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.