To all of our patients and parents at Altherr Orthodontics, this year (2012) is 10 years that our practice has been in the Apex area!  Wow!  To celebrate our decade of helping create smiles, we will be having contests each month for our patients, and even their parents.  So, please look out for our newsletters or emails or visit our website or Facebook and Twitter pages.  Call us if you have any trouble receiving or going to these various media formats.  The following is a list of our events, contests and prizes for 2012:

 February- Altherr Idol Contest with the prize of $100.  Details on our website, Facebook and Twitter pages.

April- Altherr Orthodontics Car Magnet Contest with the prize of a $100 gift card to Scruffy Duck Car Wash for the spring pollen on your car.  We are handing out magnets now until mid April.  If we don't give you a magnet at your appointment, please come by and ask us for one.  We can also give you the details about this contest, etc. 

May- Mother’s Day Contest with the prize of free (100%) orthodontic treatment for one of our patient’s mom’s where the patient gives 10 reasons why your mom deserves or needs braces.

June- Father’s Day Contest with the prize of free (100%) orthodontic treatment for one of our patient’s dad’s where the patient gives 10 reasons why your dad deserves or needs braces.

 August- Summer Vacation Contest with a “Flat Dr. Altherr”.  3 categories with the winner of each group receiving a $75.  The categories are the furthest, funniest and most creative.  We will be handing out the Flat Dr. A’s starting in April.  Please take a picture with the flat Dr. A and either bring it in at your next appointment, email us or post it on our Facebook page to be entered into the contest.

On behalf of the entire team at Altherr Orthodontics, thank you for 10 great years!!!!!
Dr. Altherr

Dr. Edward Altherr and our team know having an attractive smile puts a spring in your step—or two—as well as increases your self-confidence, no matter if you’re 14 or in your late forties. Smiling not only makes people happy and puts them in a good mood, doing it often can even help you live longer, according to previous studies!

If you’ve been hiding your smile because you have crooked teeth or gaps between your teeth, it’s time to consider orthodontic treatment at Altherr Orthodontics. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn how quickly and efficiently today’s most advanced correction techniques can straighten your smile!

Don’t hide your smile any longer—give us a call today to schedule yours or your child’s orthodontic consultation.

With winter sports under way for a lot of our patients, Dr. Edward Altherr thought it would be a good time to remind our young athletes wearing braces to take care of both their mouth and appliances while participating in contact sports (and non-contact sports) this winter.

More than half of the seven million sports and recreation-related injuries that occur each year are sustained by youth between ages 5 and 24. Sixty-seven percent of parents say their child does not wear a mouth guard, yet, 70 percent say their biggest fear when their child plays is that they will get hurt. Despite the risks, many kids are still not wearing mouth guards and facial protection during games and practices.

Many people think a mouth guard is effective just to protect your teeth. But research has shown mouth guards can also reduce lower jaw impact that causes concussions and other dental injuries. Our staff at Altherr Orthodontics encourage you to head over to the American Association of Orthodontists’ website for a quick primer on the importance of mouth guards and facial protection.

We hope this helps you remember to always wear a mouth guard and other forms of protective gear when participating in fall sports! We encourage you to give us a call if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook!

Even if you brush and floss daily, as well as maintain your braces and visit our office during your orthodontic treatment it is still important to visit your local dentist every 6 months, or as recommended.

Why?

• Your dentist can detect and treat tooth and gum problems that you may have never felt or noticed.
• Even thorough daily oral care may not be enough to prevent cavities and oral decay.
• Frequent visits can allow your dentist to treat a problem early to prevent future complications.

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 visited a dentist in the past six months, please let us know! Dr. Edward Altherr. will be happy to provide a few great references here in the area!

-- Dr. Edward Altherr. & Team