Ask Drs. Erkis and Hickman: Why do I have to wear a retainer after my braces are removed?

If you recently completed treatment at Erkis & Hickman Orthodontics, we’d like to congratulate you! Now that your braces have been removed, Dr. Ron Erkis or Dr. Lynnsay Hickman will provide—or has provided you—with retainers. After braces are removed, teeth can shift out of position if they are not stabilized. Retainers, however, always 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 by Drs. Erkis and Hickman is the best insurance that the treatment improvements last for a lifetime.

To learn more about the advantages of wearing retainers after your orthodontic treatment with Erkis & Hickman Orthodontics, please read this helpful article about retainers from KidsHealth or give us a call!

HOW TO: Floss with Braces

Dr. Ron Erkis and Dr. Lynnsay Hickman will tell you that 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 could possibly reduce your treatment time.

Here is a very concise video explaining the proper way to floss your teeth with braces. Give Erkis & Hickman Orthodontics a call if you have more questions about flossing. Enjoy!

Drs. Erkis and Hickman want to know: What do you love about Reynoldsburg?

Erkis & Hickman Orthodontics, located in Reynoldsburg OH, and serving surrounding communities, is situated around some pretty unique neighborhoods. Each is special with its own personality, created by the people and places (and our amazing patients) living within.

Today, Dr. Ron Erkis, Dr. Lynnsay Hickman, and our team thought we'd ask: What are your favorite things about Reynoldsburg? Is there a local event you attend every year? Do you have a favorite eatery? Perhaps a favorite Ohio getaway?

Please feel free to share some information about your favorite local hang-outs in Reynoldsburg, and everything you love best about “your neck of the woods” in Ohio.

If you need to schedule your next appointment, give us a call! Have a great week!

April is National Facial Protection Month!

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. Ron Erkis, Lynnsay Hickman and our dedicated team 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 Erkis & Hickman Orthodontics. Stay safe and have fun!