Our Blog

It’s the start of another year!

A new year is a beautiful time to change your life or start something new that you’ve been putting off.

You may, like many people, be considering goals and resolutions for the new year. For some, this can include changes in their smile, and they look to their local dentist or orthodontist in Valdosta to help give them a smile they’ve always wanted.

The new year is a great time to start the journey to a new and improved smile!

Here are three reasons why we think starting orthodontics in the new year is a great way to improve your smile:

1. Improving your smile is a surefire way to boost your confidence!

It’s a fact that many Americans feel self-conscious about their smiles. What you think about your smile and teeth can affect your overall self-confidence.

But you can let go of those inhibitions and boost your confidence when you begin orthodontic treatment. Invisalign or dental braces are both options that work to align your teeth, creating a more even, pleasing-looking smile; we believe when you feel good about yourself, it reflects in how you present yourself. 

This is the greatest goal for us as orthodontists! We love to see your confidence rise and your smile become the beautiful result you always wanted.

2. Starting in the new year gives you an easy timetable to follow for your braces or Invisalign treatment.

It just makes sense to start treatment at the beginning of the new year.

Not only are most people more energized at the beginning of a new year to start on their goals and resolutions, but it can also be an easy way to determine how long your treatment time could take.

Average orthodontic treatment in our Valdosta. Georgia office is 12 months to 24 months. Every patient is different. Dr. Hester and Dr. Morris create a personalized treatment plan for you based on your unique needs and smile goals. This determines your overall treatment time.

Beginning your smile journey at the start of a new calendar year can often help you better idealize when you might complete your treatment, as well as help you remember when you started treatment.

3. The sooner you begin, the closer you are to the smile you’ve always wanted! 

Now is always the best time to begin orthodontic treatment, and at the start of a new year, why would you want to procrastinate or put it off?

 Many people are looking at their budgets and planning financially for the year in January, so go ahead and include planning for braces or your Invisalign treatment.

At Hester Morris Orthodontics, our treatment coordinating team works with each and every patient to help them achieve their smile goals by offering flexible payment options that can fit almost every budget.

Additionally, the initial consult is always at no cost to you. This is because we believe it’s essential for every patient to get the complete picture of how their smile could be improved with braces or Invisalign, and this information will help you make the best decision for your smile!

By planning to start now, you are practicing good self-care instead of putting yourself on the back burner!

Are you looking to start braces or Invisalign in 2023? You can make an appointment in our Valdosta, Georgia office by clicking on the link here or calling us at 229-245-1800.

Happy new year! May this coming year bring you fulfillment and be full of smiles!

Getting Braces As An Adult???

Braces for adults. For many, those two things don’t seem to go together. Maybe you had braces as a teenager and forgot to wear your retainer, causing your teeth to shift. Even if you’ve never had orthodontic treatment, many adults realize they can benefit from it.

Read on if you’re thinking about getting braces or possibly Invisalign is right for you.

1. You’re not too old for braces or Invisalign.

Let us assure you that having Invisalign or braces is not just kid stuff! In fact, at Hester & Morris Orthodontics, we even have patients that are in their 70s.

In fact, as we age, our teeth tend to shift, and one of the biggest reasons we see adults in our practice is not necessarily for straight teeth but more often due to the change in how their teeth fit together. When your bite is not right, this can cause headaches and TMJ symptoms. We may not be able to relieve your stress from a hectic job, but aligning your teeth can surely relieve some of the stress you put on your teeth and jaws.

2. Treatment for adults is not as long as you might think!

More than ever, our treatment options offer ease of wear and the convenience of low treatment times. Over the years of increased technology, orthodontists have learned how to shift the teeth faster with significantly less discomfort. And because of additions like our iTero digital scanner, doctors Hester and Morris can treatment plan your smile from every angle. The results of this mean you spend less time in braces or Invisalign.

3. Adult braces don’t necessarily mean braces.

We have multiple treatment options at Hester Morris Orthodontics, including those for our adults. In addition to regular metal braces, we offer ceramic braces for a more disguised look and offer Invisalign treatment. Invisalign is a great option because it moves your teeth like traditional braces however, because they involve a series of clear removable plastic aligners, they go very well with a busy adult lifestyle.

4. You won’t spend all your time in an orthodontist's chair.

Long gone are the days when patients came once a month to see the orthodontist and have their braces tightened. With our advanced treatment methods and the latest technology, we can give you a great smile more quickly and comfortably. You’ll have fewer appointments with us; we even offer virtual options to help along the Invisalign process.

5. Having orthodontic treatment as an adult doesn't have to mean being extremely expensive.

The Hester and Morris team strives to make orthodontic treatment affordable for our patients. We accept dental insurance, which can greatly reduce your cost out-of-pocket. Many dental plans will cover orthodontics for adults. In addition to insurance, we offer in-house financing that can be flexible to help fill your monthly budgetary needs. We will happily review this information with you at your initial complimentary consultation with our office.

If you’re considering a small makeover or just a tuneup with Invisalign or braces, give us a call or email us to schedule a free consultation. Dr. Hester and Dr. Morris look forward to helping you decide which treatment option is right for you.

December is here, the lights are on the tree, and the gifts are underneath it. If you’re looking for the right thing for your child or teenager, may we share with you why Invisalign makes the ultimate Christmas gift!

They probably already want them!

Unlike the case years ago, braces and Invisalign are very popular amongst teenagers today. We have people who come into our office because their child wants braces or Invisalign treatment. Teenagers see their friends with Invisalign, and they see how easy and convenient it is, making them more self-aware of their smile. The benefits of an improved smile, thanks to Invisalign and Hester Morris Orthodontics, will last long after that latest video game or must-have sneakers are out of fashion.

They probably already need them!

It’s just a fact. Most people need orthodontic treatment due to misaligned teeth and jaws. And since many orthodontic patients tend to be in middle and early high school, your teen will likely need orthodontic treatment, so why not include that as an awesome Christmas gift? 

It helps your child realize the investment you’re making in their smile! 

As much as we love them, sometimes our kids can forget that things just don’t magically appear, but instead, they require hard work and investment. When you give Invisalign or braces as a gift, instead of an expectation, they may have more appreciation for it and therefore take better care of their smile along the way. Plus, you get to be creative and how to tell your child, who really really wants Invisalign, that they’re going to get to come in and be seen by our doctors and team to start the small journey they’ve always wanted!

So give yourself a little credit, mom, and dad! Yes, the cost of Invisalign treatment and braces can be an investment on your part, but if you count it in at Christmas, we think it makes a great gift! The ultimate gift!

If you're interested in scheduling your surprise gift appointment for your loved one, request it here!

5 Tips for Not Losing Your Retainer

Retainers are what you receive at the end of your treatment with braces or Invisalign. Think of them as extra insurance that keeps your smile straight and looking beautiful!

Unfortunately, keeping up with your retainer tends to be an issue with many of our patients. Here are some tips on how not to lose your retainer:

1. Start with good habits. Wear your retainer every night! if you’re already in the habit of wearing it consistently, you will be much less likely not to know where your retainer is.

2. Only keep your retainer in your case or your mouth. Never lay it on a bedside table or the bathroom counter because it’s very likely to be overlooked and accidentally thrown away or lost.

3. If you have a dog, keep your retainer case out of reach! It is proven that dogs are attracted to retainers, and the old excuse of my dog eating my retainer happens. Reduce their temptation by keeping your retainer case and its contents out of reach of your favorite fluffy friend.

4. If you travel, use a backup case! Sometimes when patients travel or live in multiple residences having a backup retainer case is very helpful. That way, it can never be forgotten or lost, tempting you to wrap your retainer in a napkin or leave it on the bedside table.

5. Routine, routine, routine! There is no better way to stay consistent with habits than having a routine. This is so true even when it comes to your nightly home care, including wearing your retainer! Set a timer nightly of when you want to put your retainer in to help you remember until it is automatic.

Do you have any tips for wearing your retainer consistently!? Let us know in the comments!