Am I Too Old for Braces?

Orthodontic treatment for adults is becoming more and more common. In fact, the number of adults getting braces has actually climbed 24 percent since 1996! More adults than ever are realizing that orthodontic treatment is not just for kids, and can help improve the aesthetics and health of a smile of any age! In society where appearance matters and can help make the difference between getting a job or a promotion, adults are choosing wisely to invest in orthodontic treatment.
Some of the most common reasons our adult patients come to us considering orthodontic treatment include:
• Teeth that are crowded or spaced apart, sometimes as a result of tooth decay or gum disease
• Pain or pressure from crooked teeth or a misaligned jaw
• A bad bite or malocclusion, causing teeth to fit together incorrectly
Most of all though, adult patients come to our office seeking a healthier mouth and a more confident smile! Orthodontic treatment at our office can be successful at any age, and adults especially can appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile.
As an adult patient, we recognize that you have different needs than our younger patients, and we will work with you to ensure you receive the most appropriate treatment and that your needs are met with understanding and respect from us.
If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, we would love to have you visit for a consultation. We understand you have a busy schedule, and will work with you to find a time that is convenient for you. Please visit our website or give our office a call to schedule your appointment today!

Connect with us on Facebook!

We will be rolling out our new Facebook Timeline page soon and would love for you to check it out! You’ll find all the useful information that was there before, but now in a fun, new layout. When you Like us on Facebook, you’ll be able to check out photos of our office, find out about new events and contests, or you can even leave a note about how much you enjoyed your visit at our office. We love hearing your feedback to make our practice serve you and your family even better. To make life even easier, if you “Like” us on Facebook, you’ll automatically receive updates from our office right on your own news feed!
See you on Facebook!

Which questions should I ask during my orthodontic consultation?

When you visit Piedmont Orthodontic Associates for your orthodontic consultation, you’ll probably have a lot of questions. We want you to be prepared for your appointment and feel in charge of your orthodontic treatment decisions, so keep these questions in mind to ask when you come in for your appointment:
• How long will I have to wear braces?
• Will getting braces hurt?
• Will I have to wear additional appliances to correct jaw problems while I have braces?
• What can I eat when I have braces?
• Are there certain things, like playing sports or playing an instrument, which I won’t be able to do?
• How can I make sure my teeth stay clean and healthy while I have braces?
• How often will I need to come in for appointments?
• How much will my orthodontic treatment cost?

Dr. Gardner and team are here to answer all your questions and concerns, and we’re happy to explain all aspects of your treatment plan and expected outcome. Your orthodontic experience should be comfortable, hassle-free, and most importantly, leave you smiling!

Have you had a check-up lately?

Even if you brush and floss daily, as well as maintain your braces and visit our office during your orthodontic treatment it is still important to visit your local dentist every 6 months, or as recommended.

Why?

• Your dentist can detect and treat tooth and gum problems that you may have never felt or noticed.
• Even thorough daily oral care may not be enough to prevent cavities and oral decay.
• Frequent visits can allow your dentist to treat a problem early to prevent future complications.
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 visited a dentist in the past six months, please let us know! Piedmont Orthodontic Associates will be happy to provide a few great references here in the area!

-- Dr. Gardner & Team

Are you wearing your mouth guard?

With fall sports close to wrapping up and winter sports right around the corner, many patients here at Piedmont Orthodontic Associates will once again pick up the ball, bring the cleats out of seasonal retirement and hit the fields for the return of sports action! During this time, however, Dr. Ernest Gardner and our team urge our young athletes to play it safe when out on the field. Here are a few ways to ensure your mouth’s safety this fall and winter, courtesy of our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists:

1. Wear mouth guards for contact sports such as basketball, wrestling and hockey
2. Wear a helmet
3. Wear protective eyewear
4. Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
5. Be alert, even as a spectator

We hope that helps! Dr. Gardner and team will tell you protective gear is vital for anyone engaging in tooth or mouth-threatening activities. If you have any further questions about any of these tips, please contact our office or ask us on Facebook.
Stay safe!

Monthly Referral Contest Winner for November!

Dr. Ernest Gardner and team want to say CONGRATULATIONS to our November 2010 winner of the Monthly Referral Contest, Kelsey Dukes! She took home a check for $150 from Piedmont Orthodontic Associates.

You can still participate in our Monthly Referral Contest each month by referring a friend to our office for a complimentary orthodontic consultation. Once your friend comes in for the consultation, your name is added to a drawing. The more friends you refer, the greater the chances are that you'll be the next one taking home a $150 check! Good luck everyone! Give our office a call if you have any questions.

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.

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!

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, 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!

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!