Rubber bands, or elastics, can be an integral aspect of orthodontic care, so if Dr. Ron Wilson & Dr. Svetlana Lekht has prescribed elastics as a part of your treatment, it’s important to follow the directions fully. Elastics help to align your bite or cause teeth to move in different directions and straighten more quickly. We will instruct you how to hook one end to an upper bracket and the other end to a lower bracket so the rubber band goes vertically or diagonally from one bracket to another. The tension of the rubber band produces pressure on the bracket, which causes the teeth to move and straighten. This tension is also sufficient to correct an overbite or an under bite in the jaw.

If rubber bands are a part of your treatment plan, there are a few things to keep in mind. With rubber bands, you won’t be able to open your mouth fully, so they will have to be removed when you eat and reapplied after meal time. Many times, rubber bands are only needed at night, so you won’t need to worry about eating with them. Also, if you try to open your mouth too wide, your rubber bands might snap – so be careful!

Failure to wear your elastics full time or as instructed can lengthen your treatment time and may make it more difficult to achieve an optimal result. But don’t worry; your time in elastics will be well worth it when you see your beautiful, new smile.

How important is your smile to the team at Wilson Orthodontics? It's our top priority and we are so excited about all the beautiful smiles from our patients, we put together this latest video!

If you have other favorite pictures of your new smile from Drs. Wilson and Lekht share them with us on our Facebook page!

The bottom line is, we know having a beautiful smile is important to you. Take the next step toward a healthier, brighter smile and contact our office soon to schedule an appointment.

Great question!

If you are brushing and flossing daily during your orthodontic treatment with Dr. Ron Wilson and Dr. Svetlana Lekht, we think 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 Wilson Orthodontics, of course). Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health, especially during orthodontic treatment.

Tooth decay, which is caused by sugars left in your mouth, can turn into an acid, which in turn can break down your teeth. Children are at high risk for tooth decay because adolescents tend to be lax in their oral hygiene habits. Proper brushing and flossing routines, combined with regular dental visits, help keep tooth decay away.

If you have any questions, please be sure to keep ask Drs. Wilson & Lekht or our team during your next adjustment appointment, or ask us on Facebook!

Summer has flown by and now we are looking forward to the beautiful colors and cooler days of fall here at Wilson Orthodontics, serving the Gainesville, Cleveland, Hoschton/Braselton, Oakwood, Flowery Branch, Dahlonega, and surrounding Georgia areas.

As usual, summer was a very busy time at Wilson Orthodontics. We all worked hard to accommodate our patients' needs during their “off” time, and to fit everyone into the schedule before school started. We love taking the first week of school off, just to recuperate from our busy summer, and then it is onto autumn. The fall season is a great time to get things done that have been put off during the fun summer months, so we will be busy catching up. The holidays will be right around the corner and our office will be as busy as ever as we try to fit in treatment before the end of the year! It’s a cycle that never ends, which we love!

~ Si Morris, Treatment Coordinator

Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) have put together a helpful list that outlines when you should call Wilson Orthodontics a call. 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

Do any of these warning signs fit you? If so, give us a call as soon as possible!

Hope this helps,

-Dr. Wilson, Dr. Lekht and team

There are so many neat things happening this fall at Wilson Orthodontics and we are so excited to share them with you!

1. Our new BRACE BUS! Our office has purchased a cool Hummer and painted it up. It's ready to pick up our patients at school, bring them to their appointments, and then drop them back off. It makes going to the orthodontist easy. Check it out by visiting our website, or visit us on Facebook!

2. We are still giving away a iPad 2 twice a year! There are so many ways you can enter to win! There is always an office contest happening in the office. Ask us about it at your next appointment!

3. This month we will be opening up an office in Cleveland, Georgia! Hopefully by December we will be able to move into our new Hoschton/Braselton location on Spout Springs Rd. in Flowery Branch.

Our office is always trying to find ways to make things more exciting and fun for our patients and parents! Our goal is to make things as easy, efficient, and FUN as possible. We look forward to seeing you at your next appointment!

With summer in full swing, some of us at Wilson Orthodontics wanted to remind all our patients about the importance of reading. Sure it’s easy to keep putting off reading this time of year, but reading during the summer is a vital step in brain development and warding off the dreaded “summer slide.” Plus, it's fun!

Today, we thought we’d ask: What's on YOUR summer reading list? What are some of your all-time favorites? Out of ideas for great summer reads? Ask us for suggestions, and our staff (and Dr. Wilson would be happy to provide a few suggestions. You may also ask a local librarian for some ideas or check out these summer reading ideas that we came across today, courtesy of Barnes & Noble.

Happy reading! Be sure to share with us your summer picks or your all-time favorites on our Facebook page!

Summer is here! Kids and adults alike will now be spending more time outside being active and enjoying the hotter temperatures. And what’s better on a hot summer day than a delicious treat that will cool you down after doing something active in the summer sun? Luckily, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) have just the thing, Watermelon Sorbet! You can find the complete recipe below:
Watermelon Sorbet
Ingredients
• ¾ cup water
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• 2 to 3 cups watermelon, diced, no seeds or rind
Directions
In a small saucepan, heat the water, sugar, and lime juice on medium high for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Chill this “syrup” at least 20 minutes. In the meantime, place the watermelon chunks in a food processor or blender and liquefy them. Add the chilled syrup to the watermelon puree and blend. Freeze sorbet in an ice-cream maker according to manufacturer’s directions. Serve immediately.

Happy Summer from Dr. Wilson & Team

With summer just around the corner, there are many questions that patients have about preventing facial injuries. Summer is a very active time for many of us, whether that means sports or just fun in the sun. Here at Wilson Orthodontics, we offer mouth guards to all of our patients that play sports. We have several colors to choose from, which makes it fun during school because patients like to choose their school colors. These mouth guards are very easy to insert. They are designed to fit over your braces, and are very comfortable. We recommend these over the mouth guards you find in a retail store, as those tend to be the "boil and bite" variety, which can damage or break your brackets.

We recommend mouth guards even for patients who are using the Invisalign trays. This is because the trays do not offer as effective of protection as a mouth guard does. If you have a removable retainer that you wear full time, we recommend that you remove it when playing sports as well. This way, if you are hit in the mouth, your retainer won't be damaged.

If you should get into an accident and a tooth is knocked out, you should call your general dentist right away. The tooth should be rinsed off immediately with water , but never scrubbed. It should be held by the crown and not the root to avoid damage the ligaments. If you are comfortable with placing the tooth in the socket, do so. If not, you can place between the cheek and gumline. This provides protection against bacteria. If you need to transport the tooth, place it in a glass of milk. This also protects the tooth be keeping it moist until you can receive medical attention. You should place a tissue or a gauze in the socket to stop any bleeding.

If you should chip or break a tooth, you should call your general dentist or get to the hospital for medical attention. Your dentist can use some bonding material that is tooth colored to repair the broken tooth. You can also call us here at Wilson Orthodontics even at night or on the weekend and someone will call you back as soon as possible to assist in helping you.

Play it safe this summer, and have fun!

Memorial Day weekend is a time when Americans everywhere stop and remember all those men and women who bravely gave their lives for our country.

Memorial Day also marks the unofficial start of summer 2011, and for many folks in Gainesville, Hoschton, Braselton, and Oakwood, getting out of town for three days after being cooped up in the office or in the classroom means sweet, sweet relief. At Wilson Orthodontics, we also know Memorial Day weekend is ripe for travel. After all, it’s a season of vacations, adventures and great memories. Whether you are headed to a barbecue, a camping trip, hitting the great open roads or hanging out in your backyard this weekend, we want to know about it!

Have a nice and relaxing Memorial Day weekend!

Did you know the month of May is designated National Physical Fitness and Sports Month? In 1983, President Ronald Reagan encouraged Americans to incorporate more physical activity into their lives, and the reminder is even more significant in this day and age, as kids everywhere are distracted more and more by television, social networking and video games. Kids living an active lifestyle can improve their health, productivity and overall well-being, and best of all? It doesn’t have to take a lot of time!

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has provided these public health guidelines for your convenience. The guidelines call for children and teens to exercise for at least one hour each day of moderate intensity physical activity (such as playing sports or brisk walking) or one hour and 15 minutes of vigorous activity (jogging, dancing and jumping rope).

At Wilson Orthodontics, we always encourage our patients to stay fit by exercising or participating in sports. However, we want to remind you to always wear a mouth guard or other forms of facial protection when playing sports. To learn more about how often your child should exercise, we recommend you check out this series of helpful articles about kids and exercise, courtesy of our friends at KidsHealth.org.

Here at Wilson Orthodontics, we strive to offer an enjoyable and effective orthodontic treatment experience for patients in Gainesville, Hoschton/Braselton in the Oakwood, Flowery Branch, and surrounding Georgia areas. From a patient's first step into the office until their treatment is complete, we work with patients in every aspect of complete dental care, and have a little fun along the way! For patients that are not yet ready to begin treatment we see them every 6 months to monitor tooth movement and growth. For patients who are in active treatment we work with their general dentist and specialists to achieve their needs, such as making space for implants. For all patients, its important that they see their regular dentist throughout their orthodontic treatment to ensure optimal dental health and hygiene habits.

Depending on the needs of the patient, Dr. Wilson can offer several different options for treatment. Along the way, our friendly team takes the time to explain processes and procedures to patients before and during the procedure. We work hard to make sure that every patient understands how and why certain procedures work, and what outcome will or should be.

Our offices have the latest technologies, with options ranging from the Damon System, clear brackets, and even Invisalign! The Damon system in particular is quite popular, as it causes less friction to the teeth therefore causing less discomfort. It allows patients to be able to have less frequent visits into the office for adjustments. Other innovations include the Orthotrac software, as well as digital x-ray and photography for documenting each patient's progress.

Our Gainesville office has been recently renovated, and now includes a charity spa, wireless internet, internet, game room, iPads, coffee bar, fresh baked cookies, and hand held gaming systems at each patient chairs. Our charity spa is a great convenience for our parents and patients while they wait. Through this great service, we are able to give back to our local community too!

To reward patients, we offer a token program that patients can earn for having great oral hygiene, being on time for appointments, and wearing their t-shirt that they receive when they begin treatment. Once they have enough tokens, patients are invited to spin our prize wheel, which includes giftcards from Starbucks, Target, iTunes, and many more. The patients love to receive their tokens and rewards. Besides our token program, we are always holding fun in-office contests for patients. Currently, our contests include Teacher of the Year and our Wilson Orthodontics Photo Contest.

There is always something fun going on at Wilson Orthodontics. We want EVERY patients experience with us to be a memorable one!

Has a special teacher, coach or instructor had a positive impact on you at school, work or play this year? If so, enter them in our Wilson Orthodontics 1st Annual Teacher of the Year contest. In a few short sentences, tell us why you feel that person deserves to win. We have formed a committee to review the entries and select a winner. The winning teacher will be presented with our Teacher of the Year 2011 certificate and a prize. The patient who enters the winning entry form will also win a $50 gift certificate to Barnes and Noble Book Store. Contest ends May 30th. Good luck!

We are living in an age with a renewed commitment to conservation, and are frequently reminded to recycle, reduce and reuse. Earth Day is today, April 22nd, and we thought this would be a great time to discuss everything that Wilson Orthodontics does to conserve our natural resources and the environment.

Did you know that our office has been paperless since 2008? We offer convenient and secure online services with our patient login system. You can view all of your account information, and even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages. Since this information is submitted electronically, we eliminate the need for paper communications. We are also providing digital X-rays that don't require chemicals to produce.

We're also always looking for new ways to go green- currently we are exploring new  non-toxic cleaning supplies for use in the office.  Dr. Wilson and our team would love to hear how you minimize your impact on the environment. Leave us a comment below or you can also visit our Facebook page and post something on our wall. Happy Earth Day!

At Wilson Orthodontics, we work with patients of all ages and needs. These include patients with special needs, conditions, and disabilities. Our team is experienced and willing to work with these patients, and strive to help create a comfortable, relaxing environment.

Just last week, we saw a child with autism. We sat down with her mother beforehand to discuss the environment in which her daughter feels most comfortable in. She mentioned that she preferred closed doors, quiet voices, and a minimal amount of excitement around her. We informed the team of these requests, and we believe this patient's visit was a success! At Wilson Orthodontics, we do our part to accommodate all our patients' needs.

~Si Morris, Treatment Coordijnator

This week, Kelley, Chairside Assistant and Lab Coordinator at Wilson Orthodontics, describes her experience with braces when she was a teen, take a look!

When I was a teenager I was uncomfortable with my smile so I told my family I wanted to get braces. I was worried of how the braces would look as a teenager in high school but I knew that in the end my smile would be corrected and I would feel much better about it. I was scheduled for an orthodontic examination and at the appointment the doctor and all the assistants were very comforting, they answered all my questions and they made the process very easy.

Having straight teeth gives you more confidence and self-esteem. Not only are we straightening teeth for people to look good visually on the outside, but we are changing our patients on the inside too. If you have always been self-conscious about your smile...you have come to the right place. Whether you are 10 years old or 50 years old, it is never too late to have that smile you have always dreamed of. Call us today for your complimentary orthodontic examination and come experience what everyone else is talking about here at Wilson Orthodontics!
~Kelley Moore, Chairside Assistant/Lab Coordinator

Some adults that come in for their complementary consultation are a little nervous about admitting they need braces. We try our best to make ALL of our patients feel welcome and let them know that they are in the right place for treatment. We love to see adults come into our office because they are a great inspiration to individuals who are a little skeptical about getting braces.

The most common response we hear from an adult is "I'm too old for braces"! But the truth is that many of our patients are adults, and patients of all ages can benefit from orthodontic treatment with Dr. Wilson & team. We explain everything from what to expect at the beginning to the day the braces come off. We have some patients that put off treatment as long as they can for different reasons. They know they need them but have heard stories from other people that they hurt and they have to come in all of the time for adjustments. We have the latest and GREATEST technology out there!! We use the Damon System Braces. They are very low profile, they are small in size and are very comfortable to the lips and cheeks. This system shortens the length of treatment compared to the other bracket systems, something our adult patients really love!

Many of our adult patients are very receptive about getting braces and want them the same day they are in for their consultation. Most always we can make this happen. This gets them even more excited. We want our adult patients to know how important they are to us.

When adult patients come in for their appointments and see other adults, they feel better knowing they are hardly the only adult with braces. While all patients may be a little apprehensive at first, but we always show the utmost hospitality and respect for EVERYONE that walks in our office. They always leave with a smile on their face with or without braces!

~Shannon Hicks, Chairside Assistant

We are excited to announce the latest contest here at Wilson Orthodontics- Our "Great Smiles" Contest. Upload a photo and submit a short essay, then earn votes from friends and family for a chance to win one of two $150 visa gift cards. Learn more about this exciting contest on our contest page, we look forward to seeing your entries!

It is sometimes hard to believe the transformation your smile undergoes during orthodontic treatment. We love to see our patients’ smiles light up when they see their new smile in the mirror for the first time. For those of you who haven’t yet started or finished your orthodontic treatment, have you ever wondered what your new smile might look like after treatment?

The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO for short, has recently launched a new tool called “Virtual Smiles”, which shows what your smile might look like after orthodontic treatment. Using the tool will also earn you a free orthodontic consultation coupon, which can be redeemed at Wilson Orthodontics by yourself, a family member or friend.

Check out the Virtual Smiles tool, and call us to get started on improving your smile today!

We are celebrating National Children's Dental Health Month with our patients throughout Febuary. We thought this is a perfect time to allow you to give a big "SHOUT OUT" about your dentist and what makes him/her the greatest. The person who writes the most convincing statement about their dentist will win a $25 cash prize and a restaurant gift certificate for their dentist. We'll make the presentation to the dentist with a certificate telling them what a nice thing you said about them!

You have until 2/25, and the winning doctor will be announced on 2/28. Who are you shouting out to?

Join us at the brand new charity spa at Wilson Orthodontics where you can receive a top of the the line spa atmosphere. Refreshments are available while you enjoy your service, and enjoy warm towels, soothing music,
& a relaxing atmosphere. We've designed our charity spa for patients, parents, team members, and supporters.

100% of proceeds are donated to your choice of a local charity below:

• Smile for a Lifetime Foundation
• Good News Clinic
• Family Ties
• CASA of Hall & Dawson County

You may also decide to donate your contribution back to our local schools. The whole idea is to give back to the community which has been so gracious to us. Learn more on our Charity Spa page, or stop by and see for yourself!

This is a new year and our office is off and running providing many exciting events and games for our patients across Gainesville, Oakwood, and surrounding areas. Let me update you on some of our changes. First of all, we welcomed a new employee, Si Morris. Si is our new patient coordinator. We are excited about Si joining our team and truly feel she will be a great asset to our office.

Our Charity Spa is open and off to a great start. It offers a top of the line spa atmosphere. Come in and meet Kelley, our manicurist. Kelley is excited about our new charity spa and is happy to provide you with her professional care for your manicure and pedicure needs. We offer many other services including paraffin treatment and my favorite, our awesome massage chairs. Stay tuned next week for more information about our Charity Spa!

This year brings new contests for our patients with exciting prizes. Just recently one of our patients won an iPad, while another patient won a signed Falcon's football and jersey!

Finally but not least our biggest news will be the arrival of our newest member, Baby Boy Wilson!! Yes Dr. and Mrs. Wilson will expect their second child in May. He will join the family and be Lilly-Kate's little brother. We look forward to meeting him.

It will definitely be a year of changes and new events. We look forward to seeing all our patients and hope everyone has a wonderful,safe and happy year!!

~Linda Boss Financial Coordinator

At Wilson Orthodontics, we embrace new technology, whether it is through the innovative orthodontic treatments that we offer, our high-tech web site and social networks, or our modern offices serving Gainesville, Oakwood, Braselton and Hoschton, GA.

Did you know that patients at our office have 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, from the comfort of your own home! And, because we know folks sometimes forget, you can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

You, too, can 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!

Check out our patients as they enjoy a week off of school/work! We enjoyed seeing everyone's photos they submitted on Facebook and we complied them into one video for your viewing pleasure! Check out the "got tin" shirts & our patients shinny braces as they show them off. We had fun, but are sure glad the office is back open!

With the snow we got across the Gainesville area, we've been asking patients to submit their photos and videos on our Facebook page. If you haven't yet checked them out, be sure to head over and check them out, or submit an entry of your own! Hope you've enjoyed the snow this past week!

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 Wilson 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.

There are many ways to communicate and connect with Dr. Wilson and team online. Even when you've finished treatment, we invite you to keep in touch with us on our social networks! For example, our Facebook page is updated daily with new information, including contests and special event info! We invite patients to check this page often in order to stay up to date with the latest and greatest at Wilson Orthodontics!

For example, we just "wrapped up" our candy buyback program from Halloween, and as the holidays approach, our Toys for Tots program is in full swing. Besides all the fun events and contests going on, our Facebook page also features photos of patients who've just gotten braces, or have recently finished treatment. We invite you to explore all the content we share on these networks, as well as sharing your experience too! Join the conversation online with Wilson Orthodontics today!

Help us Make a Child Smile this Holiday- contribute to Toys for Tots!

Wilson Orthodontics is excited to be collecting toys for the Toys-for-Tots campaign this year. Nothing is more rewarding than helping an unfortunate child experience the joy of Christmas. Please share your blessings and bring a new and unwrapped toy to our office no later than next Thursday, 12/16 to support our efforts. All the toys will go to children in need in our area. We appreciate your contributions- they make all the difference to a child in need!

With Christmas right around the corner, can you think of a better gift to give than a beautiful smile? Whether it is a gift for a child or you just want to treat yourself...nothing is more lasting than a beautiful smile! We just had one of our patients husbands surprise her with a set of braces for Christmas. What a great idea! Just hear what our patients are saying and why they sought after the latest technology (The Damon System Braces) in a fun, relaxing and friendly environment. We encourage those out there who have been embarrassed to smile to come experience a Damon Smile...it's like no other! Call us today to schedule your FREE consultation at our Gainesville or Hoschton/Braselton/Flowery Branch offices!

Oral hygiene is very important for everyone but sometimes it is difficult to younger children to understand the importance of keeping their teeth and gums clean. In our office we reward good oral hygiene with our tooth token program. When patients come into our office on their appointment and their hygiene is good we give them tooth tokens. After the patient has collected 10 tokens they can cash them in and spin our wheel for great prizes!

In addition to good oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment, regular checkups with the general dentist are important too! Don’t forget that it’s also important to visit the general dentist every 3-to-6 months in addition to brushing teeth and flossing (and visiting our office, of course).

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. If you have not been to the dentist in the last six months, schedule an appointment!

Fall is such a wonderful time of year for all kinds of festivals, delicious food, and family gatherings.

Here at Wilson Orthodontics, besides providing the best quality orthodontic care around, we like to have a little fun along the way. There are always different contests going on, which patients can learn about in the office, on our website, or our Facebook Fan Page. We encourage patients "like" us on Facebook, so that they always get the most up-to-date contest info from Wilson Orthodontics automatically!

In other news, over the next few weeks, we are hoping to finish up the renovations on our Gainesville office and get the spa up and running! If it's been a while since you've seen the office, stop by and say hello!

We hope everyone has a fun, safe, and Happy Fall.

From Sarah Smith, clinical technician

We love to keep our patients smiling. Patients love coming to our office because we are very cheerful, friendly and have lots of fun along the way! We pride ourselves in offering a very relaxed, fun atmosphere. For example, our Georgia Bulldog game room has several different video games patients can play while waiting for their appointment.

We also want to ensure our patients feel comfortable while they are in the chair being seen for their appointment. We enjoy talking with them about their hobbies and interests. Also, we have PSP games at each chair that they can play while they are waiting on Dr. Wilson if they want to. We have a large TV in the clinic that is always on for them to watch if they don't want to play the games. There are also TV's out in the lobby for the parents to watch while their children are in for their exam.

We have contests for our patients as well! Our currently contest is all about the Atlanta Falcons. When the patient answers a set of questions about the team, we place them into our drawing. We will be drawing our winner later on this month. If the answers are all correct , the winner will receive 4 Falcon VS Packers lower level 40 yard line tickets with a parking pass, a NFL football signed by Matt Ryan and Coach Smith, AND a Matt Ryan signed #2 Falcons Jersey! WOW!

These are just a few of the reasons why our patients love our office and staff!!

From Shannon Hicks, Chairside Assistant

As you know, this is our second year holding our Candy Buyback program, and to help spread the word, Dr. Wilson was invited to an interview on the local radios to describe how our Buy Back works, and how it benefits Operation Gratitude. Last year, we had close to 300 pounds of candy, and we hope this year will be even bigger!  The video above describes a bit more about how the Operation Gratitude program works. Click the link below to listen to Dr. Wilson's radio interview.
Dr. Wilson radio interview

Our candy buyback is set to kick off at the Gainesville office on Monday, November 1st from 2-6 p.m. We will also collect candy on Tuesday, November 2nd from 2-6 p.m. at our Hoschton/Braselton Office. You can RSVP to our event on Facebook for more details. Hope to see you there!

In the meantime, we wish you all a happy, safe, and spooky Halloween celebration!

Halloween is only a week away, and we hope you are getting excited about donning your costume and heading out trick-or-treating once again. While no Halloween celebration is complete without a little candy, its important to stay away from any braces-unfriendly varieties- damaging your braces can delay your orthodontic treatment!

For all that extra candy that you'll inevitably find yourself with, why not earn a little cash in the process? We are pleased to be offering our annual candy buy back program at our Gainesville and Hoschton offices on November 1st and 2nd, respectively, and open to all children in the area. We will be accepting all types of candy including chocolate as long as it is wrapped! Your Halloween candy will be bought for 2 tooth tokens per pound (maximum of 10 pounds per person). 10 tooth tokens (or 5 pounds of candy) will let you spin our “Wheel of Fun” for gift certificates!

All that pesky unwanted yumminess will be sent to our troops in harm’s way to put a smile on their faces! To create an even bigger smile, write a letter of thanks and bring it with your candy to tell our military heroes how much you appreciate them. Your note could mean the world to a lonely soldier far make from home and we’ll sure they get it and your candy!

We thank you ahead of time for helping us make a difference for our troops. For more information on our Candy Buy Back program and information about our office, give us a call!

Be sure to RSVP to our event on Facebook, and stay tuned on our official Facebook page for more news and events!

Can you believe October is already upon us? October happens to be National Orthodontic Health Month, and this month-long event is organized by our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO.

Many treats can cause havoc for trick-or-treaters who are going through orthodontic treatment, and these treats may cause damage that could prolong your treatment time. The AAO recommends patients avoid the following Halloween treats, or recipes with these ingredients:

• Caramel
• Nuts
• Popcorn (including un-popped kernels)
• Taffy
• Jelly beans
• Hard pretzels
• Licorice
• Bubblegum
• Taco chips
• Ice

If you happen to damage your braces, please give Dr. Wilson and our staff a call immediately. Typically, small problems can be solved over the phone. Loose brackets or wires can usually be made more comfortable by applying some wax until the you can come into our office.

To help celebrate the National Orthodontic Health Month, Jessica Albritton, our Records Coordinator at Wilson Orthodontics, shares a few tips about orthodontics and proper diet with braces:

You should call our office to schedule a consultation when your child is around the age of 7. New patient consultations are always complimentary, and give you a chance to meet Dr. Wilson and discover how you can improve your smile!. Having straight teeth is important in many ways, with one of the most important being a boost in self confidence, and having a great smile!

Since Halloween is nearly around the corner, we wanted to remind all patients currently with braces to stay away from anything sticky, chewy, or gooey. For example: Starburst, bubblegum, Taffy, Carmel, Tootsie Rolls and any kind of hard candies. In addition, when eating hard or chewy foods like apples, corn on the cob or even big chunks of meat, be sure to cut these into smaller pieces. Following these simple steps will help your braces avoid unnecessary pressure or damage, and minimizes potential problems in the future!

Every city, town, and neighborhood is special with its own personality, created by the people and places living within. Gainesville is no exception, partly because we have Dr. Ron D. Wilson, our hometown orthodontist making a difference with orthodontics for children, teens and adults! Gainesville also has several places that help to make our community stand out.

For example, In 1996, Gainesville had the honor of being chosen for the World Olympic Canoe and Kayaking event held on Lake Lanier at Clarks Bridge. Everything that was built for the special event is still there and it is still used for special events. People come from other cities to many of the parks on Lake Lanier to have a picnic, water sports and just to spend time with their families. Finally, places to eat, shop, and plan a special an event are just a few of aspects of the Gainesville Community that make us special and unique. If you want to experience something different, visit our community! I can assure you, you will not regret it.

From Margie Boyd, Front Desk Receptionist at Wilson Orthodontics

We truly feel blessed for the great team environment that our office has. Our staff is amazing to work with! Everyone plays a huge part in how the office runs day by day but there is one person in particular,  that is always on top of everything from the front office to the clinic. That person is Mrs. Tracey Taylor!  Tracey has over 20 years of experience and takes part in everything in the office from greeting patients when they arrive, working in the clinic, or helping to promote our office in her personal time.

She is a wonderful person and we would like to give a special thanks to Tracy for all of her hard work!

From Kelley Moore, Orthodontic Assistant at Wilson Orthodontics

Four of our lucky patients are going to win big this summer. The Wilson Orthodontics' "Summer Photo Contest" is still running, but you only have 2 weeks left to enter! Submit your best summer photo on our web site at contest.wilsonbraces.com

The fabulous prizes include:

• An Apple iPad

• A Sony Dash Personal Internet Viewer

• A Sony Digital Picture Frame

• A Be Digital Pocket Pix digital picture storage and viewing device

Submit your entry today, we want you all to have a chance at winning!

Good luck and best summer wishes!

-Dr. Wilson and Ortho Team!

Each orthodontic patient has unique needs and wants for the treatment customized for them. There are many questions that new patients ask such as, "What is involved in fixing my teeth?,  How much is this going to cost?,  Do you accept insurance?, and most importantly, How long will I have to wear my braces?  We have a complementary exam available to all patients. We will go over all of these answers with you and answer any additional questions you may have. We are very thorough and will be happy to  take the time it takes to make you feel comfortable. There is no such thing as a dumb question, so ask away!
Current patients  have many questions as well. Some of them are, "What are we going to do today?,  Is this going to hurt?  How do you put the braces on?  How long will this appointment going to take? " I always take the time to talk to the patients and make them feel welcome. I like to greet them with a smile and ask them how they re doing.  After I seat them, I then will ask them about school, sports,  work, hobbies etc., just to make them feel more comfortable if they are nervous or feeling anxious.  I also explain to them exactly what we will be doing step by step so they know what to expect.
No matter what , we will always treat our patients with  the kindness and respect they deserve and have come to expect.

--Shannon Hicks, Chairside Assistant at Wilson Orthodontics

With school out and warm weather to enjoy, keeping your teeth and braces clean may not be the first thing on your mind. However, we want to remind all of our patients how important it is to keep up their daily oral hygiene habits, and Jessica, records coordinator here at Wilson Orthodontics, had a few tips to share!

The best advice I can think of would be to brush after every time you eat. The more you brush the more routine it will become. Floss at least once a day, and  carry floss in your purse, pocket or wallet.  There is even a product called the "floss card" that is the size of a credit card making it easy to store in a billfold.

One element that patients often forget is to brush in all spots. We know it is vacation time, but you shouldn't slack off on brushing, daily flossing, and wearing your rubber bands! The best advice: brush after you eat and try to floss at least once a day. For patients having trouble getting to all the nooks and crannies, a  Water Pik can help!
~ Jessica Albritton, Records Coordinator

Though school may be out, summer is a great time for kids to catch up on their reading. Reading is a great way to keep minds strong and healthy all summer long, but choosing what to read can sometimes be overwhelming! Our very own Betty Lopez, chairside assistant here Wilson Orthodontics,  had a few tips to share on finding that perfect summer read!

According to the YALSA (young adult library services association) here are some of the top ten books for young adults: Demon's Lexicon,The Orange Houses,The Great Wide Sea,and The Reformed Vampire Support Group. If you are interested in reading the best of the best, check award winning book lists, or just simply browse the shelves at a local bookstore, get a cup of coffee and read a few pages from books that grab your attention. For parents of patients at Wilson Orthodontics, here are some of my favorite books when I was growing up that your kids might enjoy too: Where The Wild Things Are, The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Corduroy. If you are interested in reading programs they are some in our Local Libraries such as the Blackshear Library and the Gainesville Library. Always keep an open mind when looking for a book, and never judge a book by it's cover because you might just be missing out on your new favorite!

Happy Reading!

--Betty Lopez, Chairside Assistant

At Wilson Orthodontics, we offer a variety of different treatment options but our top treatment option is definitely The Damon System. With The Damon System the days of tightening are over, these brackets reduce pressure on your teeth allowing them to move more freely and comfortably. Treatment time with The Damon System is typically shorter which means fewer appointments and a beautiful smile FASTER!

-Kelley, chairside assistant at Wilson Orthodontics in Gainesville & Hoschton, GA

Check out this video we've made to show you exactly what makes the Damon System so effective:

At Wilson Orthodontics, we are always on the cutting edge of technology! We now have a conservative option available for our patients who are congenitally missing lateral incisors....NO MORE "FLIPPERS"!!! Here is the way we would traditionally treat our patients with a flipper...notice the wires and acrylic in the roof of the mouth:

Traditionally when our patients are missing 1 or 2 lateral incisors, the braces would be removed in their early teens and they can't get an implant until late teens. This is because the upper bone structures are still growing and an implant fuses to the bone and doesn't grow with it. NOW, we have a TAD (Temporary Anchorage Device) called the VectorTAS system that we can put in the space of the missing tooth until the patient is ready for the final implant restoration. This TAD doesn't fuse to the bone allowing normal bone growth. The best part about it is that the patient doesn't have to wear a "flipper" or removable retainer with a false tooth on it through their high school years...and a removable tooth can be devastating to a high-schooler! Check out the pictures below with the TAD in place and it restored with a professionally made temporary:

WHY ARE THE DENTISTS LOVING THIS???...

The best part about this temporary and the MAIN reason we are offering these now as an option is that the TAD maintains the bone width. So when it is time for the final implant restoration, there is solid, healthy bone available for the implant. So many times before, we have seen that are patients are ready for the implant and there is not enough bone available. This gets into thousands of dollars for a bone graft that should not be necessary. Also, the gingival margins (gums, papilla, etc.) look great once the final implant crown has been restored!

For more information on this latest technology or to see if this is right for you, schedule a complimentary consultation to find out your options.

Dr. Ron Wilson and Ortho Team!

Wilson Orthodontics is very actively involved with the community and our patients. Last summer, for example, the entire office was decorated to the theme of "Summer At The Beach!". This included palm trees, beach buckets and shovels, tiki huts, sunglasses and "straw skirts" decorating the brush up area. There was also a "kid-size" plastic golf putter that the younger siblings of our patients still talk about! We also decorate a huge bulletin board with a summer theme and ask for pictures from our patients' vacations or any fun activity. First place winners get four tickets to a Braves game which includes a parking pass.

We also sponsor a coloring contest during Dental Health Month in February, in which the area elementary schools are invited to participate. First, second and third prize winners receive $100.00, $50.00 and $25.00 gift certificates, respectively.

Dr. Wilson also sponsored a very successful golf tournament for the dentists in the Gainesville and Hoschton-Braselton areas at the Hawks Ridge Golf Club in the North Georgia mountains. A fun-filled day was had by all! (Even though none of the scores were divulged!) At another golf event, Dr. Wilson participated in the Falcon's football team charitable golf tournament, for which all donations went to various community and national organizations.

The entire atmosphere at Wilson Orthodontics is geared to patient comfort and enjoyment. The Georgia Bulldog Room in both our Gainesville and Hoschton-Braselton offices is filled with video games, books, magazines and toys for all to enjoy. WiFi is also available for the patient's convenience, and our website at www.wilsonbraces.com is interesting and informative. In addition, our patients participate in a token program in which good dental and orthodontic practices earn a "spin of the wheel" for prizes and gifts.

Recently, our entire staff took ice cream cakes to all of the area dental offices and interacted with the doctors and their staffs. We also have an annual Christmas Open House with refreshments and appetizers, in order to honor and enjoy the season. So, as you can now tell, we at Wilson Orthodontics enjoy many different activities in order to promote good relationships between ouselves and our patients, as well as the community. Come join us and see for yourselves!

--Debi Gorrell, Front Desk Receptionist

Dr. Ron Wilson and Wilson Orthodontics are now on Twitter! We are tweeting under the name Wilson_Ortho. Follow us! We want to keep you updated on all the latest with our practice as we continue to serve the residents of Hoschton and Gainesville, Georgia.

Wilson Orthodontics has been receiving some fantastic compliments. Check out some of our favorites!

Brianna and ourselves were very impressed with her visit to Dr. Wilson's office. The staff made us feel very comfortable. Our daughter has had a fear of dentist in the past, and she is just now getting comfortable with going. So our first visit was a great experience for Brianna. Dr. Wilson was great with her also, and made her feel at ease. You all have a beautiful office and a great staff. ~Ricky W.

Easy, convenient, everyone with great customer service skills. In and out very quickly. Even though it was initially a consultation for an old, broken retainer, it was nice to move everything forward and even have the impression done on the 1st visit. Wow things have changed since my last orthodontist appointment in the 80's!! ~ Karen S.

Dr. Wilson took the time to listen and went beyond what was expected in meeting the needs of my children. He and his office staff are very friendly and go the extra mile to welcome you. He also has a fun kid friendly office with a reward system my kids love! ~ Laura B.

The office is very nice and caring. The front staff are very warm and friendly. They make you feel "right at home" when you enter the building. Everyone is genuinely caring and very friendly. Dr. Wilson is also very attentive and demonstrates the same caring attitude that the staff display. Did everyone attend a customer service class? I think you guys should provide customer service classes for other physician offices:) ~ Robert T.

Dr. Wilson is VERY thorough and personable. He reset Taylor's bonded retainers because he was not satisfied with they way the appeared though he said they would have worked just fine. He cares about the quality of his work and that is very important. Thank you! ~ Lynne C.

Have you ever seen anyone with white spots on their teeth? Did you wonder what causes them or how they got there? I know I have and so I decided to do some research on this subject. I found that a number of factors can lead to the development of white spots on teeth. Sometimes they are caused by nutrition and can be genetic. They can also appear in connection with a condition called fluorosis, which is the result of having an excessive intake of fluoride. People who live in areas where drinking water contains a high fluoride level often encounter this problem. To find out how much fluoride is in your water, you can call your city’s water department. Some children also develop white spots on their teeth as they are developing. These spots are called Enamel Hyperplasia or Hypo calcification and can be milky white or even yellow in color.

Working in Dr. Wilson’s office I have had patients ask, will I have white spots on my teeth when my braces are removed? Know that braces do not cause white spots on the teeth, that only happens when oral hygiene during braces wear has been inadequate. People with orthodontic braces often have trouble with brushing and the result is a buildup of plaque. The acids in plaque can severely harm tooth enamel and eventually causes cavities. Bacterial plaque accumulating on the teeth will cause white spots around the brackets and becomes apparent when braces are removed. Proper hygiene, good thorough brushing, usually at least 3 time a day, using a special floss threader like the one Dr. Wilson provides to his patients and following with a .05% sodium fluoride mouth rinse at bedtime are all good habits that will help prevent having white spots on teeth when braces are removed. It is always important to follow up with a thorough cleaning at your dental office. If you find white spots are present, your dentist can recommend treatment options. Remember...Healthy Teeth give you a Beautiful Smile!

Linda Boss, Financial Coordinator – Wilson Orthodontics

Tooth erosion is the loss of tooth structure caused by the weakening of dental enamel. Dental enamel is the thin, outer layer of hard tissue that helps maintain the tooth's structure and shape. When the enamel weakens, it exposes the tissue that makes up the core of each tooth, causing the teeth to appear yellow. Eating acid-containing foods and drinks such as fruit, pickles, yogurt, honey, and carbonated sodas can cause tooth erosion. Chewing gum can eventually wear down the enamel of the teeth and create cavities. Coffee allows the teeth to slowly thin out, causing those yellow stains. And keep in mind, tooth whitening products with a low overall pH can also put enamel at risk for decay. Eating celery, cheese, onions, mushrooms, and green tea is healthy for your teeth enamel.

Megan
Chairside Assistant
Wilson Orthodontics

Lots of people talk about dental fears, so we asked Kelly from Wilson Orthodontics to talk about her own experiences.

As a child I was very afraid of going to the dentist like most children and some adults. I never had a bad experience as a child or an adult I guess the fear was just the unknown or not knowing what to expect. I have learned, especially since working in the dental field, that if you take the time and go out of your way to make someone as comfortable as possible and explain in detail what you will be doing along with getting the patients to interact with you in every way possible most dental fears are eased. That's what we do at Wilson Orthodontics.

Kelly
Chairside Assistant

Wilson Orthodontics has a new video about the revolutionary Damon System Braces. Damon System allows shorter treatment times with fewer office visits and less discomfort than traditional braces. Dr. Ron Wilson has a non-extraction and non-surgical approach to braces, and the Damon System allows both of these. Damon System focuses on more than just your teeth, it focuses on your whole smile and facial appearance. Just watch this video to see how.

Meet Brody C. Brody is a twelve year old patient at Wilson Orthodontics. Brody's smile was sparkling clean when he came walking through our door, so I decided I would ask him just a few questions about his oral hygiene.

What is your name? Brody C.

How old are you? Twelve

What steps do you take to make sure your teeth stay nice and clean? I brush a few times a day, and I rinse when I can.

What is your favorite toothpaste and mouth wash? Colgate and Scope

What is your favorite thing about your orthodontist office? All of the cool games in the Georgia game room!

Besides taking care of your teeth, what do you do for fun? I like to build cool castles and things with Lego's and I like to play the Drums.

So Brody's a normal young boy and still has time to make sure that his teeth are nice and clean between building cool things and rockin' out on his drums!

Thanks Brody, from Wilson Orthodontics.

I have been fortunate enough to help out at "The Good News Clinic" in Gainesville, Georgia. This is a clinic where dentist volunteer their time to help the less fortunate in our community. The Good News Clinic is a Christian ministry that provides completely FREE medical, dental, and pharmacy services to people who have no other source for Care. Started in 1992, it is the largest free clinic in Georgia and is funded completely by donations and volunteers from the community. It is open 8:30-5:00 Monday through Friday. To qualify, a person must not have any type of insurance, not be eligible for Medicaid or Medicare, and have income no greater than 150% of the federally-defined poverty level.This clinic has a pharmacy and a medical clinic as well.

Recently, most of the general dentists and a few specialists in Hall county have teamed together to raise money for The Good News Clinic by providing professional teeth whitening. The patient simply writes a donation to The Good News Clinic for $250 and we have provided the professional whitening for them. So far we have raised close to $30,000 as a dental community. Another fund raiser that we are doing in August is a concert starring the Kinchafoonee Cowboys (See Event Poster). Tables can be bought for an $800 donation which includes 10 seats. We hope that the Gainesville community and Hall County can come together as a whole and help give to this great cause. Click here to learn more about The Good News Clinic and to become a Good New Clinic fan on facebook.

--Dr. Ron Wilson

Going green is on everyone's mind these days. We all need to really do our part to save this wonderful planet for future generations to enjoy as much as we have. It seems that we have turned into a "disposable" society. Everything we have nowadays is thrown away and replaced instead of being repaired if it breaks. Even cleaning products can be used and thrown away, i.e swiffer. What ever happened to washing the dust rag and using it next time?

Well, here at Dr. Wilson's office we are in the process of doing our part to "GO GREEN". All of our charting is now computerized. Which means we have no paper charts which also requires a lot less space for storage. Our x-rays and photographs are digital and computerized as well eliminating the need for toxic chemicals and paper. When we take your impressions, we send them off to be poured and then they are downloaded on the computer. This allows Dr. Wilson to look at the patients teeth from several different angles. It also eliminates the clutter of model boxes everywhere.
We are working hard on reducing our carbon footprint for future generations. Let's all do our part to save Mother Earth!

Sarah Smith, Chairside Assistant

At Wilson Orthodontics we see lots of patients concerned about their bad breath. So we want to educate you about what you can do to really keep your chompers clean and breath minty fresh!

Naturally, good oral hygiene is the first set. With proper brushing and regular dental checkups you can keep bad breath (halitosis) in check.

Certain foods, medications, smoking, sinus issues, or even gum disease cause most bad breath. If the stink lingers for longer than 24 hours, you should see us at Wilson Orthodontics. It might be something more serious, like dehydration, zinc deficiency, diabetes, liver failure, kidney failure, or even certain kinds of cancers!

In the meantime, here are some home remedies to keep you smiling bright from Wilson Orthodontics.

--Spice Up Your Life
Snack on some cloves, fennel, or anise after each particularly odorous snack.
--Don’t forget the tongue
Lots of people brush their teeth regularly, but leave the tongue alone. One of the main causes of bad breath is food and plaque residue on the surface of your tongue. So give it a nice gentle brush-over too!
--Watch your drinking habits
The worst options are coffee, wine, whiskey, and beer.
--Frequent brushing
Carry a toothbrush with you so brushing after each meal is convenient and refreshing! Trust us, you’ll love the way it makes you feel. If you can’t brush, still swish around a couple sips of water to remove any lingering food.
--Make your own Gargle
Gargling with a home mixture of sage, calendula, and myrrh gum extracts four times a day should ward off that bad breath potential.
--Parsley’s there for a reason
Finish your parsley after you finish your dinner and you’ll find a refreshing breath enhancer. Hate the texture? Throw a couple sprigs in a blender to sip after each meal.
--Sugarless Gum
Always a good idea to carry some mints or sugarless gum for that quick spruce up before you meet the boss.
--Don’t cut that cheese
The stronger the cheese, the stinkier your breath can become. Think about blue cheese and Roquefort? They really get the party started in your mouth and it’s hard to make them leave!

It’s no secret that sweet, sugary candies and drinks have an adverse effect of the health of your smile, but what about sour or tart candies? We at Wilson Orthodontics thought you might want to know what kind of an effect does eating or drinking something sour have on my smile?

Recent research from the Minnesota Dental Association suggests that the amount of acid in sour candies is enough to eat away at tooth enamel and cause cavities. Here are a few souring facts about sour candies, and some helpful tips on how to protect your teeth from Wilson Orthodontics(even if you cannot give up sour candies all together).

Facts

-Sour candies can be very acidic, and may actually burn the gums and cheeks, while weakening and wearing down the enamel on your teeth. (Check the acid levels in some of your favorite candies)

-It can take almost 20 minutes for the acid in sour candies to become neutral. Holding the acid in your mouth by sucking on sour hard candies or chewing sour gummies can keep the acid active for more than 20 minutes.

-The acid in sour candies can cause cavities and severe tooth decay.

Protect your teeth

-Limit the amount of sour candies that you eat on a daily basis, and if you do indulge, remember not to suck or chew on sour candies for long periods of time.

-After eating sour candies, rinse your mouth out with water, drink milk, or eat a couple slices of cheese. This will help neutralize the acid in your mouth (wait at least one hour before brushing your teeth with toothpaste, as this can actually increase the effects of acid on your teeth)

-If tooth erosion has already begun, ask your dentist about ways you can help reduce sensitivity and continue to protect your teeth.

Hope this helps! From Wilson Orthodontics.

You just got braces and the orthodontist has informed you that over the next several months you will want to avoid eating anything sticky, hard, crunchy, or chewy. What does this leave for you to eat? Lettuce? Nothing?

Luckily, there was someone else wondering the same thing when she first got braces! Brenda Waterman, 13, decided she was going to find a way to have her cake and eat it too, so she created a variety of “braces-friendly” recipes that allow you to enjoy your favorite treats without interfering with your orthodontic care! Her cookbook, “The Braces Cookbook: Recipes you (and your Orthodontist) will Love,” gives patients a variety of delicious recipes, safe to eat with braces; plus additional tips and advice for packing lunches, what to eat at parties, and braces-friendly restaurant dishes! There’s even a section with tips for dealing with the soreness that can occur when your braces or appliance are adjusted. Enjoy the foods you love – even with braces!

At Wilson Orthodontics, we wanted to share with you a delicious, sneak peek recipe from “The Braces Cookbook:”

Wonderful Waffles

Forget the recipe that came with your waffle iron – this recipe will redefine fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. The secret to delicious waffles is letting the batter "sit" for five minutes before pouring into the waffle iron. Top cooked waffles with syrup, jam, fresh fruit or even whip cream. Makes about 5 servings!

Preheat your waffle iron according to the directions. You may want to lightly spray it with vegetable oil before heating.

--3 cups flour
--2 Tbl + 2 tsp baking powder
--1 tsp salt
--2 Tbl sugar
--4 cups milk
--4 eggs
--1/2 cup vegetable oil

In a large bowl, whisk (or use electric mixer on low) together all ingredients. Let batter sit for about five minutes to activate the baking powder.

When waffle iron is ready, pour about 1/3 cup of batter onto each of the four squares (experiment with your iron – you don't want the batter overflowing). Gently close the cover and set your timer as the manufacturer suggests. Do not lift the cover while they bake. When done, carefully lift one edge with a flat spatula and pull the waffle away from the iron. Keep waffles warm on a plate under a clean dishtowel while the others bake.

Enjoy from Wilson Orthodontics!

Summer is just around the corner, Yes that is true...We are getting our office ready for the hot weather with some really "COOL" contest and fun games to play at your visit. Last year we had indoor "Goofy Golf "and ring toss, and plan on that and even more this summer. We are going to have some contest and prizes such as free ice cream and gift cards.

At Wilson Orthodontics, we offer early and late appointments year round to accommodate work and school schedules. But in the summer we have several days to only place braces and get kids started on their "NEW SMILES," so when school starts in the fall they will be well adjusted. We look forward to summer and all the "HOT" fun we will have.....Come by for a visit and join us for some summer fun at Wilson Orthodontics.

--Cheryl Poole, Front Desk Receptionist

As April is National Facial Protection Month, we at Wilson Orthodontics want to share some helpful tips on choosing a mouth guard.

When selecting a mouth guard the most important thing is fit. It should stay securely in place during your activities and you should be able to breath and talk comfortably.

There are three basic categories of mouth guards.

1. Off the Shelf Guards; these are relatively inexpensive and are preformed and come ready to wear.

2. Boil and Bite Guards; these are a step up from the off the shelf guards because you'll get a better fit by boiling to soften the material and then biting into it to form it around your teeth.

3. Custom Mouth Guards; these are the best and most expensive type and usually come from your Dentist. They require impressions of your teeth and are custom made just for your bite.

People with Braces can only wear one kind of mouth guard it's specially made so that it protects the teeth and mouth from injury that could be caused by the braces if hit, while not forming to the teeth since the teeth are constantly changing while in braces.

Here at Dr. Wilson's office we offer our patients mouth guards free of charge!

Without proper protection you greatly increase your chances of injury, so come visit us at Wilson Orthodontics for your very own mouth guard!

--Pam, Orthodontic Assistant

Yes it's true "April Showers Bring May Flowers;" however, did you know that it also brings "National Facial Protection Month"? The American Association of Orthodontics recommends the "Top 10 ways to Save Face". Notice that the first one is to wear a mouth guard!

Dental injuries are the most common type of injury sustained during sports activities. It is estimated by the American Dental Association that mouth guards prevent approximately 200,000 injuries each year in High School and College football alone!

Should you experience a facial injury and a permanent tooth is knocked out you can pick the tooth up by the crown of the tooth--not the root--and rinse it clean with water or milk; but do not store it in water store it only in milk!

Recent studies have shown that the best chances of saving the tooth is to have it safely and properly placed back into the socket within a window of time between 5 minutes to 1 hour. So you should see your Dentist as soon as you can!

However, if you should knock out a baby tooth, you can leave it out; oh, but don’t forget to put it under your pillow for the Tooth Fairy!

You get one set of permanent teeth, so take care of them!

Have fun, stay active, but be safe and guard your teeth and protect your Smile; especially the one we at Wilson Orthodontics help you create! And if you need a mouth guard, remember we give them to our Wilson Orthodontics patients for free!

--Pam, Orthodontic Assistant

At Wilson Orthodontics, we know that bad breath can be a real downer, especially when you are out on a date with that girl or boy you’ve had a crush on all semester! However, bad breath can be prevented!

Bad breath, or as your doctor may call it “halitosis,” is caused by odor-producing bacteria that grows in your mouth. This bacteria gathers on bits of food in your mouth and between your teeth and release sulfur compounds making your breath smell. Some foods, like garlic and onions, may contribute more to bad breath because of oils the food the food releases, and smoking is also a major cause of bad breath.

There are several myths around bad breath. Here are some common myths and the truth behind it all revealed from Wilson Orthodontics:

Myth #1: Mouthwash will make my breath smell better

Mouthwash will make your breath smell better, but it is only a temporary fix. If you use mouthwash, just know that you will still need to brush and floss when you get the chance as mouthwash alone will not kill all of the bacteria producing germs in your mouth. When choosing a mouthwash, pick an antiseptic with plaque-reducing compounds. Also make sure any dental products you choose comes with the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of approval!

Myth #2: I brush my teeth; I will never have bad breath

Brushing your teeth will save you from having breath, but the truth is most people only brush their teeth for about 30-45 seconds! You need to brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes, twice a day to give your teeth a thorough cleansing. It’s also important to brush your tongue, which is where a majority of odor causing bacteria like to hang out. Lastly, flossing to remove food and plaque between the teeth will also help reduce your chances of having bad breath!

Myth #3: If I don’t smell it, then my breath is fresh

This is a false assumption in every sense of the word! The truth is that the breath you breathe out is not the same breath coming out when you talk to someone. When you breathe you are not using your throat as you do when you are talking; and when you talk more breath moves over the back of your mouth where bacteria is causing bad breath.

#1 TRUTH: Brush your teeth twice a day (for at least 2 minutes), floss at least once and visit your dentist every six months…this way your breath will always be fresh! Not letting your nerves get the best of you on your date? That’s up to you!!!

More questions about your teeth? Let us know from Wilson Orthodontics!

We've got so many questions about our teeth, we asked Kandi, at Dr. Wilson's office, to take some time and explain it all. Here's what she had to say:

The main cause of tooth decay is the sugar that is in the foods and drinks you eat. Water is the best beverage you can drink that is healthiest for your teeth. Anything that has sugar in it, you would want to eat at meal times, that way you can brush your teeth after. If you need a good healthy snack you can have things like whole bread, cheese, crackers, seeds, fruits and vegetables. Avoid mints and hard candies. They tend to be sticky and could get lodged in the grooves of your teeth which can cause cavities. They also could chip your teeth if your not careful biting into them. Any foods with acid such as citric juices or sodas can change the balance of the saliva in the mouth. The acid can attack the enamel structure of the tooth and sugar feeds the cavity-causing bacteria.

Spicy foods and chewing gum can increase the amount of saliva in the mouth.
The increased saliva carries protein that helps break down the sugars that can cause cavities so these can actually be good for your teeth.

After each meal you should brush your teeth and gums with a soft bristle toothbrush. A medium would be OK, but with a soft bristle toothbrush you are less likely to harm your teeth and you can clean them better.

So eat the right foods and always brush and floss to keep your teeth healthy!

Kandi Pope, Treatment Coordinator
Wilson Orthodontics

Here at Dr. Wilson's office, we take x-rays on all of our patients. But instead of the traditional x-rays you are probably familiar with, we use digital imaging. This greatly reduces the amount of radiation that you are exposed to, and allows Dr. Wilson to see the image on the computer within seconds!

Even though digital imaging produces considerably less radiation than traditional machines, and even less than being out in the sun (especially in the summer), we still place a lead shield over our patients to further protect them. The reason that we use a lead shield is because radiation cannot penetrate it. It is, therefore, very important to remove any metal that you may have on your head. Such as earrings, glasses or retainers. Generally, necklaces are okay.

We usually don't take x-rays on women that are or think they may be pregnant. Especially in the first trimester because we don't want to harm the fetus.

Rest assured, when you have you orthodontic treatment done by Dr. Wilson, your "Hometown Orthodontist" you are getting the best quality and highest technology around.

We look forward to giving you a super new smile!

--Sarah S.
Clinical Tech

We always get questions about fluoride at Wilson Orthodontics, so we asked Megan to answer!

Everyone benefits from using fluoride. Fluoride works by preventing the tooth decay process. It keeps the tooth enamel strong and helps prevent the loss of important minerals from the tooth enamel. The frequent use of Fluoride in small amounts will help adults and children live cavity-free. Fluoride works best from toothpaste containing fluoride, fluoride rinses, and/or fluoridated water twice a day. Colgate Fluorigard is one type of over the counter fluoride rinse. Although Fluoride can be very beneficial; it can be harmful with excessive intake. Dental fluorosis can occur if a child over uses fluoride between the ages of 1-4. (Intake of an overload of fluoride supplements, fluoridated drinking water, or possibly fluoride in a child's diet). Dental fluorosis can also leave stains on the teeth that can range in color from white,black,and brown.

--Fluoride is the only chemical added to drinking water for the purpose of medication to prevent tooth decay.
--Fluoride is used to help resist acid, strengthen teeth, and block bacteria from causing decay.
--Dentists can offer fluoride applied to the teeth using a foam,varnish or gel. These treatments contain a much higher level of fluoride than the amount found in toothpastes and mouth rinses.

-Megan E.

Dr. Wilson has two conveniently located offices, one in Gainesville--located at 1220 Sherwood Park Dr. and another located in Hoschton—located at 5415 Thompson Mill Rd., both of our offices offer early morning and late afternoon appointments Monday thru Thursday. This is to accommodate students as well as working adults. We also provide an emergency number to reach Dr. Wilson after hours and weekends.

At both offices we offer Invisalign and the Damon System. Our practice is the only one in our area to offer both forms of treatment. Also, in each office we have new state of the art televisions and video games, which appeal to children as well as adults. Each chair in our clinic area is equipped with new PSP hand held games to give patients something to do while they wait for Dr. Wilson. We at Wilson Orthodontics would like our patients’ visit to be fun and pleasant so they don't dread coming for adjustments. So we offer fun as well as excellent and informative care.

Katie Kelly, Sterilization

Wilson Orthodontics offers a fresh and energetic approach to your orthodontic experience. In our newly renovated office, we use the latest technology with our Damon System. Damon braces use a self-ligating bracket, which has less friction and treatment times are generally shorter than with traditional braces.

We have a new University of Georgia game room complete with x-box, video games, and of course, the bulldog ”Uga”. We also have chair side games for our patients.

It’s fun to see how excited our patients get when they find out about our token program. This program gives our patients incentives for good hygiene, no broken appliances, and wearing their “Got Tin” t-shirts. They earn a token for each great behavior and with 10 tokens they can spin the wheel in the operatory to win prizes. If they land on the prize for a Wii, we add their name to our drawing for a free Wii! This drawing is held every 6 months.

With our new renovations we have several big screen TV’s located in the waiting room, the on deck area, and in the operatory for your viewing pleasure.
At Wilson Orthodontics, we love and enjoy our patients! We look forward to seeing them and learning about any new and exciting events in their lives.

--Linda Boss, Financial Coordinator

Wilson Orthodontics provides innovative orthodontics in a fun and relaxing environment. Just see what our patients are saying!I love my teeth--I was always embarrassed to smile before and to have people see my teeth. Wilson Orthodontics changed all that. They have a very friendly staff who remembered who I was every time I came in -- very personable!
-Margaret M.

Dr. Wilson is young and innovative. The kids like all the cool stuff he has in the office such as an Xbox 360.
-Richard G.

We are so pleased with Dr. Wilson and his staff. His office hours have worked out well for our schedule and anytime we have an emergency, they were able to get us in. He also frequently updates us to progress of my teeth and my orthodontic plan of care.
-Cole H.

Dr. Wilson takes the time to explain everything that is going to be done. The people that work there are friendly and I really like the new changes that have been made.
-Jordan A.

All information is given up front at Wilson Orthodontics. There is no waiting time - records and braces on the same day. The office staff is always helpful and courteous!
-Robin R.

Dr. Wilson is very nice and the office is cool and fun.
-Meagan H.

Dr. Wilson is concerned with doing a detailed job. He provides The Damon system, which is superior to others that pull numerous teeth. - The office staff are courteous and accommodating of schedules
-Paul N.

Good Dental Hygiene
It is important that you take good care of your teeth; after all, you only get one set of permanent teeth in your lifetime. If one falls out, unlike a baby tooth, there’s not another to replace it. (Scary thought, huh?)

So What Do We Know?
It’s best to take 2-3 minutes to brush; any soft bristle toothbrush is fine. The purpose for a power brush is that it’s timed and you know you’re getting at least 2 minutes of brushing. A wise man once said, you only have to floss the teeth you want to keep. (Makes sense!)

* You should change your toothbrush every 3 months or if the bristles look worn (especially w/ braces).

* Mouthwash helps to kill germs & prevent cavities; it also keeps your breath fresh.

* Chewing gum and eating mints does not take the place of brushing and may cause cavities if used in excess, sugar free is better but limit your use.

* If you can not brush after every meal, be sure to at least rinse with water and brush when you can.

To sum it up, remember:
Brushing three times a day + flossing once a day + visiting your dentist every six months = a beautiful and healthy smile!

Any questions? Feel free to leave a comment or contact our office!

-Sharon Kubler, Chairside Assistant

We are known as the “Hometown Orthodontist,” and this title couldn’t be truer! It is not uncommon for us to see our patients outside of the practice at any time of the day. Whether it is performing in a high school play, marching at a football game or all painted up in the student section of a basketball game, our patients shine!

Several times I’ve heard someone shout out “there’s my orthodontist lady,” at which time I turn to see a smiling face of someone who I know is benefiting from our orthodontic care. Taking the time to explain that I’m not the orthodontist, just the assistant, gives me an opportunity to interact with my patients and their friends. Connecting with the outside world allows us as a practice to see the bigger picture of how we fit in the picture of their lives.

Chatting with the five patients who recently returned from the Presidential Inauguration, I was reminded of how exciting life can be for a teenager: new perspectives to explore, important decisions to make, and how hard work pays off. One of the students was invited because he entered an essay contest and won the trip to Washington. The other four students were members of a local
marching band. They attended a festival in honor of the inauguration. Our patients consistently remind us as that while some consider braces just another part of growing up; we consider our work as an investment, an investment in the life of a person who matters.

-Sarah Whiting, Orthodontic Technician

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 new technology like Damon self-ligating braces, treatment has never been faster or more comfortable. Set up an appointment for a consultation and find out how adult orthodontics will transform your smile, and your life!