Connect with Dr. Cottingham on Facebook!

At Cottingham Orthodontics, we value the relationships we have developed with our patients in Indianapolis, Avon and surrounding communities. Even if you only see us for your appointment every six weeks, did you know that you can now connect with Dr. Cottingham and team on our Facebook page?

We invite you to “like” Cottingham Orthodontics on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/CottinghamOrthodontics. We share office news and updates on our Fan Page, so check it out! By Liking our page, you will receive updates from our office automatically on Facebook!

See you online and happy holidays everyone!

- Dr. Cottingham and staff

Season’s Greetings!

In this season given to tidings of comfort and joy, and as our team at Cottingham Orthodontics reflect on the year that was, we’d like to ask you, our wonderful patients: What do you love about the holidays this year? Being with your loved ones? A clean slate for 2012? Opening presents by the fireplace? All the delicious food? Also, what gift are you most looking forward to getting this year?

We’d love if you shared with us all the things you love about the holidays. Stay warm, and don’t forget to stay away from those sweets!

Happy Holidays from all of us at Cottingham Orthodontics!

Ask Dr. Cottingham: “I’m 31 – am I too old for orthodontic treatment?”

Absolutely not. In fact, our team at Cottingham Orthodontics read a fascinating statistic not too long ago: the number of adults getting braces has actually climbed 24 percent since 1996! Yes, braces help make your pearly whites strong, healthy and perfectly-aligned, but perhaps another reason for the spike in adult braces is this: people want to look and feel great.

In an age—and society—where looks matter as much as anything, and at a time when evenly-aligned teeth might be the difference between getting a job or that promotion, adults are choosing—wisely, we might add—to invest in orthodontics. Orthodontic treatment with Dr. Cottingham can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile.

If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, Dr. Cottingham would love to have you visit for a consultation. Please give us a call to set one up and enjoy your week!

Happy Holidays from all of us at Cottingham Orthodontics!

Share your winter break plans with us!

Happy Friday! Dr. Cottingham and team at want to know: what do your winter plans look like? Do you have any plans for an exciting family vacation? Are you hanging out around town? Catching up on sleep? Spending time with friends? Let us know!

Please feel free to share your exciting winter plans and experiences with us here or on our Facebook page! We would like to wish all of our patients and their families a safe and fun holiday season!

How important is your smile? From Cottingham Orthodontics

At Cottingham Orthodontics, we strive to give you and your family the total orthodontic experience you expect, with the amazing smiles you deserve!
And speaking of smiling, in a poll conducted by Glamour Magazine earlier this year, people were asked, “If you had to pick between having perfect teeth, eyesight or hair, which would you choose?”

Well, 44 percent of folks out there chose teeth! In addition, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, or AACD, conducted a study and found that 99.7 percent of those polled believed a smile is an important social asset. Respondents said straightness, whiteness, cleanliness, as well as the sincerity and sparkle of one’s smile were all important factors not only socially, but career-wise as well.

Please contact Cottingham Orthodontics at (317) 299-0576 and schedule your complimentary initial consultation. We look forward to working with you, your family, and all of your wonderful smiles!

Cottingham Orthodontics, giving thanks this holiday season

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season knocking at our door, Dr. Cottingham and our entire staff at Cottingham Orthodontics wanted to stop for a moment and extend our best wishes to you, our patients, referring doctors and families, for a wonderful Thanksgiving.

As always, if you know anyone we can help, just let us know. We promise to give them the same quality orthodontic care that we have given you.

We hope that this Thanksgiving and holiday season brings fond memories. Thank you for being part of our family.

Do we have your current contact info?

There is nasty weather ahead this fall and winter headed for Indiana and the Great Lakes region! Please help Dr. Cottingham and our staff at Cottingham Orthodontics get prepared by calling us and letting us know if you have any new phone numbers or if your contact information has changed!

At times of power outages and inclement weather, we need to be able to get a hold of you. Please contact one of our offices in Indianapolis or Avon with any updates to phone numbers and addresses, so we may be able to reach you. Thank you! Happy Monday!

Ask Dr. Cottingham: Now that I have braces, what can I eat?

Great question. Let’s say you just got braces at Cottingham Orthodontics and Dr. Cottingham has informed you that during your orthodontic treatment you will want to avoid eating anything sticky, hard, crunchy, or chewy. What does this leave for you to eat? Lettuce? Nothing?

Luckily, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, created a variety of braces-friendly recipes that will allow you to enjoy your favorite treats without interfering with your orthodontic care!

Recipes include main dishes, side dishes and even yummy desserts! After all, a healthy diet provides essential nutrients and helps the patient achieve the best possible results from orthodontic treatment.

If you have any questions about the recipes listed or about the foods you should be avoiding during your orthodontic treatment, please give us a call or ask us on Facebook!

Enjoy!

Ask Dr. Cottingham: What's the deal with Halloween candy?

For parents of Cottingham Orthodontics patients worried about their kids going overboard on candies this evening, sugar and other sweets, Halloween is a dreaded annual event (no pun intended).

All those sweet, sour and sticky candies may taste great, but these treats are known to damage teeth, as well as your braces! 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! Sour and fruity candy, such as Starburst and Skittles, are the worst for your child’s teeth since these candies have a low pH value, which is known to ruin enamel. In addition, we also want your child to steer clear of sticky, chewy, gummy and nutty goodies.

Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists recommend softer treats for those with braces, such as soft chocolate or peanut butter cups, or melt-in-your-mouth foods. Trick-or-treaters who indulge should make sure they brush and floss between teeth, around brackets and at the gum line. If damage occurs, call Dr. Cottingham or your general dentist as soon as possible.

We hope everyone has a fun, safe and scary Halloween!

What puts you at ease at Cottingham Orthodontics?

Dr. Karen Cottingham and team understand not everyone is always thrilled about visiting their orthodontist. But here at Cottingham Orthodontics, we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit. We are not only a doctor and orthodontic team—we are also parents, patients, and people with needs and concerns just like you. We understand what you expect from us, and we are dedicated to helping you achieve a lifetime of healthy, beautiful smiles!

Today, we’d like to know: What is it about Cottingham Orthodontics that makes you comfortable or puts you or your child at ease? Is it something about our pleasant environment? Our courteous and experienced staff? Dr. Cottingham herself?

Let us know by posting on our Google Places page or by giving us a call!

20 things that can ruin your smile, from Cottingham Orthodontics

At Cottingham Orthodontics, we know your smile is important. And we know you want to keep it sparkling and looking its very best during your orthodontic treatment. Recently, we came across an article that suggests at least 20 things that can ruin that perfect smile you havhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gife.

These include:

- Sports drinks
- Tobacco
- Coffee
- Soft drinks
- Citrus and acidic foods

Dr. Cottingham and our team encourage you to read the rest of the article and ask us here on our blog or during your next visit to our convenient Indianapolis or Avon office. For more tips or for general questions about your ongoing dental treatment, we invite you to ask us during your next visit! We also invite you to ask us on Facebook!

Don't skip on those regular checkups, especially in October!

Dr. Cottingham wants to know: Are you brushing and flossing daily properly during your orthodontic treatment? If the answer is yes, that’s great! But, don’t forget that it’s also important for you to visit your general dentist every 3-to-6 months in addition to brushing your teeth and flossing (and visiting Cottingham Orthodontics, of course). Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health, especially during orthodontic treatment.

It's the perfect time for a visit to the dentist. Why? Because not only is October National Orthodontic Health Month, it's also National Dental Hygiene Month!

Your general dentist can check for problems that might not be seen or felt, detect cavities and early signs of decay, treat oral health problems early and show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth.

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 been to the dentist in the last six months, let us know during your next visit and we will provide a few great references here in Indianapolis, Avon or surrounding areas!

At Cottingham Orthodontics, October marks National Orthodontic Health Month!

Happy Monday! October is National Orthodontic Health Month, and our staff at Cottingham Orthodontics wanted to remind our patients to be careful when they bite into their treats this Halloween season. Dr. Cottingham wants you to remember that caramels, taffy, nuts, bubble gum, popcorn kernels and suckers (among others) are some of the foods you should be avoiding while you’re wearing braces! Indulging in these foods can break your braces and lengthen your treatment time!

Of course, National Orthodontic Health Month and the Halloween season don’t have to be completely treat-less. Check out these delicious braces-friendly recipes, courtesy of our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists.

If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call, ask us on Facebook or ask Dr. Cottingham during your next visit at our convenient offices in Indianapolis or Avon!

BOO! Check out our fall discount!

BOO! For those patients who begin their orthodontic treatment between October 1st and November 15th, Dr. Cottingham & team are proud to offer a $250 discount, which will be applied to the overall cost of your treatment. It’s a great way to get started toward a beautiful new smile before all the ghosts and goblins come out! Be sure to mention you have this spooky savings when you call to schedule your start appointment. See you soon!

Breaking bad habits with Dr. Cottingham

At Cottingham Orthodontics, we know good dental health requires only a few minutes a day. We thought we’d provide some practical advice on how to improve your or your child’s smile between your adjustment visits with Dr. Cottingham.

Start by brushing your teeth twice a day. Proper brushing techniques are an essential part of maintaining good oral health during your orthodontic treatment, as well as preventing gum disease. More care and time are needed to adequately brush your teeth when you are wearing braces. Brushing daily helps remove decay-causing plaque from tooth surfaces. Please consult Dr. Cottingham if you would like us to review brushing techniques with you or your child. The use of a mechanical toothbrush such as a Sonicare or Oral B can aid in removing plaque around braces. Flossing daily will also prevent plaque to build up between the teeth and prevent stains between your teeth. Research has shown the bacteria of gum disease has been linked to coronary artery disease, stroke, diabetes and memory loss. Lastly, we encourage you to throw away old toothbrushes and replace them every 2 or 3 months, or after an illness.

We hope this helps! If you have any further questions about any of these tips, please contact Cottingham Orthodontics or ask your general dentist during your next scheduled visit! Or, ask us on Facebook!

Mouthguards & fall sports, from Cottingham Orthodontics

With fall sports almost here for a lot of our patients at Cottingham Orthodontics, we thought today would be a great time to remind all our young athletes in treatment to take care of both their mouth and appliances while participating in sports – especially contact sports such as soccer and football – this fall.

One of the most important pieces of sports equipment you can wear on the field is a mouthguard. A well-fitted mouthguard, which we’re happy to provide, allows you to breathe and speak more clearly, in addition to protecting your mouth and braces. Only by using a mouth guard can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. The next time you’re in for a visit at our Indianapolis or Avon office, we encourage you to ask us for a mouthguard! In addition, the American Association of Orthodontists has five quick tips for keeping kids safe during sport activities this fall.

• Wear a helmet
• Stretch before and after a game or practice
• Wear protective eyewear
• Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
• Be observant, even as a spectator

We hope you all had a wonderful summer, and invite you all to share your summer photos on our Facebook page!

September is Self-Improvement Month! From Cottingham Orthodontics

These days, Americans everywhere are putting greater emphasis on health, fitness and self-improvement, and more people are seeking orthodontic treatment to improve their smile. September happens to be Self-Improvement Month, and our team at Cottingham Orthodontics know that orthodontic treatment is an investment in self-improvement that will reap benefits for a lifetime. And, recent advances in orthodontia, such as clear braces and more effective brackets and wires, now make orthodontic treatment more palatable for many interested in obtaining that beautiful smile.

Not only does orthodontic treatment give you that beautiful smile, it can also benefit your dental and general health. If teeth are poorly aligned, removing plaque and tartar by brushing and flossing alone may be difficult. A poor bite may result in fractured or excessively worn tooth surfaces, and the extra stress caused by a poor bite may even result in problems with your jaw joints.

If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, please contact Cottingham Orthodontics at (317) 299-0576 and schedule your complimentary initial consultation. We look forward to working with you, your family, and all of your wonderful smiles!

Back to school with Dr. Cottingham

Now that many of the schools are back in session in the Indianapolis area, Dr. Cottingham would like to remind all of our patients about the importance of scheduling appointments in advance. With school, clubs, sports and family duties to consider, we know that it can be challenging to find time to visit Cottingham Orthodontics this fall. In order to accommodate all of our patients’ busy schedules, it is important that you plan ahead for your appointments so that we are able to provide you with an appointment time that is convenient for you.

As always, please remember to give us advanced notice if you’re unable to make your regularly-scheduled appointment. If we receive enough notice, we might be able to schedule another patient for that time. Feel free to give us a call if you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule your fall appointment.

We’ll see you soon and hope summer is winding down nicely for all our patients!

We proudly provide complimentary consultations!

At Cottingham Orthodontics, we are not only a doctor and orthodontic team, we are also parents, patients, and people with needs and concerns just like you. We understand what you expect from us, and we are dedicated to helping you achieve a lifetime of healthy, beautiful smiles!

One of our commitments is meeting with you to help you explore all or the options available to you or your child. We offer complimentary consultations for those interested in orthodontic treatment. During this time, you'll have time reserved with Dr. Karen Cottingham, who will assess your particular needs as well as discuss treatment options available and answer any questions you may have. We place a high value on making sure you have complete information before beginning treatment.

If you have been thinking about obtaining the dazzling smile you’ve always wanted, we invite you to give us a call!

We look forward to working with you, your family and all of your wonderful smiles! Late summer makes for a great time to begin your orthodontic treatment!

- The team at Cottingham Orthodontics

Tell Dr. Cottingham what you're up to this summer!

The dog days of summer are upon us, and what better time for Dr. Cottingham and our team to ask our patients about their summer adventures!

Whether you visited our nation’s capitol, went on a camping trip, visited the state fair or just stayed in Indianapolis and hung out with friends, we want to know how you’re all spending your summer! Please feel free to share your summer plans and experiences with us below or on our Facebook page as the summer comes to an end soon for a lot of our patients at Cottingham Orthodontics!

We look forward to reading all about your adventures! Enjoy the rest of your summer!

Does Dr. Cottingham have your summer contact info?

We hope you’re having a great week and a great summer so far! If you are planning on traveling with family this summer or think you might not be able to make it to your scheduled appointment with Dr. Cottingham, please let us know ahead of time so that we may be able to accommodate you, as well as schedule another patient during that time.

Also, we ask that you give us a call and let us know if you have any new phone numbers or if your contact information has changed! Please call us with any updates to phone numbers and addresses, so we may be able to reach you. Thank you! Enjoy the rest of your week!

Ask Dr. Cottingham: Am I too old for braces?

Absolutely not. In fact, our team at Cottingham Orthodontics read a fascinating statistic: the number of adults getting braces has actually climbed 24 percent in just the last 15 years! Yes, braces help make your pearly whites strong, healthy and perfectly-aligned, but perhaps another reason for the spike in adult braces is this: people want to look and feel great.

In an age—and society—where looks matter as much as anything, and at a time when evenly-aligned teeth might be the difference between getting a job or that promotion, adults are choosing—wisely, we might add—to invest in orthodontics. Orthodontic treatment with Dr. Cottingham can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile.

If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, Dr. Cottingham would love to have you visit for a consultation. Please give us a call to set one up and enjoy you’re the rest of your week!

Join the conversation.

Whether you just began your orthodontic treatment and have a follow-up question for Dr. Cottingham or our team, or if you’d simply like to drop us a quick line, we'd love to hear from you! We love connecting with our patients online, whether it’s by sharing news on our blog or communicating ideas on our interactive Facebook fan page.

Please visit Cottingham Orthodontics on the following networks:

Facebook: facebook.com/CottinghamOrthodontics
YouTube: youtube.com/cottinghamortho
Yelp: yelp.com/biz/cottingham-orthodontics-indianapolis

Are you wearing your mouthguard this summer?

With summer in full force, our team at Cottingham Orthodontics thought today would be a great time to remind all our young athletes in treatment to take care of both their mouth and appliances while participating in sports – especially contact sports – this summer.
Only by using a mouth guard can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. The next time you’re in for a visit with Dr. Cottingham, we encourage you to ask us for a mouth guard! In addition, the American Association of Orthodontists has five quick tips for keeping kids safe during sport activities.

• Wear a helmet
• Stretch before and after a game or practice
• Wear protective eyewear
• Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
• Be observant, even as a spectator

We hope you’re enjoying your summer, and invite you all to share your summer photos on our Facebook page!

What are you up to this summer?

Summer is only halfway through, which means that another eight weeks of vacations, adventures and great memories are ahead of us. Whether you’re headed to a barbecue, a camping trip, hitting the open road with family, watching the Colts practice or just having fun in the sun, Dr. Karen Cottingham and our staff want to hear all about it! We encourage you to leave a comment on our Facebook fan page and tell us about your summer adventures!

We also encourage you to post any photos from your summer to our Facebook wall!

Happy (and safe) travels,

The Cottingham Orthodontics team

Straight talk with Dr. Cottingham

Patients ask us why Dr. Karen Cottingham and our team at Cottingham Orthodontics work tirelessly to give our patients straight teeth. Of course it’s nice to have a smile full of evenly aligned teeth, but did you know that straightening your teeth at Cottingham Orthodontics can keep them healthier? Straight teeth lead to better oral hygiene, increasing your chances of keeping your own natural teeth for a lifetime!

Straight teeth are less prone to decay, because they collect less plaque—the sticky colorless substance that forms on our teeth and leads to tooth decay; and they are easier to keep clean! We want to give you and your family the total orthodontic experience you expect, with the amazing smiles you deserve! If you’re wondering whether your teeth might cause problems because they are out of alignment, please give us a call to set up a consultation. Dr. Cottingham can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment at Cottingham Orthodontics.

What’s on your summer reading list?

With summer finally here, some of us at Cottingham Orthodontics wanted to remind all our patients about the importance of reading. Sure it’s easy to keep putting off reading this time of year, but reading during the summer is a vital step in brain development and warding off the dreaded “summer slide.” Plus, it's fun!

Today, we thought we’d ask: What's on YOUR summer 2011 reading list? What are some of your all-time favorites? Out of ideas for great summer reads? Ask us for suggestions, and our staff would be happy to provide a few suggestions. You may also ask a local librarian here in the Indianapolis area for some ideas or check out these summer reading ideas that we came across today, courtesy of Barnes & Noble.

Happy reading! Be sure to share with us your summer picks or your all-time favorites on our Facebook page!

June is also National Dairy Month!

You may remember our post from last week, when we talked about June being "National Smile Month." Well, June is also known well for being National Dairy Month. A 2008 study by the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) found that regular consumption of dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, can actually lower your chances of contracting periodontal disease (also known as gum disease). Results of the study also showed that adults who consume at least 55 grams of lactic acid a day are less at risk for gum disease.

Cheese is one of the healthiest snacks for your teeth. In addition to providing large amounts of much-needed calcium, cheese also does its part to fight cavities. Cheddar, Swiss, Mozzarella, and Monterey Jack all stimulate the body's salivary glands to clear the mouth of debris and protect them from acids that weaken them, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. This means cheese disrupts the development of cavities, especially when eaten as a snack or at the end of a meal. Calcium and phosphorous found in cheese reduce or prevent decreases in the plaque's ph level and work to re-mineralize the enamel of your child's teeth.

Gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection in the mouth that affects the gums and jaw. Gum disease results in a loss of teeth and bone, and has been connected to certain cases of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease and osteoporosis.

Eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but is essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth. Next time you reach for a quick snack, choose some cheese, or a glass of milk, and remember with each bite, and every sip you are preserving your teeth for a lifetime of smiles and good oral health!

The food pyramid also says that, ideally, you should try to have two 8-ounce glasses of milk a day. Try not to always drink whole milk as this will add unnecessary fat to your diet. Drink 1 or 2% milk if you can. Of course, you can substitute other things from the milk food group, such as cheese and yogurt or other foods high in calcium and vitamin D.

For more information about which dairy foods are best for keeping your teeth healthy, please give us a call or ask Dr. Cottingham on Facebook.

Smile wide! June is National Smile Month!

Now that June is here, our team at Cottingham Orthodontics thought we’d tell you June is National Smile Month, and a good time to remind all our patients to practice good oral hygiene between your visits to our convenient Indianapolis or Avon offices, as well as your general dentist to avoid cavities and gum disease, among other dental health issues.

That means you too, parents! After all, there's more and more evidence that suggests folks with gum disease are more at risk for serious health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and strokes.

Below are a few simple steps you can take to improve your oral health so that you may celebrate National Smile Month for many, many years to come:

* Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
* Floss everyday to clean between your teeth and braces.
* Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks during your orthodontic treatment
* Visit your dentist regularly (every 6 months or as recommended by your dentist)!

If you have questions about any of these tips, we encourage you to give us a call, ask Dr. Cottingham during your next visit. Or, you may ask us on Facebook!

Access your account—any day, any time, anywhere!

At Cottingham Orthodontics we embrace new technology, whether it is through the innovative orthodontic treatments that we offer, our high-tech web site and social networks, or our modern offices conveniently located in Indianapolis and Avon.

Did you know that patients at our office have access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—all through our website? You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, from the comfort of your own home! And, because we know folks sometimes forget, you can even receive appointment reminders through email, text messages and more!

You, too, can sign up for this convenient service on our website by clicking on the "Patient Login" button on our homepage. Please give us a call if you have any questions about getting started or ask us on Facebook!

Ask Dr. Cottingham: Which toothbrush should my child use?

Dr. Cottingham will tell you that brushing your teeth is one of the easiest methods of cavity prevention. But which type of toothbrush should your child use? When choosing a toothbrush, look for round-ended (polished) bristles that clean while being gentle on the gums. Choose one that is specifically designed for children's smaller mouths and hands. Also, look for large handles that can help children control the toothbrush. Lastly, throw out a toothbrush after three months or sooner if the bristles are fraying. Frayed bristles can harm your gums, and are not as effective in cleaning teeth.

As far as which toothpaste is best? It doesn't matter as long as it has fluoride in it. However, for small children who tend to swallow toothpaste, do not use fluoridated toothpaste. Make sure to touch each tooth and every side of that tooth. Also, you do need to gently brush on your gums.

To learn more about choosing the right toothbrush and toothpaste for your child, we encourage you to read this helpful article from Parenthood.com. Or, you may give us a call or ask us on Facebook, and we'll try to answer any question you may have about keeping your child's mouth as healthy as possible!

Are there teeth grinders in your house?

Grind, grind, grind .... grind.

If you live with a teeth grinder, you may be familiar with this unpleasant sound, especially recently. A 2009 study published in the journal Head & Face Medicine suggests that people—adults and kids—faced with stress tend to cope by grinding their teeth. In addition, the Chicago Dental Society suggests that since the recession began in 2007, teeth grinding, or bruxism, has been on the rise.

The Chicago Dental Society surveyed more than 250 members about the connection between stress and oral health. Nearly 75 percent of dentists said their patients reported increased stress over the past year, largely due to the economic recession. During stressful times, teeth grinding can be a nuisance that causes headaches and sleep problems, but it also can cause lasting problems for your teeth and gums, including chipped teeth, worn enamel, chronic pain, or even TMJ, a painful jaw disorder.

The first step of recovering from teeth grinding is noticing the problem, says Dr. Cottingham. Symptoms of teeth grinding include:

• Sensitivity in the teeth
• Tightness or pain in the jaw
• Dull headaches, earaches, or facial pain
• Chipped, worn down, or loose teeth

An important thing to remember is that people frequently grind their teeth in response to stress, and taking measures to reduce or eliminate stress can help solve the problem. If the teeth-grinder in your house can’t stop, schedule an appointment to see us by giving us a call. Dr. Cottingham and our team at Cottingham Orthodontics can help determine the cause of the problem.

Featured patient review for Cottingham Orthodontics!

Check out what one of our wonderful patients, Sarah, wrote recently about Dr. Cottingham and our office! Thanks for writing in and for the kind words, Sarah! You have a wonderful smile!

I used to be self conscious about my smile. My two front teeth imitated the image of a beaver, and were largely proportional to my other facial features. Since the time I began being a patient in Dr. Cottingham’s office, I have gone through; two sets of braces, headgear, and a herpst appliance. Although it was a long process, the final product made everything worth it! I am currently a senior at Tri-West High School, and was voted “Best Smile” from my class. To me, this award is more than just a senior tradition. To me, this award illustrates how much Dr. Cottingham has really helped me transform into the person I am today. When I started high school I was self conscious about the train tracks on my teeth. Next fall, when I attend Purdue University, I will walk around campus with a confident smile. I will never be able to put in words how much I appreciate Dr. Cottingham’s work. She’s a great orthodontist, and her staff is equally fantastic.

Love your smile? Tell the world all about it!

At Cottingham Orthodontics, we are dedicated to helping you achieve a healthy beautiful smile that gives you the comfort and confidence you deserve! Dr. Karen Cottingham and our staff are committed to making your orthodontic experience a positive one.

Whether you've visited our Indianapolis or Avon offices for a week, months or even years, we'd love to hear your feedback about how our office is faring! There are lots of ways you can share your thoughts about our practice with the rest of the world, but we encourage you to head to our Google Places page and write a review there.

If you wish, you may also review Dr. Cottingham and team on our Yelp page.

Thank you in advance, and we hope you had a wonderful Easter weekend! We look forward to reading your reviews!

Ask Dr. Cottingham: What’s the deal with retainers?

If you've recently completed treatment at Cottingham Orthodontics, we’d like to congratulate you, again! Now that your braces have been removed, Dr. Cottingham will provide—or has provided you—with retainers. After braces are removed, teeth can shift out of position if they are not stabilized.

Retainers, you see, provide that stabilization, and are designed to hold teeth in their corrected, ideal positions until the bones and gums adapt to the treatment changes. Wearing retainers exactly as instructed by our staff at Cottingham Orthodontics is the best insurance that the treatment improvements last for a lifetime.

To learn more about the advantages of wearing retainers after your orthodontic treatment here at Cottingham Orthodontics, please read this helpful article about retainers or give us a call!

Flossing with Braces, from Cottingham Orthodontics

Dr. Cottingham will always tell you that keeping your teeth clean is more important than ever when you have braces. Food bits have more spots than usual to hide in your mouth, so you must be diligent in order to avoid bad breath, swollen gums, discolored teeth and cavities. If you remove plaque regularly during treatment, you'll experience better results and could possibly reduce your treatment time.

Here is a very concise video explaining the proper way to floss your teeth with braces. Give us a call at Cottingham Orthodontics if you have more questions about flossing. Or, we invite you to ask Dr. Cottingham on our Facebook page!

Play it safe this spring, from Dr. Cottingham

Wouldn’t you believe it, it’s already springtime! The spring months, however, bring an increase in outdoor activities and a greater chance of kids damaging their precious mouths and pearly whites. If you play sports, it’s important that you consult Dr. Cottingham for special precautions, such as wearing a mouth guard. A protective mouth guard is advised for playing spring sports such as baseball, soccer, lacrosse and others. Be sure, however, to avoid mouth guards that custom form to your teeth as these will resist any tooth movements we are trying to achieve.

In case of any accident involving the face, check your mouth and the appliances immediately. If teeth are loosened or the appliances damaged, please schedule an appointment with Cottingham Orthodontics. And don’t forget to ask us—Dr. Cottingham will provide a mouth guard for any patient in active treatment.

Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Please give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at Cottingham Orthodontics.

How important is your smile? From Cottingham Orthodontics

At Cottingham Orthodontics, we strive to give you and your family the total orthodontic experience you expect, with the amazing smiles you deserve!

And, speaking of smiles, in a new poll conducted by Glamour Magazine, people were recently asked, “If you had to pick between having perfect teeth, eyesight or hair, which would you choose?

Well, 44 percent of folks out there are choosing teeth! In addition, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, or AACD, conducted a study and found that 99.7 percent of those polled believed a smile is an important social asset. Respondents said straightness, whiteness, cleanliness, as well as the sincerity and sparkle of a person’s smile were all important factors not only socially, but career-wise as well.

Please contact Cottingham Orthodontics at (317) 299-0576 and schedule your complimentary initial consultation. We look forward to working with you, your family, and all of your wonderful smiles!

"Celebration of Caring" Fundraising Gala

Last Friday, Dr. Cottingham attended the Peyton Manning Children's Hospital at St.Vincent "Celebration of Caring" Fundraising Gala on March 4th. In its fourth year, the event helped benefit programs and services at Peyton Manning's Children's Hospital at St. Vincent here in Indianapolis.

Check out more photos from the event on Dr. Cottingham's official Facebook page!

Invisalign Tips from Dr. Cottingham

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, however, is that just like traditional braces, Invisalign requires proper care to work effectively. Dr. Karen Cottingham will always tell you 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, Dr. Cottingham and team want you to 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. If you have any questions about the benefits of Invisalign, we invite you to give us a call. Or, you may ask Dr. Cottingham on Facebook!

Cottingham Orthodontics, dispelling the myths about braces

Trust us when we say Dr. Cottingham knows there are a lot of myths and half-truths floating around these days when it comes to orthodontics. But, before you buy into those myths, we think you should get the facts first!

Our good friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have some excellent information on the myths and facts of orthodontics, and we encourage you to check them out before settling for rumors about braces!

If you have any questions about orthodontics or your treatment at Cottingham Orthodontics, feel free to give us a call!

Dr. Cottingham at the "Celebration of Caring" Fundraising Gala

Dr. Cottingham will be attending the Peyton Manning Children's Hospital at St.Vincent "Celebration of Caring" Fundraising Gala on March 4th. Now in its fourth year, the event will benefit the programs and services at Peyton Manning's Children's Hospital at St. Vincent in Indianapolis. Besides Peyton, Ashley, and famed father Archie Manning in attendance, four-time Academy of Country Music Entertainer of the Year Kenny Chesney is scheduled to perform, along with an appearance by sportscaster Bob Costas.

The event will also serve as the grand opening of the new JW Marriott Indianapolis, the largest JW Marriott in the world!

For more information about the event, which will be held at the JW Marriott in downtown Indianapolis, please call (317) 338-5090 or visit give.stvincent.org.

We will have photos available shortly after the event on our Facebook page!

Complimentary Consultations at Cottingham Orthodontics

At Cottingham Orthodontics, we are not only a doctor and orthodontic team, we are also parents, patients, and people with needs and concerns just like you. We understand what you expect from us, and we are dedicated to helping you achieve a lifetime of healthy, beautiful smiles!

One of our commitments is meeting with you to help you explore all or the options available to you or your child. We offer complimentary consultations for those interested in orthodontic treatment. During this time, you'll have time reserved with Dr. Karen Cottingham, who will assess your particular needs as well as discuss treatment options available and answer any questions you may have. We place a high value on making sure you have complete information before beginning treatment.

If you have been thinking about obtaining the dazzling smile you’ve always wanted, we invite you to give us a call!

We look forward to working with you, your family and all of your wonderful smiles!

- The team at Cottingham Orthodontics

At Cottingham Orthodontics, February Marks National Children's Dental Health Month

At Cottingham Orthodontics, February is National Children's Dental Health Month, as well as National Dental Health Month, and Dr. Cottingham and 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 at Cottingham Orthodontics during your orthodontic treatment, you should visit your dentist here in Indianapolis or Avon 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 Cottingham Orthodontics, please feel free to give us a call or ask us on Facebook!

Here comes the Braces Brigade!

At Cottingham Orthodontics, we know our patients want to get as much out of their treatment as possible. That includes asking a lot of questions and making sure they take care of both their appliances and oral health.

Would you like to learn more about what to expect during orthodontic treatment, from someone with firsthand experience? Well, our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recently developed the Braces Brigade blog, where past, present, as well as future orthodontic patients from coast to coast document their (or their child’s) orthodontic journeys. Check out this week’s post from Whitney!

Our team at Cottingham Orthodontics encourages you to visit the Braces Brigade blog to read these great and informative blogs—who knows, maybe you’ll learn a thing or two! As always, don’t hesitate to give us a call at our Indianapolis or Avon office if you have any questions about the Braces Brigade or your own orthodontic treatment with Dr. Cottingham!

SMILE, and you might live longer! From Cottingham Orthodontics

Great news! Folks with big smiles may actually live longer than those who don’t, according to a 2010 study at Wayne State University in Michigan. Dr. Karen Cottingham and our staff have 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 then 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, yes, 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!

Our take-away from the new study? Smile now, smile often and you might just live longer! Have you been perfecting your smile by visiting Cottingham Orthodontics at our Indianapolis or Avon office on a regular basis during your orthodontic treatment?

Make 2011 the year to improve your oral health, from Cottingham Orthodontics

Many of our patients and folks here in Indianapolis consider the beginning of a new year a time to not only reflect on the year that was, but also to set personal goals for the upcoming year. How are you planning to improve your health and happiness in 2011? Dr. Karen Cottingham and our team recommend that you make a New Year’s resolution to benefit your oral health!

It’s important that New Year’s resolutions are reasonable and attainable, and that they improve your overall quality of life—for example, did you know that flossing every day is the very best way to prevent periodontal, or gum disease during your orthodontic treatment? Using a straw when drinking sugary beverages can also help prevent cavities while you’re wearing braces. There are many small steps that you can take to prevent cavities, oral infections and bad breath.

Be sure to give us a call if you need a few suggestions on ways to improve your oral health, or visit this helpful article from our friends at the Academy of General Dentistry. After all, we know your oral health is about more than just a beautiful smile.

If your resolution is to attain a great-looking smile, we’d love to help! Please contact Cottingham Orthodontics at (317) 202-1873 and schedule your initial consultation. We look forward to working with you, your family and all of your wonderful smiles!

Happy New Year from all of us at Cottingham Orthodontics!