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!

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! 

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.  

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.

What's Your First Impression?

In a country where a person’s appearance is a trigger of snap judgments, it has been proven that our teeth play a big part in that. Kelton Research conducted a perception study that proved even the alignment of teeth affect a person’s success, popularity, intelligence, and general health. During the study, images of over 1,000 men and women with straight and crooked teeth were contrasted. The people that participated in the study were asked to give their opinion based on the images of people with various smile issues they had been shown. The study showed that many Americans say teeth are a standout feature when meeting someone for the first time.

Most Americans perceive people with straight teeth to have more desirable qualities than those with crooked teeth. About two-thirds of Americans said they are more likely to remember attractive features than those they find unattractive. With that being said, perhaps the emphasis placed on the importance of straight teeth has forced people to realize the benefits of a nice smile.  According to the Kelton study, the affects crooked teeth can have on a person’s social life and how others perceive them can make all the difference in the world.

Not only is it important to have straight pearly whites to make a lasting first impression, but having straight teeth has been proven to improve a person’s potential for professional and financial success. The study showed that Americans perceive those with straight teeth to be 45% more likely than those with crooked teeth to get a job when competing with someone who has a similar skill set and experience. Other than bettering your chances at success, people with straight teeth are 21% more likely to be seen as happy, 47% more likely to be viewed as being healthy and 38% more likely to be perceived as smart.

Having an attractive smile is something that is important to many Americans. It’s been found that three in five (57%) Americans would rather have a nice smile than clear skin and 87% would forego something for a year or so in order to have a nice smile for the rest of their life.  We aren't always born with the smile we want. Sometimes our teeth are straight during adolescent years and begin to shift as we get older, but the good news is that straight teeth are only one phone call away. This is when Dr. Brandon Boggan and the bracing team at Orthodontics South come in.

Dr. Boggan is in the top 1% of all Invisalign providers worldwide and the top Invisalign® and Invisalign Teen® provider in Alabama and he is dedicated to creating you a beautiful, straight smile so give us a call at (205) 664-4140 to schedule a consultation or click here to visit our website and start the process to getting that perfect smile you've always wanted! 

Who Makes You Smile?

We want to know what makes you smile. Is it your spouse? your kids? your co-workers? your pet? Take a picture with what makes you smile the most, then post the photo to Orthodontics South's Facebook page (no private photos please). Once you have uploaded your picture, get your friends, family, friends of friends, family friends- everyone!- to "Like" our page and then "Like" your picture by Tuesday, December 18th and the picture with the most Likes wins the iPad 3! Click here for detailed instructions.

We make you smile at Orthodontics South!

BOO! It's Orthodontic Health Month!

At last, fall has arrived! The air is crisp, leaves are changing and Halloween is quickly approaching. October is an exciting month for many reasons, but one of the main reasons we love October is because it is National Orthodontic Health Month. Every year, the American Association of Orthodontists recognizes October as a time to raise awareness on the benefits of orthodontic treatment. It seems this month is full of all kinds of treats that aren't too kind to our teeth so Dr. Brandon Boggan and the team at Orthodontics South offer tips to keep your teeth safe from decay and protect braces, clear aligners and other orthodontic appliances during the Halloween season.

Avoid getting into sticky situations by keeping the following tips in mind:

·  Stay away from hard, sticky, crunchy or chewy candy 

   (caramel, licorice, taffy, bubblegum, jellybeans) and snacks.

·  Avoid candy with nuts.

·  Candies that are less damaging to the teeth are soft 

   chocolates, which clear the mouth faster such as

   M&M’s, Hershey’s and Peanut Butter Cups.

·  Consume sweets in moderation.

·  Whether your child is in orthodontic treatment or not, in an 

    effort to reduce the possibility of damage to the teeth because

    of sweet consumption, parents may want to

    limit the number of candies your child can have.

·      Brushing and flossing are more important than ever during the 

    Halloween season, when teeth may receive more exposure to 

    sweets that can cause cavities and allowing it to sit there can 

    lead to decalcification, the loss of calcium from the teeth. 

We want you to enjoy the Halloween season, but we also want you to be aware of the potential hazards of Halloween and the problems it can cause for your dental hygiene and orthodontic treatment. If you are unsure of what foods you should and shouldn't eat during orthodontic treatment, please give us a call at 205.664.4140, ask us on Facebook, visit our website www.BracingTeam.com or ask Dr. Boggan during your next visit. 

Our Patients Rock!!!

Dr. Boggan and the team at Orthodontics South just want to say a big thank you to the best patients around for giving us such positive feedback. 

"My son has had such a positive experience because of the amazing staff." -Kim S.

"Dr. Boggan has been a wonderful orthodontist for all 3 of my boys. Always punctual and professional." -Ethel H. 

"Dr. Boggan and staff are awesome. I would refer my 90 year old grandparents to get orthodontic treatment."- Sabrina B.

"I love that you guys are always so fast." -Cathy D.

"Everyone from the front desk, assistants, all the way to Dr. Boggan are always so super nice. It's a pleasure to come to this office." -Leslie T.

"Very friendly and great with kids. I love the office layout." -Shelia B.

"It is always easy to make appointments and they are flexible to change appointments if problems arise." -Carrie D.

"We love Orthodontics South, and how they make our kids feel so comfortable and so special on every visit. Dr. Boggan is the coolest!" -Diane W.

"They are so kind and helpful. They are quick and easy and due to their expertise, my childs teeth look amazing! I couldn't imagine going anywhere but Dr. Boggan's for our orthodontic needs." -Jenny W.

"Organized and professional staff." -Cathy C.

"Orthodontics South is the best. I would recommend anyone to get their braces there. The experience has been very pleasant." -Kelly O.

We appreciate every one of you!!

Experience The Invisalign Difference With Nearly Invisible Braces!

With Invisalign® clear braces, straightening crooked teeth with the use of nearly-invisible aligners makes it possible to kick the traditional metal-and-wires method to the curb. The clear alternative of Invisalign® and Invisalign Teen® have become a solution in cosmetic dentistry for both adults and teenagers that want beautiful straight teeth, but dread the embarrassment and downsides of having a mouthful of metal, wires, and brackets. For instance, they are removable, so you can eat and drink what you want, when you want while in treatment as well as brush and floss without any problems. 

There are many benefits of Invisalign®:

·     Invisalign is comfortable and made of a smooth, 

     clear, FDA approved material with no brackets or

     wires to cause mouth abrasions during treatment.

·    You spend less time in the office getting

    adjustments.

·     Healthier teeth with less chance of plaque, decay

    and gum disease. Unlike with metal braces, the

    aligners can be removed for eating, flossing,

    and brushing, or going to a special event.

·     If you lose an aligner, Invisalign Teen will provide

    you with up to 6 free individual aligner replacements.

    *Invisalign Teen only

Dr. Brandon Boggan is dedicated to creating beautiful, healthy smiles for his patients and he has achieved an exceptional level of Invisalign® experience by being in the Top 1% of all Invisalign providers worldwide and the top Invisalign and Invisalign Teen provider in Alabama. If you’d like to see if Invisalign is for you or if you have ever been told you are not a candidate, come see Dr. Boggan for a second opinion. We invite you to schedule your consultation with us by calling 205.664.4140. 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. 

What Questions Should I Ask During My Orthodontic Consultation?

If you are thinking about making the first step to straighten teeth or correct jaw alignment, stop thinking and call Orthodontics South to schedule an orthodontic consultation today. During the consultation Dr. Brandon Boggan will address your questions, concerns, and recommend a treatment plan that would best suit your situation.  It is our desire to take great care of you and for you to feel at ease during your orthodontic treatment so keep the following questions in mind during your consultation. 

• If I do need some adjustments to my teeth, what options will I have besides braces?
• This will help you determine what approaches we use (Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, ceramic braces, traditional braces) and which one is best for you.
• What kind of preparation is needed to get braces?
• Can I expect any pain when getting braces?
• Very little to no discomfort is ever experienced at your orthodontic appointments.
• What determines how long I have to wear braces?
• The length of treatment time will vary from patient to patient and depends on the cooperation of patient with brushing and or wearing of rubber bands.
• Dr. Boggan can evaluate your teeth and jaw alignment during the consultation to determine the correct course and length of treatment.
• How will braces affect my lifestyle? Foods you and and can't eat? Activities I can do?
• To have a successful orthodontic outcome, you may find that little needs to change in your daily routine. We will discuss any changes prior to treatment so you can be prepared.
• Invisalign will affect very little with your lifestyle.
• What will my orthodontic work cost?
• Depending on each patients specific case, one of our experienced treatment coordinators will go over a payment plan with you and find a payment option that works with your budget and financial needs. We have many different payment options in house, including CareCredit. 
• We accept most insurance providers and we will file it for you. We will verify insurance at the day of your consult.
• Each patient is different when it comes to the cost. It depends solely on your case and the cost will be determined on the day of your consultation. 

The initial orthodontic exam is just the first step and going in with the right questions will provide you with a better understanding of the entire process and help prepare you for treatment. The people at Orthodontics South are available to answer any questions you may have so take the first step and give us a call at 205.664.4140 to schedule an orthodontic consultation or you can visit us online at www.BracingTeam.com.