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! 

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!!

At What Age Should Your Child See an Orthodontist?

Years ago children would not be seen by an orthodontist until they had lost all of their baby teeth, but over time that has been proven to not be the case. We know that an early assessment of your child’s teeth and jaw can make a big difference in the quality of their smile.  The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children should be evaluated by an orthodontist by the age of 7.

Why that age? Isn’t that too early? What can be done at that age? As you might be wondering, not every orthodontic problem can be treated at that young of an age, but most problems can be identified by that age.  By this age, most children have all four of the six-year molars and all four central incisors in place so if there are more or less teeth than this, there may be problems with crowding, missing or extra teeth.  Dr. Boggan can then identify any likely orthodontic problems and advise the parents on when, if any, treatment should begin. 

Early treatment is often referred to as two-phase treatment because most children (more than 90%) who have early treatment need further orthodontic treatment when the remaining permanent teeth are in place. At the age of 7 Dr. Boggan can tell how much space will be available for the teeth and whether or not the child’s teeth will come in correctly. Overcrowded teeth may force later-developing teeth to come out on top of or below the gum line. Protrusive front teeth, underbites, posterior crossbites and anterior crossbites can also be determined at the age of 7. 

Early treatment does not ensure that the child will not need braces later on, but addressing problems like this at an early age can ensure that there will be adequate room for remaining permanent teeth to grow in correctly. Although some may be able to wait until all the permanent teeth are in, interceptive treatment can make the final results faster, better, and give your children an additional three to four years of having a great smile at an age when their self-image is developing. Dr. Boggan recommends screening all young patients at the age of 7. If you child is at least 7 or older and have questions or concerns about orthodontic treatment, give us a call at Orthodontics South to set up a consultation appointment or visit us online at www.BracingTeam.com.