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. 

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. 

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.

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.