Drs. Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics

Yogurt & gum disease

2012-01-30T11:21:00.000-08:00

It’s a bird; it’s a plane; it’s… yogurt! It appears that plain, simple yogurt may be the newest superhero in our ongoing battle against gum disease. Researchers at Kyushu University in Japan studied nearly a thousand subjects between the ages of 40 and 79, and found that those with higher intakes of lactic acid foods like yogurt exhibited significantly fewer signs of periodontal (gum) disease. The study concluded that regularly eating yogurt may help keep your gums and teeth healthy.

Gum disease is an infection that occurs in the gums, deep tissues and bones that support your teeth. Without treatment, gum disease can lead to tooth loss. The American Academy of Periodontology cites gum disease as the primary cause of tooth loss in adults age 35 and over.

The best way to fend off gum disease is to follow the same measures you take to avoid cavities:

• Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
• Floss every day between each tooth and behind your molars
• Have your teeth professionally cleaned on a regular schedule
• Avoid smoking and tobacco use
• Maintain a healthy diet (and perhaps add some yogurt!)

It’s very important to be aware of the symptoms of gum disease, since it can often occur without pain or discomfort to signal its presence. Keep a lookout for:

• Gums that appear red or swollen
• Gums that feel tender
• Gums that bleed easily (during brushing or flossing)
• Gums that recede or pull away from the teeth
• Persistent bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Any change in the way teeth come together in the biting position
• Any change in the way partial dentures fit

If you suspect you may suffer from gum disease, make an appointment immediately. We can diagnose the problem and advise you about treatment.

The Doctor's Corner

2012-01-23T07:54:00.000-08:00

Every fall in Ohio, the deciduous trees shed their leaves until the branches are bare. When that happens, we know that winter is on its way. Like trees that shed leaves, children shed all twenty of their deciduous teeth between the ages of 7 and 14 and when that happens, young “adulthood” is on its way. Unlike the trees that shed every leaf, children often have deciduous or “baby” teeth that do not shed. They become retained for unknown reasons and thus the permanent teeth that follow have to work around them and often erupt in a poor position. Sometimes these permanent teeth become blocked and impacted or in a position that will never allow eruption.

The shedding, or “exfoliation” of teeth begins at around 7 years of age. That is why orthodontists would like to see all children at age 7; to make sure the baby teeth are getting loose and the permanent teeth have room to erupt. A digital panoramic x-ray is usually taken at age 7 or 8 to see if all the permanent teeth are present and forming properly. The upper and lower front teeth erupt between 7 and 9 and often the orthodontist has to direct the dentist to remove baby teeth to allow proper eruption of the permanent teeth that follow. In some cases, the baby teeth fail to get loose and if they are not removed, the poor eruption can cause a front cross-bite which is damaging to the newly erupting lower permanent front teeth.

The baby canine teeth should be loose or exfoliated around the ages of 10 to 12. When these teeth fail to get loose or fall out, the permanent canine teeth often grow sideways in the bone and become impacted. If this happens, it requires an oral surgery procedure and an extra year of braces just to get this tooth back down into the proper position. Obviously, the expense is much greater as well as the difficulty of the treatment.

Although some late bloomers still have baby teeth at age 14, many early bloomers have lost all their baby teeth at nine! So waiting until 12 or 14 to be checked for proper tooth loss may be way too late! Also, you should never see two teeth in the same spot. If a permanent tooth is erupting and the baby tooth is still there, call your orthodontist or dentist and have the baby tooth removed.

It would be nice if children were like trees and exfoliated teeth like leaves but since they are not, make sure your child is evaluated for proper baby tooth loss at age seven and every 6 months after that.

Drs. Bernard and Eimer 21ST Annual Scholarship Award!

2012-01-16T14:15:00.001-08:00

Once again Drs. Bernard and Eimer’s office is offering (3) $1,000 Scholarships to seniors in our practice from ALL schools!

21st Century Orthodontics

2012-01-09T10:16:00.000-08:00

We currently speak to elementary schools during February for “Children’s’ Dental Health Month”. We are now offering to do presentations for middle schools or any other organizations such as PTO’s, Women’s Clubs, Civic Groups and Parent Associations.

In our standard Dental Health presentation we demonstrate proper tooth brushing and flossing, the importance of sterilization, advances in technology with x-rays, and present healthy food choices.

The presentation will be approximately 45 minutes. We also have other programs on orthodontics for adults and advances in orthodontics. Our programs can be scheduled at any time of the year not just February. If you are interested in scheduling this informative health program or any other program please contact Terri @ 330-494-4310.

Surprising Facts About Smiling

2012-01-03T06:56:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

Seeing a child’s smile creates as much pleasure as 2,000 chocolate bars—or $25,000 in cash. That was the surprising finding of a British study conducted by Hewlett Packard, using an electromagnetic brain scan machine and heart-rate monitor to measure “the mood-boosting value” of various stimuli. The study also found that seeing a loved one’s smile was worth about 600 chocolate treats or 8,500 Pounds Sterling ($13,175), while a friend’s grin was valued at $225, or 200 chocolate bars. In a subsequent survey, 1,000 British adults ranked smiling as more likely to give a short-term high than sex, candy, or shopping (in that order).

Smile often—and the people around you will literally feel like a million bucks. And here are more ways it pays off to supersize your grin: Research suggests that the size of your smile may predict how successful you’ll be at love and work, how inspiring you’ll be to others, and even how long you’ll live. To learn more, I talked to Ron Gutman, author of Smile: The Astonishing Powers of a Simple Act (TED Books, 2011). Here’s a look at some of the intriguing research from around the world that he’s compiled.

Babies are born smiling.

3-D ultrasound imaging has captured vivid pictures in which developing babies are smiling in the womb, says Gutman, the CEO of Healthtap, Palo Alto, California-based healthcare social networking company. “Even before birth, babies seem to be practicing this uniquely human expression.” Initially babies smile in their sleep, but by three months of age, they learn they can inspire smiles in others through a deliberate smile—launching one of the first childhood games: the “smile exchange,” as the American Academy of Pediatrics terms this milestone in infant development.

We can detect a smile from more than 300 feet away.

That’s more than twice the distance at which we can distinguish other facial expressions. It’s thought that this ability evolved so we could quickly tell friend from foe and react accordingly. Studies at both the Institute of Cognitive Science, in France, and the University of Manchester, in the UK, separately report that a smile can even make us feel that a complete stranger looks familiar.

Fun water facts, from Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics

2011-12-27T14:19:00.000-08:00

Did you know? Drinking water at the correct time maximizes its effectiveness on the human body:

2 glasses of water after waking up - helps activate internal organs

1 glass of water 30 minutes before a meal - helps digestion

1 glass of water before taking a bath - helps lower blood pressure

1 glass of water before going to bed - avoids stroke or heart attack

Drs. Bernard and Eimer 21ST Annual Scholarship Award

2011-12-22T14:28:00.000-08:00

Our Internet Presence, from Kelly at Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics

2011-12-19T09:59:00.000-08:00

Drs. Bernard & Eimer have enhanced their ability to communicate with you through the internet. Ortho Sesame is interactive software that allows patients/parents to view their account and receive e-mail reminders of their next appointment. This also gives them the ability to either cancel or confirm their appointment or contact us through email Kelly@drsosbern.com or ortho1021@neo.rr.com. We are also on several networking sites, such as Facebook and YouTube. These sites allow patients to learn more about our office, including our quarterly contests which we post on Facebook.

We currently have a “Holiday Brace Friendly Recipe Contest” for the 2011 holiday season. Simply submit a brace friendly recipe to one of the e-mail addresses listed above. A winner will be chosen in December. Dr. Bernard writes interesting facts about orthodontics and articles for our Blog. You can also become a “fan or friend” of Drs. Bernard and Eimer and receive Wahoo’s. Our website, www.drsosbern.com, also contains information about our doctors, staff, and valuable information about treatment, along with emergency information. Please stop at the front desk and fill out a form with your e-mail address (you can submit several addresses) and give this to one of the receptionists so you can join us on the web!

Office Improvements

2011-12-12T08:53:00.001-08:00

Please excuse our dust as we make some needed improvements on both floors of our office building.

The wallpaper on both long hall-ways on either side of the clinic is being replaced with faux painting; similar to the reception area. The tooth brushing area will be totally re-vamped with a new counter, sinks, mirror and lighting.

Downstairs, both patient bathrooms will be upgraded with new vanities, wallpaper and increased lighting. The work will not be done when patients are being seen so you will not have any interference with the regular office routine.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Happy Holidays!

Brace Friendly Eating Tips:

2011-12-09T13:37:00.000-08:00

When you follow the rules that Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics made regarding what to eat and what not to eat, you are doing yourself a favor. Drs. Bernard & Eimer give you these guidelines for a reason. It is important to avoid certain foods that can damage your appliance, brackets and wires, which may prolong treatment.

The key rule is: nothing hard, sticky or chewy!

Here is a list of do’s and don’ts:

Red Light Foods
(Do Not Eat These Foods)
• Nuts
• Popcorn
• Chewing Gum
• Hard Pretzels
• Pizza Curst
• Croutons
• Caramels
• Ice Cubes
• Starburst

Green Light Foods
(Foods That You Can Eat)
• Ice Cream
• Potato Chips
• Steamed Vegetables
• Pasta
• Potatoes
• Soft Pretzels
• Yogurt
• Pudding
• Jello
• Soup
• Cereal In Milk
• Cheese
• Eggs
• Milkshakes Or Smoothies

Straightening Roots, from Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics

2011-11-28T09:17:00.001-08:00

Most people know that braces straighten teeth, but few people know how important it is for the roots to be straight as well. The crowns of teeth are visible and making the crowns straight improves the bite and the appearance. But attached to every crown is a root which can be seen only on an x-ray.

But why do roots need to be straight? The orthodontists’ goal is to have all roots parallel to each other in the bone. When this is done, the crowns will look better and function better. Roots need to have healthy bone around them so the teeth will be stable and not move after braces. If they are touching other roots or the thick outer layer of bone, they can wear down or resorb.
Orthodontic treatment itself usually causes some root shortening or resorption.

However, this does not affect the stability and health of the tooth. Patients with braces can cause root shortening by not being consistent with rubber bands. Constant “jiggling” of teeth with nail biting can be a problem.

So when you think your teeth are straight and want your braces off, remember that the orthodontist has to straighten the roots before you are done.

Happy Thanksgiving, from Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics

2011-11-22T13:10:00.000-08:00

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season knocking at our door, our entire team at Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics wanted to stop for a moment and extend our best wishes to you, our patients, referring doctors and families, for a wonderful Thanksgiving.
As always, if you know anyone we can help, just let us know. We promise to give them the same quality orthodontic care that we have given you.
We hope that this Thanksgiving and holiday season brings fond memories. Thank you for being part of our family.

Beyond Braces, from Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics

2011-11-14T07:38:00.001-08:00

Our practice is not just concerned with straight teeth. We are firmly committed to improving the health and well-being of all families in our practice. Our mission statement emphasizes that “We” strive to serve our patients by educating them to fulfill their dental needs and to help in their mental and physical growth”.

We have a “lending library” with books and CD’S with personal growth content. Two recent additions include a two DVD program on “Effective Parenting- When Both Disagree” and a CD and workbook on “Getting A’s by the digital learning system. A third addition is two workbooks by Dr Larry Koenig titled “Smart Discipline” and “The Making of a Happy Family”. Check these programs out the next time you visit our practice. You can also take a look at these websites:

www.smartdiscipline.com
www.BrainX.com
www.thetotaltransformation.com

How low do you go?

2011-11-07T05:59:00.000-08:00

We all know that sugar causes tooth decay, but most of us don’t realize that it is really acid production from bacteria acting on the sugar that makes the hole in your tooth. If acid can make holes or erodes into the enamel, where else do we get acid on our teeth?

Soft drinks and sports drinks are high in acid and can eat into the enamel of your teeth. The acidity is measured by ph and the lower the ph value, the more acidic the drink is. If the ph is below 5.5, enamel will begin to dissolve!

Here’s a chart with the ph value for drinks that are consumed by the American public.

SODA POP EDUCATIONAL GUIDELINE:
This educational sheet is designed to give patients & their families information regarding potential risks of excessive consumption of soft drinks. The benefit of this tool will educate the parents and patients the negative

The average American Today Drinks
Over 600 Servings of Pop a Year!

PRODUCT ACID (LOW=BAD) SUGAR (PER 12OZ)

Pure Water 7.00 (Neutral) 0.0______________
Barq’s 4.61 10.7 tsp.__________
DIET 7-UP 3.67 0.0______________
SPRITE 3.42 9_______________
Diet Dr. Pepper 3.41 0.0______________
Diet Coke 3.39 0.0______________
Mountain Dew 3.22_______________11.0 tsp__________
Surge 3.02 10_______________
Gatorade 2.95 3.3______________
Dr. Pepper 2.92 9.5______________
Hawaiian Fruit Punch 2.82 10.2_____________
Orange Minute Maid 2.8 11.2_____________
Coke Classic 2.63 9.3tsp___________
Pepsi 2.49 9.8 tsp___________
BATTERY ACID 1.00 0.0______________
SOURCE: MINNOSOTA- The threshold ph for enamel______
DENTAL ASSOCIATION dissolution is 5.5________________

Healthy After School Snack Ideas for Patients with Braces

2011-10-31T08:05:00.001-07:00

Fruit:
Make it easy to grab and go, cut, chop or slice fresh fruit to prevent loosening any of the braces. Store them in the refrigerator in easily accessible containers; store grapes in a large, open bowl in the fridge; or store in a bowl on the counter.

Baked Tortilla Chips and Salsa:
Consider serving low-fat refried or whole beans in addition to salsa. If you have time, make nachos by adding extras like melted reduced-fat cheese, diced tomatoes, green peppers, onion, low-fat sour cream, and guacamole.

Unsweetened Whole Grain Cereal and Low-Fat Milk:
Top with fresh fruit like blueberries, sliced bananas, or strawberries. Add dried fruit like cranberries.

Reduced-Fat or Light String Cheese:
This is a good source of protein and calcium, and a great accompaniment to any snack. Try serving with fruit, vegetables or whole grain crackers.

Fruit and Yogurt Smoothie:
You have many options, so be creative! Use low-fat vanilla or fruit flavored yogurt or frozen yogurt as the base. Blend in fresh or unsweetened frozen fruit. Throw in ice cubes, if needed, to reach the desired consistency. Remember not to chew on the ice cubes!! If this is too tempting, avoid adding them! You can add a splash of low-fat milk or 100% fruit juice, depending upon the desired flavor and consistency.

ENJOY YOUR AFTER SCHOOL SNACKS AND LET’S BE HEALTHY!!!

THE MAGIC AGE – “7”

2011-10-24T07:42:00.000-07:00

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children be seen by an orthodontic specialist at age 7 (seven). That sounds very young but that is when the front teeth start to erupt and they may be crowded or erupt poorly.

Braces at that age are usually not needed unless the teeth erupt into a cross-bite or are extremely misaligned or don’t erupt at all. However, sometimes the orthodontist needs to have some baby teeth removed to ensure proper eruption of all front permanent teeth. The straighter they come in, the straighter they will stay in the future so if you have a child who is 7 (or over), make sure they see a Board eligible or Board Certified orthodontic specialist for an examination. We will welcome your call and your initial visit.

BRACES –SAFE HALLOWEEN TREATS

2011-10-17T09:21:00.000-07:00

Smart snacking tips for adults and children with braces)
By the American Association of Orthodontists

What can I have that’s fun to eat for Halloween?
Orthodontists say it’s the perennial question from adults and children wearing braces.

Those who wear braces should avoid the following foods, whether consumed on their own or as recipe ingredients.

• Nuts
• Popcorn
• Tortilla chips
• Hard candy
• Jellybeans
• Licorice
• Taffy
• Caramel and other chewy candies

However, especially because October is National Orthodontic Health Month, orthodontists want to help their patients enjoy the season.

“A little awareness and creativity in the kitchen can produce big smiles from trick-or-treaters with braces.”

Braces-Friendly October Recipe!

2011-10-10T16:24:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

• 1 cup shortening
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 Tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cocoa
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking soda

Directions:

Using cocoa powder instead of melted baking chocolate is one of the secrets to baking soft cookies (another is using shortening instead of margarine or butter). If you’re looking for a change from brownies, this is a great melt-in-your-mouth alternative. In a large bowl, combine shortening, sugar, water, and vanilla, using an electric mixer and beating until smooth. Add eggs and mix until blended. Mix flour, cocoa, salt, and baking powder slowly into shortening mixture, using low then medium speed.

Drop by tablespoons onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 9 minutes at 375 degrees, makes about three dozen. Store cookies in a covered container to keep soft.

October is National Orthodontic Health Month!

2011-10-03T08:20:00.000-07:00

For those who don't know, October is National Orthodontic Health Month. This month-long event is organized by our pals at the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO.

Drs. Bernard & Eimer and our team realize this is a great opportunity for us and to raise awareness about the importance of oral hygiene. National Orthodontic Health Month also aims to recognize the dedicated work of orthodontists like Drs. Bernard & Eimer and other dental professional.

The AAO recommends patients avoid the following Halloween treats, or recipes with these ingredients:

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

If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call or ask us on Facebook!

Our Mission Statement at Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics

2011-09-26T10:42:00.000-07:00

At Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics, we are orthodontic specialists or dentists with 2 to 3 years of University training in growth and development and tooth movement. Orthodontics (braces) is all we do! We have a friendly, caring staff and a modern and comfortable facility in North Canton.

Here is our mission statement:

Promoting positive changes in our patients and their families by creating one spectacular smile at a time with compassion, integrity and expertise.

Flexible spending $$$, from Bernard and Eimer Orthodontics

2011-09-20T16:24:00.000-07:00

If you participate in a flexible spending or cafeteria plan, you may have other benefit dollars available for your use. Take advantage of your unused benefits this fall - call our office to discuss your options. Please call as soon as possible to obtain an appointment that is best for you.

Best regards,

Drs. Bernard, Eimer and staff

(330) 494-4310

Talkin' rubber bands with Dr. Bernard

2011-09-13T20:53:00.000-07:00

We call them “Elastics” and in Western Pennsylvania they call them “Gum Bands”. But whatever you call them everyone in braces wears them at some time and without them we have no good way to establish an ideal, stable, fit of the teeth.

Rubber bands normally go from teeth or wires on one jaw to teeth or wires on the other jaw. The orthodontist decides the direction needed to get the teeth to fit and the size and strength of the force needed. The ideal force to get the desired movement is determined by the doctor so do not “double-up” or wear different size rubber bands to get done faster. Rubber bands have larger diameters for longer distance and smaller diameters for short. The band material itself is thicker when more force is needed.

When rubber bands are attached, it takes 10 hours or more for the teeth to start moving. This is when the teeth may be sore. Once the teeth are moving, they will not be sore unless the rubber bands are stopped for over 30 minutes. Then it will take 10 hours to start them moving again and they may be sore (again!).

Some short, tight rubber bands may have to be removed to eat certain foods but most can be worn to eat and the chewing motion helps move the teeth. If they have to be removed for eating or brushing they should be re-inserted within the 30 minute time frame.

You need to know that if you cannot wear them full-time due to the need to wear mouthguards for several hours a day, your treatment time will be extended or you will finish with less than an ideal bite.

We now have “rainbow” or multi-colored rubber bands for a fashion statement but the goal is still 24/7 wear. They should be changed at least once daily and always have a pack with you in case they break or shoot across the room while away from home.

Back to school with Dr. Bernard

2011-09-05T20:06:00.000-07:00

At Bernard and Eimer Orthodontics, we know a new school year brings a lot of stress for many kids. New classes, new teachers, new friends and new academic challenges can be overwhelming! That’s why we thought we’d provide a few steps for our patients to enjoy their time in school and succeed this upcoming school year!

• Get plenty of sleep every night. Eight hours is recommended.
• Eat a healthy breakfast as it’s the most important meal of the day.
• Pack a healthy lunch or make healthy choices when selecting your school lunch. Try to avoid the vending machine and limit your intake of junk food.
• Stay on top of your homework and reading assignments.
• Stay active. Limit the time in front of the TV or playing video games. Instead, try to get outside to get some exercise—go for a walk or ride your bike.
• Ask for help. When you are having a hard time understanding a concept, ask your teacher or your peers for guidance.
• Always have a positive attitude and a smile on your face!

We hope everyone has a productive and fun school year!

Dr. Bernard wants to know: what's on your fall reading list?

2011-08-28T22:03:00.001-07:00

It's almost fall season, which means it's back to school time for most of our patients at Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics. Today, we wanted to remind all our patients about the importance of reading.

In addition to textbooks, it's always great to pick up a great novel or a comic book. Today, we thought we’d ask: What's on YOUR fall reading list? What are some of your all-time favorites?

Out of ideas for great fall reads? Ask us for suggestions, and our staff would be happy to provide a few suggestions. You may also ask a local librarian here in North Canton for some ideas or check out these fall reading ideas that we came across today, courtesy of Borders.

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

Are you wearing your mouthguard? From Dr. Bernard

2011-08-23T11:28:00.000-07:00

With fall sports almost here for a lot of our patients at Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics, we thought today would be a great time to remind all our young athletes in treatment to take care of both their mouth and appliances while participating in sports – especially contact sports such as soccer and football – this fall.

One of the most important pieces of sports equipment you can wear on the field is a mouthguard. A well-fitted mouthguard, which we’re happy to provide, allows you to breathe and speak more clearly, in addition to protecting your mouth and braces. Only by using a mouth guard can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. The next time you’re in for a visit with Drs. Bernard & Eimer, we encourage you to ask us for a mouthguard! In addition, the American Association of Orthodontists has five quick tips for keeping kids safe during sport activities this fall.

• Wear a helmet
• Stretch before and after a game or practice
• Wear protective eyewear
• Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
• Be observant, even as a spectator

We hope you’re enjoying your summer, and invite you all to share your summer photos on our Facebook page!

Tell us about your summer!

2011-08-15T12:46:00.000-07:00

The dog days of summer are upon us, and what better time for Drs. Bernard & Eimer and our team to ask our patients about their summer!

Whether you visited our nation’s capitol, went on a camping trip, visited the state fair or just stayed in town and hung out with friends, we want to know how you’re all spending your summer! Please feel free to share your summer plans and experiences with us below or on our Facebook page as the summer comes to an end soon for a lot of our patients at Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics!

We look forward to reading all about your adventures! Enjoy the rest of your summer!

August featured patient testimonials!

2011-08-08T15:40:00.000-07:00

Here they are, our August featured testimonials! Thanks again to everyone who wrote in - we hope everybody is having a great summer!

"The support staff exceeded my expectations. Each member was friendly, helpful and supportive. It was clear they trusted the doctors and enjoyed their work. Every effort was made to accommodate me and my needs. I would highly recommend this facility." - Charity G.

"Your office and doctors were wonderful, pleasant, and kind. I am working on saving money to get that initial appointment for my daughter to get her records to get the process started. This way we can continue to experiencing that wonderful atmosphere. Thank You, God bless." - Caleb L.

Braces and your overall health

2011-08-02T16:39:00.000-07:00

Everyone today wants that perfect, white, red carpet, smile. Appearance is becoming more important every day. We are in a culture that values straight teeth and many hiring and relationship decisions are based on facial balance and a great smile. But are we better off health-wise for having two years of braces or are we just getting a cosmetic improvement with no total health advantage?

We will discuss a few health benefits of orthodontics with the most important benefit last. The first benefit is MUSCLE BALANCE. When the bite is ideal, the muscles are in better balance and less likely to become overworked and sore. An ideal bite also prevents TOOTH MOBILITY which can happen when just one or a few teeth are in contact when teeth come together or move across each other. Teeth can actually be “knocked out” by uncorrected bites if the trauma occurs over a long period of time. TOOTH WEAR is caused by poor tooth relationships, especially excessive overlapping of the front teeth. Once teeth are worn down, they don’t function as well in biting or chewing and then have to be restored with metal or ceramic crowns.

The most important health benefit regards the heart and overall health of the body. PERIODONTAL DISEASE is caused by bacteria that build up in pockets of unhealthy gum tissue around the teeth. These bacteria release toxins that get into the blood stream and are transmitted to the heart and other organs of the body. Having straight teeth makes brushing and flossing easier and evens out the gum tissue so it can be stimulated and kept from forming the pockets that house bacteria.
People with straight teeth generally take care of them better than those with crooked teeth. This maintains the periodontal health and subsequently the whole body health. We all take care of a shiny new car better than we do a “beater” and the same goes for your teeth!

So enjoy the beautiful smile but rest assured that you are receiving significant whole-body health benefits from orthodontic treatment.

The importance of elastic wear, from Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics

2011-07-26T16:30:00.000-07:00

At some point during treatment you may need to wear elastics (rubber bands), which exert force that creates pressure to move teeth. In order for the force to remain constant, elastics must be worn 24/7 and be changed every day (to keep elasticity). When elastics are not worn as instructed, treatment is prolonged.

IMPORTANT TIPS:

1. You are responsible for wearing elastics, and to wear them as instructed. Remove only when brushing teeth and flossing. It is recommended that you eat with your elastics in, if too difficult; remember to put back in after meals.

2. Make sure you carry extra bags of elastics with you, so that if one breaks you have a spare.

3. If you forget to wear your elastics, DO NOT double up, this may cause you to over correct-just wear as instructed.

4. Be sure to change on a regular basis, they loose their elasticity and do not apply the proper force to your teeth.

5. If elastics break frequently, or a hook breaks making it impossible for you to wear elastics-call the office immediately. Don’t wait until your next appointment. Waiting will prolong your treatment time.

6. Call the office if you are out of elastics or are running low and we will mail them out to you or you can stop by during business hours to pick a few packages up.

Oral hygiene tips, from Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics

2011-07-20T09:09:00.000-07:00

Brushing and flossing after every meal and snack is the only way to prevent plaque build up, tooth decay, and gum disease. Especially during treatment your teeth will need extra care. Our goal is for you to have a beautiful healthy smile, with straight white teeth and in order for this to occur good hygiene is very important. Food and particles can be trapped by brackets, wires, bands and appliances, and this can make it difficult to keep your teeth clean. Using a waterpik is an additional way to clean teeth and gums. Here are a few tips to help with keeping your teeth clean and healthy:

1. Brush after every meal and snack
2. Floss daily to remove trapped food and particles
3. Rinse with a mouth wash to kill any bacteria
4. Brush with a fluoride toothpaste and a soft bristled tooth brush
5. Clean teeth with a proxabrush
6. Maintain regular check-ups with your general dentist

Ask Drs. Bernard & Eimer: What Can I Eat When My Teeth Are Sore?

2011-07-14T16:21:00.000-07:00

Here are some soft food suggestions for patients to consider:

• Yogurt
• Soft cheeses, such as brie, cottage cheese, and sliced swiss, cheddar, and havarti
• Instant breakfast drinks
• Custard
• Pudding
• Pasta-fully cooked and soft
• Noodles
• soup
• Rice or risotto
• Bulgur wheat
• Polenta
• Grits
• Soft cooked carrots
• Baked fish
• Tofu
• Mashed potatoes
• Hummus
• Mashed bananas
• Milkshakes or smoothies
• Jell-o
• Pudding
• Scrambled eggs
• Oatmeal or cream of wheat

**Remember- Nothing HOT with new “Heat activated” wires and Advil works well for tender teeth.

Summer dos and donts, from Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics

2011-07-06T09:42:00.000-07:00

AVOID THESE:

SPORTS DRINKS: Gator Aid and Power Aid and even citric drinks like orange and lemon-aid are very acidic. They can erode the enamel of your front teeth and leave white mark or patches; especially in those with braces.

STICKY FOODS: Most sticky foods have a high sugar content and when they get stuck in the grooves of the teeth, they provide food for decay producing bacteria over a long period of time. Watch out for sticky dried fruits like raisins as well!

HARD CANDY: Sucking on hard candy will again keep sugar bathing the teeth for a lengthy period. And it you decide to bite on it, your wire will bend and your bracket will be knocked off.

PROLONGED GUM CHEWING: Chewing gum for long periods will cause the muscles of the jaws to tire and even go into spasm. The jaw joints could become painful or begin clicking as well and headaches can occur from stressed facial muscles.

HEAD HOLDING: Propping up your head with your hand or sleeping on your hands could force the jaw sideways out of the sockets causing clicking or pain in the jaw joints. Pressure against the cheeks could also cause the teeth to move inward resulting in crooked teeth or a narrower arch.

(Instead,)
TRY THESE:

WATER: Not very tasty but always the best liquid for hydration and health! If you must have soda or sports drinks, always use a straw so the liquid cannot get to your teeth.

VEGETABLES: If you must have foods with sugar, try vegetables. Carrots have sugar but do not stick to the teeth or cause decay. Just remember to cook them or cut them up into small pieces if you have braces.

SOFT CANDY: Actually, some believe that dark chocolate is a cavity preventative. Soft candy may contain a lot of sugar, but it is easily chewed and swallowed so the contact with the teeth is minimized over hard or sticky candy.

LIMITED GUM CHEWING: Chewing sugarless gum for 5 minutes after meals is actually good for the teeth. It promotes saliva which washes away plaque and neutralizes acid. And gum with xylitol will even keep plaque from adhering to the teeth and prevent decay.

GOOD POSTURE: Keeping the back straight and head upright will promote good muscle tone and balance in the head and neck. It will allow the jaw joints to rest comfortably in the sockets and eliminate muscle and joint pain.

Patriotic fun facts!

2011-07-01T17:05:00.000-07:00

On Monday, Dr. Bernard, Dr. Eimer and team will be busy celebrating America's 235th birthday. And because we know our patients love fun facts, we thought we'd provide you with some fun facts about Independence Day! Have a great Fourth of July weekend everyone, and we'll see you next week!!

- Independence Day was first celebrated in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776.

- An estimated 2.5 million people lived in America in July 1776. Today, an estimated 309 million people reside in the United States.

- The major objection to being ruled by Britain was taxation without representation, which meant that people didn't want to be taxed by a government that did not represent them.

- In 1941, Congress declared 4th of July a federal legal holiday. It is one of the few federal holidays that have not been moved to the nearest Friday or Monday.

- The stars on the original American flag were arranged in a circle to ensure that all colonies were equal.

- America's mascot, the bald eagle, can achieve speeds of up to 200 miles per hour when making a predatory dive. During a normal flight, bald eagles can travel up to 30 miles per hour.

- The American flag patch is backwards on U.S. Army uniforms. The reason? The blue field on the flag (the part with the stars) faces forward to symbolize carrying the American flag into battle.

- Someone who specializes in the history of flags is called a vexillologist.

- The word ‘patriotism’ comes from the Latin patria, which means ‘homeland’ or ‘fatherland.’

- According to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, Americans consume over 150 million hot dogs during their Independence Day festivities.

- Speaking of food, there's a 1-in-6 chance the beef on your backyard this Independence Day weekend grill came from Texas. The Lone Star State is America's leader in the production of cattle and calves.

Michael voted with "best smile"

2011-06-23T14:27:00.000-07:00

Michael Paulus a former patient of Drs. Bernard & Eimer was voted best smile by his senior class. He is a 2011 graduate of Tuslaw High School and will be attending Walsh University in the fall to study physical therapy. Thank you for the beautiful smile, Drs. Bernard & Eimer!

Summer FAQs with Dr. Bernard

2011-06-19T16:48:00.000-07:00

It's almost summer, which means folks with braces are more active with sports and outside activities. There are some questions that many of our patients ask about taking care of teeth and braces during this very time.

1. How do I protect my braces and teeth when playing sports?
Ans.: You should always wear a mouthguard. With braces, we provide a mouthguard for all patients that covers the braces and protects the lips and checks and still allows the teeth to move.

2. What activities should I use a mouthguard for?
Ans.: All contact sports but also anything that could cause a fall or minor trauma such as rollerblading, rock and mountain climbing, mountain biking, and even regular biking (I broke a rib and punctured a lung riding alone on a paved road!).

3. What if my tooth gets knocked out of position?
Ans.: Call us immediately! (or your dentist). The tooth can be pushed back into the proper position if done right away. If you wait until tomorrow, it will have to be moved back with braces.

4. What if my tooth gets knocked out?
Ans.: Pick it up gently. (do not clean it off with anything). If dirty, gently rinse and put it into a glass of milk and call us or your dentist and we can put it back into the socket.

5. Should I take my retainer out to play sports?
Ans.: YES – and put your “custom” mouthguard in (made by us or your dentist) after braces are removed. Also remove your retainer while diving in a pool or swimming with waves or engaging in any activity that could cause it to be knocked out and lost.

Your teeth make your smile. Protect them and you can have a beautiful smile for a lifetime.

June marks National Smile Month!

2011-06-10T22:50:00.000-07:00

According to a March 2011 poll by Glamour Magazine, a person's smile outranked eyes, hair and body as the most important physical feature, which is why it's important for our team at Bernard and Orthodontics to support National Smile Month this June.

Show off your pearly whites by posting your favorite smile photos on the wall of our Facebook page. We look forward to seeing what you share!

Have a GREAT weekend everybody!

We proudly offer complimentary consultations!

2011-06-02T23:20:00.001-07:00

At Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics, we have a friendly, caring staff and a modern and comfortable facility in North Canton. One of our commitments is meeting with you to help you explore all or the options available to you or your child. We offer complimentary consultations for those interested in orthodontic treatment. This includes a complimentary x-ray and digital photos. All observation visits prior to treatment are also at NO CHARGE so you can bring your child at age 7 and not be charged until treatment is necessary.

During your consultation, you'll have time reserved with Drs. Bernard and Eimer, who will assess your particular needs as well as discuss treatment options available and answer any questions you may have. We place a high value on making sure you have complete information before beginning treatment.

If you have been thinking about obtaining the dazzling smile you’ve always wanted, we invite you to give us a call.

See you soon! Have a great weekend!

Bernard and Eimer Orthodontics, honoring our veterans

2011-05-26T08:25:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day weekend is a time Americans remember all those who bravely gave their lives for our country. It’s also the unofficial start of summer, and for many kids, getting out of town for three days with parents after being in school all these months is sure to be sweet, sweet relief.

At Bernard and Eimer Orthodontics, we know Memorial Day weekend is ripe for travel. After all, it’s unofficially the start of summer and time for a season full of vacations, adventures and great memories with parents or friends. What are you up to this Memorial Day weekend? What will you be doing on your day off from school or work?

Whether you are headed to a barbeque, a camping trip, or just having fun in the sun this weekend, we’d like to hear all about it! Enjoy the holiday!

Love your smile? Tell the world ALL ABOUT IT!

2011-05-17T11:16:00.000-07:00

Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics are orthodontic specialists or dentists with many years of University training in growth and development and tooth movement. Braces is all we do! We have a friendly, caring staff and a modern and comfortable facility in North Canton.

Whether you have visited Drs. Bernard or Eimer for a week, months or years, we’d love to hear your feedback about your experience with our doctors and staff! Now with the Internet, it’s even easier to write your thoughts and share them with the world. We'd want to encourage you to write a review of us on our Google local listing. It only takes a moment!

You may write a review here.

Thank you in advance - we look forward to reading your feedback!

Bernard and Eimer Orthodontics at the 111th AAO Annual Session

2011-05-09T15:30:00.000-07:00

Patients at Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics can feel confident they are receiving the best in orthodontic health care. Our goal is to provide the most up-to-date technology and techniques using the best equipment possible. We are devoted to continuing education and further our learning through reading, attending conferences and continuing education courses. One of those conferences includes the 2011 AAO Annual Session in Chicago, where we will be headed later this week.

The AAO Annual Session is an always-educational event that is also one of the largest orthodontic conventions in the world. It’s also a time for us to consult with dental experts and orthodontists from around the country and stay up-to-date on all the latest technologies and orthodontic treatment options available. This, of course, allows Drs. Bernard & Eimer to give you, our great patients, the best treatment experience possible.

Isn’t it nice to know you have a complete dental experts in Bernard & Eimer taking care of your perfecting your smile?

Are those rumors about swallowing bubble gum true?

2011-05-01T17:28:00.000-07:00

Drs. Bernard & Eimer know the rumors going around – mostly among young people – that once you swallow a piece of chewing gum it will stake a claim and take up residency in your stomach for at least seven years! We really hate to take all the fun out of the mystery, but the truth is that chewing gum, when swallowed, will enter the stomach and move through the digestive system just like any other piece of food and leave the body long before seven years! So, if you ever have accidentally swallowed a piece of gum, there is no need to worry!

This being said, gum does not have any dietary benefits, so while it’s not harmful to swallow, you still want to avoid swallowing it. If you are a gum-chewer, make sure you chew sugarless gum, because gum with sugar can lead to cavities. Sugarless gum still has the same amount of flavor, but with less cavity causing ingredients. You see, when the bacterium in your mouth breaks down sugar, what’s left behind is acid. This acid eats away at the enamel coating of your teeth, causing holes that we call cavities. Cavities can lead to other long term mouth problems if they are not treated in time, so it is best to try and avoid overexposing your teeth to too many harmful substances!

Happy (sugar-free) gum chewing! From Drs. Bernard & Eimer and team.

Dr. Bernard and team want to know: What should we blog about?

2011-04-24T09:27:00.000-07:00

At Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics, we strive to write about important topics related to braces, your treatment and your overall health on a weekly basis.

To help us continue blogging through the spring, we need your help: What would you like us to focus on our blog? Perhaps there’s something you’ve wanted to ask Drs. Bernard or Eimer for a while and just haven't found the opportunity? Give us your ideas by posting here or on our Facebook page!

We hope you have a great rest of your Easter weekend and a great upcoming week!

Ask Drs. Bernard & Eimer: What's the deal with retainers?

2011-04-17T08:31:00.001-07:00

If you recently completed treatment at Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics, we’d like to congratulate you! Now that your braces have been removed, Drs. Bernard or Eimer will provide—or have provided you—with retainers. After braces are removed, teeth can shift out of position if they are not stabilized. Retainers, however, provide the stabilization needed. They are designed to hold teeth in their corrected, ideal positions until the bones and gums adapt to the treatment changes. Wearing retainers exactly as instructed by Drs. Bernard or Eimer is the best insurance that the treatment improvements last for a lifetime. Here are some things to remember when you receive your retainers:

* Wear your retainers full time, until Drs. Bernard or Eimer instruct otherwise. Wearing your retainers at night ensures that your pearly whites won’t relapse.

* Take your retainers out when eating...and always put retainers in their case! (Most appliances are lost in school lunch rooms or restaurants.)

* Clean retainers thoroughly once a day with a toothbrush and only a small amount of toothpaste. Use warm but not hot water.

* When retainers are not in your mouth they should ALWAYS be in a retainer case.

* Retainers are breakable, so treat them with care. If retainers are lost or broken, give us a call immediately.

* Remove retainers when swimming or during any sporting activity in which the retainers could fall out and get broken or lost (cheerleading, basketball, etc.) or when you should be wearing a mouth guard (football, soccer, etc.).

We hope this helps! You can always contact our team by calling (330) 494-4310 if you have any questions!

Our vision at Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics

2011-04-10T07:57:00.000-07:00

At Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics, we are a practice of enthusiastic, highly trained individuals using the latest technology and orthodontic techniques creating spectacular smiles in a compassionate and caring atmosphere.

Growth is assured through positive change and efficient practice management. Exceptional communication with our families and the community establishes us as the finest practice in the area.

We have a friendly, caring staff and a modern and comfortable facility in North Canton. We feature clear braces and removable aligners along with digital imaging and advanced computer graphics.

Your initial consultation is FREE! This includes a complimentary x-ray and digital photos. All observation visits prior to treatment are also at NO CHARGE so you can bring your child at age 7 and not be charged until treatment is necessary.

Give us a call and let us help you get started on the road to a beautiful, dazzling smile!

April is National Facial Protection Month!

2011-04-04T08:42:00.000-07:00

With spring here, many of our patients at Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics will once again pick up the ball, bring the bat out of seasonal retirement, and lace up their cleats to hit the fields for the return of spring sports! April is National Facial Protection Month, and during this time, Drs. Bernard & Eimer both urge our young athletes to play it safe when out on the field. According to the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation, children, high-school athletes and adults will have more than 5,000,000 teeth knocked out in sporting events this year.

Here are a few ways to ensure your mouth’s safety this spring, courtesy of our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists:

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

We hope that helps. Protective gear is vital for anyone engaging in tooth or mouth-threatening activities. If you have any further questions about any of these tips, please contact our office). Stay safe and have fun!

Our 20th Annual Theatre Party

2011-03-24T10:53:00.000-07:00

Because we appreciate our patient families, for the twentieth year, the practice of Drs. Bernard and Eimer held a Theatre Party on the Sunday before President’s day. We send each patient two tickets for a day at the movies at the famed Palace Theatre in downtown Canton.

The patients can use the extra ticket to bring a friend and often parents have been known to get into the party; even without a ticket.

The ticket entitles the patient and a guest to a recent movie, a soft drink, and a box of popcorn. It’s the one day our practice allows the patients to enjoy popcorn although we keep our fingers crossed that no one bites on an un-popped kernel and damages their braces.

This year we showed the movie: “Despicable Me” and had over 300 patients and family members enjoy the event. Before the movie, the giant organ rises up and serenades the attendees for 15 minutes and then descends back into the pit in front of the stage. In past years, we have had over 1000 in attendance although the winter weather sometimes holds the crowd down.

We hope our patients realize that we appreciate their loyalty to our practice and this party is our way of saying “thank you” to the families that have chosen us to provide their orthodontic treatment.

Get to know your braces!

2011-03-20T08:54:00.000-07:00

Should you need to call Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics in case you sustain any damage to your braces, we can help you more effectively if you can tell us exactly which piece is in trouble! Here’s a handy diagram and corresponding list of all the parts that make up your braces.

Elastic Tie: Tiny rubber band that fits around the bracket to hold the archwire in place.

Archwire: The main wire that acts as a track to guide the teeth along. It's changed periodically throughout treatment, as teeth move to their new positions.

Loop in Archwire: Frequently used for closing space left by an extraction. Many archwires don't have a loop.

Bracket: Small attachment that holds the archwire in place. Most often, a bracket is cemented directly onto the tooth's surface, eliminating the need for a band.

Headgear Tube: Round, hollow attachment on the back bands. The inner bow of the headgear fits into it.

Coil Spring: Fits between brackets and over archwire to open space between teeth.

Tie Wire: Fine wire that is twisted around the bracket to hold the archwire in place.

Band: A thin ring of metal fitted around a tooth and cemented in place. The band provides a way to attach the brackets to the tooth.

Hook: Welded or removable arm to which elastics (rubber bands) are attached.

Elastic (Rubber Band): Small rubber band that is hooked between different points on the appliance to provide pressure to move the teeth.

Hope this helps! Give us a call if you have any questions!

--Drs. Bernard & Eimer and team

How will YOUR smile look after orthodontic treatment?

2011-03-14T11:01:00.000-07:00

At Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics, we know it's sometimes hard to believe the transformation your smile undergoes during orthodontic treatment. Drs. Bernard & Eimer and team love to see our patients’ smiles light up when they see their new smile in the mirror for the first time. For those of you who haven’t yet started or finished your orthodontic treatment, have you ever wondered what your new smile might look like after treatment?

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

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

Access your account—any day, any time, anywhere!

2011-03-07T06:33:00.000-08:00

At Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics, we embrace new technology, whether it is through the innovative orthodontic treatments that we offer, our web site and social networks, or our modern office conveniently located in North Canton.

Did you know that patients at our office have access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—all through our website? You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, from the comfort of your own home! And, because we know folks sometimes forget, you can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

You, too, can sign up for this convenient service on our website by clicking on the "Patient Login" button on our homepage. Please give us a call if you have any questions about getting started!

Connect with us on Facebook!

2011-02-26T09:02:00.000-08:00

At Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics, braces is all we do! We have a friendly, caring staff and a modern and comfortable facility in North Canton.

Even if you only see us for your appointment on a regular basis, did you know that you can now connect with us on Facebook?

There, we share office news and updates, so check it out! By Liking our page, you will receive updates from our office automatically in your news feed!

See you on Facebook! Have a great weekend!

Love your new smile? Tell the world all about it!

2011-02-19T16:59:00.000-08:00

Complimentary Consultations at Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics

2011-02-11T14:00:00.000-08:00

Drs. Bernard and Eimer & team, supporting National Children's Dental Health Month

2011-02-06T19:11:00.000-08:00

At Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics, February is National Children's Dental Health Month. Each February for the past 61 years, the American Dental Association (ADA) has sponsored National Children's Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

For kids wearing braces, brushing and flossing can become more difficult, requiring extra time and vigilance to remove food particles that accumulate on and between the teeth and in braces. If the health of your teeth is ignored during treatment with braces, the results can be significantly compromised. Drs. Bernard and Eimer are available and happy to explain why effective brushing and flossing is one of the most critical actions needed from patients during orthodontic treatment. Have you visited our North Canton, OH office? Give us a call and schedule a complimentary new-patient exam!

We also invite you to connect with us on Facebook!

Are you wearing your mouth guard?

2011-01-31T20:04:00.000-08:00

At Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics, we know spring sports are just around the corner, and we would like to remind our young athletes in treatment to take care of both your mouth and appliances while participating in contact sports (and non-contact sports) as well this spring. Drs. Bernard & Eimer will tell you that only by using a mouth guard can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. And don't forget to ask us for a mouth guard - we will provide a mouth guard for anyone in active treatment!

If you have further questions or are ready to schedule your consultation, just give us a call at our North Canton orthodontic office.

20th Annual Scholarship Award at Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics!

2011-01-26T09:17:00.000-08:00

Once again Drs. Bernard and Eimer’s office is offering three scholarships in the amount of $1,000 to seniors in our practice from all local schools.

To qualify:

**The student must be a high school senior.
**Has been (or is being) treated at Bernard and Eimer Orthodontics.
**Write a 500-word essay on “A Vision of My Future After High School.”
**Submit three copies to be presented to three judges.
**Must include a “Cover Letter” with your name, addresses and phone number (also include school name and counselor’s name.
**Submit all of the above on or before Wednesday, March 30, 2011 (Include your activity schedule).

Judges from various civic groups in the area will review the entries and the top three will be chosen. Keep in mind these entrees should be treated as three individual applications since they are distributed to three individual judges.

**If there are not three individual applications or any part of the requirements is not met the entrée will be disqualified. Please post this letter or announce on your PA system so that any high school Senior from our office can have the opportunity to try for this Scholarship.

If you have any questions regarding the above please contact our office
at 330/494-4310. Your assistance in this matter is greatly appreciated.

Respectfully,
Drs. Bernard, Eimer and Staff

January featured patient reviews!

2011-01-22T13:12:00.000-08:00

Check out what a few of our patients are saying about our office! At Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics, braces is all we do! We have a friendly, caring staff and a modern and comfortable facility in North Canton. We feature clear braces and removable aligners along with digital imaging and advanced computer graphics.

Your initial consultation is FREE!

"I don't know why anyone would go anywhere else for their orthodontic needs. A friend recommended your office when we were in need and I cannot thank her enough. You all are really the best!!"

"What I really liked is no matter how scared Tiffany was about what was going to happen, you all made her feel better and more relaxed. I want to thank you very much. Her teeth look wonderful."

"Your organization is a model for the entire business community. Like the 'Wahoos'. Good incentive for the kids."

"From the very first visit, your staff was extremely friendly and professional. I've never seen a better run organization. I like the way each person has a specific duty and how well they communicate with the parents and child. Also, as a working mother I appreciated the timeliness of their appointments and an up-front estimate of how long the visit would take. Thank you!"

More than a day off from school

2011-01-15T17:26:00.000-08:00

In the 1950s and ’60s, civil rights champion Martin Luther King, Jr. recognized the need to bring about social justice, strengthen America’s communities and move the nation forward. This weekend, tens of thousands of people of all ages and races will spend their time building, giving and renovating our communities to help celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend. Do you have the day off on Monday? If so, what do you plan to do to help your local community?

We’d love to know about your activities and events this MLK Jr. Day. If you have any video or pictures you’d like to share, please pass them along! If you’re not sure how, give us a call!

Drs. Bernard & Eimer and our entire team are proud of your work in our community!

Ask Dr. Bernard: Why are regular dental checkups so important during orthodontic treatment?

2011-01-08T09:42:00.000-08:00

Thanks for the question. If you're brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing during your orthodontic treatment, that’s great! But, don’t forget that it’s also important to visit your general dentist every six months in addition to your visits to our North Canton office. Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health. Your dentist can:

• Check for problems that might not be seen or felt
• Detect cavities and early signs of decay
• Treat oral health problems early
• Show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth

During an oral exam the doctor will 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 been to the dentist in the last six months, it’s definitely time to schedule an appointment! If you don't have a general dentist, just ask us - Drs. Bernard & Eimer know plenty of great dentists in the greater Canton area!

We hope you have a great weekend!

Dr. Bernard & team, dispelling the myths about orthodontics

2011-01-03T19:17:00.000-08:00

Drs. Bernard and Eimer know there are quite a few myths about orthodontists circulating around these days. Before you buy into those myths, they think you should get the facts! We came across a great site that helps set the record straight. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have some excellent information on the myths and facts of orthodontics, check them out today!

Hope this helps. Contact us if you have any questions and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Bernard & Eimer Ortho staff Christmas party!

2010-12-27T10:43:00.001-08:00

Check out our smiling faces at our staff Christmas party! We truly have a beautiful team!

What is your New Year's Resolution?

2010-12-26T14:04:00.000-08:00

The year is almost over, so our staff at Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics thought we’d ask: what was memorable about 2010 for you, and what are you most looking forward to in 2011? Do you have a new year's resolution, or any exciting plans for the coming year?

Have a safe and happy New Year, to all our patients, friends, family and all our dental and medical colleagues.

When to stop, from Bernard and Eimer Orthodontics

2010-12-22T15:01:00.000-08:00

Most young children keep something in their mouth to soothe or comfort them. After breast feeding and the bottle, that something is usually a “pacifier”. There are even “orthodontic pacifiers” with a shape which is supposed to help in proper upper arch formation although this has never been proven.

The problem with a pacifier is that it will cause an openbite or prevent the upper and lower teeth from coming in contact which effects chewing and speech and can develop poor and harmful tongue posture. To prevent this condition permanently, the pacifier should be stopped at 18 months.

My daughter had a 5 mm openbite (measured from upper to lower front teeth) from her pacifier or “binky” at 22 months. The solution was to take it away and hide it! After one week of withdrawal (crying, restlessness), the habit was broken and after two weeks, the front teeth were touching!

Of course, a finger or thumb habit is harder to stop because you can’t take it away like a pacifier. More later on when to stop that harmful habit.

Ask Dr. Bernard: What is an orthodontist?

2010-12-16T16:40:00.000-08:00

An orthodontist is a dentist who specializes in correcting crooked teeth and jaw growth problems that affect the bite, smile and face. To be an orthodontist, the dentist must complete a 2 to 3 year residency program at a major university which usually results in a masters degree. As an orthodontist, the specialist only works with malfunctions of the jaws and teeth and does not do any “general” dentistry such as fillings, extractions or caps.

The family dentist can use braces and aligners to straighten teeth but cannot call themselves orthodontists because they are not specialists and do other types of dentistry a majority of the time. Most orthodontists in our area (including us) do not charge for an initial consultation so it pays to have an opinion from an orthodontic specialist before undergoing any orthodontic treatment.

School is in session! (And we helped it get started)

2010-12-08T10:39:00.000-08:00

For the third year, our practice traveled to a local school to help an art teacher get her room ready for the incoming students. This year, we chose the classroom of Heather Boxler, the art teacher at Lake Middle School.

Three of our staff; Lyn Common, Judi Hegarty and Grace Margaritakis worked with Mrs. Boxler to get the classroom ready. We also gave her a $400 gift card to Pat Catan’s to purchase more art supplies for some of her projects this school year.

The young art teacher was excited to have the help from our practice; especially since she had her braces with us as a teenager some years ago! She hopes to do an “orthodontic art project” sometime during the year.

Drs. Bernard and Eimer will be involved by giving Mrs. Boxler some orthodontic objects from the practice and some of our clinical staff will donate some of their time to help with the project. We will keep you posted as we learn more about this wonderful art teach, Heather Boxler!

Join us on the Web!

2010-11-29T14:27:00.000-08:00

In the past year our office has made several new and exciting technological advances. We have enhanced our ability to communicate with you, through several new sites; beginning with Ortho Sesame, which is new inter-active software that allows patients/parents to view their account. This also gives them the ability to either cancel or confirm their appointment or contact us through e-mail.

Dental offices are able to receive mutual patient information through Sesame Interactive, (there is a link for this on our website) or through e-mail. We have also joined several networking sites, which include: facebook, youtube and myspace. On these pages patients have the ability to click on a “directions icon” to print street to street directions directly from their home to our office. Our address is already listed.

These sites allow patients to learn more about our office and to post comments. Dr. Bernard writes interesting facts about orthodontics and writes articles for our blog. Our website, which is www.drsosbern.com, contains information about our doctors, staff and valuable information about treatment, along with emergency information. Please stop at the front desk and fill out a form with your e-mail address (you can submit several addresses), you can give this to one of the receptionists.

Happy holidays!

2010-11-22T11:46:00.000-08:00

Drs. Bernard, Eimer and staff would like to wish you and your family a Happy Holiday Season!! Thanksgiving is a big food holiday, so be careful what you eat, especially with those braces! If you have any stories or pictures to share with us, we encourage you post them on our Facebook page!

Rubber bands

2010-11-16T10:53:00.000-08:00

Yogurt can help to prevent gum disease!

2010-11-09T11:19:00.001-08:00

Yogurt is the newest superhero in the battle against gum disease. Researchers have found that those with higher intakes of lactic acid foods like yogurt exhibited significantly fewer signs of periodontal (gum) disease. The study concluded that regularly eating yogurt will help to keep your gums and teeth healthy.

You should look for unsweetened yogurt if possible. If you cannot find it make sure you don’t buy any with sugar or high fructose syrup in the ingredients. That won’t help your gums at all.

You should eat about 60 grams of yogurt each day. Breakfast is one of the best times because it boosts your energy level while the lactic acid works to balance your mouth. However, any time of the day will have similar benefits.

Combine your yogurt consumption with daily flossing and brushing at least twice per day. Yogurt cannot take the place of good oral hygiene but together with it, it will certainly help to reduce periodontal disease. Remember to keep your regular dental cleanings and exams up to date. By eating yogurt daily you will help to keep your gums and teeth healthy.

Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics celebrate Halloween!

2010-11-02T10:36:00.000-07:00

Drs. Bernard & Eimer and staff get in the Halloween spirit every October by dressing up for our patients. This year we decided to adopt a "theme" for the occasion, so we decided to go with a "Bug Theme". We had a great time (some more than others- I won't mention any names) and alot of laughs! Any theme suggestions for next year?

Newly-certified!

2010-10-25T14:42:00.000-07:00

Our newest Certified Orthodontic Assistants are COLLEEN and KRISS , who passed the rigorous exam this summer. They join EMILY who was certified last year and Terri, Rhonda, Linda and Angel who have been certified for a long time.

Becoming certified requires working and training in an orthodontic office for at least 2 years and then passing a national written exam administered by D.A.N.B. – the Dental Assisting national Board. The exam consist of 3 major categories; radiology, infection control and chairside orthodontic assisting.

Once certified, the assistants can take advanced courses and assume more functions such as polishing teeth before and after braces. You do not have to be certified to assist the orthodontist so it is great that our practice has 7 young ladies who have gone “one step beyond”! Great job girls!!

Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics staff fun day!

2010-10-20T09:05:00.000-07:00

Drs. Bernard, Eimer and staff had a fun day on October 12th! It was a scavenger hunt. The Drs. and staff were divided up into 3 teams - each doctor was a group driver and the third driver was staff member Anita. The scavenger hunt consisted of 17 clues. Each team was given a drawstring bag that included a pen, $3.00 and the clue sheet. They all had to wear a Drs. Bernard & Eimer t-shirt or hoodie and have at least one camera phone to take photos of the staff with a particular clue.

Everything was located in the North Canton area and the teams ended up at Washington Square for either Handels ice cream or Starbucks. Dr. Bernard's team came in first place, it consisted of Judi, Linda, Kriss and Grace. The second place team consisted of Terri, Angel, Renee and Anita. Third, and final place went to Dr. Eimer's team, which consisted of Colleen, Janet and Lyn. Rhonda and Kelly did not participate, they planned the fun day! Congrats to all of the teams everyone had fun!

For more photos, please head to our Facebook page!

What's new at Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics?

2010-10-11T14:34:00.000-07:00

Check it out! We now have Wi-Fi anywhere in our building so bring your lap top and surf away in the reception area or clinic. The wireless connection is secured so you will have to ask the receptionists for the code to enter into your computer.

Forgot your laptop? We have created a desktop computer station for your use any time you are in the office. Look down over the railing as you enter the building and you will see the station on the lower level. A printer is attached to the desktop for office work, boarding passes and internet information. No password is needed!

Forgot your umbrella and it’s raining? We now have a rack of umbrellas in a stand next to our entrance. Take one to get to your car and home and return it on your next visit.

Too chilly in the office or out of the office? We have Medium and large zip-up hoodies for your use whether inside or outside. If you leave the office with one, we ask that you return it on your next visit so we can launder it and make it available to others.

If you have any suggestions on how we can make you more comfortable or serve you better, please let us know.

This Season’s Quote, from Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics

2010-10-05T12:49:00.000-07:00

A smile is nature’s best antidote for discouragement. It brings rest to the weary, sunshine to those who are frowning, and hope to those who are hopeless and defeated. A smile is so valuable that it can’t be bought, begged, borrowed, or taken away against your will. You have to be willing to give a smile away before it can do anyone else any good. So if someone is too tired or grumpy to flash you a smile, let him have one of yours anyway. Nobody needs a smile as much as the person who has none to give.

~Anonymous

Myra onstage with the Jonas Brothers!

2010-09-29T10:44:00.000-07:00

Myra Sabolesky is an enthusiastically devoted fan of the Jonas Brothers, a young trio of singers who achieved fame on the Disney Channel and now tour the country giving concerts to thousands of screaming teens.

The closest tour stop for Myra on the Jonas Brothers “World Tour” was Pittsburgh and she not only was in attendance but was awarded a “meet and greet” backstage. She stated; “When it was my turn, I ran in there and asked Nick to the prom and talked to Joe about running”. The brothers were impressed by Myra’s enthusiasm and boldness so they sent their manager to find out where she was seated for the concert and then they called her up on stage during the concert and sang to her.

Even though she likes Nick the most since he is her age (17), he respectfully declined her invitation to the prom! But at least Myra has the distinction of being “the infamous girl that was on stage in Pittsburgh.” Her final quote was: “I love the Jonas Brothers and they made my dream come true”.

Dr. Bernard at the Schulman Study Group meeting in St. Louis!

2010-09-24T16:23:00.000-07:00

This weekend, Dr. Michael Bernard, Lyn and Kelly are in St. Louis for the annual Schulman Study Group meeting. Drs. Bernard and Eimer are both members of The Schulman Study Group (SSG), a nationally-recognized association of prominent—among the top 1 percent—orthodontic practices, and is comprised of 125 orthodontic practices in the U.S. and Canada.

The Schulman Study Group meeting is a time for Dr. Bernard to consult with some of the top orthodontists and stay up-to-date on all the latest technologies and orthodontic treatment options available. This, of course, allows our staff at Bernard and Eimer Orthodontics to give you, our phenomenal patients, the best treatment experience possible.

Happy Friday and enjoy the weekend! :)

BOO! Braces-Friendly Halloween Recipes!

2010-09-17T12:34:00.000-07:00

With October just around the corner, it's time to start thinking about some frighteningly-good Halloween recipes. Our staff at Bernard and Eimer Orthodontics came across some GHOULISH Halloween recipes this week, courtesy of the American Association of Orthodontists. In general, orthodontic patients should look for foods that are soft and easy to chew. These three recipes fit the bill:

*Spider Bites
*Frightful Finger Cookies
*Black-Cherry Fruit-Bats
and Citrus Orange Pumpkin Fruity Cutouts

Other treats you may want to try this include:

*Soft, melt-in-your-mouth chocolates
*Peanut butter cups
*Milk shakes
*Gelatin
*Peeled, thinly sliced apples
*Ice cream

Have a terrific weekend!

Dr. Bernard wants to know: what's on your fall reading list?

2010-09-08T15:18:00.000-07:00

Talking retainers with Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics

2010-08-30T15:37:00.000-07:00

Austin Grooms and Harriet Whitzel, our Smile for a Lifetime scholarship recipients!

2010-08-21T15:49:00.000-07:00

Austin Grooms and Harriet Whitzel were awarded the second two scholarships for free orthodontic treatment in our practice. Our 10 Board members rated these children the most needy in terms of malocclusion and financial hardship.

Austin is 11 and in the 6th grade at Alliance Middle School. He had letters of recommendation from his dentist, pediatrician, and mother’s co-worker. Harriet is a 14 year old 8th grader at Minerva Middle School. She was recommended by her dentist and school counselor.

Two more candidates will be chosen in the fall and applications for Smile for a Lifetime can be downloaded from our website, www.drsosbern.com or picked up at school guidance offices, YMCAs, and community centers.

Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics, supporting the Moms For Mouth Guards Campaign

2010-08-12T13:15:00.000-07:00

Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists posted a great video about their Moms For Mouth Guards campaign, a program promoting the importance of mouth guards for our kids' sports activities. Through the Moms For Mouth Guards Campaign, football great Emmitt Smith and the AAO are educating parents and coaches about the importance of wearing mouth guards and other protective gear while kids are out on the field. The campaign encourages parents and coaches to take the Moms For Mouth Guards Pledge to keep their young athletes safer on the field. For every pledge received, the AAO makes a donation to the National Alliance of Youth Sports.

Remember, only by using a mouth guard can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. The next time you're in for a visit with Drs. Bernard or Eimer, be sure to ask us for a mouth guard, and we will provide one for you! We hope you're enjoying your summer so far!

National Smile Week at Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics!

2010-08-11T10:43:00.000-07:00

It’s National Smile Week, and a GREAT time to remind our patients at Bernard and Eimer Orthodontics to practice good oral hygiene to keep those teeth shining during your orthodontic treatment! This includes brushing and flossing regularly, avoiding foods that can stain your teeth such as tea and coffee (and many others) and visiting your general dentist on a regular basis.

And remember to smile at people you come across throughout the week, whether you know them or not. Smiles are contagious, and are a good thing to give and to get. In addition, smiling can actually help you live longer, according to a recent study! We hope you're having a relaxing and wonderful summer!

From the Bernard and Eimer Orthodontics staff

Hygiene appreciation at Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics

2010-08-02T10:10:00.001-07:00

We will be incorporating a contest for your dentist’s hygienist. We will be changing the blue card that you return to us for Wahoos after you have been to the dentist for a cleaning. The bottom of the card will have a tear off to put your hygienist in a contest thru our office to win a gift card to their favorite place!!

Happy Monday everybody!

Patient survey!

2010-07-24T14:32:00.000-07:00

We had a great outreach from our moms that helped with our patient phone survey. We would like to give all of them a standing ovation for all the time and efforts put into this project. A wonderful job done by all of them!!

KELLY HARTER
LYNN VERNIER
PAULA TREFF
CATHLEEN TURNER
DENISE ICKES
STACY BAKER
TIFFANI BROCK
SUSAN DI PIETRO
YVETTE BLANDFORD
JILL BUSKEN
JILL CHENOWITH
SUSAN HAMMOND
LINDA JARKA

We are still putting together all the information from the surveys and will discuss it in a future article. We just wanted to share some of your great comments: “kid friendly, excellent service, completely satisfied, appreciates the friendly staff and well organized.”

Thank you for all of your kind words! Have a GREAT weekend everyone!

110th AAO Annual Session in Washington D.C.!

2010-07-19T16:02:00.000-07:00

This year, the American Association of Orthodontists Annual Session was in our Nation's Capital. Dr. Michael Bernard, his wife Sally, and Rhonda attended. Rhonda went to many lectures, and did some site-seeing. Her favorite speaker Joan Garbo was wonderful. She has lots of positive energy and you come out of her seminars feeling renewed and ready to help people change their lives. Her quote “Never let anyone steal your Joy!”

We walked around the White House (which is cream in color by the way) and many monuments. My favorite was the World War II memorial. It’s a beautiful tribute to those who served. We went to Georgetown for shopping and lunch and stood in front of the house that JFK and Jacqueline lived in when he was running for President. On the last day we went to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

Dr. Bernard was a monitor at several lectures, introducing the speaker. He also did his share of lectures. He said his favorite speaker was Jeff Behan on Social Networking and The Web. We had a great time, but it’s always good to come home!

Summer F.A.Q’S with Dr. Michael Bernard

2010-07-12T11:17:00.000-07:00

Now that it’s summer, people with braces are more active with sports and outside activities. There are some questions that many of our patients ask about taking care of teeth and braces during this very active time.

1. How do I protect my braces and teeth when playing sports?
Ans.: You should always wear a mouthguard. With braces, we provide a mouthguard for all patients that covers the braces and protects the lips and checks and still allows the teeth to move.

2. What activities should I use a mouthguard for?
Ans.: All contact sports but also anything that could cause a fall or minor trauma such as rollerblading, rock and mountain climbing, mountain biking, and even regular biking (I broke a rib and punctured a lung riding alone on a paved road!).

3. What if my tooth gets knocked out of position?
Ans.: Call us immediately! (or your dentist). The tooth can be pushed back into the proper position if done right away. If you wait until tomorrow, it will have to be moved back with braces.

4. What if my tooth gets knocked out?
Ans.: Pick it up gently. (do not clean it off with anything). If dirty, gently rinse and put it into a glass of milk and call us or your dentist and we can put it back into the socket.

5. Should I take my retainer out to play sports?
Ans.: YES – and put your “custom” mouthguard in (made by us or your dentist) after braces are removed. Also remove your retainer while diving in a pool or swimming with waves or engaging in any activity that could cause it to be knocked out and lost.

Your teeth make your smile. Protect them and you can have a beautiful smile for a lifetime.

Our 2010 Scholarship winners!

2010-07-02T10:49:00.000-07:00

We'd like to congratulate Lauren Elizabeth Miller from Jackson High School, Alexandra Butz from Central Catholic High School and Kelly Loveless from Jackson High School, our 2010 Scholarship winners!

This year we had 72 applicants for our 19th Annual Scholarship program. Dr. Bernard presented our two winners from Jackson High School at their awards night and Dr. Eimer presented our winner from Central Catholic School. These three young ladies were each awarded our $1,000 scholarship and had previously been awarded with one of our great smiles as you can see from their photos.

We hope you all have a fun, safe and relaxing Independence Day weekend!

Dr. Bernard's Q&A with Bizymoms.com

2010-06-26T22:50:00.000-07:00

Dr. Michael Bernard was recently interviewed by Bizymoms.com and answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about braces and orthodontic treatment. Check out what Dr. Bernard had to say!

Q. Can one be too old for braces?

A. We see patients of all ages! I have examined children as young as 6 months old and we have treated 5 year old children with braces who had a severe functional problem. The oldest patient I have treated is 72, but we can treat anyone who has sound dental health. No patient is too old for tooth movement as long as their dental health is good enough to accept the minimum force necessary for movement.

Q. How much do braces cost?

A. Braces cost from $300 for simple passive arches to over $6000 for comprehensive adult treatment. Adult treatment is more difficult than child treatment, so the cost is from $500 to $1000 more. The average full treatment fee for a child is between $5000 and $6000 and the adult treatment is between $6200 and $6800.

Q. When will one begin to see changes in his/her teeth after the braces are put on?

A. Depending on the severity of the malocclusion, changes can be seen in one day to 3 days. The initial wires are very gentle and work over a long period of time, so adjustments only have to be made every 8 weeks.

Q. Will one need to have teeth extracted for braces?

A. Only about 10 to 20% of children will need to have permanent teeth extracted. These would be children who had front teeth that were very protruding or teeth that were extremely crowded. You can only move crooked teeth within the limits of the jaw bone. If moved to far off the bone, gum problems could result or the teeth would get crooked again when the retainers were not worn. Adults have to have teeth removed more often because they have no growth left and the bone is more rigid and difficult to move teeth in.

Q. How long will it take to complete the treatment?

A. Minor treatment can be accomplished in 6 months. Most full orthodontic treatment takes from 12 to 24 months to complete. This treatment requires about 12 to 18 visits to the orthodontist for adjustments and wire changes. We then follow all patients for 12 months with retainers to make sure the teeth remain in the proper alignment. This requires 2 to 3 visits and then the patients are not scheduled to return but are encouraged to call if they are having trouble with their retainer. We tell all patients that teeth can move all throughout life, so they should wear their retainers as long as possible even though we do not need to see them back in our office unless they have a problem.

Q. Can a person wear braces even though that person may have crowns and missing teeth?

A. A person can wear braces with crowns and missing teeth. These are usually adult patients and we can place brackets on porcelein, metal, or plastic crowns or fillings. We can sometimes use baby teeth in kids who have missing teeth and they will move with braces just like permanent teeth. We can also move other teeth into the missing tooth space to correct crowding or protruding teeth or move teeth into an ideal alignment for future dental implants.

Q. How can I prevent my child from being embarrassed by wearing braces?

A. Very few children are embarrassed by braces because all of their friends have them. In fact, most kids from 8 to 12 want braces! Some kids that are going into high school can be embarrassed by needing to wear braces but they are usually more embarrassed by having crooked teeth in a society that features an ideal smile and they are motivated to achieve that perfect bite and smile. Many of our adult patients say: "I only wish my parents would have made me wear braces when I was in middle school," and all those who had braces concur that it was one of the best things their parents did for them as a child.

Q. How to contact Dr. Bernard if we have further questions?

A. You may call our office or email him at mbernard1@neo.rr.com.

Where to?

2010-06-21T10:34:00.000-07:00

Many of our patients plan on traveling this summer. Here is where some are going:

Savannah Strouse is going to West Palm Beach
Coty Rosier Lemon is going to North Carolina
Lauren Massolini is going to the Outer Banks
...so is Halle Gates-Duncan
Jenessa Woodrich is going to Rhode Island
Jaclyn Anderson is going to Mexico
Molly Anderson is also going to Mexico
Ryan Slivka is going to Myrtle Beach
Madison Schaff is going to Yellowstone
Stephen Mottice is going to Ocean City
Tess Hamilton is going to North Carolina
...so is Stacy Dorsey
Caitlin Hopkins is going to California ...so is Jenna Hopkins
Joshua Conant is going to Myrtle Beach
Quinn Blackledge is going to camp in Pennsylvania
Kelsey Simpson is going to Myrtle Beach
...so is Megan Moody
Courtney Justice is going on a mission trip
Chase Lash is going to Fort Myers
...so is John Barnett
Elisha Cavella is going to Dayton, FL
Emily Janowski is going to Tennessee
Brooke Hinchcliff is going camping with Branch
Alexa Baker and Christian Baker are headed to Virginia Beach
...and Trey and Jacob Belzer are headed to Colorado

Happy and safe travels everybody! From our entire team at Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics!

Congratulations, Tori!

2010-06-15T10:15:00.000-07:00

Our final Pizza Party contest of this school year was won by TORI RICKETS, of Faircrest Middle School. Our Clinical Supervisor, Terri Cool (also from the Canton South area) brought Tori, her teacher Mrs. Pedone, and her classmates some pizza, cookies, and drinks.

The Pizza party will continue next school year. Make sure to look for it after summer ends. Enjoy your summer break!

Drs. Bernard and Eimer want to know: What should we blog about?

2010-06-06T18:00:00.000-07:00

With summer 2010 almost here, our staff at Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics strive to continue writing about important topics related to braces and your treatment with Canton orthodontist Dr. Michael Bernard.

To help us continue blogging through the course of the long summer, we need your help: What would you like us to focus on our blog over the summer? Perhaps there’s something you’ve wanted to ask Dr. Bernard for a while and just haven't found the opportunity? Give us your ideas by posting here or on our Facebook page!

We hope you have a great rest of the weekend and an even better upcoming week!

Dr. Bernard and team, helping you save face this summer

2010-06-02T13:46:00.000-07:00

Drs. Bernard & Eimer want to know: What are your summer plans?

2010-05-25T10:52:00.000-07:00

Drs. Bernard, Eimer and staff would like to know: what your plans are for summer? Do you have any interesting plans for an exciting summer vacation or a great new camp for your favorite sport? Does your family have a vacation or family reunion planned that is a tradition? Please feel free to share your summer plans and experiences with us here or on our Facebook page! We would like to wish all of the families in our practice a safe and fun summer!

Tell us about your experience at Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics!

2010-05-17T12:32:00.000-07:00

Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics featured on FOX 8 News!

2010-05-11T10:35:00.000-07:00

In February, Bernard and Eimer Orthodontics were featured on FOX 8 News for their involvement with the Smile for a Lifetime Foundation, a charitable non-profit organization that provides orthodontic treatment to people who may not otherwise have the opportunity to acquire assistance.

Drs. Bernard and Eimer, as well as our entire team, are proud to work with such an outstanding organization and give back to our Canton community. Giving kids a beautiful smile and confidence doesn't hurt, either!

To become a candidate for the Smile for a Lifetime Foundation at Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics, interested families must be at or below poverty level and must complete a one-page application for their child or candidate. Local Smile for a Lifetime Foundation applications can be picked up at school guidance offices, Stark County YMCA branches, or downloaded online from our website. Or, you may give us a call!

Happy Tuesday!

Mercy Hospital dentists visit Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics!

2010-05-03T12:03:00.000-07:00

In April, four of the five dental residents from Mercy Hospital spent an afternoon at Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics to learn principles of orthodontic diagnosis. Nine patients were scheduled who were in observation prior to braces and Dr. Bernard and the four young dentists evaluated the patients for current and future orthodontic needs.

The General Practice Residency at Mercy Hospital is a year long program for dentists who want additional training in all phases of dentistry. They also rotate through some of the medical fields like anesthesia, surgery and emergency medicine. Some of the residents will stay for a second year, some will go into private general practice and some may apply to specialty programs that they become interested in during their residency at Mercy.

Dr. Bernard is the teaching orthodontist on the staff at Mercy Hospital and spends one afternoon each month lecturing the residents at Mercy or working with them in our office. Dr. Bernard became interested in orthodontics when he was a resident at Montefiore Hospital in Pittsburgh and it is his hope that he can return the favor for one of these bright, young dentists.

Reminder! Mouth guards are important!

2010-04-26T08:23:00.000-07:00

April is National Facial Protection Month and we urge all athletes to protect their teeth whether wearing braces or not. The National Youth Sports Safety Foundation indicates more than 5,000,000 teeth are knocked out each year in organized sports or other activities.

Our Practice will provide you with a special orthodontic mouth guard while braces are in place. This type covers the braces on top and bottom to protect the lips and cheeks as well as the braces and teeth. It is more loose fitting than a regular mouth guard because the teeth are constantly moving and a form-fitted mouth guard would prevent tooth movement or would not fit from day to day unless re-made. You are much less likely to lose a tooth while in braces because they are wired together but they can still be fractured or the lips and cheeks can be lacerated by the braces or impaled on them.

Once your braces have been removed, you should ask us or your dentist for a custom mouth guard which not only protects your teeth and jaws but serves as a retainer to hold the teeth in the proper position. Then remember to wear it for all contact sports, including those played in the playground or backyard. One quick blow to the mouth can spoil a smile and a few years of braces.

Ask Dr. Bernard: Why did you become an orthodontist?

2010-04-19T09:03:00.000-07:00

It was the middle of the dark ages. I was 13 and my mother did not like my front teeth which were spaced and sticking out a bit.

The closest orthodontist was in downtown Cleveland; an hour and a bus transfer away. He was at least 80 years old and was on the 10th floor of an inner-city high rise. He used metal rings on all my teeth, which he fitted over the teeth by “driving” them on with a mallet and chisel. I’ll never forget the chisel slipping off the band just as he swung the mallet, this puncturing the roof of my mouth.

After each appointment, I would run for the elevator which would deliver me to the drug store on the first floor. My drug of choice was a chocolate ice cream soda which temporarily relieved the tightening of the heavy, steel wires until the bus delivered me home for some Bayer aspirin.

My decision to be an orthodontist was not fostered during my treatment years. Dentistry was the furthest thing from my mind as a teen. But 15 years after my brace experience, I decided to become an orthodontist because of the young people whose lives I could positively affect with the resultant healthy, happy smile.

Ask Dr. Bernard: What makes a great patient?

2010-04-12T11:25:00.000-07:00

All orthodontists have an image of the ideal orthodontic patient. The first quality that we look for in the initial exam is a patient that wants the treatment for a specific reason. People who have a goal of a better bite or smile generally cooperate better with the orthodontist and staff. Many patients are having treatment because it is their parents’ wishes; not theirs.

The second quality is great brushing habits and a concern about the health of their teeth and gums. Teeth do not move well when the gums are puffy and the final result never looks good; even though the teeth are straight. The teeth have white patches and are covered by fat, red gum tissue.

The next quality that makes a great patient is compliance with wearing rubber bands or removable appliances. Patients who wear rubber bands 24 hours a day get done faster with an ideal result.

Of course, a positive attitude and a pleasant demeanor makes the orthodontist day more satisfying and in turn, encourages him or her to spend more time with the patient encouraging them to continue progressing toward the final, ideal bite and smile.

Featured patient review for Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics

2010-04-05T10:08:00.000-07:00

Dr. Bernard received a letter last week from Michael G., a former patient and thought he’d share it on the blog today:

Several years ago my wife and I were looking for an orthodontist. After several conversations one name kept coming up, Drs. Osborne, Bernard and Eimer. We had spoken with a few different orthodontists, and Drs. Osborne, Bernard and Eimer seemed the best fit. The doctors took the time to explain their plan on how they would align the kid's teeth.

After which I had spoken with Judi in accounts she walked us through the payment options. I especially liked that it was one price period, no hidden fees. Even for Emergency Visits or a broken bracket or if treatment took longer than expected. This is true, one price does cover it all.

The doctors are great, but the staff is wonderful. I can not explain how nice Terri and her staff treat each patient. They take the time to make sure the braces are as comfortable as possible. And if you need supplies (Christmas trees, wax) they are quick to hand you a handful. (Again no fee).

The wahoo program is a great incentive for the kids to maintain their braces. Once you call into the office Anita or Kelly are always willing to set appointments convenient to our needs.

We have had three kids with full braces and one with a quad helix. I was so happy with the results from the kid's braces; I had braces put on myself.

~ Michael G., 3/11/2010

Protect your this spring, from Drs. Bernard and Eimer

2010-03-29T09:23:00.000-07:00

April is almost upon us, and Drs. Bernard and Eimer want you, our valued young patients, to stay safe on the field this spring. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, say children up to 14 years old account for 80 percent of all sports-related emergency room visits. Here are five tips to save face while having fun this spring, courtesy of the AAO:

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

We hope that helps. Protective gear is vital for anyone engaging in tooth or mouth-threatening activities. If you have any further questions about any of these tips, please contact Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics. Stay safe and have fun!