Connect with the Braces Brigade!

At Piedmont Orthodontic Associates, 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? Well, 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 Piedmont Orthodontic Associates 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. Gardner!

Piedmont Orthodontic Associates' Monthly Referral Contest

Hi everybody! We just wanted to let you know about our Referral Contest that is happening every month. In order to participate, you'll need to refer a friend to come in for a Complimentary Orthodontic Consultation. Your name is entered into the drawing EVERY time you refer someone, so the more people you refer the greater your chances are that you will win the $150 prize. Good luck to all of you!

If you have any additional questions or would like to schedule your next appointment, give us a call!

Ask Dr. Gardner : Why is it so important to have straight teeth?

Some people wonder why Spartanburg SC orthodontist Dr. Ernest Gardner and our team work tirelessly 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 at Piedmont Orthodontic Associates 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, please give us a call to set up a consultation. Dr. Gardner can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment.

What helps you relax at Piedmont Orthodontic Associates?

Dr. Gardner and team understand not everyone is thrilled about visiting their orthodontist. But here at Piedmont Orthodontic Associates, we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit. Today, we’d like to know: What is it about Piedmont Orthodontic Associates that makes you comfortable or puts you or your child at ease? Is it something about our pleasant environment? Our courteous staff? Dr. Gardner himself?

Let us know by commenting on this post, posting on Facebook or by giving us a call!

Ask Dr. Gardner: “I’m 37 – am I too old for braces?”

Absolutely not! At Piedmont Orthodontic Associates, nobody is “too old” for braces! In fact, we read a fascinating statistic recently: the number of adults getting braces has actually jumped 24 percent since 1996! Of course, braces help make your teeth stay strong, healthy and become perfectly-aligned. But we’d like you to know orthodontic treatment with Dr. Gardner can be successful at any age, and we know you adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile.

If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, we would love to have you visit for a complimentary consultation at our office. Please give us a call at 864-585-8709 to set one up at our convenient Spartanburg office and have a wonderful rest of the week!

BRACE yourself this Christmas!

Are you happy with your smile? Heather is! Heather's smile by Dr. Ernie Gardner won "Prettiest Smile in S.C." in the Miss Sunburst Pageant! Call us for a complimentary orthodontic exam and find out how Piedmont Orthodontic Associates can help you get the most from YOUR award-winning smile!

Also, we wanted to stop for a moment and extend our best wishes to you, our patients, referring doctors and families, for a wonderful Thanksgiving.

As always, if you know anyone we can help, just let us know. We promise to give them the same quality orthodontic care that we have given you. We hope that this Thanksgiving and holiday season brings fond memories. Thank you for being part of our family.

Ask Dr. Gardner: Can germs really live on my toothbrush?

Great question, thank you! Fall is upon us, and with it comes the dreaded cold and flu season. After recovering from your cold, Dr. Ernie Gardner will tell you one of the most important steps you can take to avoid becoming reinfected is replacing your toothbrush!

Germs can linger on the bristles, and you risk prolonging your sickness by continuing to use the same toothbrush. Be smart - keep a spare, just in case! To protect your toothbrush from bacteria all year long, consider the following tips:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing

• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen

• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster

• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Worn bristles are less effective in properly cleaning your teeth, and can actually be damaging to teeth if used too long!

We hope these tips help! Feel free to call us at Piedmont Orthodontic Associates if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook. Have a wonderful weekend.

Dr. Gardner & Piedmont Orthodontic Associates, honoring our veterans

Happy Veteran's Day from Dr. Ernest Gardner & Piedmont Orthodontic Associates! 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 continue to enjoy.

In celebration of Veteran’s Day, Dr. Gardner and our team would like to share a few fun facts about our flag, this national holiday, and our country’s history!

-Veterans 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 Veterans Day on June 1, 1954, changing the name of the holiday from Armistice Day to Veterans 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

-Research by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) helped develop the CAT Scan, the cardiac pacemaker, and the “Seattle Foot” to give those hurt the ability to run and jump

-When the flag is displayed next to another flag against a wall, the U.S. flag should be on its own right (on the left side when facing the wall).

-Veterans 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. Veterans 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! We are so thankful for all who have and are currently serving in the U.S. and overseas.

Dr. Gardner, reminding you to protect your mouth this fall!

Let’s face it: sports-related injuries are common among children, let alone teens with braces – and especially during the fall. In a 2009 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.

If you play fall sports, it’s important that you consult Dr. Gardner for special precautions, including wearing a mouth guard, which is advised for playing fall sports such as football, basketball, soccer or even touch-football.

In case of any accident involving the face, check your mouth and the appliances immediately. If teeth are loosened or the appliances damaged, please schedule an appointment with Piedmont Orthodontic Associates or your general dentist.

Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries this fall. Please give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at our convenient office in Spartanburg.

Have a wonderful & relaxing weekend!

Dr. Gardner & Piedmont Orthodontics with the 411 on Halloween treats

For moms and dads in Spartanburg who are worried about their kids going overboard on candies this weekend, sugar and other sweets, Halloween is a dreaded annual event (no pun intended).

Dr. Gardner will tell you all those sweet, sour and sticky candies may taste great, but these treats are known to damage teeth, as well as braces! 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 child’s teeth since these candies have a low pH value, which is known to ruin enamel. Also, we also want your child to steer clear of sticky, chewy, gummy and nutty goodies this Halloween.

Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists recommend softer treats, such as soft chocolate or peanut butter cups, or melt-in-your-mouth foods. Trick-or-treaters who indulge should make sure they brush and floss between teeth, around brackets and at the gum line. If damage occurs, call Dr. Gardner and our staff as soon as possible.

We hope everyone has a fun, safe and scary Halloween!

Straight talk with Dr. Gardner

Some people wonder why Dr. Ernie Gardner and our staff at Piedmont Orthodontic Associates work tirelessly 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 at Piedmont Orthodontic Associates 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, please give us a call to set up a consultation at our convenient office here in Spartanburg. Dr. Gardner can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment.

Questions? Give us a call at 864-641-3369 or ask us on Facebook!

Welcome to the Piedmont Orthodontic Associates blog!

Thank you for taking the time to visit the Piedmont Orthodontic Associates blog. Please check back often for weekly updates on fun and exciting events happening at our office, important and interesting information about orthodontics and the dental industry, and the latest news about our practice.

Feel free to leave a comment or question for Dr. Gardner and staff here or on our Facebook page – we hope this will be a valuable resource for our patients, their families, and friends!

Enjoy your weekend!

October Marks National Orthodontic Health Month!

October symbolizes the transition into the Fall season and of course, Halloween! For our team at Piedmont Orthodontic Associates, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), and orthodontic patients around the country, October also marks the National Orthodontic Health Month. This month is a great time to remind patients of the importance of strong oral hygiene and a braces-friendly diet, especially since many of the sticky and sweet Halloween treats can be harmful to braces and other orthodontic appliances.

Candy remains a huge part of Halloween for tens of millions of American kids each year. The National Confectioners Association says 93 percent of children in the United States go trick-or-treating, and estimates candy sales will be higher this year than ever. Candy is not all bad in moderation, but can lead to big problems in excess! It can lead to tooth decay, broken or chipped teeth, and delayed orthodontic treatment time due to broken or loose appliances and braces. Get the facts about Halloween candy and orthodontics by asking us! You can also learn more on the AAO’s National Orthodontic Health Month website. We also appreciate your help in spreading the word!

Distinguishing the myths and facts about orthodontics

Trust us when we say Dr. Gardner and our staff know there are quite a few myths about orthodontics (and orthodontists) floating around these days. But before you buy into those myths, we think you should get the facts! Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists set the record straight (no pun intended) and have provided some information that sheds some light on the myths and facts of orthodontics. We encourage you to check them out today!

If you have any questions about orthodontics or your treatment here at Piedmont Orthodontic Associates, feel free to give us a call.

Meet Dr. Gardner

I knew when I was 11 years old that I wanted to work in the dental field. It gives me great satisfaction to see how gratified my patients are with their final orthodontic results. Every day I learn something new from my patients regardless of their age. I especially enjoy working with younger patients, connecting with them and making sure they have a fun experience in my office. I love seeing them grow up into successful young adults with wonderful smiles.

Upon completing dental school, I began my career by practicing general dentistry with my father in Spartanburg, SC. While I enjoyed working with my dad, I knew I wanted to specialize my practice and entered an Orthodontic Residency at Emory University. I have enjoyed practicing in this community for the past 24 years and I hope to make Piedmont Orthodontic Associates your orthodontic home.

There have been many advancements in the orthodontic field and I believe it is extremely important to stay up-to-date on new technology and products that have become available. I am also an active member of the American Dental Association, the American Association of Orthodontists, and many state and local professional organizations.

My best times are spent on the beach in Garden City, SC, where I enjoy spending time with my children and grandchildren, reading, listening to music, and talking with friends. You can find me flounder fishing when I'm not on the beach or dancing to old "Beach Music" tunes. There are not enough hours in the day for all of the things I love to do. I love to hunt, have taken guitar lessons, am a fan of Carolina Panthers football, and I love to travel and explore places I've read about. Christmas is my favorite time of year and decorations usually stay up at home for several months. I'm really a child at heart!