What do you love about Erkis & Hickman Orthodontics?

From your very first visit to Erkis & Hickman our doctors and team have striven to provide superior treatment in a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. We thought we’d ask you, our wonderful patients: Have you been especially impressed by Dr. Erkis or Dr. Hickman's work? Did our team go out of their way to make your day? Are you in love with your new smile?

Whether you’ve just come in for a consultation or your family has been visiting our office for years, we’d love to hear your feedback. Or, you can tell us by posting on our Facebook page or by giving us a call!

Thank you,
The team at Erkis & Hickman

Safety first this winter! From Drs. Erkis & Hickman

Winter is officially here, and with it comes not only the holiday season, but also sometimes unpredictable and inclement weather. This week, Drs. Erkis & Hickman and our team would like to share a few winter safety tips that we found on the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry website. These tips include everything from what to wear outdoors to tips for winter snow sports. Enjoy!

• Older babies and young children should generally be dressed in one more layer of clothing than an adult would wear in the same conditions
• Several thin clothing layers will keep an infant or child dry and warm. Warm boots, gloves, mittens, and a hat are necessities!
• A cold air humidifier, saline nose drops, and petrolatum will help a child that suffers from winter nosebleeds.
• It is important for children to wash their hands frequently, and to use the bend of their elbow if they need to sneeze or cough to prevent the spread of colds and flu.
• Never ski or snowboard alone. Adults should supervise young children participating in winter sports.
• When sledding, it is preferable to separate young children from older children, and to avoid crowded areas.
• The AAP recommends that children under age 16 not operate snowmobiles and that children under age 6 never ride on snowmobiles.

We hope that these tips help keep you and your loved ones stay safe and sound this winter season. Please give us a call if you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule your next appointment at Erkis & Hickman Orthodontics.

Ask Drs. Erkis & Hickman: What’s so bad about nail biting?

We’ve all heard that biting your nails is an awful habit, but you many wonder- really- what’s so bad about it? Recently, our team at Erkis & Hickman Orthodontics found an interesting article that discusses how biting your nails affect your teeth and oral health.

Nail biting, also known as Onychophagia, is a common habit among various age groups, including primarily children, teens and young adults. Nail biting is generally triggered by stress and most often decreases with age. That being said, nail biting is unsanitary, unattractive, as well as unhealthy for your teeth!



Here’s why:

• It’s unsanitary. Your nails are dirty, almost twice as dirty as your fingers! Hence, biting your nails is just asking for germs and bacteria.
• No good things come to your teeth. Nail biting causes your teeth to constantly be chewing, which is not good for them. This excessive motion wears your teeth down faster than a non-nail biter’s and puts a large amount of stress on your front teeth- contributing to teeth misalignment.
• Braces don’t love it either. Braces already put pressure on teeth, nail biting ads unnecessary pressure, further stressing your teeth and weakening their roots.
• It can be costly. Nail biting can result in up to $4,000 in additional dental bills over one lifetime, according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). Yikes!

What can you do about it?

Now that you know how harmful nail biting can be, it’s time to take action to break your nail biting habit. Try to be conscious of your fingernails and to keep them looking good- this will help you resist the temptation. Give us a call if you have additional questions or ask Drs. Erkis or Hickman during your next visit.

Good luck!

Your friends at Erkis & Hickman Orthodontics

Here are some tips from Erkis & Hickman Orthodontics on how to keep those Braces sparklin' clean

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

1. One tooth at a time. When you brush, take time with each individual tooth – at least 10 seconds each – and pay careful attention to the spots where your teeth touch your braces.

2. It’s all about the angles. Brush the tops of your teeth and braces with your brush angled down toward where they meet. Brush the bottoms of your teeth and braces with your brush angled up.

3. The tooth, the whole tooth, nothing but the tooth. While the front surface of your teeth may seem like the most logical to clean, it’s equally important to clean the inner surface of your teeth (tongue side) as well as the chewing surface. And be sure to clean along your gum line – a key spot for plaque buildup.

4. Step 1: eat, step 2: clean. While you’re in treatment, it’s important to brush after every meal. Bits of food can easily get caught between braces and teeth, and these food bits interact with bacteria in your mouth to cause decay. The longer food is in contact with your teeth, the greater opportunity for plaque to form. If you are eating somewhere that you can’t brush, thoroughly rinse your mouth with water.

5. Like a Boy Scout, always be prepared. The easiest way to be sure you can brush after every meal is to get in the habit of taking a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss with you wherever you go. Designate a special container just for your teeth-cleaning tools and keep it in your purse, backpack, or laptop case.

6. Remove the moving parts. If you have elastic bands or headgear, remove these parts before you brush or floss.

7. Fluoride is your friend. Fluoride helps prevent cavities. Be sure to brush with fluoride toothpaste, and rinse with fluoride mouthwash.

8. Pointy brushes reach tiny places. Interproximal brushes (sometimes called proxa brushes or interdental brushes) are cone-shaped and come in very handy for reaching spots around your braces that standard brushes can’t.

9. Find the floss for you. Regular floss works for some patients, but others find it easier to work with a floss threader, which helps you get the floss into tight places. Other patients like an all-in-one product called Superfloss, which comes with a stiff end for easy threading, a spongy section for cleaning wide spaces, and regular floss for narrow spaces.

10. Make time for the pros. It’s your job to take care of the everyday cleaning. But make sure to visit your dentist regularly while in treatment, to get the deep, thorough cleaning that only a professional can provide. If you need help finding the right Dentist for you, feel free to contact our office - we’d love to help!

Hope this helps! Visit our Braces 101 page on our website for additional information about braces.
-Erkis & Hickman Orthodontics and team.

Is it time to replace your toothbrush?

Fall is upon us, and with it comes the dreaded cold and flu season. After recovering from your cold, Dr. Erkis and Dr. Hickman will tell you one of the most important steps you can take to avoid becoming reinfected is replacing your toothbrush!

Germs are known to linger on the bristles, and you risk prolonging your sickness by continuing to use the same toothbrush. Be smart - keep a spare, just in case! To protect your toothbrush from bacteria all year long, consider the following tips:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing
• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen
• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster
• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Worn bristles are less effective in properly cleaning your teeth, and can actually be damaging to teeth if used too long!

We hope these tips help! Feel free to call us at Erkis & Hickman Orthodontics if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Drs. Erkis and Hickman and team would like to wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy a day filled of friends, family, and great Thanksgiving food! What are you most thankful for this year? Leave us a comment, or if you have any stories or pictures to share with us, we encourage you to share them on our Facebook page!

Happy Thanksgiving!

All the cool kids do it!

Braces today are “cool” and—many would say—even “fun.” These were among the findings of a 2010 nationwide survey of moms whose children are going through or have had orthodontic treatment. New technologies such as Invisalign, advanced computer software, color options, and even popular celebrities—Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, Danny Glover, Serena Williams—sporting stylish braces are making orthodontic treatment more comfortable, fashionable and cool for today’s teens.

The study, conducted on behalf of our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists for February’s National Children’s Dental Health Month, found 86 percent of moms reporting that braces are cooler today than when they were children. Sixty-nine percent of moms also said wearing braces makes their children feel cool, and 81 percent reported their children’s experience with orthodontic treatment as either positive or extremely positive.

Different color options and the ability to change colors, for example, provide exciting ways for young patients to customize appearances. That enthusiasm helps them to feel good about their orthodontic treatment with Dr. Erkis and Dr. Hickman, and may contribute to the success of treatment.

Has your child or teen visited Dr. Ron Erkis and Dr. Lynnsay Hickman for a consultation? If not, please give us a call and let us help your child begin the journey to a gorgeous smile!

Dr. Erkis and Dr. Hickman honor and thank America's veterans

Have you thanked a veteran lately? November 11 is Veterans Day - the perfect holiday for thanking and honoring our country’s military. In celebration of Veterans Day, Dr. Erkis and Dr. Hickman and our team would like to share a few fun facts about our flag, this national holiday, and our country’s history!

• There are 23.2 million veterans in the U.S.
• The flag was first approved by Congress on June 14, 1777
• Each of the flag’s colors signify different American values- red is for valor and zeal, white is for hope, purity, and cleanliness of life, and blue is for heaven, loyalty, sincerity, justice, and truth
• Research by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) helped develop the CAT Scan, the cardiac pacemaker, and the “Seattle Foot” to give those hurt the ability to run and jump
• Veterans Day, a day that was originally called Armistice Day, is a time to thank and honor the men and women who have served in our military.
• When the flag is displayed next to another flag against a wall, the U.S. flag should be on its own right (on the left side when facing the wall).
• There are five states with over 1 million veterans in their population – California, Florida, Texas, New York, and Pennsylvania
• The VA healthcare system now has 171 medical centers, 126 nursing home care units, and 35 live-in care facilities
• President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the official legislation for Veterans Day on June 1, 1954, changing the name of the holiday from Armistice Day to Veterans Day
• Take a Veteran to School Day is a program that was developed by HISTORY in 2007 to connect students and veterans.
• Veterans Day is often confused with Memorial Day. Memorial Day is a time for remembering and honoring the men and women who died while serving our country, or as a result of injuries that incurred in battle. Veterans Day honors and gives thanks to all veterans who served and currently serve our country.

Distinguishing the myths and facts about orthodontics, from Dr. Erkis and Dr. Hickman

Trust us when we say Dr. Erkis and Dr. Hickman and our staff know there are quite a few myths about orthodontics (and orthodontists) floating around these days. But before you buy into those myths, we think you should get the facts! Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists set the record straight (no pun intended) and have provided some information that sheds some light on the myths and facts of orthodontics. We encourage you to check them out today!

If you have any questions about orthodontics or your treatment here at the office of Dr. Ron Erkis and Dr. Lynnsay Hickman, feel free to give us a call.

A few tips for staying safe this Halloween, from Drs. Erkis and Hickman

Trick-or-treat! In the spirit of October’s sweet and spooky holiday, Halloween, Drs. Erkis and Hickman would like to remind all of our patients to be safe while celebrating with friends and family. The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, has provided trick-or-treaters with some tips for a ghoulishly good time.

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

Many treats can cause havoc for trick-or-treaters who are going through orthodontic treatment. If you happen to damage your braces, please give Drs. Erkis and Hickman a call immediately. Typically, small problems can be solved over the phone.

Ask Drs. Erkis & Hickman: Why is it so important to have straight teeth?

Some people wonder why Reynoldsburg, OH orthodontists Erkis & Hickman Orthodontics and our team work tirelessly to give our patients straight teeth. Of course it’s nice to have a smile full of evenly aligned teeth, but did you know that straightening your teeth at Drs. Ron Erkis & Dr. Lynnsay Hickman can keep them healthier? Straight teeth lead to better oral hygiene, increasing your chances of keeping your own natural teeth for a lifetime!

Straight teeth are less prone to decay, because they collect less plaque—the sticky colorless substance that forms on our teeth and leads to tooth decay; and they are easier to keep clean!

If you’re wondering whether your teeth might cause problems because they are out of alignment, please give us a call to set up a consultation. Drs. Erkis and Hickman can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment.

A few Invisalign® tips, from Dr. Erkis and Dr. Hickman

Many people know that Invisalign is a great solution to braces if you don't want to experience the look and feel of traditional metal braces. What few people know, though, is that just like traditional braces, Invisalign requires proper care to work effectively. Good oral hygiene is highly important, even when you are wearing something in your mouth that you can take out to eat with. It's still likely that your aligners can build up plaque if not treated properly. When wearing your Invisalign aligners, Dr. Erkis and Dr. Hickman want you to ask yourself the following questions:

1. Am I eating with my aligners on? - These aligners are removable and should be taken out when you eat.

2. Am I drinking anything other than water with my aligners on? - Though it's not necessary for you to take out your aligners while you drink, think about how sticky soda is. If you take out your aligners when drinking a soda, you have a better chance of keeping your aligners clean.

3. Am I brushing before putting the trays on? - The aligners have both an inside and outside. Keeping the outside clean is easy. Keeping the inside clean is also simple: just make sure you've brushed your teeth before putting the trays on.

These are all very simple steps, and ultimately, they help to keep you building good oral habits. If you have any questions about Invisalign or your treatment here at Drs. Erkis and Hickman, give us a call!

A braces-friendly recipe, in celebration of National Orthodontic Health Month!

In honor of National Orthodontic Health Month, Drs. Erkis and Hickman would like to share a great braces-friendly Halloween recipe with all of our patients, courtesy of the American Association of Orthodontics, or AAO, and “The Braces Cookbook” by Pamela Waterman. This Spider Bites recipe is delicious, and provided that you remember to brush and floss after indulging, this is a cookie that won’t bite back!

Spider Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 cup shortening
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 Tbsp. water
• 1 Tsp. vanilla
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cocoa
• 1 Tsp. salt
• ½ Tsp. baking powder
• 1 package black rope licorice, cut into 1-inch pieces**
• 1 small tube of white (or color of choice) frosting
• Toothpicks

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a large bowl, combine shortening, sugar, water, and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Add eggs into the mixture and blend. Slowly mix in flour, cocoa, salt and baking powder using low-medium speed. Drop tablespoon helpings of mixture onto ungreased cookie sheets and roll each helping into a ball.

Bake 9 minutes at 375 degrees. The batch should produce around three dozen cookies.

Let cookies cool for about 10 minutes. Then using a toothpick, create four small holes in either side of the cookie. Still using the toothpick, push one end of a piece of the cut licorice into each hole, creating the “legs” of the spider. Once all eight pieces are in place, create eyes or decorate at will using the white frosting. Then eat and enjoy!

**Licorice can sometimes stick to braces; parents should monitor

October is National Orthodontic Health Month

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

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

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

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

A few helpful webisodes about orthodontics, from Drs. Erkis and Hickman

Drs. Erkis and Hickman and our team would like to point you to a few interesting webisodes about orthodontics, located on the YouTube channel of the American Association of Orthodontists, 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 Erkis & Hickman Orthodontics, please give us a call.

A great braces-friendly fall recipe! From Drs. Erkis & Hickman

Fall is here, and sometimes Drs. Erkis and Hickman just feel like a hot delicious meal is in order. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) made an appetizing (and braces-friendly!) fall dish that is sure to delight. We would like to remind you that a healthy diet provides essential nutrients and helps you achieve the best possible result from your orthodontic treatment.

Pasta Pomodorini

Ingredients:

• ¾ pound spaghetti or spaghetti
• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• ¼ cup sliced garlic
• ½ teaspoon finely minced Calabrian chilies, or 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 pint small cherry tomatoes, stems removed, crushed between your thumb and forefinger
• Sea salt, preferably gray salt
• ½ cup fresh basil leaves, each torn into 2 or 3 pieces
• Wedge of Parmesan cheese

Directions:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta. While the pasta cooks, heat the 1/4 cup olive oil in a large skillet over moderate heat. Add the garlic and cook until the slivers are golden brown and crisp, then add the chilies and cook for about 30 seconds. Raise the heat to high and add the tomatoes. Simmer briskly to soften the tomatoes and thicken the juices, about 3 minutes. Season with salt. When the pasta is al dente, scoop out about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta. Return the pasta to the warm pot off the heat. Add the sauce and the basil and mix well. Add some of the reserved cooking water if the pasta seems dry. Transfer to a warmed serving bowl and grate Parmesan over the top to taste. Drizzle with a little more olive oil. Serve immediately. Makes 4 servings.

Enjoy this great fall dish and have a great week!

--From Drs. Erkis & Hickman and staff

Technology helps you relax with Dr. Ron Erkis and Dr. Lynnsay Hickman

It used to be that people were terrified to see the orthodontist. And Dr. Ron Erkis and Dr. Lynnsay Hickman understand that some patients are still nervous. But fear not! The days of fear and loathing when driving to an orthodontist appointment are gone! And it’s all due to technology. That’s right, technology has allowed orthodontists everywhere to zero in on patient care and comfort.

For example, braces are much more comfortable and the treatment time has been reduced. In addition, the advances in the orthodontic field have permitted digital photos and X-rays of your mouth, patient charting and improved communications between doctor and patient.

If you have any questions about how Dr. Ron Erkis and Dr. Lynnsay Hickman uses state-of-the-art technology, give us a call and ask!

Regular checkups are essential in maintaining good oral health

Are you brushing and flossing daily properly during your orthodontic treatment with Dr. Ron Erkis and Dr. Lynnsay Hickman? If yes, that’s great! But, don’t forget that it’s also important for you to visit your general dentist every 3-6 months in addition to brushing your teeth and flossing (and visiting our office, of course). Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health, especially during orthodontic treatment.

Your general dentist can check for problems that might not be seen or felt, detect cavities and early signs of decay, treat oral health problems early and show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth.

During an oral exam your dentist can check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If you have not been to the dentist in the last six months, let us know during your next visit and we will provide a few great references in the greater Reynoldsburg and Columbus, OH areas!

Ask Drs. Erkis & Hickman: How can Invisalign® benefit my oral health?

When considering treatment options, patients often ask us how Invisalign treatment is so different than traditional braces. Well, there are more reasons to smile about Invisalign with Drs. Erkis & Hickman than you may know. Invisalign is a series of removable aligners that are nearly invisible, and besides straightening your teeth, can improve your oral health. Here’s how:

Healthy gums: Straight teeth allow a close fit for gums. This lessens the gum stress that is caused by crowded or widely spaced teeth, thus also reducing red and swollen gums.

Easy cleaning: Invisalign is removable, therefore brushing and flossing is easier and you are able to maintain a healthy mouth. These habits are vital to avoiding tooth decay, plaque and even gum disease.

Improved speech and chewing: Properly-aligned teeth don’t have the discomfort or compound speech impediments that can be caused by crowded teeth or a deteriorating jawbone.

If you have any questions about Invisalign, just ask Drs. Erkis and Hickman the next time you’re in for an appointment. Or, you may post your question on our Facebook page! You can also read this article for more information on Invisalign and your oral health.

With Drs. Erkis and Hickman, a pursuit of excellence

At Erkis & Hickman Orthodontics we make every effort to provide you with the best orthodontic treatment. For us that means achieving consistently great results. There are many things that help Drs. Erkis and Hickman do that. Some of them are included in our office vision:

1. We will aspire to be the best in our field.

2. We will give more than expected.

3. We will strive to understand others and deliver the highest level of service.

4. We will always be honest and forthright in our dealings.

5. We will always have the highest ethical standards.

If you or a family member has been thinking about orthodontic treatment, please give us a call. We look forward to seeing you.

Summer travel tips for the whole family, from Drs. Erkis & Hickman

Hey, parents! Are you planning that perfect family vacation for the whole family? Here at Dr. Ron Erkis & Dr. Lynnsay Hickman, we know that summer is the season when many families choose to hit the open road—or catch a flight—to make those memories together. That’s why we want to share a few tips for summer travel, courtesy of our friends at Yahoo! Shine.

1) Have your teens set the pace—and even the itinerary. Allowing everyone a voice in the trip itinerary, so that both children and parents are invested in the vacation.

2) Everyone offers up a playlist. A trip soundtrack isn’t complete without a hodgepodge of every family member’s favorite music tracks!

3) Set a limit on phones/electronics use. This decision has to be specific to your family, but a good rule of thumb is that if you’re setting the rules for minute limits or check-ins that all family members should stick to them—not just teens and tweens.

4) Keep food and drinks on hand. Sometimes a snack is all you need to stay cheery- hunger can oftentimes create unnecessary arguments and tension between families.

5) Don’t make them clean the hotel room. While on vacation, the same rules that apply at home for cleaning don’t necessarily apply while staying in a hotel.

6) Set a gift shop budget. These costs can add up quickly, so be sure to set limits ahead of time!

7) Give them a little freedom. When traveling with tweens and teens, it is important that they are able to have some areas where they are able to wander without the whole family.

We hope these tips are useful for helping you plan that perfect family vacation this summer! Also, if you have any great family vacation photos, feel free to post them on our Facebook page! Happy travels!

- Your friends at Drs. Erkis & Hickman

Drs. Erkis & Hickman present: A refreshing (and braces-friendly) summer recipe!

Now that the summer heat is finally passing through Reynoldsburg, OH and surrounding areas, our team at Dr. Ron Erkis & Dr. Lynnsay Hickman would like to share with you a great summer recipe. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) made an appetizing (and braces-friendly!) summer chicken wrap that is sure to delight. Remember, a healthy diet provides essential nutrients and helps you achieve the best possible result from your orthodontic treatment.

Soy Simmered Chicken Wraps

Ingredients:

• 3 boneless chicken breast halves
• 2 large onions, chunked
• Small flour tortillas (pkg. of ten) wheat or white
• (optional: 10-16 oz. of cooked chopped broccoli)
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup water
• 2 Tablespoons honey
• 1/8 teaspoon ginger
• 2 Tablespoons peach or apricot jam
• 1 Tablespoon cornstarch

Directions:

In a slow cooker, or a large pan on the stove, layer the onions and the chicken breast. Allow at least three hours in the slow cooker on medium, or at least one hour on the stove—the longer the better, but you don’t have to do anything to it while it cooks. Spoon out the chicken onto a cutting board, and with a knife and fork, shred the chicken as finely as you’d like. In a small saucepan, stir all sauce ingredients together over medium heat until the mixture starts bubbling, then let it simmer for five minutes on low heat to thicken. In a serving bowl, stir sauce and onion into chicken; if you’d like, add cooked chopped broccoli. Makes about six to eight servings.

Have a great weekend!

-Dr. Ron Erkis & Dr. Lynnsay Hickman

With Invisalign®, Drs. Erkis and Hickman can help mom and dad get a perfect smile!

Hey parents! Have you been focusing so much on your kids' teeth and oral health that you're neglecting your own? If you've been thinking wistfully about having your own set of perfect teeth, our staff at Dr. Ron Erkis & Dr. Lynnsay Hickman can help! We are specially trained to offer an adult-friendly option for straightening teeth called Invisalign.

This course of treatment consists of a set of clear aligners that are molded to fit your teeth using a proprietary technology. You wear them all day and night, except for meals, brushing, and flossing – when you can easily slip them out to make eating and cleaning a snap!

Because they're clear, your teeth will be steadily straightening – and no one will know it but you!

Please give us a call to set up a consultation, so we can discuss the specifics of your treatment.

Drs. Erkis & Hickman ask: What are you reading this summer?

Now that summer is finally here in Reynoldsburg, OH and surrounding areas, our team at Erkis & Hickman Orthodontics wanted to remind all our patients about the importance of reading. Summer is the perfect time to catch up on your reading list, while improving your vocabulary and critical thinking skills. Plus, it's fun!

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

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

Smile, you might just live longer!

Big smiles may be the key to a long happy life, according to a March, 2010 study at Michigan’s Wayne State University. The study gave evidence that folks with big smiles may actually live longer than those who don't smile wide.

Dr. Erkis and Dr. Hickman have known for quite some time that positive emotion has been linked to both physical and mental health, but researchers at the university did something quite interesting: they looked at photos of 230 ball-players who began their careers in baseball prior to 1950 and studied their smile intensity (ranging from big smile, no smile or partial smile). The players' smile ratings were compared with data from deaths that occurred from 2006 through 2009. The researchers then took into account other factors that impact life longevity, including body mass index, career length and even college attendance.

The results? Researchers found that players who weren't smiling in the photos died at the average age of 72.9 years. Players with partial smiles lived to be 75. Those with big smiles, however, lived on average to be 79.9 years old.

The take-away from the new study? Smile now, smile often and you might just live longer! Have you been perfecting your smile by visiting Dr. Ron Erkis and Dr. Lynnsay Hickman on a regular basis? If not, give us a call!

Hey, Moms! Have you signed the Moms for Mouth Guards Pledge?

At Erkis & Hickman Orthodontics, we value your pearly whites, and we want to help keep you protected from sports injuries that can be detrimental to your beautiful smile. As a way of ensuring that children are using proper facial protection equipment the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) has introduced the Moms for Mouth Guards Pledge.

Mouth guards are vital to protecting your teeth from sports related injuries while participating in sports, such as football, soccer, baseball, hockey, and basketball, to name a few. The Moms for Mouth Guards Pledge is a way for moms nationwide to make a commitment to protecting their child’s smile from facial injuries.
In past entries, we’ve discussed the importance of using facial protection when exercising to prevent injury. Today, we at at Erkis & Hickman Orthodontics we are inviting moms to take action by visiting the Moms for Mouth Guards website and taking the Moms for Mouth Guards Pledge.

Have a safe week everyone!

- Your friends at at Erkis & Hickman Orthodontics

Orthodontic fun facts with Drs. Erkis & Hickman

Everyone loves fun facts. They're just fun! The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, has come up with some fun facts about orthodontics that our team at Erkis & Hickman Orthodontics thought you might enjoy.

• There are nearly 4 million people in orthodontic treatment throughout the United States. Three out of four are younger than 18.
• The first mechanical treatment for correcting irregular teeth was suggested by Gaius Plinius Secundus (A.D 23-79).The American Association of Orthodontists is comprised of more than 12,000 members in the United States, Canada and abroad.
• The time required to complete orthodontic treatment ranges from 12 to 36 months depending on the nature and severity of the problem.
• Of the 160,000 dentists in the United States and Canada, 8,000 are practicing orthodontists.
• The cement that attaches the braces to the teeth is now made with a special fluoride-releasing substance.
• Wires activated by body heat used in today's braces originally were developed by NASA for use in the space program.
• In addition to alleviating or preventing physical health problems, orthodontics can boost self-esteem as treatment aligns teeth, jaws and lips.
• Famous orthodontic patients include: Dr. Joyce Brothers, Hale Irwin, Cher, Diana Ross, Phyllis Diller, Chelsea Clinton, Whoopi Goldberg, Daisy Fuentes and Brandi.

Ask Drs. Erkis and Hickman: What's the deal with Invisalign?

Have you ever wondered how Invisalign treatment at Erkis and Hickman Orthodontics manages to straighten your teeth without using braces at all? The Invisalign system is a state-of-the-art system of clear, removable aligners that we proudly offer at our convenient Reynoldsburg office. Drs. Erkis and Hickman are your Reynoldsburg and Columbus, Ohio orthodontists, offering Invisalign for teens and adults. We also have plenty of resources on our website to check out about Invisalign, or give our office a call at 614-501-0042 to learn if this revolutionary and "clear" treatment option is right for you!

Celebs and braces, from Erkis & Hickman Orthodontics

It's true. Eight years ago, Tom Cruise, one of Hollywood's biggest stars, had braces. During this time, Cruise was 40 and did the films Minority Report, Austin Powers in Goldmember and the Last Samurai. Just check out his smile in Jerry Maguire, Rain Man or The Firm and compare to the post-braces Cruise in Valkyrie or Tropic Thunder. We know that even movie stars need to look their best for the big screen, and it wouldn't be possible without orthodontists like Dr. Ron Erkis and Dr. Lynnsay Hickman.

In fact, many Hollywood stars have had orthodontic treatment. Check out this list of famous faces in braces, courtesy of ABC News. If you’ve thought about getting the perfect smile you’ve always wanted, please give our team at Erkis & Hickman Orthodontics a call at 614-501-0042 for a complimentary evaluation.

Have a GREAT weekend!

Happy patients at Erkis & Hickman Orthodontics!

Drs. Erkis and Hickman love getting patient reviews - LOVE THEM. It's always nice to hear from current and past patients of ours whose life has been changed by orthodontics. Just see what our some of current patients are saying about us!

"Everything!!! He's the best and I love the rest of the staff. All very friendly and professional." ~ Debbie N.

"I love how everyone including the Doc, talks to the child not the parent. Very patient orientated. Dr. Erkis has a very calming, gentle, kind demeanor as well as an enthusiam for his work and passion for others. He really "gets" the big picture of life!" ~ Sue B.

"Wonderful person! Treats every patient like they are family. Always very professional & respectful." ~ Tara T.

"Dr. Erkis is so wonderful with children!" ~ Mrs. Pouncy

"Dr. Erkis remains one of the most caring Dr.'s our family has ever visited. He certainly has shown us that he is truly a man of his word by honoring an oral agreement with my husband years ago. His compassion and joy are ever present when he works with us. The cookies and slushies are also really original for any of our health professionals. His love for life people especially children is evident." ~ Susan B.

Tell Erkis and Hickman Orthodontics about your summer plans!

As the school year comes to a close for a lot of our patients, the days get longer and the temperatures climb in Reynoldsburg and surrounding areas, there’s no better way to beat the heat than jump into a pool or cool off in the shade. For some folks, summer brings a chance to get away from it all and escape every-day life, if only for a week or more. For others, it means a season of relaxation and relief from homework and other duties.

What about you?

What are your plans for summer? Do you have any interesting plans for a summer vacation? Does your family have a vacation or family reunion planned? Please feel free to share your summer plans and experiences with us on our Facebook page as the summer rolls along!

Drs. Erkis and Hickman, wishing you a safe and relaxing Memorial Day weekend!

Make no mistake about it: Memorial Day weekend is a time Americans stop and remember those who have died in service to our great nation. It’s also the unofficial start of summer, and for many kids, getting out of town for three days with parents after being cooped up in school is sweet, sweet relief.

Memorial Day is also the unofficial start of summer, and for many kids in Reynoldsburg, Columbus and surrounding areas, getting out of town for three days with parents after being cooped up in school for eight months is sweet, sweet relief.

What about you? What are you up to this Memorial Day weekend? Whether you are headed to a barbecue, a camping trip, hanging out in your backyard or hitting the great American open roads, we’d love to hear all about it!

Have a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend! See you next week everyone!

Fluoride and you, from Drs. Erkis and Hickman

Drs. Erkis and Hickman will both tell you about the different ways you protect your teeth during your orthodontic treatment at our office: You brush your pearly whites twice a day, floss on a regular basis and protect your appliances from being damaged. But did you know there's another way to keep your teeth sparkling and healthy during your treatment with us?

Fluoride!

Yes, the mineral that helps prevent cavities and tooth decay, can - and does - help keep your teeth strong! Fluoride comes in two varieties: topical and systemic. Topical fluoride is applied directly to the tooth. Topical fluoride includes toothpastes and general mouth rinses. Systemic fluorides, however, are swallowed just like a dietary supplement. Orthodontists just like Drs. Erkis and Hickman use in-office fluoride treatments to help protect the oral health of adults and children undergoing orthodontic procedures.

Fluoride used in office is often times stronger than in toothpaste or mouthwash, but is available at some drug stores or a pharmacy (ask Drs. Erkis or Hickman how and where to purchase professional strength fluoride). A fluoride treatment typically takes just a few minutes. Drs. Erkis or Hickman may also prescribe a fluoride product such as mouthwashes, gels or antibacterial rinses for in-home treatment.

When choosing your own fluoride product, be sure to check for the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of acceptance. Products marked with the ADA seal of approval have been carefully examined and have met the criteria of the ADA for safety and effectiveness.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Share your experience with Drs. Erkis or Hickman with the world!

At the office of Dr. Ron Erkis and Dr. Lynnsay Hickman, we have a simple philosophy: treat all our patients as if they are members of our family. Our goal is to provide the best possible orthodontic care with the most sincere personalized attention.

Whether you have visited our office for a week or for years, we'd love to hear your feedback about your experiences with Drs. Erkis or Hickman! 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. It only takes a moment!

You may write a review here.

Thank you and have a great weekend!

Drs. Ron Erkis and Lynnsay Hickman, supporting National Physical Fitness and Sports Month

Hey kids! Do you the significance of May? This month is observed as National Physical Fitness and Sports Month and was introduced by President Ronald Reagan in 1983 to encourage adults and children to incorporate more physical activity into their lives. The reminder is even more significant today as kids are distracted more and more by television, video games and social networking. Kids living an active lifestyle can - and do - improve their health, productivity and overall well being, and best of all? It doesn’t have to take a lot of time!

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

At the office of Drs. Ron Erkis and Lynnsay Hickman we encourage our patients to exercise or participate in sports. However, we want to remind you to always wear a mouth guard or other forms of facial protection when playing sports. To learn more about how often you should exercise, we recommend you check out this series of helpful articles about kids and exercise, courtesy of our friends at KidsHealth.org.

Ten kids' health issues and how to avoid them

Tough to believe it, but it's almost May! This is a great time to remind our parents about the various kids' health issues threatening your children and how you can avoid them. In late 2009, KidsHealth.org published its annual list of “10 Kids’ Health Issues to Watch” this year and what they mean to you.

They include:

• Earliest Signs of Autism Identified in Babies

• Obesity and Kids: What Parents Should Understand

• Many Kids Missing Out on CHIP Benefits

• H1N1 Flu Pandemic Affecting Kids the Hardest

• Texting & Driving: Just Say No

• The Importance of Vitamin D

• The Toll of Constant Social Networking

• The Impact on Concussions

• Pregnancy, STDs Increasing Among U.S. Teens

and...

• Smoking: Good News and Bad News

Drs. Erkis and Hickman, as well as our staff, encourage you to read the entire article in its entirety! Happy Friday and have a great weekend!

This Earth Day, are you making a difference? From Dr. Erkis

Earth Day, which is designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for our environment and ecosystem, celebrates its 40th anniversary today.

Whether lending a helping hand to plant trees or getting out to volunteer in various projects in Reynoldsburg or Columbus, today is our opportunity to get involved in making our year-round impact in the community. Are you making a difference today? Tell us, what are you up to? How long have you participated in helping our planet?

If you’d like to join the millions of people around the world who are making small but important changes to help sustain our ecosystem, try these helpful environmental tips, courtesy of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA.

We hope you had a wonderful Earth Day!

Hey, Dr. Erkis! How does Invisalign work?

This week, our staff thought we'd stick with a video theme and share with you a neat video about Invisalign. Did you ever wonder exactly how Invisalign technology works? This helpful video, courtesy of our friends at Invisalign, shows the process of these clear aligners that move your teeth just as well as traditional braces.

For more information on Invisalign, or if you have questions about your Invisalign treatment with Drs. Erkis or Hickman, please give us a call. We hope you have a great weekend!!

Drs. Erkis and Hickman, reminding you play it safe this spring

With spring here, many children, teens and adults in Reynoldsburg 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. Erkis and Hickman urge our young athletes to play it safe when out on the field.

Above is a helpful video from our friends at the AAO about staying safe on the ball field this spring. If you have any further questions about any of the tips offered in the video, please contact us at 614-452-7451 and we'll try to answer any questions you may have!

Have a great weekend!

April Fools!

You're probably familiar with how April Fools' Day works: one of your friends tries to pull a prank on you, you fall for it (or not), and everyone has a good time. Today, Drs. Hickman and Erkis would like if you shared a great story about a trick you played, or a friend played on you, on this silliest of days.

Feel free to post them here or on our Facebook page, and stay alert out there today! :)

The importance of retainers, from Drs, Erkis and Hickman

If you recently completed orthodontic treatment with Drs. Erkis or Hickman, we’d like to congratulate you! Now that your braces have been removed, Drs. Hickman or Erkis will provide—or have provided you by now—with retainers.

After braces are removed, the teeth can shift out of position if they are not stabilized. Retainers provide that stabilization. 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 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. Erkis or Hickman instruct otherwise.
* 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, lacrosse etc.).

We hope this helps! You can always contact our team if you have any questions!

Tell Drs. Erkis and Hickman: What's on your mind?

By now, you know the drill: Each week, Drs. Erkis and Hickman blog about important topics pertinent to orthodontic care and your well-being. This week, we thought we’d step back a little and ask: 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 been wanting to ask Drs. Erkis or Hickman for a while? Let us know by posting here or on our Facebook fan page!

So… take it away and we’ll try to answer any questions you may have!

Adult orthodontics with Drs. Erkis and Hickman

Who’s afraid of “metal mouth” and the appearance of braces? Not adults, apparently. Recently, our staff read a fascinating statistic: adults getting braces has jumped 24 percent from just 14 years ago! Yes, braces help make your pearly whites strong, healthy and perfectly-aligned, but perhaps another reason for the spike in adult braces is this: cosmetics. In an age—and society—where looks matter as much as anything, and at a time when evenly-aligned teeth might be the difference between getting a job or a promotion, adults are choosing to invest in orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic treatment with Drs. Erkis or Hickman can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile.

If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, Drs. Hickman and Erkis would love to have you visit for a consultation. Give us a call to set one up!

Ask Drs. Erkis and Hickman: When should my child come in for a check-up?

Many parents assume they must wait until their child has all of his or her permanent teeth to visit Drs. Hickman or Erkis, only to discover treatment would have been much easier if started earlier. Did you know the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven?

That’s right—seven.

Ok, so what’s so great about age seven, you ask? Enough permanent teeth have arrived for Drs. Erkis and Hickman to make a determination about whether any problems are present. Orthodontic evaluation at an early age provides one of two positive outcomes: For some, early identification or problems will lead to easier or shorter orthodontic treatment in the future. For others, a healthy prognosis will provide immediate peace of mind.

Early evaluation, of course, may signal a need for early treatment. For some children, early treatment can prevent physical and emotional trauma. Aside from spurring on years of harmful teasing, misaligned teeth are also prone to injury and are detrimental to good oral hygiene. So, if your child is nearing his or her seventh birthday, give us a call to schedule an appointment.

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

Access to your account, 24/7. Sounds great and convenient, doesn’t it?

Our patients enjoy access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—all through our web site. You may look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, all from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages! Just see what a few of our patients are saying about this innovative service:

"It is very convenient to get a current balance of my account and appointment reminders online." ~ Jennifer C.

"I can easily access my appointment time and financial info at my fingertips." ~ Sharp M.

"With my busy schedule it was difficult for me to remember my appointments. With Sesame I am able to get online at anytime in any place and review my appointment. It also allows me to view my progress which acts as a positive reinforcement." ~ Cameron G.

"We love the ability to confirm appointments via internet rather than waiting for a call from the office. We can do this at our own convenience." ~ Natasha L.

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

Imagining your life with Invisalign® with Drs. Hickman and Erkis

Are you wondering what Invisalign treatment is really like, and what effect it will have on your day-to-day activities? Will it slur your speech? Will people know you're in treatment? You're not alone in your concerns! Drs. Erkis & Hickman and our team thought we’d share this list of questions and answers for anyone pondering Invisalign treatment.

How exactly does Invisalign work?

Using 3-D computer imaging technology, Invisalign creates a series of custom-made, clear aligners exclusively for your teeth, based on the treatment plan that we specify for you. Each aligner moves teeth incrementally and is worn for about two weeks, then replaced by the next in the series until the final position is achieved.

Will I experience pain during treatment?

Most people experience temporary discomfort for a few days after a new aligner is placed. This feeling of pressure is normal and is a sign that Invisalign is working by sequentially moving your teeth to their final destination.

Can other people see that I'm in treatment?

One of the benefits of Invisalign is that the aligners are clear. You can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing.

Can I smoke during treatment?

We discourage smoking while wearing the aligners as they may become discolored.

Are there any foods I cannot eat while in treatment?

You can eat normally during the entire course of treatment. One of the advantages of Invisalign is that the aligners are removable. Simply take the aligners out before each meal, brush when you're finished eating, then reinsert the aligners afterward.

What about chewing gum?

We recommend removing your aligners for all meals and snacks, as gum and other chewy substances can stick to the aligners.

How often must I wear my aligners?

Aligners should be worn all day, except when eating, brushing, and flossing.

Will my speech be affected by the aligners?

As with any orthodontic treatment, aligners may temporarily affect your speech. If this does happen, your tongue will adjust within a day or two and your speech should return to normal.

How can I clean my aligners?

The best way to clean your aligners is by brushing and rinsing them in lukewarm water.

How often must I visit your office during treatment?

For most patients, visits every 4-6 weeks are frequent enough for us to determine that your treatment is progressing properly. We will provide you with a specific schedule that supports your individual treatment plan.

Drs. Erkis and Hickman, reminding you to stay safe during the storm

With the intense snowy conditions here in Ohio the next few days, Drs. Erkis and Hickman thought it would be a good time to remind you, our dear patients (and parents) to be safe when out and about during the storm.

If you don't feel safe going out, you can always reschedule your appointment. At the office of Drs. Erkis and Hickman, our patients' well-being is our primary concern, and that includes staying safe on the roads during the storm! If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call!

Drs. Erkis and Hickman, helping tackle sports injuries

Drs. Erkis and Hickman know sports-related injuries are common among children, let alone teens with braces. In a recent survey, the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, discovered that 70 percent of parents said their biggest worry is that their child will get hurt while playing sports. But 67 percent admitted that their child doesn’t wear a mouth guard when participating in organized sports such as football, basketball, baseball and soccer. That’s why the office of Drs. Erkis and Hickman is helping spread the word that many facial sports injuries can be prevented simply by reminding your kids to wear mouth guards.

Ask us - Drs. Erkis and Hickman can recommend the best mouth guard for you. In addition, the AAO has four quick tips for keeping kids safe during sport activities.

• Wear mouth guards during contact sports
• 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

All of these can reduce injuries. Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment with Drs. Erkis or Hickman.

Drs. Ron Erkis and Lynnsay Hickman discuss teeth grinding

Grind, grind, grind... If you live with a teeth grinder, especially a night grinder, you may be familiar with this unpleasant sound. Other symptoms of teeth grinding, or "bruxism," include:

• Sensitivity in the teeth
• Tightness or pain in the jaw
• Dull headaches, earaches, or facial pain
• Chipped, worn down, or loose teeth

People frequently grind their teeth in response to stress, so taking measures to reduce or eliminate stress can help solve the problem. Here are some things you can try to stop grinding:

• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
• Cut back on caffeine and alcohol
• Relax right before bedtime with a warm bath or shower
• Help your jaw relax by quitting any chewing habits (pens, pencils, gum)
• When clenching or grinding happens during the day, place your tongue between your teeth to serve as a reminder to avoid the habit

If grinding goes untreated, it can lead to chipped teeth, chronic pain, worn enamel or even TMJ, a painful jaw disorder. If the teeth-grinder in your house can’t stop, schedule an appointment with us. Drs. Ron Erkis and Lynnsay Hickman can help determine the cause of the problem and possibly even prescribe a custom mouthpiece to help break the habit.

Enjoy the rest of your week!