The importance of elastic wear, from Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics

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.

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

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!

What is your New Year's Resolution?

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

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?

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)

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!

Congratulations, Tori!

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!

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

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?

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.

Your turn! From Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics

By now, you know the drill: Week after week, Drs. Bernard and Eimer and our talented staff write about topics related to orthodontic care and your well-being, including innovative orthodontic techniques offered at Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics. This week, we thought we’d ask you, our great patients: what’s on your mind? What would you like to know about the always-changing field of orthodontics? 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 now? Let us know and we’ll try to answer any questions you may have!

Stephanie shares her success story with Dr. Michael Bernard

My ties to orthodontics and this practice began before I was born, since my mother worked for Drs. Osborne and Bernard as an assistant. From her experience, she recognized my need for orthodontic treatment at a young age. I became a patient when I was approximately five years old. The goal was to curb my relentless finger sucking habit and prevent further disruption of my teeth. As I became older, I eventually entered into full treatment. At each visit, Dr. Bernard and his staff made me feel welcomed and comfortable.

Looking back, the time and effort required during treatment were well worth the results. I recognize that without orthodontics, many aspects of my life would not be the same. Having a nice smile definitely gave me the extra confidence and self-esteem I needed to succeed throughout my many years of school. After graduating from Jackson High School in 2002 and Ashland University in 2006, I decided to apply to Case Western Reserve’s School of Dental Medicine with the hopes of becoming a dentist. During my interviews, I was so glad to have a smile I was proud of, since I was convinced all the dentists would be looking at my teeth.

As I began clinicals at Case, I realized I loved treatment planning and wanted to have the same impact on people’s lives that orthodontic treatment had on mine. Thus, I began applying to orthodontic programs. Recently, I was notified of my acceptance as an orthodontic resident at the University of Rochester’s Eastman Institute for Oral Health. I am extremely excited to enter into a field that can truly change people’s lives. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dr. Bernard and his staff for all of their inspirational efforts.

Sincerely,



Stephanie L. Morgan

19th Annual Scholarship Award at Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics!

Attention: All High School Seniors!
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 Tuesday, April 1, 2010 (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) 470-7785. Your assistance in this matter is greatly appreciated.

Respectfully,
Drs. Bernard, Eimer and Staff

Dairy and your diet, from Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics

Drs. Bernard and Eimer want to know: Is dairy a major part of your diet? If not, it should be! A 2008 study from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) has found that regular consumption of dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, can lower your chances of contracting periodontal disease (also known as gum disease).

Gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection in the mouth that affects the gums and jaw. Gum disease results in a loss of teeth and bone, and has been connected to certain cases of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease and osteoporosis.

Results of the study show that adults who consume at least 55 grams of lactic acid a day are less at risk for gum disease. Eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but is essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth. Next time you reach for a quick snack, choose some cheese, or a glass of milk, and remember with each bite, and every sip you are preserving your teeth for a lifetime of smiles and good oral health!

For more information about keeping your teeth healthy, call us at Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics!

A few helpful webisodes about orthodontics, from Drs. Bernard & Eimer

Drs. Bernard and Eimer would like to point you to a few interesting webisodes about orthodontics, located on the YouTube page of the American Association of Orthodontics, or AAO.

There, they tend to post some very pertinent videos about orthodontic treatment, as well as state-of-the-art technology in orthodontia. These include "Orthodontic Treatment Basics," "Common Bite Problems Seen in Children" and "Does My Child Need Braces?"

We think you may find these webisodes interesting, as well as enlightening. If you have any questions about the videos, or your treatment here at Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics, please give us a call.

Happy Monday!

Now that I have braces, what can I eat? Dr. Bernard explains

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

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

Here is a delicious, sneak peek recipe from “The Braces Cookbook:”

Wonderful Waffles

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

Preheat your waffle iron according to the directions. You may want to lightly spray it with vegetable oil before heating.
• 3 cups flour
• 2 Tbl + 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 Tbl sugar
• 4 cups milk
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

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

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

Enjoy this great braces-friendly dish and Happy New Year!

--From the team at Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics