Mazel To -v! Ask The Orthodontist Staying Cavity-Free While In Braces Those who wear non-removable orthodontic appliances known as "braces" must guard against decay springing up around the edges of brackets and bands by paying scrupulous attention to oral hygiene. Aside from rinsing, flossing and brushing after meals, orthodontic patients have the option of applying a prescription gel to their teeth as a means of assisting in preventing decay. A recent study shows that those patients with braces who Nelson Hersh DDS, MS brushed, then applied a 1.1 percent fluoride gel twice Licensed Specialist daily for 18 months, reduced levels of plaque (the sticky, germ laden substance that coats teeth and encourages cavities), gum swelling and gum bleeding by about half, when .compared with those patients who did not use the gel and only brushed. There are also mouth rinses that contain a 63 percent stannous fluoride and can be'a supplement to the oral hygiene routine. Many offices carry these products for your convenience, or can write a prescription for the patient. Electric toothbrushes can also help the patient comply with good oral hygiene, but any soft bristle toothbrush can be used, and if the plaque is removed, the teeth will move more efficiently, remain cavity free and stain free. For patients with work or school, our office also provides a travel toothbrush which makes it more convenient to brush when not at home. In general, excellent orthodontic treatment results can only be obtained with cooperative and informed patients and parents. Once orthodontic therapy begins, the patient will be expected to continue to see the family dentist for regular checkups and routine care. To find out more information, or for a complimentary consultation, call our office at 248-926-4100, 2300 Haggerty, Suite 1160, West Bloomfield. Nelson (Nick) Hersh DDS, MS Licensed Specialist Shwedel-Levin mily Marla Shwedel, daughter of Adrienne and Paul Shwedel of Commerce Township, and Darrin Scott Levin, son of Carole Levin of West Bloomfield and the late Lawrence Levin, are pleased to announce their engagement. Emily is a graduate of both University of Michigan under- graduate and dental schools. She practices as a family and cosmetic dentist in Plymouth. Darrin completed an ophthalmology residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin and a vitreoretinal surgery fellowship at the USC Doheny Retina Institute. He is in private practice with Retina Consultants of Michigan in Southfield. An April wedding is planned. 10S81:70 Porter-Walsh and Janice Porter of Reston, Va., are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Ruth to Brian Walsh, son of Richard and Sandra Walsh of Miller v v Place, N.Y. Ruth graduated from George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and is attending law school there. She is the granddaughter of the late Hyman and Dorothy Berkowitz of Detroit. Brian graduated from Ursinus College in Collegeville, Pa., and will receive his juris doctor in May from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. He then will clerk for Judge Daniel M. Friedman of the Federal Circuit Court. accessories for your holiday home. Exceptional gifts for the holidays. Chic accents for every day. Elegance for all seasons. Presenting Michael Aram. Decorate. Accentuate. Celebrate. Goldman-Dedrick Richard RoA A.Desian,5 rudio on site. Hours: M—F 10-6; SAT. 11-4. Also by appointment. Holiday Hours: (After Thanksgiving) M—W 10-6, TH 10-8, F 10-6, SAT. 10-5, SRI. 12-5. CANTOR SAMUEL GREENBAUM Certified Mohel — Skill, Sensitivity and Tradition come together to create your special Bris. Answering all of your anesthetic & aftercare needs. (248) 855-A BOY (2269) Office: (248) 547-7970 EILON ISAAC ADELSON 80 December 15 * 2005 perfectnow@excite.com R onald and June (Levine) Goldman of Scottsdale, Ariz., are thrilled to announce the engagement of the oldest of their five Levine-Goldman children. Nara Goldman has become engaged to James Dedrick of Rochelle, Ill., the son of Richard and Mary Dedrick. Nara is the daughter of the late Roberta "Bobbe" Goldman and "other mother" June Goldman, formerly of Farmington Hills, the widow of the late Richard Joel Levine. Ms. Goldman is a graduate of Rockford College in Illinois, where she received her bachelor of arts degree, and received her master's in counseling from the University of Arizona. James Dedrick is a graduate of the University of Illinois School of Engineering and is employed as a vice president of a civil engineer- ing firm. The wedding will be held May 27 in Phoenix. The couple will return to Phoenix after their honeymoon.