"Pick the Final Idol" contest

We are having a "Pick the Final Idol" contest in our office. The winner will be chosen by a drawing from all correct entries. The Grand Prize is "Something to Sing About!," and the lucky winner will receive two tickets to the 2010 American Idol Concert tour (dates to be announced) OR the cash equivalent.

Our staff each has their favorites ... How about YOU?

If you have any questions about our American Idol contest, please give us a call!

February is American Heart Month, from Dr. Hilliard

Did you know February is Heart Month? It’s a great time to take notice of the health of your heart, says Dr. Hilliard. Cardiovascular disease remains American's number one killer, according to the American Heart Association. Studies have shown a correlation between gum disease and heart disease, underscoring the importance of good oral health care.

Visiting our office regularly can help prevent gum disease or at least catch it in its early stages. And because people with dental insurance are more likely to visit their dentist when they should, a healthy mouth begins with a visit to the office of Dr. Keith Hilliard. In observance of Heart Month, Dr. Hilliard says it’s also important to know your numbers: blood pressure (less than 120/80), cholesterol (less than 200) and BMI (less than 25). If you have any questions about heart health, or about your treatment with Dr. Hilliard, please give us a call today.

More patient reviews for Dr. Keith Hilliard and team

A couple of months ago, we shared with you some patient reviews for Dr. Hilliard and our dedicated staff. Well wouldn't you know it, the reviews kept pouring in. Today, we thought we'd share a few of those reviews with the world.

"Dr H does great work. All the assistants in the clinic are awesome." ~ Maureen P.

"My experience has been very positive all the way around. The people are very friendly. The appointments have been on time. The communication is good. I love the website and email reminders." ~ Korey T.

"The friendly staff and excellent quality of service that is given to my daughter." ~ Robert S.


Dr. Hilliard and our entire team love getting patient testimonials! If you loved your experience with our office, please ... feel free to tell us all about it!

Dr. Hilliard, helping tackle sports injuries

Let’s face it: sports-related injuries are common among children, let alone teens with braces. In a recent survey, the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, discovered that 70 percent of parents said their biggest fear is that their child will get hurt while playing organized sports. But 67 percent admitted that their child doesn’t wear a mouth guard during organized sports such as football, basketball, baseball and soccer. That’s why the office of Dr. Hilliard is helping spread the word that many facial sports injuries can be prevented simply by reminding your kids to wear mouth guards.

Did you know mouth guards are one of the least expensive pieces of protective equipment available? Over-the-counter versions may cost as little as $5, although custom-fit mouth guards offer greater protection. Dr. Hilliard can recommend the best mouth guard for you. In addition, the AAO has four quick tips for keeping kids safe during sport activities.

• Wear mouth guards during contact sports
• Wear a helmet
• Wear protective eyewear
• Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
• Stretch before and after a game or practice
• Be observant even as a spectator
• Use good judgment

All of these can reduce injuries. Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment with Dr. Hilliard.

The Great Social Media Adventure

Isn’t social media great? Dr. Hilliard and team love to communicate with our patients online, whether it’s by sharing news on our blog or communicating ideas on Facebook. For social media to work, conversation is vital, and that’s why we invite you to join in and tell us what’s on your mind. Although social media is hugely popular these days, it is unpredictable and ever-changing.

While we’re taking a little time to research how to best continue using 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? Send us your thoughts or give us a call!

Hilliard Orthodontics want to know: What are you up to in January?

It typically doesn't get too cold here in Lakeland, but can you believe we're only a couple of months away from spring? Dr. Hilliard and team thought we'd ask: What are you doing in January? What have you accomplished this year? Are you keeping up with your New Year's Resolution? Any big mid-winter break plans? Anything exciting going on in your life?

If you have any photos or videos that you would like to share with us, please send them our way or call our office and ask how! Have a great rest of the week!

Ask Dr. Hilliard: When should my child get an orthodontic check-up?

Many parents think they must wait until their child has all permanent teeth to start treatment, only to find that treatment would have been much simpler if started earlier. So, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven.

What’s so special about age seven? Enough permanent teeth have arrived for an orthodontist 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 detrimental to good oral hygiene. So if your child is nearing age 7, give us a call at Hilliard Orthodontics to schedule an appointment.