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!

At Wilson Orthodontics, we know image is everything. For many people, the thought of having metal brackets and wires attached to their teeth for two or more years may be more than enough to delay orthodontic treatment.

If you’ve been considering straightening your teeth but are apprehensive about metal wires and brackets getting in the way of your smile, Invisalign treatment at Wilson Orthodontics may be a great solution. Invisalign, which straightens teeth through a series of clear, custom-fit removable aligners, does so in a way that is discreet and hardly noticeable.

If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment at our office, please give us a call to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ron Wilson and Dr. Svetlana Lekht.

Dr. Ron Wilson and Dr. Svetlana Lekht and our team know having an attractive smile puts a spring in your step—or two—as well as increases your self-confidence, no matter if you’re 14 or in your late forties. Smiling not only makes people happy and puts them in a good mood, doing it often can even help you live longer, according to previous studies!

If you’ve been hiding your smile because you have crooked teeth or gaps between your teeth, it’s time to consider orthodontic treatment at Wilson Orthodontics. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn how quickly and efficiently today’s most advanced correction techniques can straighten your smile!

Don’t hide your smile any longer—give us a call today to schedule yours or your child’s orthodontic consultation.

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! Dr. Ron Wilson and Dr. Svetlana Lekht will be happy to provide a few great references here in the area!

-- The team at Wilson Orthodontics

Inspirational Pro Surfer and Damon System patient Bethany Hamilton Encourages Others to Smile through Adversity

There are not many people who don't know about Bethany Hamilton and her incredible story of her shocking shark attack as a young teen in 2003.  Since then, Bethany has gone on to inspire millions due to her amazing determination and attitude. She shares her astonishing story in her bestselling autobiography Soul Surfer which in April 2011 was released as a major motion picture. Not only does Bethany continue to compete in the ASP World Professional Surfing Tour, but she tours the world to share her story of triumph and to prove that with faith and belief anything is possible.

“After being treated with Damon Braces I couldn't be happier. The results of having braces not only improved my smile, it boosted my confidence” – Bethany Hamilton

After the shark attack Bethany will tell you she struggled through many trials and tribulations, which took a toll on her confidence and self esteem. When asked, Bethany will tell you that "after being treated with Damon Braces I couldn't be happier. The results of having braces not only improved my smile, it boosted my confidence." Now, with help from Damon System braces, Bethany is able to smile through adversity.

Damon® System official endorser, Bethany Hamilton relied on the trans-formative Damon System to quickly and comfortably improve the health and beauty of her smile. Known for triumphantly overcoming a horrific shark attack, Hamilton now helps to promote the Damon System and encourage teens, children and adults of all ages to smile through adversity, regardless of the challenges life throws their way.

"Smiles are a blessing and an infectious tool for spreading happiness and bringing joy to others," said Bethany. "The Damon System transformed my smile, allowing me to confidently share my story of perseverance and encourage others undergoing adversity. I'm glad to be a part of the Damon System team and I look forward to sharing the positive changes and incredible results that I experienced with this unique orthodontic treatment."

Bethanys' Damon System Story

Bethany began orthodontic treatment at age 14 for a severe underbite with significant crowding and a narrow arch. She also had an open bite, which means there was open space between her upper and lower teeth when her jaw was closed. These types of cases are typically among the most difficult to treat and often require surgery. Bethany relied on the Damon System instead of traditional braces for her treatment.

The light pressure used in the Damon System stimulates broad, natural arch development and typically delivers results up to 25 percent faster than traditional braces, according to clinical studies. While traditional braces require elastic ties to hold wires in place, these ties can accumulate bacteria and often require "tightening" that can hinder tooth movement and prolong treatment.

In contrast, the Damon System combines "tieless" braces with high-tech memory-shaped wires that don't need to be "tightened." Damon System braces are easier to keep clean, which promotes better patient hygiene throughout treatment. Additionally, treatment with the Damon System rarely requires tooth extractions and frees patients from the use of headgear, rapid palatal expanders and other invasive appliances. The cost of orthodontic treatment with the Damon System is comparable to that of traditional braces.

Bethany is one of more than three million Damon System patients who have achieved incredible results over the last 10 years. From adults to teens, today's healthcare consumers want fast, comfortable and virtually invisible orthodontic care. With the Damon System, orthodontists can deliver on all three of these essential patient requests while also producing a remarkable smile. The Damon System continues to improve smiles and Bethany is an awesome brand ambassador. Her positive attitude, determination and character continue to inspire countless people.

Damon System Donate to the Smile for a Lifetime Foundation

In honor of National Orthodontic Health Month, Ormco, the makers of Damon System Braces donated one dollar to the Smile for a Lifetime Foundation for each new "like" of the Damon System Braces Facebook page this was limited to the first 5,000 people who participate through the month of October. The Smile for a Lifetime Foundation is a non-profit, charitable organization comprised of local chapters throughout the U.S. of which Wilson Orthodontics is one. Its mission is to create self-confidence and quality orthodontic treatment for patients who may not have the opportunity to achieve a beautiful, straight smile without financial assistance. Both Bethany Hamilton and the Damon System are making this joint Facebook charity event possible.

To find out more about Bethany Hamilton and her amazing story visit her website here

If you have an inspirational story, we want to hear it. Visit Wilson Orthodontics on Facebook here.

To schedule your free orthodontic consultation or to get more information on Damon System braces, contact Wilson Orthodontics today!

· Gainesville, GA 30501  Tel: 678-971-2458

· Hoschton, GA 30548    Tel: 678-866-1404

· Cleveland, GA 30528   Tel: 706-865-0081

Or Click Here NOW!

Damon System Braces

Let’s face it- when was the last time you managed to keep a New Year’s resolution? We at Wilson Orthodontics believe the key to sticking to a goal is picking one that is both reasonable and attainable. If you haven’t yet picked a New Year’s resolution, consider setting one that will improve your oral health!

For example, resolve to brush twice and floss once a day. Good oral hygiene only takes a few minutes a day, and can make a big difference in your oral health and overall health too! For more oral health-themed resolutions for you and your family, check out this article.

We would love to see what you come up with, share with us by commenting on this post or on our Facebook page. Whatever your New Year’s Resolution, we wish you the very best for 2012!

-Happy New Year, from your friends at Wilson Orthodontics

Orthodontists in Gainesville Georgia

A New Year is traditionally a time of reflection. We thought we would look back on the history of our hometown of Gainesville, our fair city in the United States. It is situated in the southern state of Georgia. The city is famous for its poultry production. The city is also an attraction for tourist because of its location among the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The history of the city can be traced back to 1880. It was a famous city among the travelers for its trade and transportation system. The city was given its name on a well-known hero of war Edmund P.Gaines. The city was originally called the 'Mule Camp Springs'. It was given the recent name in 1821.

The year 1821 has a special importance in the history of the city because in this same year the city was registered under the law of the Georgia state. After becoming the part of the legislature of the state of Georgia. The city has seen many developments. Along with its rich history, the city is also familiar because of its recreational parks, golf courses and different festivals.

The state of the city has invested a huge amount in attracting and maintaining the tourist attractions in the city. The state is trying to promote the tourist activity in the city because it promises to bring great profit for the city and its people. The famous festivals held in the city are historic downtown farmers market, mule camp market, blue-sky concerts and trick or treat on the road. Besides these few festivals mentioned there are many more arranged by the state every month. The local government has also maintained various departments in the city to help the natives of the city.

The departments are mostly regulated by the state people. The private sector's intervention in providing services is also there, but it's not as strong as the state departments. To look for the innovation and services in the city the state has established a department called the city manager. The goal of the city manager is to promote innovation through a strong team work. The city managers have employed many people in the city to promote the innovative thinking and helping the new industries in the sector. The city manager makes and implements policies, which are to support the small and medium industry of the city. The head of the city manager department is selected by the mayor and the city council.

As the state is promoting the tourist activity in the city they have established a department called Chattahoochee Golf Club. The Chattahoochee is the ancient Golf Club in the city. This club was initially managed by the locals of the city.  Now it has been controlled by the state. After the club was taken by the state it was renovated in 2006, to give it a complete new look and to make it more attractive for the locals and for the tourists. The state has made it possible for every native of the city to enjoy their leisure time in such lavish parks.

The state has also established an event department for the city. As the city organized many galas around the year. There was a tremendous need of a division which can look after and plan various events in the state. This domain is responsible to attract the business from all over the country and make them available on the different festivals. This department plans various festivals. The department is also accountable for providing the best accommodation services to the visitors in the city. The state of the city has many other departments to help and guide the natives of the city in various fields.

Economically, the City of Gainesville is quite strong because of its markets and tourist activities. The most famous market in the city is the downtown square. It is located at the centre of the city. The market is famous for both the locals and tourists because it offers a variety of products and restaurants. The local people of the market have developed an organization with the name of Main Street Gainesville. This organization helps the people who want to start their business in the downtown market. The organization is committed in improving the economy of the city along with a better use of the resources of the city. This organization runs with the help of the local businessman’s and the state.

Other than the local market the economy of the city is also largely supported by the manufacturing industry of the William Wrigley Company. The company has its plant in the region for many years. It operations are supporting the economy of the city by providing better and greater employment opportunities to the natives. The company is famous for keeping teeth clean by manufacturing the best chewing gums in the country.

As the city is quite famous for its annual festival, the most popular one is the Downtown Festival and Art Show. This is the festival arranged by the local people of the city. In this festival, the natives and the tourist of the city exhibit, their art shows. This is the festival for the art lover from all over the country. The art exhibitors from all over the country come to this city to attend this festival and show their talent. As the city is famous for its poultry production, there is a festival that is related to this industry. It is called the Spring Chicken Festival. In this festival, the local people cook different recipes of chicken and exhibit their favorite recipes. The city is the largest poultry producer in the country, which makes this festival even more interesting. Many of the various famous food chain companies attend this festival to learn new recipes and tastes.

Along with the promotion of all these events and festival in the city, the state is also working very hard to promote the education in the city. The city state has established various schools and universities in the region. More emphasis has been given to the technical education of the locals because it is the best way to improve the standard of living in the city. The state is also promoting the manufacturing industry as so far there is only one major industry in the market.

Wilson Orthodontics are the preferred provider of Invisalign and Invisalign Teen in Gainesville GA and Dr. Ron Wilson's is also a member of The Schulman Group. This is a nationally-recognized association of prominent orthodontic practices who compose the top 1% of all orthodontic practices throughout North America. There are only three other practices in the state of Georgia that have received this exclusive honor.

To schedule your Free complimentary examination with Wilson Orthodontics call:

· Gainesville, GA 30501  Tel: 678-971-2458

· Hoschton, GA 30548    Tel: 678-866-1404

· Cleveland, GA 30528   Tel: 706-865-0081

Or Click Here NOW!

At Wilson Orthodontics, we know maintaining a healthy diet over the holiday season can prove a difficult task. After all, who can resist the tasty treats of Christmas? With grandma and everybody else offering you candy, chocolate logs or Christmas pudding, you just can’t say “I’ll pass” each time. But trouble lurks: every time you chow down on that chocolate or candy, the bacteria in your mouth have a feast on the sugar—at your expense. The sugar turns into acid, and the acid eats away at the enamel on your teeth and between your braces. Then, you start getting cavities.

Instead, try fudgy cocoa bites, marvelous molasses cookies, wonderful waffles or other braces-friendly recipes, courtesy of the American Association of Orthodontics, or AAO, and “The Braces Cookbook” by Pamela Waterman.

If you must indulge in chocolaty goodness this Christmas or holiday season, remember to brush your teeth after eating sugary treats. Hope this helps! Give us a call if you have any questions!

Happy Holidays!

Our Gainesville Orthodontic Practice

Orthodontic is the field of dentistry that deals with the study and treatment of improper bites. These diseases are caused because of a variety of reasons. The main reasons that seem common to most of the patients have improper growth of the teeth and the dislocation of the jaws. In the past, this wasn't considered a disease. People with improper teeth have to deal with their problem in the past because the abnormal growth or uneven teeth weren't seen as the big problem. This field of dentistry was not acknowledged until the dentist named Edward Angel worked on it. He was considered the father of the orthodontic field.

Now this field is widely recognized by the dentists and medical bodies. It is considered a separate specializing field in dentistry. Much work and research has been done regarding the diseases the orthodontic problems cause. The invention of computers has made the treatment quite easy and understandable for the dentists and the patients. Now much of the orthodontic treatment is done by using these advanced technological tools.

The most common orthodontic treatment used by the specialist is called braces. In this type of treatment, a wire is placed between the teeth to position them into the desired or right posture. The time of this treatment varies from patient to patients. There is more than one type of braces available with the orthodontic specialist. The type of braces recommended by the dentist depends upon the type of problem the patient has.

In the start, people were afraid to go under such treatment because it was costly and second the braces looked odd when inserted in the mouth. After, the results started coming out the thinking of people changed. Now more people are willing to undergo an orthodontic treatment even though it is still relatively expensive.

A proper orthodontic treatment can change the whole facial structure of an individual. Straight and aligned teeth offer many benefits to an individual apart from external beauty. An aligned tooth helps in good grinding of food and thus keeps the digestive system in proper condition. In orthodontic treated patients, the level of mouth diseases decreases too because it is easier to keep the mouth clean once the teeth are at their proper position. With such a huge success of the orthodontic field, many dentists are now choosing this field for their specialization. Furthermore, with the money involved in the field the number of orthodontic practices in increasing in the world. There are many institutes in the world which are providing the orthodontic practices to people. These institutes have a variety of products to offer in order to attract the patients.

The orthodontic treatment is quite expensive. The institutes have to compete hard for the orthodontic practices and attracting their customers. The best orthodontic practices are the one which have the most experience in the field. Along with the experience, another important factor is the application of new technology in the treatment. The orthodontic practices which do not change with the changing technologies in the market become obsolete. So the dentistry institutes or the private dentists who are providing the orthodontic practices have to be updated with the changing technologies and advancements in the field.

One of the most famous orthodontic institutes is in the United Kingdom and is called the Orthodontic Practices (smile with confidence). This Institute is considered the best in providing the orthodontic practices because there have been in this field since 1947. Such a long experience in this field has made them an expert and pioneers in devising many new ways of orthodontic treatment. The owner of the Institute was appointed the president of the British Orthodontic Society. Along with the owner, the whole team of the Institute has the relevant experience in the dentistry field. The staff of the Institute is selected on a specific criterion that is their knowledge and dedication to the treatment of orthodontic diseases. Furthermore, the nurse staff in the orthodontic practices is given special training for the care and handling of their patients during the treatment.

There are many other institutes in the whole world which are providing the best orthodontic practices to their customers. The orthodontic practices should be customized according to the needs of the patients. If the patient is comfortable during the treatment only, then the whole orthodontic practices will be considered successful. If the patient is not comfortable during the treatment, then he or she can leave the process in the middle and can give a bad impression to the orthodontic practices of a dentist.

Orthodontic practices are hard to start. The dentist who wants to specialize in this field has to get registered with the local dentistry society for the orthodontic practice. Registration is necessary for every orthodontic doctor because it will certify to the patients that he or she is an experienced and knowledgeable in the orthodontic field. After the certification, the next important step is to have the proper equipment to start the practice. The orthodontic treatment is quite expensive because the equipment used in the treatment is quite costly. So having a proper financial backup is quite necessary to start the practices. After the equipment comes the experience. An orthodontic doctor can get the experience if he or she first starts with some public hospital as their internee. After, they have handled many patients with such disease in the hospital under the supervision of their teacher only then they will have the experience and courage to handle the private cases on their own.

There are many institutes, which offer orthodontic practices, but they don't have the registration or an up-to-date data about the treatments. Such institutes attract their patients by offering low cost orthodontic treatments, but these institutes are quite unsafe if opted for such treatment. They are risky because they don't promise great results and second they use old methods, which are considered outdated in the market. So an orthodontic practice has to be genuine for the patients to benefit from the treatment.

Your hometown orthodontist - Wilson Orthodontics are the only preferred provider of Invisalign and Invisalign Teen for Gainesville GA. and Dr. Wilson's experience and advancements in technology have recently earned him the esteemed invitation as a member of The Schulman Group.  This is a nationally-recognized association of prominent orthodontic practices who compose the top one percent of all the orthodontists in North America and is limited to only 100 orthodontic practices. Wilson Orthodontics was thought highly enough by the other members to be part of this exclusive group which is by invitation only.  There are only three other practices in the state of Georgia that have received this coveted prized invitation.

To schedule your complimentary examination with Wilson Orthodontics call:

· Gainesville, GA 30501  Tel: 678-971-2458

· Hoschton, GA 30548    Tel: 678-866-1404

· Cleveland, GA 30528 Tel: 706-865-0081

Or Click Here NOW!

Your Gainesville Orthodontic Specialist

If you are suffering from crooked teeth, you probably should give some consideration to seeing an orthodontist specialist. Making an informed and appropriate choice to straighten your teeth could be one of the best decisions you ever make. Here is a guide, which will help you get an insight into the orthodontic profession and hence help you make informed choices in the future when it comes to your teeth!

Orthodontics – a dental specialty is the study of the alignment of teeth and jaws. “Ortho” refers to correct and “dont” means teeth. The specialty has been is the dental field for about a hundred years. Orthodontists also known as orthodontic specialists are dental specialists who are concerned with the alignment and straightening of teeth. Misaligned teeth can lead to pain and eating problems. Moreover, they often result in problems with brushing of teeth and flossing. If food gets trapped in overlapped teeth, it can result in premature tooth decomposition and cavities. Orthodontic specialists have expertise in dental-facial orthopedics as well. That is, they are specialists not only in the correct alignment of the teeth but jaws as well.

A person may have straight teeth but out of sync jaws. In this case, an underbite or an overbite problem–scientifically termed as malocclusions–can exist. The improper bites are usually hereditary in nature leading to tooth and gum injury. However, they can also be caused by the early loss of baby teeth, congested teeth, tooth decay and other physical injuries. Orthodontic specialists are also consulted for cosmetic reasons to make the appearance of the teeth and smile look better by adults who think that their success is judged by the quality of their smile.

What does it take to become an orthodontic specialist?

A person aspiring to become an orthodontist or even a general dentist must first attend college to earn an undergraduate degree. It is recommended to take up the courses of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics at the graduate level which takes four years to complete. After that, prospective students can seek admission in a dental school to get a doctor of dental medicine degree which further takes three to four years. Orthodontist specialists then venture into orthodontics residency which could take another two to three years before they can start their private practice. Thus, it can be said that all orthodontists are dentists but all dentists are not necessarily orthodontists.

A dentist can do for people what an orthodontist does but lacks certain specialties and cannot claim to be an orthodontist specialist. Orthodontic services are sought both by children and adults. While the adults are likely to approach an orthodontist to bring an improvement in the appearance of their teeth and smile, children may seek such treatments for physical reasons.  Orthodontic treatments generally begin between the ages of 7 and 14 and span from 18 to 24 months. However, in case of some teeth problems, the treatment is started at an earlier age. The length of treatment depends upon but is not limited to the severity of the malocclusion, the procedure used for treatment, and cooperation of the patient.

What procedures do orthodontist specialists employ?

The mode of treatment primarily depends upon the teeth condition but generally they may use one or more of the following – tooth removal, fillings or repair, braces, rubber bands and headgears. Although the use of some orthodontic appliances was embarrassing earlier but with the advent of modern technology, such appliances are made striking so that they lead to augmented self-esteem rather than making things worse. Braces, for example, give an unsightly look to the user. It constitutes of a wire, small elastic ties, and silver brackets. Silver brackets are affixed on the front of each tooth while the elastic ties are used to hold the wire in place. With advances in technology, braces appear to be attractive nowadays. Silver brackets are now made available in metal, tooth colored ceramic, or even gold, whereas, elastic ties are obtainable in plenty of colors. Apart from braces, other orthodontic devices are also in vogue these days. Invisalign–a series of plastic trays is also being used for correct teeth alignment. Every aligner is worn for a period of two weeks needing a replacement after that.

The time duration of such a treatment depends on how much the patient’s teeth needs to be moved. Generally speaking, Invisalign needs to be worn 16-22 hours a day but for optimal benefits, it should be used almost 22 hours a day. Orthodontic headgear is used to correct for anteroposterior discrepancies. Earlier, headgears tended to reduce self-esteem by giving users unorthodox look but now they have become trendier. Orthodontist specialists also recommend the use of pendex appliance or distal jet. They are meant to treat bite problems by pushing the upper teeth back. Another appliance commonly used is the space maintainer which is meant to prevent unwanted shifting of teeth which usually results from early loss of primary teeth.

Orthodontists use devices to improve the growth of jaws besides teeth alignment and correcting for bite problems. They include forsus, herbst and mara. Often used with children and adolescents, these devices operate by applying forward pressure to the lower jaw of the client. Adults may have more of cosmetic reasons to seek treatments from an orthodontist and the orthodontist specialist can work in collaboration with the general dentist to ascertain the best possible treatment. For example, if the client has missing teeth, the orthodontist can either close the space or in some cases go for correct alignment of teeth around the space and let the patient’s general dentist fill the gap. These health professionals also use therapeutic and reconstructive techniques to give a boost to the oral health of their patients.

To ensure the new position of the teeth, retention methods are employed after the completion of the main orthodontic treatment. The retention appliances can take the shape of removable plates or braces. In the nutshell, timely visit to an orthodontist specialist can be life-changing for the individual with various kinds of teeth problems it does help in raising the self-esteem of the individual. A cost-benefit analysis tells us that benefits of orthodontic treatment outweigh the overall expenditure over time.

To schedule your complimentary examination with Wilson Orthodontics call:

· Gainesville, GA 30501  Tel: 678-971-2458

· Hoschton, GA 30548   Tel: 678-866-1404

· Cleveland, GA 30528   Tel: 706-865-0081

Or Click Here NOW!

"I think our website is very fun and informative. It lets everyone know about the events that are going on at Wilson Orthodontics, and it also tells them about the latest information in orthodontics. We do a lot in our community, and our social networks help to inform everyone about our activities in the local community. They inform our patients and their families of any games or contests that are going on, and also gets everyone involved.

We are constantly updating our social networks to keep patients in the loop about what is going on in and around our office.

We also love hearing from our patients. We take their opinions to heart and try to address things when needed. It is a great way to communicate! We encourage our patients to ask us questions on our social networks.

We love that our patients and their families visit our website and social networks. We look forward to continuing the social networking experience with all of you!"

~ Si Morris, Treatment Coordinator

Last Chance For You To Save 25% - 30% On Orthodontic Treatment with Wilson Orthodontics

WARNING: Government set to close the doors and you will loose the chance to have the government save you 25-30%

In times of a recession everyone needs to save where they can and Wilson Orthodontics are shouting about the help that you can get now from the government by saving 25-30% on your taxes by organizing your witholding, but you need to act Now.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a child's first orthodontic examination to be at age 7. Whether it's called a cafeteria plan, an HSA, an FSA or a reimbursement plan, in order to claim against orthodontic costs, interested parties must schedule an appointment with their orthodontic specialist in the first instance to take advantage.

"Everyone’s orthodontic needs are unique and it nearly always requires an office exam or growth and guidance visit if treatment is not currently in progress. Why lose hard earned money to the government in taxes when you can save that 25% - 30% and put it in an investment that lasts a lifetime?" Says Dr. Ron Wilson.

Wilson’s Orthodontics have offices in Gainesville, Flowery Branch and Cleveland GA. and are currently offering complimentary Orthodontic Consultations to see if you are ready for treatment in 2012.

Wilson Orthodontics are the only preferred provider of Damon Braces System, Invisalign and Invisalign Teen in the Gainesville GA Area.

Contact Wilson’s Orthodontics before the 20th December 2011 and take advantage of the Flexible Spending Account before the government offer closes. Act now - save big and smile for a lifetime.

Don't delay, click here today!

Our call:

Wilson Orthodontics - Gainesville (678) 971-2458

Wilson Orthodontics - Hoschton (678) 866-1404

Wilson Orthodontics - Cleveland (706) 865-0081

Wilson Orthodontics - Flowery Branch (678) 866-1404

Orthodontics for Children in Gainesville GA

Orthodontics is the sub branch of dentistry specifically concerned with the dental treatment for the patients who are countering the problem of malocclusions. The first person who came forward and brought this field into consideration of the society was Edward Angle.

People suffer from such tooth disorders because of wrong arrangement of teeth and usually due to overcrowding of teeth when they grow up. The bad habit of thumb sucking results in misaligned teeth which disrupt their facial appearance. These days it’s very common that people particularly children are having this problem. This can be due to lack of vitamin D which inhibits the proper development and growth of their teeth which results in irregular arrangement and sometimes disrupted facial growth, which becomes a major issue for parents to deal with.  It’s good if the proper treatment is provided at the very start instead of removing permanent teeth later on.

The best age to go to a doctor for a child is 7 years as recommended by the American Association of Orthodontists. Check-ups beforehand can help the orthodontist in directing the position of the jaw and directing it in the correct way by the use of different equipment and procedures. Orthodontic treatments provide a wide space for the upcoming permanent teeth and reduce the chances of abnormal speech.  This also helps orthodontists to make a schedule of treatments for a child to undergo so that they can be mentally prepared as well as make it easier for the parents/guardian to deal with payment issues.

The basic type of treatment involves the usage of metal wires which are inserted into brackets which are used to move teeth and jaws. These days metal is being replaced by plastic as it gives a better look but keeping in view the importance; steel rules. After the completion of the procedure the child has to wear braces for a time period prescribed by the orthodontist. Braces are comprised of wires, bands and other related appliances; braces are mainly of three types. Once they are removed there is a maximum possibility of teeth resisting the force applied on them by getting back to their original position because in children the tendency of bones and tissues to come back to their original position is greater.

This can be stopped by using retainers which are worn for a period 6 months up to a year depending on the case severity. At times a patient has to wear them only for few hours at day time or night and sometimes years after the treatment. Retainers basically retain the teeth in fixed position till the bones get adapted to new environment. There is a possibility that teeth may remain erect without retainers but the chances of disruption increases as the child ages and teeth start getting together again, removing the spaces in between. If the problem is not treated in time then it results in greater difficult for the orthodontist to treat it and very expensive for the parents to afford it. In complicated cases headgears are used sometimes which is tied around the child’s head and face.

Different steps are taken by dentists to attract children to come to clinics as it’s the biggest fear of every child. Whenever you tell them that it’s the time to see a doctor the only thing they think of is a nurse holding a syringe and the other moment they are crying. So to avoid such consequences and to make the treatment easier cooperation of the patient is required. Therefore dental rooms are being made colorful so that a child feels happy and comfortable. They are being offered different juices. _­Play areas enlightens their mood and the orthodontists mood too as he faces less resistant by the patient. The general procedure follows a routine check–up or consultation, the orthodontist asks different questions about teeth to clear his queries, undergo a detailed analysis, take x-rays and then go for designing a full schedule of treatments a patient has to undergo. Diet of a child should be carefully monitored as in the start he can just take liquids or soft food.

There is a greater ease in treating a child compared to adult as there is a greater tendency of success in the treatment. There are various indications for parents to start an orthodontic treatment of their child. Some of them are the early broken teeth, late fall of teeth, appearance of extra teeth, upper and lower jaw don’t align properly etc.

Such problems are inherited at times and can create problems for the child i.e. teeth are more likely to decay at a very early age. Congenital abnormalities can be the major cause of irregularity of teeth arrangement among young patients. It can be genetically inherited or involves genetic factors. A genetic abnormality covers three major types of deformity in which orthodontist is concerned with the upper and lower molar teeth alignment. One is due to over growth of upper jaw and the other one is due to the abnormal growth of lower jaw which gives a strong chin appearance.

Abnormalities are not just because of inherited factors instead it also takes into account the factors surrounding us and some particular actions performed by a child for example tail swallowing, which is a very common habit observed among young children. Other includes cross bites, mouth breathing etc.

One should be careful about getting orthodontic treatment for a child as it doesn’t only affect the face appearance or smile but also their health. Mother knows best how their child is growing so the orthodontist must be consulted when the growing period is at the peak because the treatments are effective at this stage of life. Orthodontists prefer the age of puberty which is the best time to implement if the evaluation done earlier.

To schedule your complimentary examination with Wilson Orthodontics call:

· Gainesville, GA 30501  T: · 678-971-2458

· Hoschton, GA 30548    T: 678-866-1404

· Cleveland, GA 30528    T: 706-865-008

Or Click Here NOW!

At Wilson Orthodontics, we know orthodontic emergencies are never convenient nor timely. If you are a patient of record, Dr. Ron Wilson and Dr. Svetlana Lekht and our team are committed to your dental health and are more than willing to see you after hours or over the weekend. As a general rule, you should call the office when you experience severe pain or when you have a painful appliance problem that you can’t take care of yourself. We’ll be able to schedule an appointment to resolve the problem. If you have a orthodontic emergency after regular office hours, please give us a call. If you are calling us after hours, please follow the emergency prompts to learn how you may be able to solve the problem yourself, or, if you cannot, how to contact Drs. Wilson and Lekht and team.

Common issues include:

*Broken Brace
*Broken Wires
*Tie has come off of a Brace
*Loose Expander
*Poking Wire Tie
*Sharpness Felt on the Tongue Side of a Brace
*Loss of a Separator
*Initial Soreness
*Wire Poking

You might be surprised to learn that you may be able to temporarily solve many problems yourself until you visit our office.

Orthodontics for Adults in Gainesville GA

Disrupted facial growth? Irregular tooth appearance? Do you feel embarrassed when you smile? Are you conscious about your looks just because your teeth are not perfectly aligned like your friends? You want your teeth to look attractive and have a charming smile? You don’t have to worry now because a solution to your problems lies in Orthodontics and with an professional Orthodontist.

Orthodontics is the sub-branch of dentistry which has being studied as a special discipline for the first time by Edward Hartley Angle, born in June 1, 1855. He solved the problem of millions of people worldwide. The field has gained immense importance in the past few years in dentistry and now being taught at post graduate level in almost all countries.

What is the basic tool of Orthodontics which has so much potential that can change the entire jaw appearance? Yes, it’s braces which is the basic tool used for treating people having problems as mentioned above. It’s used to stop irregular movement of the jaw and teeth and used to fix the teeth arrangement and disrupted facial outgrowth. Braces are made up of stainless steel. In it wires interact to fix jaws by the insertion of wires into brackets. It comprises of bands, wires and some additional appliances depending upon the case situation. Braces are typically of three types: an Orthodontist uses the one which bests suits the situation. Now plastic is preferred over steel, though steel is better in most cases than plastic, but people find it more comfortable to wear plastic in their jaws rather then steel and according to them it looks better too.

The Orthodontists have to take every possible precaution while treating adults because in adults their bones and tissues don’t tend to come back to their original position as in the case of children. Further, the jaws are properly grown so, the treatment is impossible at times because in children it’s easy to direct the alignment of jaws but once the teeth are developed it’s difficult. Molars and incisors are already permanent and the bigger loss in treatment at this stage of life is that the Orthodontist has to remove permanent teeth to create space for the implantation of the brackets.

Once the treatment is being done then the patient has to wear them for certain period of time i.e. as long as the Orthodontist suggests. The other tool of the Orthodontist is retainers, which is the next step after braces to hold teeth back or keep them in aligned state in the future. The time period for which a person has to wear retainers depend entirely on the case. It can be worn for 6 months up to a year or more than a year, and it also can be worn part time like at night or few hours in a day. Teeth can stay erect without retainers as well but their a maximum possibility of  them returning to previous condition  so at times an Orthodontist will prescribe the retainers for many years after the treatment, reducing the chances of re-occurrence of  problem.

Orthodontists has made several financial policies so that everyone can afford the cost of treatment as it’s very expensive and can’t be afforded by a person earning with low income. They divide the payment into installments which is easier for everyone to deal with. The reason behind some adults ending up wearing braces is the improper or no treatment at an early age, irregular bites specially while sleeping. This is a very common problem seen among those adults who undergo tension, stress, and many other common problems. They bite their tongue while sleeping. At times, the case is very severe, brackets are not the only solution so the Orthodontist goes for overall surgery. They go for designing the whole structure of face mainly emphasising on teeth.

There is a whole treatment plan set up by the Orthodontists. First, they analysis the condition, takes an x-ray, ask a few questions to clear his queries. Then he goes about making a plan and schedules the treatment and shows it to the patient so that he can prepare themselves mentally as well as financially.

Abnormalities are divided into different classes. This difference is based on the arrangement of upper and lower jaws mainly the molars. Second class of abnormality in which the upper jaw is a bit outgrown, in women its considered as mark of beauty or you can say it becomes a tool of attraction but these do affect the overall structure and need to be treated. In the third class the lower jaws are out of proper alignment and outgrown which gives a stiff chin appearance and particularly considered as sign of beauty in males. Another category of abnormality includes congenital disabilities which includes inherited factors affecting the appearance of jaws.

Developmental abnormalities are also one of the major issues for orthodontics which is caused by the surrounding factors like tail swallowing, mouth breathing and crowded teeth. Because of all these abnormalities orthodontists has to consider upper and lower jaw both during treatment as they are interrelated. Environmental factors are the one which can be controlled. Children must not be allowed to suck their thumbs, mouth breathing should be avoided, care must be taken while swallowing. All this is possible through creating awareness. People aware of the thing that they must do and things they must not like keeping their sleeping posture correct to avoid mouth breathing. Awareness can be created through Internet, television, seminars etc.

Irregular teeth arrangement can also be attributed to improper diet at an early age. We commonly see people in non-developed countries with their teeth that are irregularly aligned and this is because of the lack of proper nutrition, and poor healthcare, and other major diseases. So this can be one of the factors too but as in civilized and developed countries food is not a problem but bad eating habits create all problems. Bad eating habits among adults are commonly seen like the intake of excessive junk food.

Orthodontics is becoming more important day by day and making progress around the globe. It should be encouraged in a country where it’s not developed yet and awareness should be created among people about the problems suffered due to ill-treatment or no treatment. Search programs should be launched to bring new treatments into discussions and to make the already existing one better. There are several organization working around the globe to make progress in this field and to help people around the world. Many organizations and foundation have been established in United States Of America which are striving day and night for the greater cause and to bring good to mankind.

To schedule your complimentary examination with Wilson Orthodontics call:

· Gainesville, GA 30501  Tel: 678-971-2458

· Hoschton, GA 30548  Tel: 678-866-1404

· Cleveland, GA 30528 Tel: 706-865-008

Or Click Here NOW!

At Wilson Orthodontics, we know nobody likes getting plaque on their teeth. Here are five other ways you can avoid that dreaded enemy of the teeth during orthodontic treatment, courtesy of WebMD.

Let’s start with brushing regularly. Brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride-containing toothpaste is vital to a healthy mouth. Make sure you softly brush all the surfaces of your teeth.

Next on the list is flossing daily: a simple daily flossing between teeth clears away plaque before it can cause damage and can also clean plaque at the gum line. Plaque is known to reach the spaces between teeth.

Also, evading a trip to the dentist is probably not a great idea. Let’s say you brush and floss daily. You’re still at risk for plaque. With time, the plaque hardens and turns into tartar. Consider visiting your general dentist at least twice a year or as recommended by your dentist, and you have a lower chance of getting cavities or losing your teeth while wearing braces.

You’ll also want to stop avoiding those fruits and veggies. Believe it or not, there are foods out there that play a key role in keeping plaque off our teeth. They include apples, carrots, cucumbers and other raw fruits and vegetables. You can still eat these types of fruits and veggies if you have braces, but be sure to cut them up into bite sized pieces to avoid breaking off brackets.

Finally, before you pick up that candy bar, remember to not give in to your sweet tooth. Consuming sugary drinks or eating candy or other junk food allows sugar to stick to our teeth. The bacteria, then, becomes plaque, which turns into acid and damages our teeth. Avoiding these five bad habits keeps your plaque in check and your mouth as healthy as can be during your orthodontic treatment with Dr. Ron Wilson and Dr. Svetlana Lekht. If you have any questions, give us a call or ask us on Facebook!

Orthodontic Treatment in Gainesville GA

Personality has a very big impact on people. Take personality, there are many things to include, for example wearing nice clothes, talking politely, sharing smiles, having good humor and being intelligent. Personality can make a person successful in every aspect of life. Having a brighter and beautiful smile plays a very important role in a person’s life. However, what if one doesn’t have that kind of smile? Beautiful teeth are the signature of a perfect smile. Many people all over the world have a problem of uneven teeth. Which makes their smile not so attractive, and they feel shy or stay low key at parties and other social occasions.

The solution to the problem is available in the world which is far advanced and can be availed by anyone. The treatment is called Orthodontic Treatment. This treatment has a long history, as the problem existed for many centuries. However, in 18th century, this problem was discussed and scholars said that the problem was curable. In the 19th century, braces were invented and introduced in to the market. After a period of time, the technology got more advanced the braces became more effective and economical.

Orthodontic Treatment is used for straightening teeth, alignment of teeth and alignment of the jaw. These problems can be seen in any age group. Newborn babies can have these problems as well as adults. This treatment can help all the age groups who have this problem. The alignment of teeth make dental problems a lot less. Alignments of the jaws will help teeth to be cleaned all the time and make a smile more attractive. Many people ask this question; How we will they be able to know what orthodontic treatment they will need? So here are some symptoms that will help to understand who needs Orthodontic Treatment.

If one has the front teeth that lie forward over lower teeth. If one has the lower teeth lie forward over the front teeth. If one has the abnormal biting like, upper teeth don’t come down to the lower teeth. If one has big gaps between teeth and use filings all the time. One has teeth over other teeth. These are some of the symptoms of orthodontic disease, and if he/she feels that they have them then they should consult a good orthodontist. There are different types of treatments available which orthodontists will diagnose, and which Orthodontic Treatment should be opted for.

There are three types of Orthodontic Treatment. One is preventive treatment, second is interceptive treatment and third is comprehensive treatment. There are some fixed instruments used to treat the problem, and some are removable instruments. In fixed instruments most commonly used instrument is braces.

There are five types of braces available, ceramic braces, metal braces, sapphire braces, Invisalign Braces and Lingual braces. These braces have a different quality and different material used in braces. Metal braces are the most commonly used braces in the market, as they are cheaper and can be afforded by anyone.

Normally orthodontic treatment takes 19 to 36 months as a whole depending on the problem. Time plays an important role in the treatment. As they say, “the sooner the better” for the treatment of dental problem as it is always a long process. We need our mouths to work all the time, whether we are talking or eating food. Every moment a person needs his or her mouth to work in perfect order. When people are about to go through the orthodontic treatment, they usually ask about the time period and get reluctant to the time period an orthodontist is suggesting. Once the treatment is started one should know that this is a time taking process but the results are excellent, and you will eventually walk away from the problem for a life time. In childhood, if the problem is being detected by the parents, and they consult with a good orthodontist, the problem will be cured in less time, as the bones are not fully shaped of a child.  An orthodontist can help a child and The American Association of Orthodontists recommend age 7 for their first orthodontic appointment. This early age can be easy to handle, as children are more interested in playing rather than seeing their self in a mirror.

The bones are softer and can be easily mold. In adulthood orthodontic treatment takes a little longer time then childhood, as the bones are strong and teeth are already placed. Now orthodontist have to remold the teeth and the jaw, which is a time taking job and especially teen-age children are not happy having braces on. However, now days there is a new terminology introduced in the market called Accelerated Orthodontic Treatment, in which orthodontists says that they will fast track the treatment, and it will give a result in less than a year. Everybody who is unaware of the side effects will go for the accelerated treatment, but every treatment has its effects on the body. Changing the size and the space of the teeth needs time and when you don’t give the required time to the treatment, many problems can occur in the healing process. This fast track treatment is still arguable and needs more research on it.

In cosmetic dentistry, all the problems related to teeth are being addressed. Orthodontists can transform the outlook of a person. Whitening or bleaching the teeth, bonding, dental bridging, veneers and gum lifts are being done by the orthodontists. Problem of bad smell, snoring and other mouth problems are determined by addressing dental problems. Many patients don’t even know the problem they are having. They are being treated in by the wrong doctors, and they use different products available in the markets which are not useful for their dental problems. Many people do not go to the orthodontists because they think they are more costly than a normal doctor. They pay for different products time to time again and do not get the required results, so it is better to pay once to get rid of the problem then paying for the low-quality products and spending money on them repeatedly. By applying different products without understanding their results people increase the ratio of the problem they are having. Orthodontic treatment is a one-time investment and should be done as soon as possible.

To schedule your complimentary examination with your hometown orthodontist, call Wilson Orthodontics today!

Gainesville, GA 30501  Tel: 678-971-2458

Hoschton, GA 30548   Tel: 678-866-1404

Cleveland, GA 30528   Tel: 706-865-0081

Join us on Facebook to win exciting prizes. Just click here!

"The holidays are quickly approaching, and it's our favorite time of the year here at Wilson Orthodontics! We just finished up our Halloween Candy Buy Back Program, which was a huge success. All of the candy that we received was sent to our soldiers overseas. Thank you to everyone who helped us collect these sweet treats for our troops. We also just completed the fundraiser for The Susan G. Koman Foundation through our Facebook contest, which was also a huge success thanks to our wonderful patients!

We are currently giving away an iPod Nano with the iWatch Q Wrist Band to 3 winning patients in our current contest. You can enter by visiting us on Facebook, or by submitting a review on our Google Places page! We are so thankful for ALL of our awesome patients and look forward to a busy, and fun, holiday season!"

~ Diannah Wilson, Observation Treatment Coordinator

Invisalign Teen – Gainesville GA

Everybody wants to look good. Having a great and beautiful smile is a blessing these days. If not, then there are a lot of procedures that are available for straightening the teeth. The most common of them are braces. However, braces are very prominent. During the teens children are going through a lot of image issues, add braces on top of that and life can be pretty cruel to teenagers. For all these worried parents and teenagers, Invisalign is the answer to their prayers.

Invisalign Teen is custom- made for everyone. The shape of the aligner is determined by taking the individual and unique molds of each teenager. The aligners are transparent and plastic in nature. The purpose of  Invisalign Teen is to adjust the shape of the teeth and shift the teeth to their perfect position. The frame or the tray is to be worn at all times except during meal times. They are also removed during drinking, brushing and flossing. The adjustment of the teeth using this aligner is variable for each teenager. However, it can be said that the treatment time is approximately equal to the time taken by the metal braces. Generally, the time taken is said to be between 12-18 months.  The liners for  teenagers have a blue dot, which is called compliance indicator. This can be used to see how regularly the young patient wears their Invisalign Teen aligners.  When the blue dot lightens it means this is the time to get new aligners. The aligners are usually changed after two weeks.

Invisalign Teen corrects the position of the teeth. This solves problems like unhealthy gums, swollen gums and redness can be caused by teeth that are congested. If the teeth are aligned properly these problems can be avoided. Incorrectly positioned teeth and jaws can lead to speech difficulty and chewing issues for teenagers. These problems can be solved using the new and innovative technique. When teeth are not aligned properly or correctly around the jaws, it can cause extra pressure on the supporting bones and jaw joints. This can be very painful and uncomfortable for teenagers to bear. The system is designed so that all these problems are catered for.

Invisalign is preferred over metal braces because by using this system oral hygiene can be maintained easily and better. Metal braces can also cause sore spots by the brushing of the cheek flesh and the metal wires.  Six free individual replacement liners are available with the package. There are numerous options present for correcting the position of the teeth using this technology. The dentist will determine what procedure to implement. For those young patients, whose adult teeth have not grown Invisalign Teen will be used and when the adult teeth grow later teeth can be adjusted with the help of the special features of Invisalign. Since the aligners are transparent and clear in color, they do not look bad or ugly in the face like metal braces. There is a problem eating a lot of things while using the metal braces, for example, corn on the cob, pizza, burgers and popcorn for the fear of breaking a bracket. However, there is no such problem with this system since the aligners were removed at the time of eating. Therefore, teenagers can eat anything they want without the fear of breaking a bracket.

There is also the trouble of keeping the braces safe. No hard game can be played with the metal braces on. For example, while playing volleyball, there is always a fear of the ball hitting your face. If it does hit the face, it will be a lot messier with the metal braces on. Other than breaking all the brackets the braces can also hurt your mouth more when the ball hits. There are a lot of teenagers that avoid playing such rough games, unless they wear a mouth guard. There is no such problem with the Invisalign Teen. Any game can be played. So these aligners are also for the teenagers who want to play active sports and rough games. There is also the embarrassing hassle of checking that there is no food sticking in your braces after every meal as with the metal braces. Usually, there is no effect on the speech of the person wearing these liners. However, it does take some time to adjust to something new in your mouth. The results of Invisalign Teen can be observed very soon after the start of the procedure. The results of this procedure will be more pronounced if the liners are worn regularly. The teenage patient will have to meet the dentist around once every six weeks to determine the success and the pace of the treatment.

The method of maintaining  Invisalign Teen is very simple. The aligners wash in lukewarm water and using Invisalign cleaning crystals or special cleaning tablets. Other than that it is suggested that the teeth are bushed often especially after every meal and before reinserting the aligners into the mouth. This will ensure proper oral hygiene. The treatment with Invisalign Teen is not very painful. Click here for Invisalign Testimonials.

Young patient may experience a little pain at the beginning of the new set of aligners. This is natural since the teeth will be experiencing a little pressure to adjust to the desired position. The price of the treatment is variable depending on the extent of the position of the teeth.  For simple and minor adjustment of the teeth, the procedure is of about $2,800. The average cost is between $3,900-$6,200. The young patients wear about 18 to 30 aligners during the course of the treatment. Invisalign Teen is a very effective and useful procedure for teenagers and is also helpful for those parents who are worried about their children’s misaligned teeth. Invisalign Teen ensure that teenagers can have a bright and beautiful smile. This treatment will help the teenagers lead a confident and outgoing life. This procedure is a guarantee of success for your teenagers.

Wilson Orthodontics – Your Hometown Orthodontist are the preferred provider of Invisalign and Invisalign Teen in Gainesville, Hoschton/Flowery Branch and Cleveland GA.

To schedule your FREE complimentary examination with Wilson Orthodontics call:

· Gainesville, GA 30501  · Tel: 678-971-2458

· Hoschton, GA 30548    · Tel: 678-866-1404

· Cleveland, GA 30528    · Tel:  706-865-0081

· Or Click Here NOW!

"I feel very fortunate to be in the wonderful field of orthodontics! I am able to change not only smiles, but also lives. I love meeting people and getting to know them as they go through their orthodontic treatment. I strive to make patients to feel comfortable at their appointments. It's great to know that we not only have patients, but new friends as well! Building a report with them is just an awesome feeling!

When we begin treatment with patients, they are sometimes embarrassed by their smiles. A patient could have spacing issues or just simply need rotations. Whatever the reason, I really try to build their confidence so that they feel better about themselves. That is very important to me, as it is something they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. The most rewarding thing to me is seeing a patient's end result... a beautiful smile which he or she absolutely loves and is so thankful for! This makes my job so rewarding! I'm so glad to be a part of their lives.

Here at Wilson Orthodontics, we give our patients more than straight teeth, we give them a smile and confidence that lasts a lifetime!"

~ Shannon Couch, Chairside Assistant

It’s almost that spooky time of year again and Drs. Ron Wilson and Svetlana Lekht, and our team thought we’d share some Halloween tips from our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists.

Trick-or-treating safety guidelines:

• Young children should always be accompanied by an adult
• Carry a flashlight
• Wear a light-colored or reflective costume
• Choose face paint over masks for young ghosts and goblins
• Have an adult inspect all treats before the children dig in

To protect your braces, steer clear of the following Halloween treats, or recipes with these ingredients:

• All hard candies
• All chewy candies
• Caramel
• Nuts
• Licorice
• Taffy
• Jelly beans
• Hard pretzels
• Bubblegum
• Popcorn (including unpopped kernels)
• Ice

Of course, Halloween does not have to be completely treat-less. Braces-friendly Halloween treats can help you enjoy the “spook-ta-cular” holiday. For example, plain chocolate candy is okay, provided you remember to brush and floss afterwards. Bobbing for apples as well as caramel apples are not recommended. However, you can enjoy thinly sliced apples, dipped in yogurt or creamy chocolate sauce.

Drs. Wilson and Lekht suggest looking for foods that are soft, such as soft chocolate that can melt in one’s mouth or peanut butter cups. Overall, candies that aren’t sticky, chewy, hard or crunchy are generally acceptable.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN from the entire team at Wilson Orthodontics!

Invisalign Clear Braces – See Real Results – Fast!

A beautiful smile is a major part of one’s personality and enhances self confidence. Beautiful, well balanced and straightened teeth guarantee a beautiful smile. Many people have some issues with their teeth shape and spacing and feel unhappy about this natural disorder. Many people feel bad about this and seek out an orthodontist for some treatment. The proper shape of teeth gives a boost to one’s confidence and today people are really concerned about their appearance. Aren’t you?

Braces are considered a revolutionary tool in the dentistry profession and people feel relieved when they come to know that their de-shaped or faulty teeth can now be fixed. This is not only for beauty and appearance purposes, many people face health problems because of issues with their teeth and gum alignment. They really NEED braces to avoid any further teeth problems.

Braces are wrapped around the teeth for a certain period of time and this keeps them in the desired position. Fixing the braces is done by the experienced professionals only and one should be careful while taking this treatment as having problematic teeth is still better than having none at all. It is not as costly as it can be for a person when the problem worsens leading to much more pain and higher cost of repair. This type of orthodontic treatment can be useful for people of all ages. Normally, adults seek this type of services and experience a radical change in their smile and appearance. However, this treatment is also valid for children who face some kind of teeth disorder and it can be fixed at a young age.

This orthodontic treatment works in an effective manner and is carried out with the help of metallic or ceramic bounds worn around the teeth. These can be permanent or temporary and there are many options now available in this treatment and all of them are here to facilitate the patient during his or her treatment. The duration of this treatment is dependent on the nature and severity of the problem. Dentists give a particular set of instructions along with the treatment and one need to be careful about these. There are different types of braces and this choice of which braces to wear is not yours. It is dependent on many factors and all of these finally determine the types of braces you will be wearing if you have some kind of dental disorder. It is largely dependent on the type of problem you are facing and the choice of your orthodontist specialist.

Metal braces are the most commonly used ones and are used by most orthodontists. But these metals braces are found to be problematic for many people and efforts have been made to find out alternate options with this regard. Ceramic and clear braces are the other types of braces that are in vogue these days. Clear braces are the most liked type of braces and they have many advantages. The most important benefit of clear braces is that they are transparent. People who undergo an orthodontic treatment have a bad feeling while wearing the ordinary metal or colored braces. These can looks odd whenever they open their mouth thus making them feel uncomfortable. This problem is eliminated by the use of clear braces as they are transparent and one cannot easily notice them.

Clear braces are different from the ordinary ones in every way. They are made up of metal plus plastic thus giving them a transparent look. One can wear them for longer times if required as it does not give a bad feeling to the person who wears them. Clear braces are especially liked by adults as they are more conscious about their appearance. Another benefit of these braces is that they can be taken off by the user at any point in time and they can them be put in again. This easy usage allows him to live in a more relaxed way and he or she does not have to visit the orthodontist again and again. This obviously saves money for him making it a really cool option for those who are planning to have such a treatment in near future.

Invisalign and Invisalign Teen

Invisalign and Invisalign Teen are the leading brand of braces that is more similar to clear braces and is categorized as one of its types. These braces include a group of mouth guards that are not supported by brackets. These are made up of ceramic and this makes them a bit more brittle when compared to the ordinary metal braces. An important factor that needs to be considered in this regard is the effectiveness of treatment. It is important that the selected braces give the desired results within time. Otherwise the purpose behind their use will not be served.

One should be very careful about the selection of the appropriate treatment for their teeth as these are the most important part of one’s personality. Getting orthodontist treatment should be well planned and carried out with great care so as to avoid any mishaps.  Clear braces are a good option or those who seek teeth alignment treatments. They can give good results if carried out by an experienced practitioner. Clear braces have a clear dominance over the traditional metallic braces and are favored by many people. Although the final choice of the type of braces suitable for you is dependent on many factors, you can still choose these clear braces for your teeth alignment treatment and enjoy the benefits of invisible and effective braces.

Clear braces are a good choice for those who are hesitant to go for an orthodontist treatment. There is nothing wrong with wearing braces but people sometimes make fun of those who wear them. This is particularly a common problem for kids and they feel shy about wearing braces. Clear braces for kids can solve this problem and they can go through an orthodontic treatment with full confidence.

Wilson Orthodontics is the Preferred Provider of Invisalign and Invisalign Teen in Gainesville GA.

To schedule your complimentary examination with Wilson Orthodontics call:

· Gainesville, GA 30501  · Hoschton, GA 30548  · Cleveland, GA 30528

· 678-971-2458                 · 678-866-1404             · 706-865-0081

Or Click Here NOW!

"October is National Orthodontic Health and Halloween Month, and we all know what is in abundance at Halloween....CANDY!! We always stress a good brushing and flossing routine all year round, but it is especially important during the fall season because of the availibility of Halloween candy. We want you to enjoy your candy while keeping your smiles clean and healthy! During your orthodontic treatment we caution you to stay away from very sticky, chewy, hard, and crunchy candy and food because they can loosen or break your orthodontic appliances, which can add to your treatment time.

Additionally, children should have their first orthodontic evaluation at the age of 7 in order to see if preventative treatment is needed. We want them to avoid larger orthodontic issues when they are older. If you are an adult, you should call and set up an orthodontic evaluation for yourself as soon as possible to address any problem you may have!"

~ Kelley Moore, Chairside Assistant

"We enjoy our patients very much and we strive to make your every visit to Wilson Orthodontics comfortable and informative. It is our team's priority for our patients to feel welcome from that very first moment in our office.

Beginning treatment is a big step for anyone, at any age, which is why we always make sure to address any questions that you might have about the cost, length and benefits of orthodontic treatment. Here at Wilson Orthodontics we have a very extensive initial exam and most, if not all, questions are answered before the patient or parents have a chance to ask. We also provide a lot information on our website! If you ever have a question that we have not answered, don't hesitate to let us know. We are here to serve you and all of your orthodontic needs."

~ Cheryl Poole, Front Desk Receptionist

Our team at Wilson Orthodontics found a great video that discusses the advantages of Invisalign. In the video, Kimberley Clayton Blaine, "The Go-To Mom," discusses the Invisalign treatment and her personal experience with Invisalign.

To determine if Invisalign is right for you, schedule a complimentary consultation with Drs. Ron Wilson and Svetlana Lekht. Have a great weekend!

All of us at Wilson Orthodontics would like to congratulate Bailey A.! She is the lucky winner of our iPad Giveaway-Getaway Contest. Bailey won a week-long family vacation to Panama City and and an iPad 2. We hope that she has a wonderful vacation!

Thanks so much to all of our patients who entered our iPad Giveaway-Getaway. Dr. Wilson, Dr. Lekht and our team were overwhelmed by the number of entries that our office received! If you haven't already, we encourage everyone to "like" us on Facebook to receive all of the latest information about upcoming contests, events and exciting office news.

"Our staff at Wilson Orthodontics is committed to continuing education. We like to keep up with the latest and most effective orthodontic procedures. Not only does it aid us, but it also helps us educate our patients about their treatment.

This year our staff has traveled to California, Georgia and Texas for continuing education. We have covered topics that include: treatment coordinating, improving records, scheduling, and much more!

I think continuing education is very beneficial. It helps our office keep up with all of the new procedures and technology that has become available. It also helps us educate our patients on their orthodontic treatment and reassure them at they are receiving the most up-to-date care."

~ Jessica Albritton, Records Coordinator

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

When I think about an unsung office hero, I think of someone who goes the distance to help everything run smooth; a knowledgeable team player. Jessica Albritton, to me, is Wilson Orthodontics' unsung hero! She is one of the go-to members of our team, and she is often called upon for assistance! Jessica knows how to do everything from taking x-rays and answering phone calls to managing patient games, contests & more. With everything on her to-do list and her magical way of being a part of the team, I'm constantly wondering, “How does she do it?”

Thanks for everything you do, Jessica Albritton!

~Jessie Ericson, Financial 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

From the moment you enter Wilson Orthodontics, Dr. Wilson and our orthodontic team strive to provide you with individual care in a pleasant, relaxing atmosphere. Our team will always explain the details of what you can expect during your appointments, so there are never any surprises. You will always have the opportunity to ask questions and have your concerns addressed. There are no silly questions! Please don't hesitate to let us know if there's ever anything that we can do to better serve you on a more personal level. It is our goal for patients to feel as comfortable as possible during their experience at Wilson Orthodontics.

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!

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

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.

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 give our patients and future patients a reason to smile all year round. We have monthly contests giving our patients as well as future patients that visit our Web page or Facebook page a chance to win awesome prizes. We currently have an opportunity to win an iPad in our December drawing and we're giving away 4, lower level, 40 yard line tickets to a Falcons game with parking pass, a football and jersey signed by Matt Ryan.

We also have a quarterly drawing for our Referring Doctors staff and have given away a One hour message, a huge grocery themed gift basket with a voice recording grocery list machine, a wonderful Spa themed gift basket, and coming up a great GPS system. In December we surprise our Referring Doctors and their Staff with awesome gifts, this year will be extra special. We have a monthly mailer with Discount coupons for future patients.

We also do events throughout the year and several Fall Festivals at area schools. Where we have a booth we set up with a ton of information, great little give aways and special discounts to all who come by during the event. We always have an awesome turn out.

All of these things we do have created a wonderful Buzz about our office. The positive feed back is non-stop. As we all know word of mouth is an Awesome tool and with every thing we do the words are "Go see Dr.Wilson and his staff you'll be a great hands their the Best!!"

~ Pam

To me Thanksgiving is a time of reflections and to count our many blessings. I am most thankful to God, family, friends, good health and my job. There is nothing sweeter than the smells of our Thanksgiving dinner, the sharing of our family and friends. Fall is such a wonderful time of year, the crisp air and the beautiful changes of color in our land. This brings renewal to the spirit of life. Here at Wilson Orthodontics we are particularly thankful for our wonderful and dedicated patients. You are a blessing to our office of employees. We wish you a Happy Thanksgiving, a safe and healthy holiday.

This year brings new additions to our family and office. Dr. and Mrs. Wilson welcome their brand new baby daughter, Lilly-Kate! She is absolutely beautiful and such a joyous blessing to our family. Secondly we have renovated our office with a new waiting room area, web cafe and charity spa along with many other surprises. The changes can be viewed on our website at www.WilsonBraces.com. It is Awesome! We are very proud of our new additions and invite you to visit with us.

Finally, but not least we welcome our newest employee, Debbie Brown! Debbie will be our new patient coordinator and will enjoy working in her new surroundings. We offer the latest technology in our new patient rooms. Dr. Wilson and Debbie will enjoy meeting you and making your new patient visit pleasant and informative.

Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving,

Linda Boss and the entire Wilson Orthodontics team

This Halloween, Dr. Wilson and team will be fighting back against tooth decay…all for a great cause. We will buy your Halloween candy back from you in exchange for our tooth tokens which can be cashed in for prizes.  All your donated candy will be sent, as part of Operation Gratitude, to our troops in harm’s way to put a smile on their faces!

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 the group estimates that Halloween candy sales this year will top $2.26 billion. Candy consumption can lead to tooth decay, broken or chipped teeth, broken or loose appliances/braces, weight gain, etc. Help us help our patients and kids to reduce the amount of candy consumption this Halloween. Candy is not all bad in moderation, but can lead to big problems in excess!

Wilson Orthodontics will host a Candy Buy Back Program for all children in the Gainesville/Hoschton and surrounding areas.

Monday, November 1st  from 2-6 p.m at our Gainesville Office

Tuesday, November 2nd from 2-6 p.m. at our Hoschton/Braselton Office.

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!

The summer has come and gone so fast!  We had a great past few months, especially with the different contests that were going on. First, we had our Shrek contest, which had patients answer a few questions, to be entered to win a $50.00 Movie giftcard. We also had our "Where in the World are our Patients" Photo Contest. Patients submitted their entries on our contest page, and the patient with the most votes won a brand new Apple iPad. We also offered prizes for other categories, including Most Creative, Most Adventurous and Furthest Distance. We had a lot of entries and we would like to thank everyone for taking out the time to do this. We love to see the creativity from our patients and their families!

From Jessica Albritton, Records Coordinator at Wilson Orthodontics

Fall is nearly here, and with it, the school year! Previously, we had mentioned some of the benefits of getting started with your orthodontic treatment early, and adjust to your braces before the busy, hectic schedule of the school year begins. On the other hand, besides missing a little school, there aren't any inconveniences to getting braces during the school year. The initial appointment to place your braces usually occurs during school hours, but 90% of the time the appointments after are much shorter and can be scheduled after school if needed. We do our best to be as flexible and accommodating with your schedule as possible.  Really anytime is a great time to get braces, whether its spring, summer, fall or winter!  The Wilson Orthodontics team is always ready to help you create a beautiful smile!

From Lisa Bellew, Chairside Assistant at Wilson Orthodontics

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 specialized in 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.

Summer vacation is nearly over for our teachers and school age patients. If you have not been to see us since the end of June, then you are in for a “big surprise”!

We have started on the second phase of remodeling our Gainesville office. The temporary wall of our waiting area has been a big hit with all of our patients. It has been turned into a huge chalkboard and everyone has been able to write their name on it. This is the one time we have encouraged everyone to “write on the wall”!

We are also excited to tell everyone what is in store for them once it has been completed. Besides the new media café, fireplace, water wall and day spa, our UGA Room will still be here too! So stop on by and see whats new from your friends at Wilson Orthodontics!

People ask us all the time what foods are good or bad for their teeth, what will cause them to go crooked or discolor them?  We thought it would be smart to answer some of these frequently asked questions of orthodontics on this week's blog.

Foods
Biting or chewing on hard things like ice, hard candies or mints can actually crack a tooth. This can cause considerable pain and cause you the expense of root canals and crowns to repair the broken tooth.  We also advise patients to be careful with soft drinks.  Drinks like "cola" are very acidic and if not neutralized can damage your teeth.  Most patients are good brushers and don't live on a diet of soda and sugary foods.  The best thing to do is drink your soda with a meal then brush or rinse well with water after you are done.

People with braces on want to know why they shouldn't chew gum, even sugar free.  The reason is that the stickiness and chewiness can cause the brackets or bands to come loose.   This in turn will cause the patient to be in treatment longer than expected.   Having loose and broken things will cause us to slow down or even drop back and not be able to go on to the next step. That's the reason we don't want you to eat things like caramels and other sticky things.  We want you to finish your treatment in the shortest time possible.

Fingernail Biting
If you have a habit of biting you fingernails,  and have been doing it for very long periods of time, this can cause the roots of your teeth to become shorter.  This could potentially be a problem  later in life since the longer the roots, the more stability the tooth has in the jaw bone.

Oral Hygiene Habits

We are also asked what kind of toothbrush is best to use, a soft one or a medium one.  A soft toothbrush is the best to use because it causes less friction on the gums and teeth reducing the chance for gum recession and erosion  of the enamel of your teeth.  People who have had enamel erosion generally will have a problem with sensitivity.

Wisdom Teeth
If your wisdom teeth have come in straight, there is not really a need for them to be removed.  If they are functional, there should be no problem to keep them as long as you can keep them clean.  If they are impacted and are not going to come in, it is usually recommend that they be removed.  Typically they will not have any impact on orthodontic treatment.

We are always happy to inform and educate our patients with any questions they may have, feel free to give us a call!

Word of mouth can have a big impact on any product or business. At Wilson Orthodontics we take this very seriously and appreciate any and all feedback from our patients. We have an entire page of our web site devoted to testimonials, check it out! There, you can also see a variety of video testimonials . Do you want to share your experience with Dr. Wilson & the team? Fill out a satisfaction survey, or write a review on Google!

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

Using floss is essential in preventing gum disease and in daily maintaining oral health at large. Using a toothbrush to clean teeth is a wonderful first step in caring for your mouth, but toothbrush bristles cannot reach in between the tight spaces of teeth to effectively remove trapped food and bacteria film. Oral bacteria, left untouched will harden into tartar, a substance that can only be removed by dental professionals.

As these severe (and largely preventable) conditions take place, the early stage of gum disease know as gingivitis can manifest itself in the form of swollen bleeding gum tissue. The decay-causing plaque will not only continue to attach the tooth enamel, but it can also continue to irritate the gums causing them to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets filled with more bacteria and destroying the bone around the teeth altogether. Now there's a lovely image! And to think, effective flossing could have removed that plaque in the beginning.

I recommend Oral-B Floss threaders or Crest Glide. You can use the floss threaders to help you guide your floss, which makes things easier, especially when you are in orthodontic treatment. Using a Water Pic or a Bryton Pic can also be very helpful. While flossing may be a nuisance, Try to at least floss once a day. It's better than the alternative: losing your teeth!

--Michele Bellew, Chairside Assistant at Wilson Orthodontics
　

With warm weather and longer days, many of our patients will be involved in summertime sports and activities. Knowing how to keep your teeth safe if very important while participating in these things.

If you should get hit in the mouth and a tooth gets knocked out, the first thing you want to do is either put it back in place, put in under your tongue, or put it in a glass of milk. Call your dentist or go to the emergency room.

Protecting your teeth with a mouth guard is highly recommended while playing any sports. Should I wear one if I have braces or any type of appliance on? Absolutely! Not only will it help protect your appliance, but the inside of your mouth as well.

Be sure to drink plenty of water so you will stay hydrated, and try to stay away from sports drinks due to the sugar content.

Have fun and play safe!

-Margie Boyd, Receptionist at Wilson Orthodontics

We have so much in the way of fun for our patients as well as some extras for parents. In the very near future we are going to began the second phase of remodeling our Gainesville office. We are adding a internet cafe, larger game room, and also a day spa for Mom's to have a manicure or pedicure while the child is here for their appointment or they are also welcome to use the service at anytime...all the proceeds will go directly to a charity or school of their choice!

We still have the token awards program which encourages the patient to keep their teeth clean and appliances intact. We have a contest of some sort going on at all times. At this time we have a summer photo contest "Where in the world are our patients?" in order to win the GRAND PRIZE!! which is a iPAD!! you upload your best summer vacation smile photo to contest.wilsonbraces.com and have all your friends and family vote for you! We have just completed our video contest and gave away Flip Mino video camera. We enjoy giving and making SMILES!

--From Cheryl Poole, Front Desk Receptionist at Wilson Orthodontics

Dr. Wilson and his staff are big advocates of going green. We recycle, reduce and reuse everything we can. Check out what Linda, our Financial Coordinator, had to say about the sustainable and green practices here at Wilson Orthodontics:

Dr. Wilson started his practice January 2006 and by January 2007 we were on our way to being a paperless office. We scanned all charts and continue to scan and shred all paperwork. As the financial coordinator for Dr. Wilson I file our insurance electronically which saves quite a bit of paper and time. As I mentioned before after scanning we shred all material and information. We abide by HIPPA regulations and confidentiality is of up most importance.

We practice recycling as well by using all non-patient and non-confidential papers for scratch paper. It really is amazing how much paper is used in a single work day for any office!

Did someone ask if we offer digital x-rays? Yes, in fact we do. They are much clearer and can be emailed to your general dentist or oral surgeon's office within minutes. By using digital x-ray there is no paper or chemicals used for developing.

Thanks to Dr. Wilson our office is more environmentally friendly and Yes, Going Green!

-Linda Boss, Financial Coordinator

Summer is finally here! So, pack your bags & your CAMERA for your vacation destination. While you are there, be sure to take a picture in your vacation spot (with a big smile of course!) and then upload it on our site (contest.wilsonbraces.com) for a chance to win some cool prizes! Dr. Wilson and our Ortho Team encourage everyone to HAVE FUN this summer and upload your favorite picture!

Here's how it works:

1. Upload your best summer smile photo - be creative! The location must be added to the title to qualify for the furthest location prize
2. Get everyone you know to vote for you!
3. The most votes wins the Grand Prize! All others will be picked by a panel of judges.

Take Your Best Picture to Win One of These Great Prizes!

Most Votes: Apple iPad 16gb

Most Creative: Sony Dash

Most Adventurous: Digital Photo Frame

Furthest Location: Digital Photo Viewer

Visit contest.wilsonbraces.com for more information, and GOOD LUCK!

Congratulations to the winners for the Wilson Orthodontics' Video Contest, and thank you to everyone for their participation:
1st place (Flip Mino HD): If You Choose Wilson Orthodontics You Won't Be Sorry by Claire Stephens

2nd place ($100 Best Buy Gift Certificate): How to Take Care of Your Braces by Morgan Helton

3rd place (...$50 Best Buy Gift Certificate): Dr. Wilson is the Bomb Diggedy, Yo! by Maggie Reeves and kids

While the video contest is over, we are excited to announce our next contest, the "Where in the World Are Our Patients?" Photo Contest. We are asking patients to submit their best summer photo for a chance to win one of four amazing prizes, including the grand prize: a 16gb Apple iPad! You can enter on our contest page, and stay tuned for more details and announcements on our Facebook page as well!

Shannon Hicks, Chairside Assistant at Wilson Orthodontics wanted to share her personal experience with braces as a child, check them out below!

I remember when I was told I needed braces, I was 11 years old. I was so excited because many of my friends had them. I only had to wear them for 1 year. I did not mind them at all . I did not have any trouble with them and was not too sore either. The orthodontic assistants were very informative and explained everything to me before they started. This made me very comfortable and eager to go to my appointments.

My advice to anyone who is contemplating starting their treatment in braces is simply GO FOR IT . YOU WILL BE SO GLAD YOU DID ! There is no need to feel uneasy and nervous. It's really not bad. To go through treatment and see the changes are absolutely amazing! It happens so fast and believe me, the end result is awesome!!! You will be smiling forever! I promise!

Tell us about your experience with braces, and how they have changed your life...leave a comment on our blog or our Facebook page!

Our office is currently holding a couple of great contests for all our patients, and Jessica, Records Coordinator here at Wilson Orthodontics, wanted to share the details with you:

Our first contest is " Wilson Orthodontics' Create-A-Video Contest". Create a 30 seconds - 2 minutes long video on caring for your braces, favorite thing about visiting Wilson Orthodontics and their favorite friendly food. The patient with the most votes and most creative will a Flip Mino HD video camera. most informative- $ 50.00 Gift card. Best mention Damon system- $ 100.00 Gift card. There are only two days left to enter this contest, so be sure to check out the details and enter soon!

Our other contest is " Wilson Orthodontics American Idol". We give out a questionnaire with some American Idol questions. If the patient answers all questions correctly they are entered into a drawing where they can win a iPod shuffle & $25.00 gift card to iTunes.

For more information about these exciting contests and other news in the office, visit our Facebook page, or stop by the office!

In our office, not only do we want to create a great smile for our patients, but we also want to give a great chair-side manner as well. We want patients to feel like they personally matter.

As professionals, we expect certain things out of our patients such as maintaining good oral hygiene throughout treatment as well as compliance. These things are essential for a spectacular end result. There are certain qualities that make for a great patient, and they include being excited about treatment, getting regular cleanings with their general Dentist, having good hygiene at each visit and being compliant with elastic wear if needed to complete treatment. Also, taking care of their braces and only eating braces friendly food makes for a great orthodontic experience.

Patients can improve the way they approach treatment by having a good attitude about starting their journey in braces and continuing the excitement during treatment. If we can educate patients in orthodontics and why we are treating them, they will have more of an understanding and will hopefully be just a excited about it as we are.

As for doctor-patient relationships, I think they can improve by making sure they have an understanding about their treatment. When we approach the patients, we greet them by calling them by their first name and simply talking to them just a few minutes during their appointment by asking them what their hobbies and interests are. When we are on a personal level, the patient feels very comfortable and they leave by feeling they were truly treated at a full 100% and had a great experience.

--Shannon Hicks, Chairside Assistant at Wilson Orthodontics

We have been receiving some great video contest entries, and we wanted to remind everyone that the contest ends in one week, so there is not much time left to enter! We are offering some very cool prizes, including a Flip Mino HD camera, and gift cards to Best Buy! Check out the latest entries below, and then head to our Contest page to learn how to make your own video entry! Good luck!

At Wilson Orthodontics, we see patients of all ages for their orthodontic care. For either adults, teens or children, the Gainesville and Hoschton communities trust Wilson Orthodontics as their "Hometown Orthodontist"! Check out this video where a few of our teenage patients explain why they enjoy visiting Dr. Wilson and his team. We strive to offer a fun, relaxing environment for our patients and their families, call us today to schedule your free consultation, and see for yourself!

Are braces for me? Why are so many adults getting braces today? The American Association of Orthodontists states that about 20% of the people in braces today are adults. We've made this video to showcase exactly why our adult patients love getting braces!

Orthodontic treatment with Dr. Wilson can be successful at any age, and 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 consultation. Please give us a call to set one up!

Hear what our patients are saying about us! We love our patients and we do everything we can to make sure they have a good experience as well as a GREAT smile. Just listen to Rhonda and Dani Lacko as they describe their orthodontic experience with Dr. Wilson and the team!

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:

See how braces are removed! Watch Brittani Hill as she gets her braces removed. What an exciting day for Brittani and when she left our office...she couldn't stop smiling. She has an AMAZING smile!

--Wilson Orthodontics

Now that we are into the month of March, all three of the clues to our Video Contest have been revealed on our Facebook Fan Page. If you haven't yet checked them out, head to our fan page now to get all the details. The contest ends on April 30th, and there are some fabulous prizes to win, so get started soon!

-Wilson Orthodontics

TADs (Temporary Anchorage Devices) are now being used in orthodontics to help us close space where teeth are missing. This is just another HUGH advancement in orthodontics that we here at Wilson Orthodontics are glad to bring to our community. Check out our video and listen to Margaret as she describes her experience...

Dr. Wilson is returning home from the Damon Forum from this past weekend. This is an annual conference where all the Damon bracket users get together and talk about the latest advancements in orthodontics. This year, Dwight Damon (the inventor of the Damon Bracket System), has released the NEW Damon Clear Bracket. Head to our Facebook Fan Page to check out the photos (Damon Clear Photo Album) of patients with these new brackets, and see if you can tell if they are wearing braces!

Finally, we have the same high level of quality orthodontic treatment in a bracket that you can't even see. This is truly one of the biggest advancements in orthodontic technology that has really started to take our practice over. We have just received this technology in our office and we have already given 8 of our patients the "Damon Clear" smile!...and we have dozens of more signed up. Call us today to find out how you can receive the smile you have always wanted....NOW WITHOUT ANYONE EVER KNOWING!!!

-Dr. Wilson and Ortho Team

The Damon System! See why we use the Damon System in our practice and why it provides "More than straight teeth". Here at Wilson Orthodontics, we are always on the cutting edge of technology and we try to bring the best orthodontic treatment options available to our patients. There is no doubt that the Damon System has set the bar for not only self-ligating brackets, but for orthodontic treatment in general. Ask for it by name!...and check out the new Damon Clear brackets that we are now providing out patients as an option. Now you can have the benefits of the Damon System in a completely clear bracket! Call us today at 770-536-0882 or visit us at www.WilsonBraces.com to find out which options are best for you....we look forward to seeing you soon! Dr. Wilson and Ortho Team!

With the Winter Olympics in full force, you see so many teams competing for medals. Each team member is very supportive and ready to celebrate each other accomplishment’s whether it is the bronze, silver or gold medal. The Wilson Orthodontic Team supports each other and we celebrate with our patients when they reach the finish line with their treatment.

Adding a new player to a team is always an adjustment, not just for the new player but for the whole team. The Wilson Orthodontic Team has not made me feel that way. Right from the start, I have been treated like an equal player. Everyone has been very supportive and willing to help me learn the things that goes with the practice.

When you spend as much time as you do with your co-workers, you get to know them and they feel like family. I am glad to say that I have found that with the Wilson Orthodontic Team.

Just a reminder for everyone that our video contest has begun. head to our Facebook fan page to get all the details, and watch for the clues we have been announcing each week. We will be announcing a clue next week and the following week, so become a fan and keep checking back!

Have a great weekend everyone!

-Wilson Orthodontics

Missing teeth? Now we have "TADs (Temporary Anchorage Device) for laterals". Don't want to wear a flipper? Check out a new procedure we are doing at Wilson Orthodontics for our patients who aren't quite ready for implants yet. This also helps maintain the bone width until the patient is done growing and ready for the final implant restoration. Just another advancement in technology that we are glad to bring to the Hall County and surrounding areas.

2010 is here, and we have been hard at work planning an exciting new contest for all our patients! If you want to know how to win, head over to our Facebook Fan Page where we have posted all the details. Becoming a fan means you automatically be notified with news and updates for this contest and future events too!

www.facebook.com/WilsonOrthodontics

Brushing your teeth and flossing daily are important to keep your teeth healthy during orthodontic care, so we asked a few of our patients how they keep their braces clean.

Abby S.

I brush morning and night with Crest Pro-Health and a electric toothbrush. I use toothpicks when something is caught in my braces. It isn't hard keeping my braces clean, especially not as hard as everyone said it was going to be.

Keri M.

Having braces is more complex than it sounds but you need to keep them clean. Even though I've had braces a while it's not as bad as it sounds. I've kept them clean and they will straighten my smile.

Courtney N.

Brushing with braces is pretty easy. I just always take special time to focus on the brackets. Also another thing is that my dentist told me to do is brush my gums along with my teeth. Flossing sometimes proves tricky but you get the hang of it.

Kayla W.

I brush and floss my teeth 3 times a day. It is very important to keep my teeth clean because I don't want to have spots on my teeth when I get them off and the assistants are very good at telling me everytime to wear my rubber bands and to keep my teeth clean because I want to have a picture perfect smile! "It's real easy!"

-The Wilson Orthodontics Team

Have you ever seen laser tissue removal in orthodontics? Now you can! Check out the latest advancement in orthodontic technology that allows us to treat our patients faster and more efficiently than ever before.

Watch as Dr. Wilson removes the gingival tissue off of two lateral incisors so he can add brackets to these teeth to speed up treatment. In the past, orthodontists would sometimes wait 6 months - 1 year for these teeth to fully erupt before placing brackets....Now we can drastically speed up treatment with the pain-free laser tissue removal! You can learn more about this process by giving us a call at 678-971-2461 today!

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

One tooth at a time. When you brush, take time with each individual tooth – at least 10 seconds each – and pay careful attention to the spots where your teeth touch your braces.
It’s all about the angles. Brush the tops of your teeth and braces with your brush angled down toward where they meet. Brush the bottoms of your teeth and braces with your brush angled up.
The tooth, the whole tooth, nothing but the tooth. While the front surface of your teeth may seem like the most logical to clean, it’s equally important to clean the inner surface of your teeth (tongue side) as well as the chewing surface. And be sure to clean along your gum line – a key spot for plaque buildup.
Step 1: eat, step 2: clean. While you’re in treatment, it’s important to brush after every meal. Bits of food can easily get caught between braces and teeth, and these food bits interact with bacteria in your mouth to cause decay. The longer food is in contact with your teeth, the greater opportunity for plaque to form. If you are eating somewhere that you can’t brush, thoroughly rinse your mouth with water.
Like a Boy Scout, always be prepared. The easiest way to be sure you can brush after every meal is to get in the habit of taking a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss with you wherever you go. Designate a special container just for your teeth-cleaning tools and keep it in your purse, backpack, or laptop case.
Remove the moving parts. If you have elastic bands or headgear, remove these parts before you brush or floss.
Fluoride is your friend. Fluoride helps prevent cavities. Be sure to brush with fluoride toothpaste, and rinse with fluoride mouthwash.
Pointy brushes reach tiny places. Interproximal brushes (sometimes called proxa brushes or interdental brushes) are cone-shaped and come in very handy for reaching spots around your braces that standard brushes can’t.
Find the floss for you. Regular floss works for some patients, but others find it easier to work with a floss threader, which helps you get the floss into tight places. Other patients like an all-in-one product called Superfloss, which comes with a stiff end for easy threading, a spongy section for cleaning wide spaces, and regular floss for narrow spaces.
Make time for the pros. It’s your job to take care of the everyday cleaning. But make sure to visit your dentist regularly while in treatment, to get the deep, thorough cleaning that only a professional can provide.

Hope this helps!

-Dr. Wilson

Check out Sarah Hoover as she gets her braces put on! A lot of people wonder how the process really works, so we made this video to show you how easy and painless it is for the patient. Our Damon Braces are quick and easy to apply to the teeth and they are one of the most advanced orthodontic technologies available! Now we even offer the more discrete Damon Clear brackets!

The Damon System provides the patient the best orthodontic treatment available with less discomfort, fewer appointments, and shorter overall treatment time! Check out more information about the Damon System on our web site, and schedule your free consultation with Dr. Wilson to discuss this amazing new system!

Dust off those video cameras, and keep a close eye on our Facebook Fan page in the coming weeks, as we are planning another exciting new contest! We will be providing more information soon, but for now, head over to our fan page, become a fan, and post your best guess of what our new contest will be!

If you become a fan of our page on Facebook, you can easily check for updates on this contest and future events, and will get updates automatically! If you don't already have Facebook, create a profile today! its easy, and it is one of the best ways to connect with Dr. Wilson and team online!

All of us at Wilson Orthodontics want to wish you a safe and happy new year!

The holiday season is upon us, and as our team reflects on the year that was, we’d like to ask you, our wonderful patients: What’s your favorite part about
the holidays? Being with your loved ones? A clean slate for the new year? Opening presents? All the delicious food?

We’d love if you shared with us all the things you love about the holidays, and don’t forget to stay away from too many of those sweets!

--Dr. Wilson and the ortho team

Our office loves this time of year for so many reasons. We are all reminded of the importance of friends and family both personal and professional. We love to make someone smile just because of something we said, did, or gave. Here are just a few of the things we do this time of year that have come to mean so much to us at Wilson Orthodontics. We host a yearly Christmas party and invite all dental offices in the area along with other local businesses. This is a great way to see each other face to face. During the party we have giveaways along with good food and great conversation.

Before the holiday seasons started we sent to patients a “Wilson Stimulus Check” , offering a $350.00 discount toward the treatment fee. We sent them out to patients that had come in our office before and were waiting for one reason or another to start treatment. This gave them a great opportunity to get started now, and we had a GREAT response to them.

Several of the Gainesville/Hoschton area’s largest subdivisions hosted “Health Fairs” in their club houses. Practices in the area had booths set up with information about their offices and some goodies to give away too. We had a bright, inviting booth with balloons, and offered a free first time visit with x-rays to attendees. We also gave away free Wilson Orthodontic goodies, including cozies, cups, mouse pads and t-shirts. This was a great way to get to know the businesses in the area and do some great networking.

Our practice is known for being very generous, especially during this time of year. We feel that bringing a smile to someone’s face before we even start orthodontic treatment on is a fantastic start to a great experience here at Wilson Orthodontics.

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!

The whole team at Wilson Orthodontics wanted to wish our orthodontist, Dr. Ron Wilson, a very happy birthday today, and to thank everyone for the birthday wishes on Facebook too!

Have a great weekend!

We are excited to announce that new Damon Clear brackets and Invisalign Teen are now available at Wilson Orthodontics! Have you ever wanted to improve your smile, but don't want everyone to know you are in braces? Now you can, with Damon Clear and Invisalign Teen!

Call our office today at 678-971-2461 to learn more!

That’s right, It’s that time of year for lots of home cooked food, family and friends! It seems we wait all year long to stuff ourselves on Thanksgiving Day. As we feast, there are foods that aren’t what we call “braces-friendly”. Some of those particular foods are: corn on the cob, fresh fruits and veggies such as, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower and apples. These can be eaten mind you, if the corn is cut off the cob, and apples and veggies are cooked so they become soft. Let’s not forget the yummy desserts, brownies , cookies and pies which contain nuts or caramel should be avoided.

This still leaves a lot of foods that are “braces-friendly”, so feel free to load up! Such foods are: turkey and dressing of course, (as long as it is pulled off the bone), all the “fixins” to go along with this like, green beans , creamed corn, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes , deviled eggs, cranberry sauce, lima or butter beans and potato salad. Casseroles are always good, such as, broccoli, squash and green bean. Homemade biscuits or rolls are great too. After the main course, if you have room in your tummy to tame your sweet tooth, fill your plate with some of my favorites like, fudge brownies, homemade chocolate chip cookies, peanut butter cookies, pumpkin pie, sweet potato pie, and cakes too.

Try not to stuff yourselves too much and “Happy Thanksgiving” from all of us at Wilson Orthodontics!

-Shannon Hicks, Chairside Assistant

Some financial relief just in time for that Christmas Shopping! Dr. Wilson and his Ortho Team have decided to give away a $500 Target gift card on December 22, 2009 to one lucky winner for this holiday season....So how do you win???

CLICK HERE to find out....Have Fun!!!

Congratulations to our "Name That Tune" contest winner, Ashley Goddard. She was the proud winner of a Karaoke Machine with iPod dock and monitor. She was able to match the name of our 6 songs to the artist or group that sings them.

We had a fun time "rockin" with our patients the past few months and now it's time for our "Famous Holiday Movie Contest”. The winner of this contest will receive a Sony 7” 16:9 Widescreen portable DVD player! As always, see our bulletin board in our office for the latest contest and rules to play and remember.....HAVE FUN!

-Dr. Wilson and Ortho Team!

Halloween may be long gone, but we wanted to share a few fun photos with you from our Halloween celebrations! Check out all the fun costumes that the Wilson Orthodontics team by heading over to the Wilson Orthodontics Facebook Fan Page.

How was your Halloween? What was your costume? Share a photo or a story by becoming a "fan" and leaving a comment!

We recently had a new video made about Wilson Orthodontics, and we wanted to share it with you all! Press the "Play" button to watch the video above, post your comments or share it with a friend!

Have a great weekend,

--Wilson Orthodontics

Come see The Jesters this Friday night at Chattahoochee Country Club...all for a great cause. Glory, Hope & Life is the charity and all the proceeds from this event will be used to improve the lives of individuals in our community who have been touched by cancer. This will be a great time all for a good cause. A limited number of sponsorships are available, so act quickly.

You can download and print the sign-up form here

Thanks and we hope to see you there!

--Dr. Ron Wilson

October at Wilson Orthodontics is especially fun! Our staff are all about dressing up and competing to be the first place winner for the Halloween season. Every one of our staff members will be dressing up for one day in each office right before Halloween and our patients will get to vote on who has the best costume and who they like the most! The winner will receive a great gift!

We are having a contest or two and a wonderful donation program for our patients to interact with us on. One of our contests is guessing how many Candy Corn are in our Pumpkin shaped jar. The prize for this fun contest is a spin of our “Wheel-of-Fun.” Patients love the wheel along with its cool prizes!

Finally this Halloween we are having a Candy Buy Back program, where patients can bring in their hard, crunchy, chewy, and gooey candies back, and we will give them 2 tokens per pound! We will be donating the candy to our soldiers and to a local homeless shelter. We want this month to be full of fun, and to give our patients plenty of incentives to take extra good care of their teeth!

Have a spooky and safe Halloween,

-The Wilson Orthodontics Team

Yes, it is, and that’s part of what makes it work. To find out if you are the right candidate for Invisalign treatment, the first thing we do is to take an impression of your teeth as they are now and digitize it. Using special software, we look at the current positioning of your teeth and compare it to the way your teeth should look.

Next we use special software to map out the exact path your teeth will take from the beginning of your treatment to the end. Based on the results, a set of custom aligners are created just for your teeth. Throughout the course of treatment, you will be required to wear these clear, removable aligners one at a time; each one moving your teeth closer and closer to their final, perfectly aligned position. And since the aligners are virtually invisible, nobody around you will even know you are wearing braces!

Dr. Wilson is a certified Invisalign provider. If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment, give us a call at 678-971-2461.

My daughter and I moved to North Hall a year ago, and we really love the area. Amber is in the 4th grade at Mount Vernon Elementary School, we have both have been pleased with the teachers and have made many new friends. Recently, we were involved in the ribbon cutting ceremony for the playground restoration and memorial garden at Mount Vernon Elementary in which trees were planted, a bench and plaque were placed on the grounds. The “peace garden” was especially significant to us because, it was dedicated to my step sister, Jessi Hawkins who passed away in September of 2000. Jessi’s senior year at North Hall High School, she was a YMCA counselor for the after school program at Mount Vernon Elementary. She loved children and loved helping them. She was always happy and made everyone smile. We love and miss her dearly.

One of the things my daughter and I love to do is shop! With only a 15 minute drive, we have all kinds of shopping access. I would have to say that Old Navy, Marshall’s, Kohl’s, Belk, and Wal-Mart are our favorite stores. Needless to say, we take care of all our shopping needs right here in Gainesville. After a long day of shopping we then like to go to our favorite place to eat, which is Longstreet Cafe. We love the variety , the food is delicious, and the people are wonderful! (Not to mention it is very reasonable). As for entertainment, we enjoyed visiting the new Francis Meadows Aquatic Center this summer. We had fun going down the water slides, and relaxing in the lazy river. The big indoor pool was great too! We also enjoy cooking out with friends and family and playing volleyball in our own pool.

Now that fall is here we like going to the fall festival at Mount Vernon Elementary and other small town festivals. There is so much for the kids to do. Its fun for the whole family. It is also football season and since we are HUGE Georgia Bulldog fans, we love watching the games and cheering them on to victory. (We sure try anyway) And with that being said…GO DAWGS!!!!!

This Halloween, Dr. Wilson and his ortho team will be fighting back against tooth decay…all for a great cause. We will buy your Halloween candy back from you in exchange for our tooth tokens which can be cashed in for prizes. Half of all the candy will be sent to our troops in harm’s way to put a smile on their faces! The other half will be go to our local Good News at Noon’s homeless shelter. This is part of Operation Gratitude, be sure to check out their website: http://www.opgratitude.com/!

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 the group estimates that Halloween candy sales this year will top $2.26 billion. Candy consumption can lead to tooth decay, broken or chipped teeth, broken or loose appliances/braces, weight gain, etc. Help us help our patients and kids to reduce the amount of candy consumption this Halloween. Candy is not all bad in moderation, but can lead to big problems in excess!

Wilson Orthodontics will host a Candy Buy Back Program for all children in the Gainesville/Hoschton and surrounding areas: Tuesday, November 3rd from 2-6 p.m at our Gainesville Office & Monday, November 2nd from 2-6 p.m. at our Hoschton/Braselton Office. 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 (ex. Blockbuster, iTunes, Starbucks, plus much more!!)

Half of 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! The other half will go to our local Good News at Noon’s Homeless Shelter.

We thank you ahead of time for helping us make a difference both globally and locally. For more information on our Candy Buy Back program and information about our office…visit us at www.WilsonBraces.com.

This week, Kelly explains a memorable patient at Wilson Orthodontics:

In this field of work you really build a personal relationship with most of your patients because you see them on a regular basis and over a period of a few years. I always will remember this one teenage girl that was a patient in the office, she always had the best time when she came to her appointments and we always look forward to seeing her too.

When it was time to remove her braces she was happy but she cried and just begged me to put them back on, I asked her "why in the world would you want me to do that, you have been waiting for this day for a long time!" She cried and said she wanted them back on because she still wanted to see us! This will always stick with me because we made such a positive impact on her life.

-- Kelly Moore, Chairside Assistant at Wilson Orthodontics

During a trip to your dental office your dentist may suggest an orthodontic evaluation for you or your children. You make a call and schedule a complimentary New Patient appointment with Dr. Wilson.

After your evaluation it is time to discuss your finances and your dental insurance benefits. In our office we make sure to verify and know all details of your insurance coverage. You may ask if we are in your dental insurance network? In my 25 years of experience I have found that in orthodontia it is not necessary to use a provider in network. Unlike medical or dental it will pay your benefits whether the provider is in out of network.

Remember if you have any questions regarding your insurance please feel free to give us a call. We will be more than happy to help and will try to answer all your questions. Call our Gainesville office at (678)971-2461 today!

--Linda Boss, Financial Coordinator at Wilson Orthodontics

Congratulations to Donovan Hunter, the winner of our summer picture contest! The most unique picture won 4 tickets to the Braves vs. Phillies baseball game and a parking pass. Donovan turned in a picture of him laying inside of an alligators mouth (not real, of course). We would like to thank all those who participated and the winner of our next contest will receive a signed Matt Ryan/DJ Shockley football! Stay tuned for details!

--Dr. Wilson

Dr. Wilson's office encourages our patients to develop a daily oral care routine by rewarding our patients with tooth tokens. When our patients have good oral hygiene they receive one token. When they have reached ten tokens We have a large wheel on the wall, the patients get to spin the wheel, and can win prizes ranging from gift cards to Target, Starbucks, Blockbuster, or even a chance to win a Nintendo Wii!

Every time a patient goes to their general dentist for a cleaning, We reward them with five tokens. We also explain it is very important that they have at least three cleanings a year while they have their braces on.

To encourage good oral hygiene, Wilson Orthodontics offers a few tips. We tell patients that they must brush under, above, and behind all surfaces of every tooth and bracket while remembering to brush the inside and the outside of both top & bottom gums. Patients are also advised to rinse their mouths very thoroughly after they have finished brushing. They should be sure to check after rinsing, and if their teeth & brackets are not clean & shining....Brush again! We explain that poor brushing can cause permanent damage to teeth, and that proper brushing is vital to oral health.

Orthodontic Consultations is the description that fits Dr. Ron Wilson's office the best. Our office is always trying to provide the best orthodontic care to Hall County and encouraging people from all around to come and see us for our advanced Damon System.

Our offices is not only one of the most advanced offices, but, to the kids its one of the coolest offices! We have one of the fastest braces systems which is the Damon System. Patients that come and visit our office and see our slide show, instantly see the dramatic changes people have experienced with this product. With the serious aspects of our office also come the fun side. The kids and parents not only feel welcomed as soon as they come through the door, but they always feel comfortable and at home in our relaxed waiting area, which is another very strong point in choosing Wilson Orthodontics as your hometown orthodontist.

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

If you've ever visited us at Wilson Orthodontics, you already know that Dr. Wilson and the rest of the team love connecting with their patients. We love the ability to communicate with all of you online too! Besides our web site and our blog, Wilson Orthodontics is on many other networks too!

* Share a video with us, or watch one of ours on YouTube

* Follow our "tweets" on Twitter

* Become a "fan" of Wilson Orthodontics on Facebook

* View and comment on our photos on MySpace

See you around the web!

--Wilson Orthodontics

Its summer here at Wilson Orthodontics, a season full of vacations, adventures and great memories. Whether you are headed to a barbeque, a camping trip, or just having fun in the sun, we want to hear about it! Leave a comment on our blog and tell us about your summer!

Happy Travels,

-From Wilson Orthodontics

In today's world, technology is always changing. From cars to phones to medical procedures and even orthodontics. Because of the ever changing techniques and procedures we experience in our field, Dr. Wilson is always looking for classes and seminars to go to in order to provide the most up to date reatment possible. He also meets with local dentists on a regular basis to let them know about new procedures for specific problems.

The bracket system that Dr. Wilson uses is called the Damon system. These are self ligating brackets athat are not lik any others on the market. This bracket allows the teeth to move with out a lot of friction on the wire. This allows the teeth to move much faster that traditional brackets and with generally less discomfort.

The wires that we use are just as hi-tech. They are nickle-titanium wires. They have a memory to them. You can actually tie these wires in a knot and when you undo it, it goes back to it's original shape. Since these wires don't like to be in a "roller coaster" type position, the teeth move very quickly. Our office is also computerized. We take digital x-rays & pohots, and all of our charting is done on the computer.

Wilson Orthodontics stays up to date on these things so we can give you the best and highest quality orthodontics treatment. You have worked hard and paid for a beautiful smile. You deserve the best, and that is what we provide at Wilson Orthodontics.

-Sarah Smith, Chairside Assistant at Wilson Orthodontics

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.

At Wilson Orthodontics, we like to emphasis daily brushing and flossing as essentials to good oral hygiene, especially during orthodontic treatment. Food debris accumulates on teeth and around braces, which turns into plaque( the sticky substance that forms on your teeth-yuck!). Plaque combines with sugars and starches of the foods that we eat producing acids that attack tooth enamel, causing cavities.

Flossing removes food particles and plaque from in between the teeth where a toothbrush just can't reach, and flossing with braces is really easy.

When flossing with braces you need to use a floss threader or stiff ended dental floss, this will help you get the dental floss underneath your archwires. Gently floss up and down between the teeth and around the gum area. Be sure to floss all of your teeth including the back ones.

Now...look in the mirror and smile, because you look GREAT!

--Cheryl, Wilson Orthodontics

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.

Wilson Orthodontics wants to know, where does all that soda pop go?

On average, the typical person consumes over 50 gallons of soda pop per year! The amount of acid and sugar found in a can of soda can cause serious tooth decay and lead to cavities, gum disease, and even tooth loss!

We at Wilson Orthodontics know that you don’t want to lose your teeth, so take the soda pop quiz, presented by the Minnesota Dental Association, and learn more about how to keep your smile healthy.

It’s a fun interactive quiz, so enjoy! 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

The average adult will have 32 teeth. Between six and ten months of age, most infants begin to get their "baby" teeth. "Baby" teeth are important because they hold the place for permanent teeth and help guide them into the correct position. They also play an important role in the development of speech and chewing. Most "baby" teeth are in by the age of three, but at about the age of seven the permanent teeth begin to develop. These teeth are meant to last the rest of your life, so it is very important to take good care of them!

A tooth is made up of two parts: The crown, which sits above the gum line and makes up your smile, and the root, which makes up about 2/3rds of the tooth's total length. Four different tissues make up each tooth. The enamel is the durable, white covering and protects the tooth from the wear and tear of chewing.

--Debi Gorrell, Front Desk Receptionist

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

Our wonderful chair side clinical assistant Sonya (above, with her husband) has been working the orthodontic field for over 20 years. She has worked with a ton of different treatments, but says that Damon® System is definitely “tops!” Damon System braces are advertised as “non-extraction, less pain, fewer office visits, no palatal expanders, and beautiful broad smiles.” For Sonya, “it works,” and here’s why:

“My husband is 43 years old and had severe upper and lower crowding. He had wanted to have his teeth straightened, but was very hesitant because he did not want to have extractions. After months of considering and deciding if maybe he should just be okay with the way his teeth were, he finally went with what I knew would be something he would be glad he did. After having the [Damon System] braces for only four months now, you would not believe the change. He has already had fellow employees, family, & friends comment on how straight his teeth are!”

Damon System braces can treat almost any smile! If you’re interested in learning more about the Damon System, please visit our web site, or contact our practice at (770) 536-0882. Have you already had a treatment with Damon System? If so, let us know what you thought! We would love to hear your feedback, and share your experience with others.

Another year has passed and many changes have been made here at Wilson Orthodontics. The 2009 year has started off with a bang! We have finally taken down the caution tape and our remodeling is complete. This year we are introducing a new version of Wilson Orthodontics by replacing our paper charting system with a new technologically advanced paperless digital system. This new system requires a computer at every patient’s chair and in every room; and, with this system all of the information you need is only a few clicks away.

Along with our new “High-Tech” computer systems, we are also rebranding our practice as “Your Hometown Orthodontist!” Our office, though now more modern, still gives off a home-like feel. We have given the office more livelihoods with a little color here and there and a few television sets to make your wait a little more comfortable. To make things even more exciting, we will soon have PSPs for our patients to use at each chair. We’re really thinking of everything to make you feel welcome and right at home!

Looking back at 2008 there are so many things that should be mentioned; we tried out some new ideas to liven up the office and give the staff something to have fun with and enjoy while being at work. We had a Halloween Costume Contest and allowed the patients who came in to vote on the employee with the best costume. Sarah Whiting (dressed as a Rodeo Clown) and Cindy Briscoe (a life-size bag of M&M’s) won the contest and were given a pampering prize at a local spa. We also kept a tradition going with our annual Christmas open house. This past year’s open house was the largest we have had so far and it was a great success.

Our office would not be much without the wonderful patients that we are blessed to work with. In 2008 we had some patients that had great starts and even more with great finishes. Last year we had a local celebrity visit Gainesville, Martha Zoller and her daughter Suzanne both finished treatment with us and they both came out with fantastic smiles. We have had a great 2008 looking back, and we are now looking forward to an even better 2009. Stop by and see your hometown orthodontist!

-Cindy Briscoe, Records Coordinator

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!

Some people wonder why we work so hard 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 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, give us a call at 678-971-2461 (Gainesville) or 678-866-3295 (Hoschton) to set up a consultation. Dr. Wilson can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment.

We would like to introduce our “Wii Smile” referral incentive program at Wilson Orthodontics.

Each time a patient referral comes to our office and begins treatment with us your name will be entered into our drawing for a Nintendo Wii System! We will draw names twice a year for our Wii winner!

Names are entered into the drawing on a “first come, first serve basis,” per patient. There is NO limit to the number of patient referrals you can submit. As soon as the referred patient begins treatment, your name will be entered into the drawing.

We would also like to congratulate our December 2008 winner, A.J. Waterer!

The next Wii drawing will be June 15, 2009!! So mark your calendars and start referring other smiles you know to Wilson Orthodontics!

We pride ourselves on receiving referrals from our patients and dental colleagues. The greatest compliment an orthodontic practice can receive is the referral of a friend or family member, and we thank you!

-Dr. Wilson & the Ortho Team

Please note: In order to receive credit for your patient referral, you must submit your “Patient Referral” on our web site under the “Contact Us” tab at: www.wilsonbraces.com. If you have any questions about our Wii Smile program please contact our practice at 678-971-2461.

Usually patients in orthodontic treatment already have their permanent teeth – but in some cases we have to start treatment earlier, even before the patient’s permanent teeth come in. We call this “two-phase treatment.”

When we have patients with clear developmental problems at an early age, it’s best to start work when they are young, before the problems get bigger and more difficult to treat. Examples include an upper or lower jaw that is not growing correctly, or a mouth growing in a way that doesn’t leave enough room for all the permanent teeth to come in.

In these cases we will start early and do one round of treatment – phase one – while your child still has “baby teeth.” Phase one usually does not involve braces, but can include a different type of appliance that helps the jaw grow into place properly, such as a retainer. We’ll follow up with phase two usually a few years later, when your child's permanent teeth have come in. Phase two often does involve braces and sometimes headgear.

In order to catch early problems, we recommend that children have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven (and so does the American Association of Orthodontics). However, if your dentist or pediatrician sees any sign that early treatment might be necessary, he or she may recommend your child visit an orthodontist even sooner. For more information about two-phase orthodontics, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Wilson please call 678-971-2461 in Gainesville or 678-866-3295 in Hoschton and visit our web site.

They say you should never judge a “book” by its cover; but, over the last few months I’ve realized that people seem to do just that without even opening the pages to see what’s inside. Our office, similar to an unopened book, was no exception to that rule! When our office in Gainsville was purchased two years ago by Dr. Wilson, we were in need of a major make-over; and, lucky for us, Dr. Wilson made it one of his first priorities. Realizing that our office may be at the mercy of judgmental onlookers, Dr. Wilson began plans for renovation, and now we are proud to say that our great change is almost complete!

Now that we’ve renovated our practice inside and out, Dr. Wilson wanted to make our practice a place worth visiting (or to stick with my original analogy, “a book worth reading”). He created a fun and rewarding patient incentive program that rewards patients for their cooperation and good hygiene. This program allows patients to earn tokens that they can eventually “cash in” for a spin on the mounted prize wheel in our office. The prize wheel is filled with an array of cool prizes. In addition, we’ve also added a UGA-themed game room to make a visit to the orthodontist feel more like home! Many staff members, patients, parents, friends, family members, and other area doctors have all weighed in with supportive, positive feedback; and, here’s what a few of them have to say about our “new look:”

“WOW, when did you guys do this? The last time I was here the office looked old, and now it’s brand new…I love it!”

“The new look if beautiful, so inviting and relaxing…I love it!”

“The office looks awesome; you needed this change, good job!”

“It’s great being able to watch TV while I’m waiting for my daughter.”

“Love the game room; what a great idea, I’m not going to get my son out of there!”

“I know I’m supposed to keep my teeth clean and stuff, but now it’s more fun ‘cause I might win a Wii System.”

“…what a great atmosphere!”

“What a great idea having the tokens for the patients to earn; my son is so excited to come in with clean teeth and wearing his ‘Got Tin?’ t-shirt so he can save up for a chance to spin the wheel.”

I could go on and on about all of the great things people now have to say about Wilson Orthodontics! At a recent open house Christmas party the positive feedback was off the charts! Everyone loved the new look and applauded all the hard work. Throughout this entire renovation I realized just how important it is that as an orthodontic practice we provide people with not only great smiles, but a welcoming, fun, modern office environment that they can feel comfortable spending time in.

They say you can’t judge a book by its cover; but, that doesn’t mean people won’t still pass judgments. In knowing this, we asked ourselves “why not make the ‘cover’ beautiful so that people will want to see what’s on the inside?” We would like to invite you to take a look around during your next office visit and see for yourself what’s new. Your orthodontic treatment is predictable, but the experience you have with us is one-of-a-kind!

If you’ve had a chance to visit our newly remodeled office please leave a comment and let us know what you think! We’d love to know about your experience.

-Pam Cole, Chairside Assistant
Wilson Orthodontics

For orthodontics, fortunately insurance is easy to verify for our patients. Unlike general dentistry and medical benefits, "in" or "out" of network does not apply to orthodontic claims. There is usually a lifetime maximum benefit that can easily be verified by calling the 1-800 number on the back of your card. And, if you would like, our friendly staff will be glad to verify your benefits when you come into our office. We accept most all insurance carriers, and we will make every effort to ensure you recieve your maximum benefit.

We are very excited about the renovation of our Gainesville office. This new renovation will bring our office up to date with the latest technology including everything from digital imaging to chair-side electronic charting. As always, we are striving to bring the latest technology into our office so that we may provide superior orthodontic care in a timely manner to our mutual patients. Our office renovation is taking place in stages so that we won’t interrupt our orthodontic care to our patients. We are on track to complete all stages of our renovation by the end of the year.

A healthy smile will give you a healthy life! Brushing 2 times a day for two minutes each time as well as flossing once daily are the most important things you can do to keep a healthy smile. Orthodontics will give your teeth the proper alignment which will make it easier to clean your teeth on a daily basis. Having straight teeth is kind of like building a foundation for a house. You wouldn't build a nice house without a good, solid foundation. The foundation that you need in order to keep a healthy smile starts with orthodontics. By having braces, it will make sure that your teeth are secured by healthy bone surrounded by healthy gums. Then, the everyday cleaning of your teeth will be a breeze!

A couple of weeks ago, there were 5 patients that got together and made a "skit" and a "rap" about our practice. We were in the middle of seeing patients and they surprised me with their skit. The mother was filming the skit while they were perfoming it in front of all the other patients. Needless to say, I was very surprised! Our whole ortho team loved it and it set a positive tone for the rest of the afternoon. The skit was very touching and it really made us feel great that our patients would take the time to do something like that.

This Halloween at Wilson Orthodontics we had all kinds of characters at our practice! We had a clown, a lady bug, a pumpkin, an Umpa Lumpa, an Indian, and an oversized tourist. The Tooth Fairy was even there with Larry the Cable Guy! It was quite a celebration with lots of tricks and treats!

Our team members had a great time dressing up, really getting into character. Our practice went to lunch at Locos and had a costume contest for the best costume. Our winner was Cindy Brisco who came dressed as a package of peanut M&M’s®. She won a gift certificate for a relaxing day at the spa.

Check out our great pictures to see why Halloween at Wilson Orthodontics was such a blast!!

Be sure to visit our MySpace to see the full photo album!

I am very excited about our new “Tooth Token” reward program. The purpose of our Tooth Token Reward Program is for our younger patients to take “ownership” in the investment of the orthodontic treatment their parents are providing for them. As an incentive for our patients to have routine dental cleanings with you, their general dentist and team, and also for displaying good oral hygiene throughout treatment, we will reward them with our tooth tokens which they cash in for prizes during their orthodontic treatment. Our hope is that this behavioral modification incentive program will help our patients to have clean, healthy, and spot-free teeth upon completion of their orthodontic treatment. As always, we recommend that our mutual patient who are in active orthodontic treatment visit you to have 3 routine dental cleanings a year to insure healthy gums and teeth.

You will soon be receiving our new referral pads with our new practice logo. These new referral pads have both office locations and maps conveniently located on one page as well as an easy checklist to help streamline your referral. I know we all stay very busy, so we tried to do everything we could to simplify this process for you. Please let us know when you need more referral pads or if you would like more in addition to what we have provided.

We would like to thank everyone that participated in our 2nd Annual Wilson Orthodontics Blood Drive! The blood drive was a huge success and we would personally like to thank each and everyone who donated. Each donor was entered in our annual drawing for a "free set of braces." This year's winner was Donna Shewbert. Donna is a dental hygienest at Dr. Kell Gallaher and Dr. Michael Vetters office 3 days a week and works with Dr. Joe Jackson 1 day a week. Congratualtions to Donna from Wilson Orthodontics!

We all expect blood to be there for us, but barely a fraction of those who can give do. Yet sooner or later, virtually all of us will face a time of great vulnerability in which we will need blood. And that time is all too often unexpected.

From its beginning, the American Red Cross has formed a community of service, of generous, strong and decent people bound by beliefs beyond themselves. The honor, spirit and resources of the American people comes forth with neighbors helping neighbors in need — during earthquakes, floods, fires, storms — and also for the deeply personal and often quiet disasters that require a gift of blood.

We are also excited to announce our two year anniversary of our satellite office location in the Hoschton/Braselton area. This location allows us to provide further convenience to our patients in that area. Also, our new website is http://www.wilsonbraces.com. We encourage you to visit our website for current updates and programs that we are offering to our patients.

Sonya is one of our chair-side orthodontic assistants and has worked in our office for over 28 years. She is from Gainesville, Georgia, and has lived in the area her whole life. She recently married her husband, Kyle, and has a son named Brandon. Her activities include running, aerobics, reading, shopping, and driving for Meals on Wheels.

• Favorite thing about the practice of orthodontics: Making New Smiles!

• Favorite thing about working with Dr. Wilson: Well, I think he's a pretty awesome boss! Nice, easy-going, and a good orthodontist

• Favorite thing about your job: Bonding 7-7 from the beginning.

Sonya's husband, Kyle, is getting his braces put on next week. He is very excited about taking this next big step and is looking forward to his new smile.

I understand that visiting the dentist or orthodontist may not be what most people would choose to do. In our office, our ortho team will guide you through each step of treatment so that you will know exactly what to expect.

We provide a nice relaxing atmosphere for our patients: From a warm waiting room with flat screen TV's and a game room for the kids, to a treatment area that is full of the latest advancements in orthodontic technology making treatment as comfortable as possible.

A healthy smile will give you a healthy life! Brushing 2 times a day for two minutes each time as well as flossing once daily are the most important things you can do to keep a healthy smile.

Orthodontics will give your teeth the proper alignment which will make it easier to clean your teeth on a daily basis.

The foundation that you need in order to keep a healthy smile starts with orthodontics. By having braces, it will make sure that your teeth are secured by healthy bone surrounded by healthy gums. Then, the everyday cleaning of your teeth will be a breeze!

Introducing "Wii Smile"

Tell your friends about us!

I would like to introduce our new “Wii Smile” referral incentive program at Wilson Orthodontics. Each time a patient referral comes to our office and begins full treatment with us, your name goes into our drawing for a Nintendo Wii System! We will draw twice a year for our Wii winner! NOTE: In order to receive credit for your patient referral, you must submit your referral on our website:

http://www. wilsonbraces. com

Your name will be entered into the drawing on a “first come first serve basis” per patient. There is no limit to the number of patient referrals you can submit to Wilson Orthodontics. Your name will be entered into the drawing as soon as the patient begins full treatment. Just click on our “Token Reward Program” tab at the bottom of our homepage and follow the directions to submit your referral. The next Wii drawing
will be December 15, 2008...Just in time for Christmas!!

Thanks and Good Luck!!!

We pride ourselves on receiving referrals from our patients and dental colleagues. The greatest compliment an orthodontic practice can receive is the referral of a friend or family member, and we thank you!

Dr. Wilson & Ortho Team!

Stumbling upon this toothbrush or rather tooth sponge of the future that Brazilian designer created a tooth sponge... That's right this tooth sponge is supposed to hold water, massage your gums, and polish your teeth!

Just think an electric tooth sponge that is comfortable for all ages, might even be fun!

So I am interested to see if this fancy new device makes it to our markets.

Wilson Orthodontics would like to congratulate Trey Taylor for being nominated as our “employee of the quarter”. Trey is our patient communication coordinator, and she also works as a chair-side orthodontic assistant. She has worked in our practice since 1998 and has over 26 years of orthodontic experience. She is from Dahlonega, Georgia, and has lived in Gainesville since 1998. She is married to Joey and has two sons, Zach and Chase, and a daughter, Ansley. She is very active in the local school system.

• Her favorite thing about the practice of orthodontics: Seeing great smiles and watching children, teens, and adults who would not smile in the beginning, just smile and light up after treatment.

• Her favorite thing about working with Dr. Wilson: He truly cares about his patients and is always interested in what they do.

• Her favorite things about your job: Working with families to help bring great smiles to them and their children.

Again, congratulations to Trey on all her hard work and dedication to our patients!

Practicing orthodontics has been a blessing that I truly feel honored to do on a daily basis. Not only are we able to create beautiful smiles, but we have the opportunity to build self-confidence in our patients. It is absolutely amazing to see someone who is shy and not very outspoken before treatment to become someone who is very outgoing and social in many situations after treatment. It is almost as if we are releasing their "inner beauty" if you will. You know, people are very self-conscious about their smiles...especially when they have alignment issues, missing teeth, "gapped" teeth, etc. In todays society when self-image is ever so important, giving our patients a beautiful and perfect smile gives them reason to smile. Here at Wilson Orthodontics, we are giving our patients just one more tool to take their dreams and aspirations to the next level.
Ron D. Wilson, D.M.D., P.C.

Bonnie-Lynne and I attended the Damon Forum in Scottsdale, Arizona. This was a very beneficial continuing education course where we learned many new techniques that we were able to apply to our practice. One of the lectures that we attended was titled "Torque Selection". This class was basically designed to enable us to have more tools in treatment planning for our patients. Orthodontic brackets have different "torques" in the slots of the brackets that can be used in specific patients depending on their initial malocclusion. These torque selections can be treatment planned before initial bracket placement that will decrease the overall treatment time that a patient is in braces. The Damon Forum began about 5 years ago with around 50 orthodontists and staff members and is an annual meeting that has gained widespread popularity. This year the forum had over 3000 orthodontists and staff members in attendance and next year is expected to have over 5000 in attendance. We are pleased to offer the latest treatment techniques here at Wilson Orthodontics for our patients. I highly recommend the Damon Forum for anyone orthodontist who is looking to advance their treatment efficiency and treatment results for their patients.