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.