The 2010 holiday season is upon us, and our team at Dr. Gerling's office would like to wish all our patients and their families the merriest of holidays and best wishes for the New Year. 
Folks with big smiles may actually live longer than those who don’t, according to a March 2010 study at Michigan’s Wayne State University. Dr. Gerling has 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 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 even college attendance.
Dr. Gerling, your McAllen orthodontist, rewards our patients for excellent orthodontic care with Smile Cards. Each month, Smile Cards are your ticket to an entry in our iPod drawing. We are pleased to announce that Macela is our November iPod winner. Congratulations Marcela! 
One word nobody wants to hear is cavity! That’s right, the dreaded cavity; but what exactly is a cavity and how do you get one? A cavity is a hole that develops in a tooth when the tooth begins to decay. It’s important to get a cavity filled as soon as it’s detected so that it does not grow bigger. 
Did you know that back in 2002, Tom Cruise had braces? During this time, he was 40 years old and filmed Minority Report, Austin Powers in Goldmember and the Last Samurai. Check out his smile in Jerry Maguire, Rain Man or The Firm and compare to the post-braces Tom Cruise in Valkyrie or Tropic Thunder. The fact is, movie stars need to look their best for the silver screen, and it wouldn't be possible without orthodontists like Dr. Gerling. 
Here at the office of Dr. Gerling, we are very thankful for all of our amazing patients and their families. We would like to wish everyone a fun and safe Thanksgiving. We also want to remind everyone to brush and floss after indulging in the big meal.
Dr. Gerling and our team are very proud and excited to be collecting toys for the Toys-for-Tots campaign this year. Please share your blessings and bring a new and unwrapped toy to our office no later than Dec. 16 to support our efforts. All the toys will be donated to less fortunate children in our area. 
Our team at the office of John A Gerling DDS, MSD is excited to announce that Javier H. is the winner of our BOO! Contest. He won a booootiful cash prize of $25 for showing us his Halloween spirit online. Have fun spending the money, Javier! 
At John A Gerling DDS, MSD, we embrace technology, whether it’s through the innovative treatments we offer, our high-tech web site or our Facebook fan page. As you can probably tell, we love connecting with our patients online, whether it’s by sharing news on our blog or communicating ideas and pictures from contests and events on our fan page. For social media to work, we understand that conversation is vital, and that’s why we invite you to join in and tell us what’s on your mind. Although social networks are hugely popular these days, we know they’re unpredictable and ever-changing. 
Trick-or-treat! In the spirit of October’s sweet and spooky holiday, Halloween, Dr. Gerling would like to remind all of our patients to be safe while celebrating with friends and family. Happy Halloween!
From your very first visit to John A Gerling DDS, MSD our doctor and team strive to provide superior treatment in a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. We thought we’d ask you, our wonderful patients: Have you been especially impressed by Dr. Gerling's work? Did our team go out of their way to make your day? Are you in love with your new smile?
Dr. Gerling and our team would like to remind all of our patients that we want to get "BOOED" this month! Don't forget to show us your Halloween spirit for a chance to win a booootiful $25 Halloween treat.
October is National Dental Hygiene Month and National Orthodontic Health Month. What a great time of the year for Dr. Gerling's office to have a contest about HYGIENE! 
It is with great pleasure that Dr. Gerling announces our most important annual fundraiser for the International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS).
Dr. Gerling and our team strives to provide the highest quality of orthodontic care in an environment that is friendly and fun. Today, we wanted to share a festive fall recipe that is both braces-friendly and easy to prepare. Don't forget to brush and floss after indulging!
Dr. Gerling and our team loves receiving nice messages on our Facebook wall from patients, but right now we just want to get "BOOED"! Show us your Halloween spirit for a chance to win a booootiful Halloween treat.
In honor of the recent Justin Bieber fever that is sweeping our nation, now through September 30, 2010 Dr. Gerling will be hosting a Justin Bieber Fever Contest! Next time you come in for an appointment, be sure to take a few minutes to participate in our trivia game. The contest winner will receive a portable iPod travel speaker, so don't wait to book your September appointment today! 
When considering treatment options, patients often ask us how Invisalign treatment is so different than traditional braces. Well, there are more reasons to smile about Invisalign with Dr. Gerling than you may know. Invisalign is a series of removable aligners that are nearly invisible, and besides straightening your teeth, can improve your oral health. Here’s how:
Thanks to everyone who participated in Dr. Gerling's Shrek Trivia Contest! Alyssa Estrada and Andrew Castro were the contest winners, each receiving a $25 gift card to Fandango. Congratulations Alyssa and Andrew! 
Here in McAllen, TX, kids and parents are beginning to stock up on pencils, spiral notebooks, and binders because it’s back to school time! To better accommodate the changing schedules of our patients, our team at Dr. Gerling’s office will be introducing new school year hours at our office. 
Do you and your family love getting caught up in the adventures of Shrek, Princess Fiona, Donkey, Puss in Boots, and King Artie? Now through the end of August, Dr. Gerling and our team will be testing your trivia knowledge of Shrek and the gang through an in office trivia contest! The next time you're in for an appointment, fill out an entry form for your chance to win one of two $25 Fandango gift cards! This great trivia contest is open to all patients, so don't be shy!
Congratulations, Camila! She recently won Dr. Gerling's "Know Your Icons" game! Thanks to everyone who participated in this great office contest. If you haven't yet checked out our Facebook page, be sure to "like" John A. Gerling DDS, MSD, so that you can receive all of our latest contest updates, photos, and event information!
Who’s afraid of “metal mouth” and the appearance of braces? Apparently, not adults. Recently, our staff at John A Gerling DDS, MSD read a fascinating statistic: the number of adults getting braces has actually climbed 24 percent since 1996! Braces help make your pearly whites strong, healthy and perfectly-aligned, also promoting positive self esteem. In an age—and society—where looks matter as much as anything, and at a time when evenly-aligned and sparkling teeth might be the difference between getting a job or a promotion, adults are choosing to invest in orthodontics. Orthodontic treatment with Dr. Gerling can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile.
Hey, parents! Are you planning that perfect family vacation for the whole family? Here at John A. Gerling DDS, MSD, we know that summer is the season when many families choose to hit the open road- or catch a flight- to make those memories together. That’s why we want to share a few tips for summer travel from our friends at Shine. 1) Have your teens set the pace—and even the itinerary. No teen wants to be dragged around a city that they have no interest in. By allowing everyone a voice in the trip itinerary, children and parents alike become more invested in the vacation.
2) Everyone offers up a playlist. A trip soundtrack isn’t complete without a hodgepodge of every family member’s favorite tracks!
3) Set a limit on phones/electronics use. This decision has to be specific to your family, but a good rule of thumb is that if you’re setting the rules for minute limits or check-ins that all family members should stick to them- not just teens and tweens.
4) Keep food & drinks on hand. Sometimes a snack is all you need to stay cheery- hunger can oftentimes create unnecessary arguments and tension between families.
5) Don’t make them clean the hotel room. While on vacation, the same rules that apply at home for cleaning don’t necessarily apply while staying in a hotel.
6) Set a gift shop budget. These costs can add up quickly, so be sure to set limits ahead of time!
7) Give them a little freedom. When traveling with tweens and teens, it is important that they are able to have some areas, maybe a five-block radius or even the hotel lobby, where they are able to wander without the whole family.
At John A. Gerling DDS, we embrace all forms of new technology, whether it's through the innovative orthodontic treatments that we offer, our high-tech web site and social networks, or our modern office conveniently located in McAllen.
Image is everything, especially for teenagers. And in an age (and culture) when image is so important, the thought of having metal brackets and wires constantly attached to teeth may intensify the already-delicate confidence of today's teens. But... not to worry! There is a clear alternative to traditional braces! Our team at the office of Dr. John A. Gerling thought we'd remind you that Invisalign Teen™ gives our teens a whole new way to wear braces for a "clearly" amazing smile!
Trust us when we say Dr. Gerling knows there are quite a few myths about orthodontics (and orthodontists) flying around these days. But before you buy into those myths, our doctor thinks you should get the facts! We came across a great site that helps set the record straight (no pun intended). Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have some excellent information on the myths and facts of orthodontics. We encourage you to check them out today!
Dr. Gerling and team fully understand that not everyone enjoys visiting their orthodontist. But we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit. We’d like to know: What is it about John A. Gerling DDS that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant office environment? Our friendly professional staff? Is it Dr. Gerling himself?
Perhaps you're wondering what Invisalign treatment is really like, and what effect it will have on your day-to-day activities. You might be wondering: Will Invisalign slur my speech? Will people know I'm in treatment? At John A. Gerling DDS, we'll tell you that you're not alone in your concerns! Dr. Gerling and our team thought we’d take a moment and discuss these clear aligners today..jpg)
By now, you probably know how our blogging process works: Week after week, Dr. John Gerling and our creative staff blog about important topics pertinent to orthodontic care and your well-being, including innovative orthodontic techniques we offer.
Many parents often assume they must wait until their child has all of his or her permanent teeth to visit Dr. John Gerling, only to discover treatment would have been much easier if started sooner. Did you know the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, recommends that every child have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven?
Some people wonder why McAllen and Rio Grande Valley orthodontist Dr. John Gerling and our team 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 the office of Dr. Gerling can keep them healthier? Straight teeth lead to better oral hygiene, increasing your chances of keeping your own natural teeth for a lifetime!
From your very first visit to John A. Gerling DDS, our team strives to provide superior orthodontic treatment in a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. We thought we’d ask you, our wonderful patients: Have you been especially impressed by Dr. Gerling? Did our professional team go out of their way to make your day? Are you in love with your new smile?
I have been practicing orthodontics for almost 30 years. Before becoming an orthodontist however, I worked hard throughout college and dental school to make sure that I received the highest quality education and training. I can't think of any other career that I would love more than orthodontics! My job as an orthodontist gives me a great sense of satisfaction and pride. My team is wonderful; they are supportive of each other and our patients, and it is very rewarding to watch my team build close relationships with the people we treat.
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