This Year, Make a New Year’s Resolution to Smile About!

Let’s face it- when was the last time you managed to keep a New Year’s resolution? We believe the key to sticking to a goal is picking one that is both reasonable and attainable. If you haven’t yet picked a New Year’s resolution, consider setting one that will improve your oral health!

For example, resolve to brush twice and floss once a day. Good oral hygiene only takes a few minutes a day, and can make a big difference in your oral health and overall health too! For more oral health-themed resolutions for you and your family, check out this article.

We would love to see what you come up with, share with us by commenting on this post or on our Facebook page. Whatever your New Year’s Resolution, we wish you the very best for 2011!

-Happy New Year, from your friends at Hildebrand Orthodontics

Season’s Greetings!

In this season given to tidings of comfort and joy, and as the team at Hildebrand Orthodontics
reflects on the year that was, we’d like to ask you, our wonderful patients: What do you love
about the holidays this year? Being with your loved ones? A clean slate for 2011? Opening
presents by the fireplace? All the delicious food? Also, what gift are you most looking forward to
getting this year?

We’d love if you shared with us all the things you love about the holidays. Stay warm,
and don’t forget to stay away from those sweets!

--The team at Hildebrand Orthodontics

At Hildebrand Orthodontics, what puts you at ease?

Dr. Hildebrand and team understand not everyone enjoys visiting their orthodontist. But we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit. We’d like to know: What is it about our office that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant office environment? Our friendly staff or Dr. Hildebrand?

Let us know by posting here or by giving us a call!

A Smiling patient after braces removal

This patient just got her braces off, and wanted to share how happy she was with the end result. Dr. Hildebrand and team work with patients of all ages, and we would love to see you for a complimentary consultation at our Arlington, TX office. Call today!

Happy Thanksgiving, from Dr. Hildebrand & Team

Dr. Hildebrand and team would like to wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving. It's a big food holiday, so be careful what you eat with those braces! If you have any stories or pictures to share with us, we'd encourage you to send them along or call our office and ask how.

Gobble Gobble!

With Hildebrand Orthodontics, 24/7 access to your account

At Hildebrand Orthodontics, we embrace new technology, whether it is through the innovative treatments that we offer, our high-tech web site and social networks, or our modern office conveniently located in Arlington, TX.

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 at the top of our homepage. Please give us a call if you have any questions about getting started!

Staying connected with Dr. Hildebrand

At Hildebrand Orthodontics, we embrace technology, whether it’s through the innovative treatments we offer, our high-tech web site or our Facebook fan page. As you can probably tell, we love connecting with our patients online, whether it’s by sharing news on our blog or communicating ideas on our fan page. For social media to work, we understand that conversation is vital, and that’s why we invite you to join in and tell us what’s on your mind. Although social networks are hugely popular these days, we know they’re unpredictable and ever-changing.

While wetake a little time to research how to best use social media, we thought we’d ask you, our loyal patients: How would you like us to use our social networks? What would you like us to share on our blog? Please post your thoughts or give us a call!

Orthodontic fun facts

Everyone loves fun facts. Fun, fun, fun! The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, has come up with some fun facts about orthodontics that our team at Hildebrand 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.

A few Halloween safety tips

Trick-or-treat! In the spirit of October’s sweet and spooky holiday, Halloween, Dr. Hildebrand 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 our staff a call immediately. Typically, small problems can be solved over the phone.

We wish you all a happy, safe, and spooky Halloween!

A Great Braces Friendly Halloween Recipe

Our team know how tempting this time of the year can be on our sweet tooth. With all of the caramel, candy corn, and lollipops that are often passed around to trick-or-treaters, we realize that it can sometimes be hard to find hard, chewy, sticky, and crunchy candy alternatives.

However, there is good news! Today, we 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 Marks the National Orthodontic Health Month!

October symbolizes the transition into the Fall season and of course, Halloween! For our team at Hildebrand Orthodontics, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), and orthodontic patients around the country, October also marks the National Orthodontic Health Month. This month is a great time to remind patients of the importance of strong oral hygiene and a braces-friendly diet, especially since many of the sticky and sweet Halloween treats can be harmful to braces and other orthodontic appliances.

Candy remains a huge part of Halloween for tens of millions of American kids each year. The National Confectioners Association says 93 percent of children in the United States go trick-or-treating, and estimates candy sales will be higher this year than ever. Candy is not all bad in moderation, but can lead to big problems in excess! It can lead to tooth decay, broken or chipped teeth, and delayed orthodontic treatment time due to broken or loose appliances and braces. Get the facts about Halloween candy and orthodontics by asking us! You can also learn more on the AAO’s National Orthodontic Health Month website. We also appreciate your help in spreading the word!

"Do the Dash" with Dr. Hildebrand and the Arlington Community!

We are excited to be a sponsor of the 2010 Ditto Dash, a Fun Run and Walk benefiting the the Physical Education department of Ditto Elementary School. The 5k/1 Mile Fun Run / Walk will be held at the elementary school in Arlington, TX on Saturday, November 6th.

Join Dr. Hildebrand & Team for some great family fun by registering online, or picking up a packet at Ditto Elementary or the Runner Shop in Arlington, TX. There will be finisher awards, age level awards, t-shirts for each registered participant, and great door prizes as well. Don't miss out!

iPad Winner Will Be Announced on Monday

The iPad has been bought, and a winner will be announced Monday, October 4th. Stay tuned on our Facebook page for details, and the last chance to enter is this Thursday! Be sure to leave your comments on Facebook about Dr. Hildebrand and team for a chance to win!

What, exactly, is malocclusion?

Malocclusion, or what Dr. Hildebrand calls “bad bite,” is the improper alignment of teeth and/or jaws. When your teeth and jaws are not properly aligned, it may impact your bite, the ability to properly care for your teeth, your gum tissue health and even your appearance.

Most people experience some degree of malocclusion, but it generally is not severe enough to require corrective measures. If your malocclusion is serious enough, however, treatment may be necessary to correct the issue.

We will tell you that untreated malocclusion can lead undesirable mouth problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, or chipped and cracked teeth. The most common solution for malocclusion, of course, is orthodontic treatment. The actual course of treatment, including the length of time you will require braces, will be determined by severity of your malocclusion. The goal of your treatment is to move your teeth into the proper position and correct any misalignment in the jaw.

At Hildebrand Orthodontics, we use the most advanced technology in the field in order to ensure that you receive the best possible results. If you have any questions about malocclusion, please give us a call and we’ll try to answer any questions you may have.

Thanks to Invisalign®, mom and dad can have a perfect smile, too!

Hey parents! Focusing on your kids' teeth and oral health so much that you're neglecting your own? If you've been thinking wistfully about having your own set of perfect teeth, our staff at Hildebrand Orthodontics 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.

Regular checkups are essential in maintaining good oral health

Are you brushing and flossing daily properly during your orthodontic treatment? If yes, that’s great! But, don’t forget that it’s also important for you to visit your general dentist every 3-to-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 Arlington, TX area!

Ask Us: Why is it so important to have straight teeth?

Some people wonder why Arlington, TX orthodontist Dr. Jed Hildebrand 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 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. Dr. Hildebrand can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment.

Smile, and you might just live longer!

Folks with big smiles may actually live than those who don’t, according to a March 2010 study at Michigan’s Wayne State University. Dr. Hildebrand has 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 Hildebrand Orthodontics on a regular basis? If not, give us a call!

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 SureSmile, Invisalign and the Damon System, 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. Hildebrand, and may contribute to the success of treatment.

Has your child or teen visited Hildebrand Orthodontics for a consultation? If not, please give us a call and let us help your child begin the journey to a gorgeous smile!

Contests and Events at Hildebrand Orthodontics

We host ongoing contests for patients, including our t-shirt and attendance drawings. Prizes include gift cards from Best Buy, Starbucks Coffee, GameStop, Cheesecake Factory, PacSun and more! Check out a few of our latest monthly winners on Facebook!

Currently, we are holding an iPad contest, and everyone is excited to see who will be the lucky winner!

To view photos of past winners, or to find out details about our latest contest, visit our Facebook Page While you are there, be sure to "like" us to get the latest updates and news from Hildebrand Orthodontics!

Distinguishing the myths and facts about orthodontics, from Hildebrand Orthodontics

Trust us when we say Dr. Hildebrand 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 Hildebrand Orthodontics, feel free to give us a call.

Ask Hildebrand Orthodontics: What can Invisalign® do for 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 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 Dr. Hildebrand 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.

What’s so special about an orthodontist?

"Dentists, Orthodontists, they're all the same right?" We hear our patients asking this question as they wonder about the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist. Before becoming an orthodontist Dr. Hildebrand started out in dental school and earned a DDS (dental degree), just like your dentist. After dental school however, Dr. Hildebrand decided he wanted to learn more about orthodontics, which is one of nine specialties within the dental field. So he stayed in school for a few more years and became an expert in orthodontics, which focuses on tooth and jaw alignment and bite problems like overbites and under bites.

Other dental specialties you may have heard of include endodontic (focusing on the soft tissue inside your teeth), periodontic (focusing on the gums and other tissues surrounding your teeth) and prosthodontic (focusing on restoring and replacing damaged teeth).

Isn't it nice to know there's a dental expert here to help you through any type of treatment your teeth, jaw and gums might need?

Ask Dr. Hildebrand: Is Invisalign® really customized for each patient?

Yes, it is, and that’s part of what makes it work, says Dr. Jed Hildebrand. To find out if you are the right candidate for Invisalign treatment, the first thing we do is to take an impression of your teeth as they are now and digitize it. Using special software, we look at the current positioning of your teeth and compare it to the way your teeth should look.

Next we use special software to map out the exact path your teeth will take from the beginning of your treatment to the end. Based on the results, a set of custom aligners are created just for your teeth. Throughout the course of treatment, you will be required to wear these clear, removable aligners one at a time; each one moving your teeth closer and closer to their final, perfectly aligned position. The best thing about it all? Nobody around you will even know you are wearing braces!

Dr. Hildebrand is a certified Invisalign provider. If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment, please give us a call.

Putting Patients at Ease

At Hildebrand Orthodontics, we like to keep the patient and parent's experiences at our office an enjoyable one throughout their orthodontic treatment. We strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit. We've recently added a brand new HD TV to our modern waiting room, complete with a Sony Blu-Ray player featuring the latest Discovery Channel series: "Planet Earth" and "Life". To learn more about what makes Hildebrand Orthodontics different, take a look at our office video on the left!

Hope you had an enjoyable Independence day!

Win an iPad from Hildebrand Orthodontics!

If you've been in the office lately, then you know we now have an iPad! We are excited to use the iPad to educate patients, show before-after photos, and to have a little fun as well. We have been having such a great time with our new iPad that we wanted to hold a contest for patients to win an iPad of their very own!

The contest starts now, and there are multiple ways to enter!

-Write a Review of Hildebrand Orthodontics on Google (1 Entry)
-Post on Our Facebook Page (1 Entry)
-Post or send a picture with your Hildebrand Orthodontics Shirt (3 Entries)
-Create a video about your braces / Hildebrand Orthodontics (5 Entries)

You can enter once each day to increase your chances of winning the grand prize, a BRAND NEW iPad! Give us a call if you have any questions!

Don't Forget- Invisalign Teen Choice Sweepstakes Ends July 11th!

We wanted to share this Invisalign Teen Choice Sweepstakes information with everyone. The sweepstakes are from now until July 11th, and you could even win a trip to the Teen Choice 2010, along with several other great prizes. We encourage you to check it out!

Smile Wide- June is the National Smile Month!

It is June already-- Can you believe it?

We are so excited to tell you June marks National Smile Month, a great time to remind our patients to brush, floss, practice good nutrition at home (and over the summer) to avoid cavities and gum disease, among other dental health issues.

After all, there’s more and more evidence that suggests folks with gum disease are more at risk for serious health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and strokes.

Here are a few easy steps you can improve your oral health at home:

* Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
* Floss everyday to clean between your teeth and braces
* Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks during orthodontic treatment.
* Visit your general dentist regularly (usually every six months apart).

If you have questions about any of the tips here, we encourage you to give us a call!

–Hildebrand Orthodontics

Top ten tips for keeping those braces 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!

Dr. Hildebrand and Team of Arlington, TX

Gift Card Drawings at Hildebrand Orthodontics

Are you bummed that you haven't yet won one of the awesome Hildebrand Orthodontics gift card drawings yet? Not to worry, because we have another way for patients to get additional entries into each drawing!

1. Wear your Hildebrand Orthodontics T-shirt not only to your appointment but also to school, at church, any day at all, and especially at your camps this summer!

2. Snap a photo with you in your t-shirt doing something fun this summer around town with friends.

3. Share your photo with the world by uploading it to the Hildebrand Orthodontics Facebook Page! Simple head to the page, write on our wall and attach your photo!

If you upload your photo to our Facebook page then at your next appointment you will receive a second entry into the t-shirt gift card drawing!

Give the office a call if you have any questions, and stay tuned on our Facebook page for the latest contest winners!

Hildebrand Orthodontics Welcomes New Team Member Michelle!

Hildebrand Orthodontics is proud to be adding a new team member to our wonderful family here in the office. Michelle is compassionate, friendly, and a wonderful assistant that we are proud to have working with us.

Michelle has 2 wonderful daughters that are her little angels and keep her living a fast paced life. She is excited to work for an office that stays up on all the newest and latest techniques and treatments. We hope everyone can meet her at their next appointment!

Hildebrand Orthodontics Reminding You To Enter the AAO Video Scholarship Contest!

Our staff at Hildebrand Orthodontics would like to point you to an exciting video contest that our friends at The American Association of Orthodontists are sponsoring. The contest - "How Orthodontics Changed My Life" - is all about you and your experience with braces. Tell the AAO your story about treatment at our office and you may just win a $2,500 scholarship!

The deadline is Monday, June 1st, and any patients at Hildenbrand Orthodontics 18 years of age or younger can enter.

The AAO's contest guidelines provide instructions to contestants on submitting their videos, which are to be submitted on DVDs or USB flash drives and accompanied by a signed release. By July 1st, the two winners will be announced. Finalists will be notified by phone or email before June 15 and winners will be notified by phone or email before July 1st.

Dr. Hildebrand and our entire team encourage you to submit those videos, and Good Luck!

Age 7 is the magic number for an orthodontic check-up

Many parents assume they must wait until their child has all of his or her permanent teeth to see Dr. Hildebrand for a consultation, 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 Dr. Jed Hildebrand to make a determination about whether any problems are present. The first molars have come in, providing an opportunity to check for malocclusion, or “bad bite.” Also, the incisors have begun to come in, and problems such as crowding, deep bites and open bites can be detected.

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 at our convenient Arlington orthodontic office to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Hildebrand at the 2010 AAO Annual Session!

At Hildebrand Orthodontics, we strive to offer the highest quality orthodontic care to our patients in Arlington, TX! Dr. Hildebrand attended the 2010 AAO Annual Session, and we are looking forward to incorporating all the information and technologies we've learned about into our practice!

Hildebrand Orthodontics provides orthodontic care for the whole family in Arlington, Mansfield, Grand Prairie and Fort Worth, TX (Texas). We have a "no-wait" approach, and our high tech office features a relaxing beach theme, along with video games and a large HD television! We also offer the most advanced orthodontic treatment available, including Invisalign, The Damon System, Incognito Lingual Braces, and SureSmile!

Dr. Hildebrand at the 2010 AAO Annual Session

To better serve the Arlington community with highest quality orthodontic care available, Dr. Jed Hildebrand is a member of a number of orthodontic organizations, including the Texas Dental Association, the American Dental Association (ADA), the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), and is a diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics.

From today through May 4th, Dr. Hildebrand will be attending the AAO Annual Session, an educational event and gathering in Washington DC with orthodontists from around the country in attendance, and one of the largest orthodontic conventions in the world. The AAO Annual Session gives us a chance to stay abreast of the latest technologies and treatment options available in the field of orthodontics, allowing us to give our patients the best treatment possible.

The advantage of Invisalign Teen™ at Hildebrand Orthodontics

Dr. Hildebrand knows image is everything. At an age when image is so important, the thought of having metal brackets and wires constantly attached to teeth may intensify the already-delicate confidence of today's teens. But... not to worry! There is a clear alternative to traditional braces! The team at Hildebrand Orthodontics thought we'd remind you that Invisalign Teen™ gives you a whole new way to wear braces for a "clearly" amazing smile!

So how does Invisalign Teen work, you ask? Much in the same fashion as Invisalign, but with a few added characteristics tailored specifically to teenagers’ lifestyles. For instance, Invisalign Teen is designed with “compliance indicators” that fade from dark to light during the two week period that particular tray is used and once it has faded teens know to change trays. Each aligner comes with up to six free individual replacement aligners in case the original aligner ends up lost or broken. Another big benefit for the patient!



The treatment period for Invisalign Teen varies from nine to 18 months. If your teen is considering orthodontic treatment, please contact us and we’ll answer any questions you may have about Invisalign Teen.

A loss of a great friend and fellow orthodontist in Arlington

This week a fellow orthodontist passed away that was just down the street from Hildebrand Orthodontics. Dr. Clay Ellis practiced orthodontics over 25 years here in Arlington and now his office is stuck with lots of patients looking for someone to treat them. We are saddened by this tragic loss of a fellow colleague, and we plan to help fill in at his office as needed to make sure his patients are able to continue with their orthodontic treatment as planned. We wish the Ellis family and practice the very best in these difficult times.

Ask Dr. Hildebrand: Who benefits from braces?

Braces aren’t just for pre-adolescents and teenagers anymore! Dr. Hildebrand will tell you that anyone, at any age, can benefit from orthodontic treatment, whether it’s correcting a problem not treated in your younger years, or catching a problem early.

To ensure the best overall treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, recommends that children receive an orthodontic consultation as early as age seven. If a problem is evident, taking action early can spare a lot of treatment and expense down the road.

If you never received orthodontic treatment when you were young, don’t worry! You’re never too old for a beautiful smile. Set up an appointment for a consultation and find out how adult orthodontics will transform your smile, as well as your life!

Go Incognito™ at Hildebrand Orthodontics!

Dr. Hildebrand understands some of our patients have an aversion to the idea of “metal mouth” during treatment. A lot of patients have found alternatives to the classic bracing system, instead choosing to straighten their pearly whites with Incognito, lingual orthodontic braces that are made for teens and adults, and are custom-made for each person. Because they are placed behind your teeth, they are hidden, and no one will ever know you are wearing braces unless you tell them.

If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, or would like to learn more about Incognito braces please visit our web site or contact us today!

-- Dr. Jed Hildebrand

What Makes Hildebrand Orthodontics Different

If you are considering orthodontic treatment in the Arlington area, take a look at this video and learn what makes Hildebrand Orthodontics different. Call our office today to schedule a free orthodontic consultation, or visit our brand new web site!

New Photos on Our Fan Page!

If you haven't already, be sure to check out our Facebook page, because we have posted many new photos around the office, Dr. Hildebrand's travels, and even a few photos from Dr. Hildenbrand's brother and sister and their recent trip to Haiti! Become a fan on our page to get the latest updates and news at Hildebrand Orthodontics, and share with us what you love most about coming to our office!

Have a great weekend everyone,

--The Hildebrand Orthodontics Team

New web site for Hildebrand Orthodontics!

If you've browsed through our web site lately, you've probably caught yourself asking, "Wow, did Dr. Hildebrand and team launch a new web site?" That's precisely what we've done, and we're really proud of the new site!

What's so new, you ask? The layout is patient-focused with a beautiful contemporary design. In addition, we have an entirely new "Meet Dr. Hildebrand" and "Meet the Team" feature, as well as updates on Dr. Hildebrand himself AND a section devoted to in-depth explanations of our treatment options.

What do you, our valued patients, think about the new look and feel of the site? You may post your thoughts here, or tell us by giving us a call!
Stop by our site, browse around, and enjoy the rest of your week!