are necessary to make adjustments.

In addition, the Damon System brackets are:

• Cleaner- Damon brackets don’t have the elastic of traditional brackets, and are less prone to all the plaque buildup that your dentist warns you about!
• Discreet- Damon braces are smaller and have fewer parts than traditional brackets, making them less noticeable and more comfortable.
• No tightening- With the Damon system, Dr. Guyer can position your teeth and avoid frequent adjustments. This also reduces the need for complicated tooth extractions or surgery.

If you have been thinking about an orthodontic procedure, contact the team at Main Street Orthodontics for an assessment to see if the Damon System is right for you!

Ask Main Street Orthodontics: When should my child get an orthodontic check-up?

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

What’s so great 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.

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, says Dr. Guyer.

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 Main Street Orthodontics to schedule an appointment.

The advantage of Invisalign Teen™ at Main Street Orthodontics

We've blogged about Invisalign in the past, but did you know we provide Invisalign Teen treatment as well?

For many teens, Invisalign Teen offers a trouble-free, clear alternative to traditional braces. Not only that, but it offers them the chance to have straight teeth without losing self-confidence, says Dr. Guyer.

So how does Invisalign Teen work? Invisalign Teen works in the same way as Invisalign, but with a few added characteristics tailored specifically to teenagers’ lifestyles. For instance, Invisalign Teen is designed with “compliance indicators” that fade from dark to light during the two week period that particular tray is used and once it has faded teens know to change trays. Each aligner comes with up to six free individual replacement aligners in case the original aligner ends up lost or broken. Another big benefit for the patient!

The treatment period for Invisalign Teen varies from nine to 18 months. If your teen is considering orthodontic treatment, please contact us and we’ll answer any questions you may have about Invisalign Teen.