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.