Featured patient review for Hilliard Orthodontics!

Our entire staff at Hilliard Orthodontics love hearing feedback from current and former patients - their great testimonials remind us each time why we do what we do: create beautiful smiles for all ages in Lakeland!

"Great staff, everything is explained in detail by the doctor and the staff. Dr. Hilliard is obviously a very knowledgable orthodontist, and I admire the way he works with his staff. I've worked for medical doctors and chiropractors for 18 years, and I find it very important for the doctor to have a staff that he trusts and works well with as a team. I love the open atmosphere instead of small offices with restricted walls; I think this makes the patients feel better about wearing braces or appliances because they see that other people are going through the same thing. The atmosphere and decor is very pleasant and inviting. It is rare to find a doctor with such expertise, who also has a good chairside manner, a beautiful office, and a staff that works so well as a team and takes time to explain things to the patients. I'm very impressed!" ~ Lance S.

This Earth Day, did you make a difference? From Dr. Hilliard

At Hilliard Orthodontics, we support Earth Day, which is designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for our environment and ecosystem. Earth Day marks its 40th anniversary today. Whether lending a helping hand to plant trees or getting out to volunteer in various projects in Lakeland, today was our opportunity to get involved in making our year-round impact in the community. Did you make a difference today? Were you involved in any cool projects? How long have you participated in helping our community and planet?

If you’d like to join the millions of people around the world who are making small but important changes to help sustain our ecosystem, try these helpful environmental tips, courtesy of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA.

We hope you had a great Earth Day!!

Invisalign Tips

Many people know that Invisalign is a great solution to braces if you don't want to experience the look and feel of traditional metal braces. What few people know, though, is that just like traditional braces, Invisalign requires proper care to work effectively. Good oral hygiene is highly important, even when you are wearing something in your mouth that you can take out to eat with. It's still likely that your aligners can build up plaque if not treated properly. When wearing your Invisalign aligners, ask yourself the following questions:

1.) Am I eating with my aligners on? - These aligners are removable and should be taken out when you eat.
2.) Am I drinking anything other than water with my aligners on? - Though it's not a necessity for you to take out your aligners while you drink, think about how sticky a soda is. If you take out your aligners when drinking a soda, you have a better chance of keeping your aligners clean.
3.) Am I brushing before putting the trays on? - The aligners have both an inside and outside. Keeping the outside clean is easy. Keeping the inside clean is also easy: just make sure you've brushed your teeth before putting the trays on.

These are all very simple steps, and ultimately, they help to keep you building good oral habits.
--Hilliard Orthodontics

National Dental Hygiene Month

Did you know that October is National Dental Hygiene Month? Fall is here, and Halloween is coming soon, but now it is more important than ever to maintain good oral hygiene.

All those sweet, sour and sticky candies may taste great, but these treats can damage your teeth and braces too! Did you know sour candies can be acidic to your teeth, and actually wear down the enamel that protects them? This can cause tooth decay and cavities! After eating these candies, be sure to wash your mouth out with water, drink milk or eat a few slices of cheese. These will help neutralize the acid in your mouth (wait at least one hour before brushing your teeth with toothpaste, as this can actually increase the effects of acid on your teeth)

Besides cavities and tooth decay, many people do not realize that good oral health and hygiene are important to your overall health too! Research is discovering the connection between periodontal disease and other major health concerns, such as heart disease! Therefore, it is important to maintain a good oral hygiene routine: see your dentist every six months, brush and floss daily and use an antibacterial mouthwash.

Make a resolution to improve your oral health for October, the National Dental Hygiene Month!

--Dr. Hilliard and Dr. Dietrich

Summer Word Scramble Contest WINNER!

Allie was the Grand Prize Winner of our "Summer Word Scramble" Contest which ended August 20th! She successfully unscrambled all of the words throughout the summer months and won a $100 Back-To-School Gift certificate to Areopostle. Be sure and watch for our next office contest beginning in October!

Congratulations Allie!

--Hilliard Orthodonics

Dr. Andrew Dietrich Joins Hilliard Orthodontics

Dr. Hilliard is excited to announce that Dr. Andy Dietrich has joined his practice as an associate! Both doctors will be seeing patients in our North and South locations and our office hours will remain the same.

Dr. Dietrich is a life long Lakeland native and graduated from Santa Fe High. He received a Bachelor of Science in Zoology from the University of Florida and graduated as Valedictorian of his UF Dental School Class in 2007. In August of this year he completed two years of additional intensive training at the University of Texas-Houston and received a Master of Science and Certificate in Orthodontics. This additional training and study qualifies him as an Orthodontic Specialist.


Dr. Dietrich is a true GATOR FAN, has a new puppy named Sasha, and is anxious to meet everyone in the practice! Dr Hilliard invites both patients and thier parents to introduce themselves and welcome Dr. Dietrich back to Lakeland at their next appointment!