Once again, we want to thank you for choosing us to be your Orthodontist. So, in order to thank you, we have reserved the Hot Wheel Skatium for our Patient Appreciation Party once again.  Everyone had such a great time in the past we thought we would do it again.

Be sure and RSVP back by July 13th so we can plan accordingly for all the food and prizes.

 

 

Also, at the party we will be introducing our new Rewards Program!!!

Hope everyone can come out and enjoy a night of fun and entertainment with your friends and family.

 

 Loss Of Communication

Wednesday, July 18, 2012. A day in Hudgins history, when technology came to an end. We realized today just how much our office relies on technology and the internet in order to do the job we do best, create smiles.

For example, those patients with Invisalign treatment, it would be impossible to load their photos, x-rays and treatment plan without being able to log onto the Invisalign website.

For our secondary office of Marion, without the internet we are not able to do anything. We connect remotely to our Carbondale office’s data base. So, with that we are not able to schedule appointments, make treatment notes or load photos.

Let’s not forget social networking! We are on Twitter and Face book on a daily bases. No internet? No status updates or posting pictures of our latest smiles and office happenings

Oh yes, and the phone system went down today as well. Talk about feeling cut off from the world!!! No one can confirm, schedule, or change appointments.

We did survive though. The phones and internet were working just fine by the end of the day. With all this drama going on it did make us appreciate us today's technology and all the advancements that have been made with phones, cell phones, internet and all the social networking.

Just a quick note: There's only a few weeks left in the summer schedule before school starts. If you are planning on getting your braces on before returning to class, give us a call and we will do everything possible to get you worked into the schedule.

Enjoy the rest of your summer.

When Do I Get My Braces Off?

When do I Get My Braces Off

This is an every day questions we hear at Hudgins Orthodontics.  Patients are very excited in the beginning of treatment to get started   on their new smile. Usually after a year patients and parents start asking this question. Typical orthodontic treatment last between 18-24 months with retainer check periodically for a year after. One of the many things we try to do is have monthly games to play when they come in. Also, we encourage everyone to collect our Orthobucks at each visit. Once you have collect 25 or 50 Orthobucks you can trade them in for great gift cards on iTunes, Old Navy, Barnes and Noble or McDonalds. The Orthobucks are earned by coming to your appointment on time, good hygiene, wearing your rubber bands and referring your family and friends to our office.

Most importantly, in order for treatment to go as planned, practice good hygiene because healthy teeth move better, keep your appointments to stay on course and follow all of Dr. Hudgins recommendations and your new smile will be here before you know it.

What's New This Fall?

If you have been to our office lately you will notice that we have chairside computers. Just one more way we are providing the latest technology to you. We have added a program called Dolphin Imaging. With this software we can show the patient simulation treatment plans that include extractions, orthodontic appliances, jaw surgery, missing teeth and implants. We can also set the patient at ease by showing them video’s of how braces will go on their teeth, how to brush your teeth and the braces. This program will also show the patient how to take care of emergencies when there is a broken bracket, loose band or a wire poking. At times it will be necessary to take care of minor emergencies until you can get to our office. Watching the video on how to properly place the orthodontic wax will help during these times. The Dolphin Imaging is a great tool for patients and their parents to set their mind at ease about orthodontic treatment.

Something else you need to check out is our Marion and Carbondale bulletin boards. We have posted QR codes on them for our patients to scan with your smart phone.


Are you on Facebook? Check us out at  Hudgins Orthodontics Facebook Page

We post what is happening in our office on a daily basis. Check out our photo's to see who revealed their new smiles that day, who got their braces on and who is visiting our office for the first time.

With Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner my staff and I would like wish you safe and joyous holiday season.

Joseph Hudgins and Team

McLeod Summer Playhouse

Some of Southern Illinois's finest are showcasing their acting talents at the McLeod Summer Playhouse this weekend. This is a play the entire family will enjoy. So grab the kids, head out to Carbondale and enjoy an evening with the family. We have all seen it in the theatre and seen it on television. You have never seen it like this with so much local talent. People that you go to school with, play sports with and what a thrill to see a member of your family on the stage!!

So check out Peter Pan at the McLeod Summer Playhouse and support your local theater and the local talent.

Jacque
New Patient Coordinator

At Hudgins Orthodontics, February is National Children's Dental Health Month, as well as National Dental Health Month, and Dr. Hudgins and his team thought we’d promote good oral hygiene among our patients with a few tips and tricks, courtesy of the American Dental Association.

• Teeth brushing techniques: It takes only two minutes to properly brush using short, gentle strokes and devoting extra attention to the gumline, areas around fillings and hard-to-reach areas such as the back teeth.

• Flossing: hold the floss snugly between thumbs and index finger and insert it between each of the teeth, making sure to go beneath the gumline and curving the floss around the base of each tooth.

• Snack wisely: choose healthy snacks such as cheese, fruits and vegetables and avoid crunchy, sticky, chewy candies that can stick to the teeth. If you eat these snacks, be sure to brush after doing so.

• Carbonated or sugary drinks: these drinks create acids that can damage the teeth when mixed with saliva, so they should be avoided altogether. If you’re going to drink one of these beverages, don’t sip on it throughout the day. Rather, drink it and then brush your teeth.

• Regular dental visits: in addition to seeing our team team, you should visit your dentist for professional check-ups and teeth cleaning appointments about every six months.

National Dental Health Month aims to increase awareness about the importance of our patients' oral health. If you have any questions about keeping your mouth healthy, or about your treatment with Hudgins Orthdontics  please feel free to give us a call at 618.457.7611.

Coming To The End of 2010

As 2010 comes ever nearer to drawing to a close, we would like to remind you that now is the perfect time of year to use any remaining health care flexible spending account dollars before they “disappear” after December 31, 2010. The use of “flex dollars” and health saving accounts allows you to pay for orthodontics with tax-free dollars. These tax-free dollars can be used for braces, Invisalign or Invisalign Teen

A beautiful healthy smile is good in all seasons, but the “tax breaks” at this time of year make it even more affordable for those with these flex plans. For those who are current patients with us, and would like to put your remaining flex dollars to work, call us and we will be glad to process your payment and/or work to help another family member get started. Give us a call at 618.457.7611 to ensure that any new treatment that is started can be done prior to the deadline date.

From our home to yours... Wishing you a bright and delightful holiday season with many smiles in the New Year.

Jacqueline Deaton
New Patient Coordinator