Main Street Orthodontics at the 111th AAO Annual Session

To better serve our patients at Main Street Orthodontics with the highest quality orthodontic care available, Dr. Guyer and our entire team are committed to continuing education into the exciting world of orthodontics.

One of the ways we improve our service is by attending conferences, meetings and seminars, and this weekend, we will be in Chicago attending the AAO Annual Session, an educational event that is one of the largest orthodontic conventions in the world - and one that allows us to consult with orthodontists from around the country and stay up-to-date on all the latest technologies and orthodontic treatment options available. This, in turn, allows us to give you, our wonderful patients, the best treatment experience possible.

If you've got an appointment scheduled with us soon, we invite you to ask us about our Chicago trip, including what we learned and how continuing education and acquisition of new technology helps us serve you more effectively.

Connect with the Braces Brigade!

At Main Street Orthodontics, our patients want to get as much out of their treatment as possible. That includes asking a lot of questions and making sure they take care of both their appliances and oral health.

Would you like to learn more about what to expect during orthodontic treatment, from someone with firsthand experience? As you might remember from a blog entry about the Braces Brigade this summer, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recently developed the Braces Brigade blog, where past, present, as well as future orthodontic patients from coast to coast document their (or their child’s) orthodontic journeys. The blog will serve as a source of guidance for others as the patients undergo orthodontic care.

Our team at Main Street Orthodontics encourages you to visit the Braces Brigade blog to read these great and informative blogs—who knows, maybe you’ll learn a thing or two! As always, don’t hesitate to give us a call if you have any questions about the Braces Brigade or your own orthodontic treatment with Dr. Guyer!

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!

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.

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?

When should you call Main Street Orthodontics?

Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) have put together this helpful list for your advantage. 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 Dr. Guyer and his team a call today!

Happy Wednesday!