Early Signs of Orthodontic Problems

If you’re wondering if you or your child might need orthodontic treatment, there are some things you can keep an eye out for. Some of the most common warning signs of orthodontic problems are:

• Difficulty when chewing or biting
• Chronic mouth-breathing
• Sucking the thumbs, fingers, or any other oral sucking habits that continue after the age of six.
• Overbite - when the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth by more than 5 millimeters.
• Crowded, crooked, overlapped, misshapen, misplaced teeth or extra teeth.
• Crossbite - when one or more teeth tilt toward the cheek or toward the tongue causing excessive stress on the jawbone.
• The center of the top and bottom teeth don't line up.
• Pain in jaws
• Clicking in the jaw points.
• The jaw shifts off-center while chewing or biting.
• A jaw that protrudes, or recedes, too much.
• Difficulty speaking or enunciating clearly.
• Grinding or clenching of the teeth.

If you or your child are showing signs of one or more of these problems, give Orthodontics South a call at (205) 664-4140 or visit us online. Many of these orthodontic issues are easier to treat if they are caught at a young age so don't wait any longer, come see Dr. Boggan today!

Veterans, We Salute You!

President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed Armistice Day on November 11th, 1919. He said, "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations."

In 1954, WWII veteran Raymond Weeks from Birmingham, Alabama, had the idea to expand Armistice Day to celebrate all veterans, not just those who died in World War I. U.S. Representative, Ed Rees, presented a bill to Congress establishing the holiday. President Dwight Eisenhower, signed the bill into law on May 26, 1954. Congress amended this act on June 1st, 1954, replacing "Armistice" with "Veterans," and it has been celebrated as Veterans Day ever since.


To all the past, present and future soldiers: we salute you! 

True or False

For many years it's been said that gum takes seven years to digest, but this isn't exactly true. It takes the same amount of time as regular food items. The only difference in gum and other foods is that your body can not break gum down, hence where the indigestible part comes in. Just because your body can't break down gum, doesn't mean that it lingers in your stomach for seven years. Gum is eliminated as human waste in the same way - and at the same rate - as any other swallowed matter. *REMINDER: You shouldn't be chewing gum with braces. :-)

Data is courtesy of Discovery Fit & Health. Read the entire article here.

Win 2 Free Rave Movie Tickets!

The first person to answer all 5 questions correctly in a Facebook comment from today's blog win two free Rave movie tickets!

1. Name 1 of the 2 receptionist at Orthodontics South.
2. At what school did Dr. Boggan get his master's degree in Orthodontics?
3. Dr. Boggan is the number one provider of what type of orthodontic treatment in Alabama?
4. How often should you wear your retainer?
5. Name our two current, in office patient contests going on right now.

*Reply with your answers via comment under the Facebook post.

Have You Voted Today?

We are a great country and our most sacred privilege is our vote. Not all countries around us have such freedom. Don't take this opportunity for granted or think that your vote doesn't matter because every single persons vote matters! Election Day comes around once every four years. Let today be the day you voice your opinion about the future of our great nation. We encourage all of you to get out and go vote! You can earn 6 Boggan Buck Points if you do.

If you have an appointment today:

• Wear your "I VOTED" sticker to your appointment or have your parent wear his/her "I VOTED" sticker.

If you don't have an appointment today:

1. Take a photo of you wearing your "I VOTED" sticker or take a photo of you and your parent wearing their "I VOTED" sticker.
2. Post it to Facebook and tag Orthodontics South. 

• Be sure to TAG Orthodontics South or else we will never see your picture and you will never receive your points. *No private photos please

Click here to read up on the 11 Amendments before you head to the polls. 

Mitt Romney or Barack Obama? Who's It Going To Be?

The much anticipated day has finally arrived, Election Day 2012! You have a chance to alter the course of history and your vote matters. The privilege to vote is one of the most cherished Constitutional Rights that many have fought for, marched for and died for over the years. Voting is an important way to voice your opinions regarding elected leaders and overall policies and most importantly it allows you to decide your future and the future of your children and grandchildren by electing a person who might share the same views as you.  

You have the opportunity to choose your government, invest in a better future and most importantly have your voice be heard.  Every vote counts, every vote matters and the future of this country depends on who its citizens elect as their next President. So get out and vote tomorrow, November 6^th! OrthodonticsSouth encourages you to vote tomorrow! In fact, we’d like you to show us that you voted by posting a photo on Facebook of yourself or you and your parents wearing the “I VOTED” sticker. You will receive 6 Boggan Buck Points at your next appointment. Just remember to tag Orthodontics South so we will be able to see your picture.  

Who's our next President? Barack Obama or Mitt Romney.

Guess Who's Back, Back Again!

The ornament contest is back, tell a friend!

Christmas is right around the corner and our ornament contest is starting back up again.

1. Create an ornament to hang on the Orthodontics South Christmas tree.
2. Your ornament must be related to orthodontics.
3. Be creative and use whatever you think will look great, unique, and fun! As long as we can hang it on the tree, anything goes.
4. You will receive 10 BOGGAN BUCKS and the chance to win an iPod Nano. *6th generation 
5. We will announce the winner December 19th and contact you personally if you are the winner!

Our patients did such a great job last year! Take a look.

You're right, Bailey! Braces do rock!

Wow! Awesome job, Lindsey!

Jessi got creative!

The 2011 winner
Awesome creativity! Good job Maddison!

Let's see if our awesome patients can outdo themselves this year. Let the game begin! 

For Those Who Waited Until The Last Minute!

If you are one of those people that decided to dress up last minute, maybe the costume ideas below can help you decide what to be!

Facebook

What you need: Marker.

Cereal Killer

What you need: Long-sleeve shirt, plastic knives, and mini boxes of cereal.

“Two Tickets to Paradise”

What you need: Black pants or jeans, black shirt, sunglasses, rope Poster board.

Error 404: Costume Not Found

What you need: White t-shirt, black sharpie.

Life Handing You Lemons

What you need: White t-shirt, black sharpie, bowl, lemons.

Identity Theft

What you need: Name tags.

The crew at Orthodontics South wish you a very safe and happy Halloween!

Parents, It's Your Turn!

Your appearance often speaks before you do. As we get older, our teeth tend to grow inward, creating crowding, which is a common problem for adults. As a result, it may become difficult to keep teeth clean and healthy. After investing in your child’s dental health you deserve the chance to get straight teeth and a beautiful smile that will last a lifetime. Parents, it’s your turn!

At this stage in life, you understand the value of having a confident smile. Whether it’s in business presentation or just an evening out with friends, you know that being self-conscious about your teeth will only restrict you from being yourself. A large percentage of our patients are adults, and they agree that it’s never too late to improve their greatest asset—their smile!

We understand that straightening your teeth as an adult, you’d prefer to not look like you’re back in junior high with a mouth full of metal. Adults need a subtle method and Invisalign aligners provide the best of both worlds—virtually invisible when you’re wearing them, and removable when you need them to be. A majority of our adult patients choose Invisalign® at Orthodontics South for reasons other than the obvious ones. Orthodontics South offers Invisalign® at the same price as braces!

Adults often feel that teeth-straightening is embarrassing, a hassle or too disruptive to their daily routine, so doing nothing seems like the easiest choice, but you’ll learn that Invisalign is just the opposite as that. Making the decision to get Invisalign treatment could benefit you in many ways: straightened teeth and a beautiful smile in a reasonable amount of time, no feelings of self-consciousness during treatment with the nearly invisible aligner, and minimal impact on your busy schedule.  

Orthodontic treatment at any age in life can dramatically improve your personal appearance and self-esteem and that is one of the many reasons Dr. Boggan loves what he does. Take the first step toward getting that beautiful smile you’ve always wanted by giving us a call at (205) 664-4140 and schedule a consultation today. Whatever method you and Dr.Boggan decide is best for you; our staff is here to help you throughout the whole process. Our office provides you with over 120 combined years of orthodontic experience and Dr. Boggan is the top Invisalign® provider in Alabama and in the top 1% of all Invisalign® providers worldwide, so you can rest assured that you are in good hands. 

Dr. Boggan Specializes in Dog Gone Good Grills!

Seeeeeeee! Look at my dog gone good grill!

Why choose Dr. Boggan? His love for Orthodontics is about more than just straightening teeth. He loves being able to change people's life with improved self confidence and self esteem with orthodontic treatment.

It is his desire to provide a fun, laid back atmosphere while taking great care of his patients by keeping them comfortable and informed during their course of treatment. Dr. Boggan does more than traditional braces, he offers Invisalign and Invisalign Teen. Dr. Boggan is in the top 1% of all Invisalign® providers worldwide, and he is the top Invisalign® and Invisalign Teen® provider in Alabama.

See what some of our awesome patients had to say:

"The coolest, hippest, most innovative orthodontist around- Dr. Boggan makes braces fun! Who knew?" -*Jennifer Macomb

"GREAT STAFF! Wonderful environment! Cool Dr.!" -*Kari Weathington

"Thanks to all of you for welcoming me and my girls into your office home. My daughter loves her new braces. Many thanks for your kindness and genuine smiles!" -*Mrs. T

"I can't thank you enough for the support you have given me. You are all so wonderful. Thanks for making my dreams come true!" -*Whitney G.

"Deciding to do Invisalign® was the right decision for me. I love my new smile and feel so much better about showing it off!" -*Allison

"I went through braces as a kid. After not wearing my retainers my teeth started moving and only got worse with time. I wanted a good smile again, but did not want the metal. Invisalign®is a great option. I love it!" -*Nick

"For anyone who is even considering if a new smile is for you, trust me, it is. After only a short time in Invisalign® my smile started improving and I have never regretted the choice. It has changed the way I feel about myself and I would highly recommend it to everyone." -*Susan

Don't take everyone else's word for it though, come see us at Orthodontics South to find out for yourself. Whatever your situation may be, Dr. Boggan is here to help! Give us a call at (205) 664-4140 to set up a consultation or visit us online by clicking here. We would love to hear from you! 

The Seven Most Common Questions Parents Have About Orthodontic Treatment

According to The American Association of Orthodontists, nearly four million children in the United States and Canada are receiving treatment from members of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). Although parents know that orthodontic treatment results in a healthy, beautiful smile, many don't realize the important long-term health benefits.

The AAO provides parents with a list of answers to commonly asked questions about orthodontic care.

1.    Why is orthodontic treatment important?
       A: Straight teeth and properly aligned jaws contribute to 
           good dental health as well as overall physical health. 
           Orthodontic treatment can boost a person’s self-image
           as teeth, lips and jaws move into position and improve 
           appearance.

2.    How do parents know if their child needs orthodontic 
       treatment?
       A: The best way is to visit an orthodontist. The AAO 
             recommends that all children get a check-up with
             an orthodontist no later than age seven.

3.    What if my child still has baby teeth at age seven? 
       Should they still see an orthodontist?
      A:  Yes.  By age 7, enough permanent teeth have arrived for 
            orthodontists to evaluate how the teeth and jaws meet, 
            and to identify current or developing problems.  If a
            problem is detected, the orthodontist and parents can
            discuss when treatment may be necessary.

4.    How does a child’s growth affect orthodontic treatment?
      A:  Treatment and growth often compliment each other. In some 
            cases, the orthodontist takes advantage of a child’s growth
            to guide jaws and teeth into their ideal positions.

5.    How often do you visit your orthodontist while in 
       orthodontic treatment?
       A:  Typically a child will see the orthodontist every 6-12
             weeks throughout the course of treatment.

6.    If you currently don’t have an orthodontist, what is the 
       best way to find someone to treat orthodontic problems?
       A:  To find an orthodontist near you, ask for a referral from 
            your family dentist, your pediatrician or your child’s school
            nurse. Or you can visit us at Orthodontics South. It is 
            important to choose an orthodontist who is a member of
            the AAO. Orthodontists receive an additional two to three
            years of specialized education beyond dental school to learn
            the proper way to align and straighten teeth. 

7.    What is the average cost of orthodontic treatment?
      A:   Fees will vary, depending on the treatment needed.  Most
            orthodontists offer convenient payment plans, making 
            treatment more affordable than ever.  Most orthodontists 
            will work with you to find a plan that fits your family budget. 
            In addition, many patients have dental insurance that 
            includes orthodontic benefits. Check with your employer’s
            human resources department to learn about your coverage.

To find out why orthodontic treatment is better for your overall health watch the video, Straight Talk About Crooked Teeth below that is provided by Invisalign®. It is very helpful for parents and anyone who is choosing an Orthodontist. It's also helpful information for anyone wanting to straighten their smile, no matter their age. 

We will be happy to answer any questions you have so give us a call at (205) 664-4140 or ask us online at BracingTeam.com. If Invisalign® is something you're interested in, but you have been told you aren't a candidate, come see Dr. Brandon Boggan for a second opinion. 

Calling All Teenagers!

Let Dr. Boggan and Invisalign Teen® help you achieve your goal with the virtual invisibility of clear aligners. Most teens that have or have had Invisalign Teen said they were motivated to wear Invisalign Teen because there is virtually no impact to everyday lives. Although it’s not necessary, teens appreciate the convenient option to remove the aligners for milestone events, such as prom, senior portraits and musical performances.

Invisalign Teen® has its own built-in tracking system, which is an easy way to insure you’ve been wearing your aligners for the right amount of time. The aligners have blue “wear indicators” on the inside of the aligners. The dots are specifically designed to wear down according to how long the aligners are worn. Depending on how visible the blue dots are at the end of the 2 weeks allows Dr. Boggan to determine how long you’ve worn the aligners and assure you’ve been compliant and also to insure the treatment course stays on track.

During Invisalign Teen treatment, teenagers can keep up with their active lifestyle, play sports, and smile with confidence during social activities. Traditional braces often carry a stigma of being unattractive and noticeable, leaving teens feeling self-conscious and less likely to smile. Also, traditional wire and bracket braces present challenges for proper brushing and flossing, contributing to food and plaque build-up in the mouth. Invisalign Teen aligners are easy to remove, they promote better oral hygiene and require less emergency visits due to broken brackets, whereas Invisalign Teen provides six extra replacement aligners in case others are lost or misplaced.

Advantages of Invisalign Teen vs. braces:

·         Allows you to eat whatever foods you like.

·         Removable aligners for special events.

·         Virtually invisible

·         Allows you to brush and floss your teeth normally for better periodontal health.

·         Consists of smooth, comfortable plastic instead of metal that is more likely to irritate your cheeks and gums.

·          Less office visits

·         *Invisalign Teen provides up to six free replacement aligners if lost or broken.

At the end of treatment the results appear the same, but when

you actually stop and compare Invisalign Teen® to other 

teeth-straightening options, the benefits of Invisalign Teen are 

easily noticeable. Both braces and Invisalign straighten your 

teeth, both treat a wide variety of cases (crowding, spacing,

crossbite, overbite, and underbite), and at Dr. Boggan’s office 

Invisalign Teen is the same cost as braces. But as a teenager

you have school, sports and hanging out with friends to be 

concerned about. We want you to have the confidence of a 

great smile without experiencing some of the things that 

come with traditional braces.

·         Discomfort and mouth sores caused by wires.

·         Tooth decay and plaque buildup caused by inadequate

                   brushing and flossing.

             ·         Bracket breakage

             ·         Difficulty eating

             ·         Personal sacrifices from eating certain foods—popcorn, 

                   chips, bagels, hard-crusted bread, pizza crust, pretzels,

                   nuts, candy and also apples, carrots, corn on the cob. 

Let’s face it! Invisalign Teen is the best way to go! 

Come see us at Orthodontics South or give us a call at 

(205) 664-4140 to schedule a consultation. Brace free

is the way to be! 

Say No to Hard, Gooey, Sticky and Chewy Foods!

Braces are fragile and can be easily damaged by certain foods. Avoid foods that are hard, gooey, sticky or chewy as well as foods high in sugar.

Foods to Avoid:

·         Pizza crust

·         Hard rolls, pretzels, bagels and bones

·         Popcorn

·         Nuts

·         Raw carrots

·         Caramel candy, jellybeans and all gums

·         Suckers

·         Ice

·         Corn-on-the-cob and apples (You may cut them

       up rather than biting into them)

It may seem like you have to avoid every type of food during treatment, but there are a few alternatives. One alternative is by doing Invisalign® as opposed to traditional metal braces. Foods that cause loose bands, broken wires, and detached brackets aren't an issue with Invisalign because aligners are completely removable to eat and drink whatever you’d like. Regardless of your treatment method, most everyone experiences soreness and tenderness after an adjustment, which makes eating a little less enjoyable.

Post-Adjustment and Braces-Safe Foods:

·         Pudding

·         Mashed potatoes

·         Soup

·         Ice cream

·         Cottage cheese

·         Peas

·         Pancakes

·         Pasta

·         Cooked vegetables

·         Rice

·         Soft fruits

·         Shakes and smoothies

The more loose bands, broken wires, and detached brackets you have during treatment, the longer you will stay in treatment. So keep that in mind when you go to bite into a delicious caramelized apple. Use your best judgment and remember—if it’s hard, gooey, sticky or chewy, you need to avoid it and eat something that’s braces-safe. If you are interested in Invisalign treatment, give us a call at (205) 664-4140 to schedule a consultation with the top Invisailgn® and InvisalignTeen® provider in Alabama, Dr. Brandon Boggan. Our goal at Orthodontics South is to look at where you want to be in terms of your perfect smile now and for years to come so give us a call or check us out online by clicking here so we can help make your orthodontic experience the best it can be.  

BFF's?

Brace Free Forever

You have just spent several months or years and invested a great deal of money to have your bite corrected and your teeth straightened. The day for you get your braces removed has finally arrived— Congratulations! You’re brace free! Although treatment is complete, you’re not completely finished. The most important detail that Dr.Boggan and the bracing team at Orthodontics South can’t stress enough is that you must wear your retainers if you want your teeth to stay in the same place.

Your original smile is what nature intended and if you don’t wear your retainers nature will exert its forces and gradually move your teeth, sometimes back to where they started. Don’t let this happen to you after everything you went through to get that great smile. It takes at least six months or more for your teeth to remember their new positions. If you don’t wear your retainers, your teeth can possibly shift overnight to where your retainer will no longer fit! Everyone's teeth are different and that is why Dr. Boggan recommends wearing your retainer every night or as long as you want to keep straight teeth.

This should be taken seriously so needless to say: Never stop wearing your retainers if you want to keep your flawless, straight smile.

Always keep an eye on looks, feel, and fit:

·         Your smile should look the same as it did the day your braces 

       were removed.

·         Pay attention to how the retainer feels. Retainers are meant to

      be a little snug, but if they are tight or uncomfortable on your 

      teeth, you are not wearing them enough and you’re teeth are 

      more than likely shifting. Try wearing your retainer all the time 

      for 2-3 days until your retainers fit comfortably again, then go

      back to nightly wear.

·         Retainers are custom made to fit your teeth. There should not 

       be any space between your retainers and your teeth.

Caring for Your Retainers

Retainers are made of plastic and are not fragile, but they will not withstand rough handling or carelessness like cramming them in your pocket, sitting on them or stepping on them, so treat them with care. Keep them in their case when you are not wearing them. Store the retainer case somewhere you will remember and where others, including your pets, cannot reach. Retainers are not toys so resist the urge to click them in and out with your tongue.

One of the most common mistakes people make with retainers is forgetting they wrapped them in a napkin during a meal and accidentally throw them away. Another common mistake is leaving your retainers in a hot car, on a hot day. The heat will cause your retainers to change from it's original form. One way to avoid these types of situations is to always carry your case with you, if possible and any time you take your retainers out, place them in the case.

It’s very important that you keep your retainers clean. Not letting your saliva dry and harden on your retainers is very important. Immediately upon removal, rinse the retainers with water and store them safely. At least once a day, after you brush your teeth, brush the retainers with cold water or hand soap. Do not use hot water or anything too abrasive, including whitening toothpastes. The retainers will last longer if you don’t expose them to harsh chemicals or extreme temperatures in attempts to clean them.

Remember to take your retainers with you to all of your dental appointments, and check to make sure the retainers fit afterwards. Don’t forget to bring your retainers and case to your retainer check-up. Please call us at (205) 664-4140 or contact us immediately if you:

·         Broke your retainer.

·         Lost your retainer.

·         Are planning to undergo any major dental work like 

      veneer, implant, crown, bridge, or extraction.

·         Just want to make sure everything is okay.

The Road to Invisalign

The desire for straight teeth isn’t just a modern-day phenomenon. What we consider to be braces dates back as far as 1728 when Pierre Fauchard published The Surgeon Dentist: A Treatise on the Teeth with an entire chapter on ways to straighten teeth. Then in 1957, the French dentist Etienne Bourdet wrote a book called The Dentist’s Art with a chapter on tooth alignment and using appliances in the mouth. These books were the first important references to the new dental science of orthodontics. It’s been said by historians that two different men deserve the title of being called “The Father of Orthodontics.”

Those two men were Norman W. Kingsley and John Nutting Farrar. Norman Kingsley wrote his Treatise on Oral Deformities in 1880 and his insights influenced the new dental science greatly. J. N. Farrar wrote two volumes entitled A Treatise on the Irregularities of the Teeth and Their Corrections and it’s considered the first great work devoted exclusively to Orthodontics. He was very good at designing brace appliances, and Farrar was the first to suggest the use of mild force to move teeth at timed intervals.

A man named Edward H. Angle devised the first simple classification system for malocclusions, which is still used today. He is regarded as the “Father of Modern Orthodontics.” Angle organized the first orthodontic society in 1900, The American Society of Orthodontists, (now the American Association of Orthodontists), and became its first president.  Since then major advancements have been made in the field of Orthodontia and Dentistry. Among those advancements include x-rays for orthodontic diagnosis, rubber elastics with metal braces and most recently the invention of Invisalign braces.

Zia Chishti invented the transparent, removable and moldable aligners known as Invisalign® braces and were first made available to the public in May of 2000. Unlike one pair of metal braces that are constantly adjusted, a series of custom-made aligners are worn in succession that gradually shift your teeth into place based on the exact movements that Dr. Brandon Boggan plans out for you. There are no metal brackets to attach and no wires to tighten. Invisalign aligners are removable, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment as well as brush and floss your teeth without having to work around metal brackets and wires. You simply pop in a new set of aligners every two weeks, until your treatment is complete. The best part about the Invisalign® process is that most people won’t even know you’re straightening your teeth.

Dr. Boggan has achieved an exceptional level of Invisalign® experience. He is in the top 1% of all Invisalign® providers worldwide, and he is the top Invisalign® and Invisalign Teen® provider in Alabama. If Invisalign is something you are interested in, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Boggan. If you have been told you are not a candidate for Invisalign, come see Dr. Boggan for a second opinion. If you have questions or concerns about Invisalign we will be more than happy to talk with you. With Dr. Boggan’s knowledgeable expertise and the skills of our bracing team, we are sure to give you a reason to smile when you choose Orthodontics South. Give us a call at (205) 664-4140 or check us out online by clicking here. 

Who Knew So Many Celebrities Had Invisalign?

Some people are blessed with perfectly straight teeth and never have to undergo braces or Invisalign®, but the majority of people need orthodontic treatment.   Believe it or not, even celebrities aren't born with perfect pearly whites. With the wide range of orthodontic treatment available today, everyone is in on the Invisalign® trend—Even celebrities! These stars take advantage of these virtually invisible aligners because they are constantly in the media and the public eye. Katherine Heigl, a proud user of Invisalign said, "...it's awesome because every week I get to switch to a new aligner. Pretty much the perfect way to describe Invisalign is Netflix for your teeth." 

The good news is that a Hollywood smile makeover isn't just for the rich and famous, you too can get a perfect smile! If cost is the main concern, you can rest assured that one of our highly trained Treatment Coordinators will cover payment plans, insurance matters, and appointment scheduling with you before treatment begins so the experience is convenient and comfortable for you.

Even Justin Bieber had Invisalign.

Oprah Winfrey before and after Invisalign treatment.

Zac Efron before and after Invisalign treatment.

Katherine Heigl during Invisalign treatment.

Celebrities of all ages have gone through Orthodontic treatment, both Invisalign and braces. 

To see if you're a candidate for Invisalign®or Invisalign Teen®please give us a call at (205) 664-4140 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Brandon Boggan or click here to visit Orthodontics South online.

It's All About Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene!

Maintaining good oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment can be challenging for some people because food has a tendency to get trapped in the wires and between the teeth and the brackets. Some alternatives that prevent tooth decay during orthodontic treatment is by using the clear, removable aligners known as Invisalign® or use the following tips to keep your teeth healthy during orthodontic treatment:

·    Maintain a Proper Diet by Eating Braces-Safe Foods

Foods that are high in sugar or starch can cause more plaque, which is difficult to remove during your brushing. You should avoid hard foods, such as ice and pizza crust, as well as sticky foods, including licorice and caramels. These foods can damage wires and brackets. It is also important to minimize foods high in sugar content, like ice cream and cookies, and reduce the amount of sugary drinks you have. On the other hand, bananas, mangoes, milk, water, poultry, and pasta all tend to be low in enamel-busting acids.

Decalcification due to poor oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment.

·         Proper Brushing

To properly brush your teeth and prevent tooth decay, place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gums in order to clean the whole tooth and brush gently in the area between the wiring and the teeth. Rinsing is important regardless, but especially important when you have braces as you need to disinfect the entire mouth, including those spots under the braces where your brush can’t always reach.

·         Ask About Special Cleaning Tools

There are special brushes, or other tools, to get under and clean your braces. Most of these items can be found at your local health and wellness store, for example, the Interdental Toothbrush. The Interdental Toothbrush can be used to clean under orthodontic wires and around braces.

Interdental Toothbrush

·         Regular Teeth Cleaning Appointments

It’s extremely important to maintain routine appointments with your dentist for a thorough cleaning twice a year or as directed. The amount of cleaning visits will be up to your dentist as some types of braces are more demanding of a regular cleaning than others. If you follow these basic tips, you should have no problem keeping your teeth from decaying during your orthodontic treatment.

How to properly brush your teeth with braces.

Maintaining good oral hygiene with braces can be challenging for some people. If that’s the case, Dr. Brandon Boggan is more than happy to see if you are a candidate for Invisalign® or Invisalign Teen®. Not only are the aligners nearly invisible, they are removable, so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment and brushing and flossing are no problem. To see if you’re a candidate for Invisalign or Invisalign Teen, please call Orthodontics South at (205) 664-4140 to set up a consultation or click here to visit our website.