Fun water facts, from Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics

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

Our Internet Presence, from Kelly at Bernard & Eimer Orthodontics

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

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:

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

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

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.