(843) 871-4411 Schedule Consultation

    Questions? We're here to help! Let us know what questions you may have and we will respond as soon as possible!

    Author: admin

    Reagin Orthodontics sponsors toothbrush giveaway

    13 August 2015
    admin
    No comments
    Categories: Caring for Your Braces, Community Interest, Orthodontic Knowledge, Summerville SC, Teeth, Your Health

    Toothbrushes

    Dr. Britt Reagin has an offer to which you can’t, or at least shouldn’t, say no. As part of a buildup to “National Gum Care Month” in September, the Summerville orthodontist wants to give you a free Oral-B toothbrush. No strings attached, no pledges to brush and floss at least twice per day, just an opportunity for Dr. Reagin to “put his toothbrushes where his mouth is.”

    In considering how to promote “National Gum Care Month” in September, four glaring statements came to mind and suddenly the “toothbrush exchange” struck him as a worthwhile investment.

    • The ADA recommends that people brush at least twice daily and change toothbrushes every three to four months.

    • Studies show that only 1 in 6 people change their toothbrushes as frequently as once per year.

    • Research shows that crowded teeth contribute to gum disease. Gum disease nearly doubles the risk of heart disease.

    • Proper oral hygiene habits, once established, become permanent. Get your kids started now!

    Aug. 10-13, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., simply visit Reagin Orthodontics at 401 W. 4th North Street to pick up a new Oral-B toothbrush. If you need more than one, such as for your spouse and/or children, bring the old toothbrushes and Dr. Reagin will swap them, too.

    “It may get expensive if this campaign gets traction and all of Summerville shows up,” said Dr. Reagin, “but that’s an investment I’d be very proud to make for the community.”

    As part of the “toothbrush exchange campaign” Dr. Reagin is also going to award two Oral-B Pro 5000 electric toothbrushes, valued at $179 each. To enter to win one of these two toothbrushes, simply visit the practice’s page on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ReaginOrthodontics, like the “toothbrush exchange” post, and share it with your friends and family. The winners will be selected from all people that have liked and shared the post in a random drawing on Aug. 14, and announced on the Facebook page that same day.

    Every toothbrush that Dr. Reagin gives away represents, for him, the positive impact that one person can make to the cause of community health.

    What are Sugar Bugs?

    4 August 2015
    admin
    No comments
    Categories: Caring for Your Braces, Orthodontic Knowledge, Self Esteem, Summerville SC, Your Health

    What are “SugarBugs” and How Do I Get Them To Go Away?

    At Reagin Orthodontics we are committed to good oral hygiene and that means you need to make sure you are getting the sugar bugs off of your teeth. Sugar Bugs or plaque, is a combination of the food you eat with bacteria already found in your mouth.

    Plaque is a thin, sticky, colorless deposit of bacteria that constantly forms on everyone’s teeth. As plaque increases, it becomes gooey white stuff – you can see it and sometimes feel it on your teeth (they feel kind of “fuzzy”). Bacteria (“Sugar Bugs & Starch Slugs”) live in the plaque. Whenever you eat, the sugars and starches in your food cause the bacteria to produce damaging acids that attack your tooth enamel and gums. With time and repeated acid attacks the tooth enamel breaks down, causing cavities, permanent marks and stains on teeth.

    Crowded teeth provide these sugar bugs more places to hide and allow them to do more damage to your overall oral health. Braces or Invisalign can be used to eliminate the crowding and make your teeth easier to clean. The win-win is straight teeth and good hygiene.

    To make sure none of these things happen to your smile, make a habit of brushing and flossing after you eat anything, and keep in mind that straight teeth are the easiest to keep clean!

    For a complimentary consultation call 871-4411. No referral necessary.

    Print

    Show your style with Braces Colors at Reagin Orthodontics

    28 July 2015
    admin
    No comments
    Categories: Braces, Community Interest, Contests, Early Treatment, Orthodontic Knowledge, Self Esteem, Summerville SC, Teeth

    An Array of colors to choose from at Reagin Orthodontics

    COLORFUL BRACES MAKE MORE THAN FASHION STATEMENT

    At Reagin orthodontics patients can choose from a splashy array of colors to make fashion statements with their braces. Some patients will coordinate pastels with a wardrobe, or choose signature hues for celebrating holidays while others like to support a cause or express school spirit.

    Whatever your motive, the fun braces colors serve a serious purpose. “When patients are involved in their treatment, they may take better care of their braces. That helps the patient and the doctor to reach treatment goals and produces a healthy, beautiful smile on time” emphasizes Dr. Reagin

    While many patients enjoy picking their colors other patients prefer to be less obvious about their orthodontic treatment. We have a variety of options including tooth-colored brackets; self-ligating brackets, which do not require ties to join the wire to the bracket; or invisalign. Dr Reagin is the only premier invisalign provider in Summerville, and that means at Reagin Orthodontics you are getting the BEST! Call today for your complimentary consulation. You Deserve the Best!

    9 Things to Know When Choosing An Orthodontist

    6 July 2015
    admin
    1 Comment
    Categories: Orthodontic Knowledge, Your Health

    Which Orthodontist Do I Choose?

    1. The obvious and easiest place to get started is with your current friends, neighbors and colleagues. If those friends and social contacts are parents, in particular, they are often great resources when you need to find an Orthodontist. Find out which Orthodontist they use and why… and, if they sought out multiple opinions why they didn’t choose a particular Orthodontist.
    1. At Reagin Orthodontics, we often hear from future patients that they have had great success by doing some background checking of their own. Check out the Orthodontist on social media as well as the orthodontist’s website. Do they have positive reviews? Is their website up to date? Instagram? Facebook? Look for an Orthodontist that is involved in social media as it is a good indication that they are committed to newer technology.
    1. When it comes to braces or Invisalign, make sure that you are seeing an Orthodontist and not a dentist. An Orthodontist is a general dentist with at least three more years of advanced training. Make sure that the Orthodontist has the required education, degrees and training.
    1. Before you choose an Orthodontist make sure that you have a thorough initial consultation.   Your consultation should include a physical exam as well as x-rays and photographs.   An Orthodontist should meet with you for a complimentary exam to determine your needs. This first appointment is an ideal time to learn both your Orthodontist’s philosophy of care. Additionally, get a feel for the office and the office team —see how helpful and friendly the staff may be, how welcoming the environment is and how clean the practice is kept.
    1. Most importantly, do not ever be afraid to ask questions. Ask every single question that comes to mind, no matter how insignificant it may seem. You need to be able to discern whether your Orthodontist will be open to his/her patient asking questions, and to assess how well the Orthodontist can help you understand the answers to the questions you’ve asked.
    1. Consider where your Orthodontist lives. This is a good indication of how vested they are in the community. Will the investment you are making in orthodontic care come back to your community?
    1. How many doctors are at the office? Seeing more than one doctor for orthodontic care can significantly increase your treatment time. I would liken it to changing architects mid project. Sure it can be done, but it is not the most efficient method.
    1. How many offices do they have? Typically the more offices the higher volume of patients the Orthodontist will see at each location. The more patients per day the less time they have to spend with you. Additionally, rescheduled appointments and emergency appointments might not be at the office near you. With fewer offices or only one office the Orthodontist has the advantage of seeing a lower volume of patients and can emphasize quality of care. And with one office you always know where you are going for your appointments.
    1. It is good to know that most office visits are every 8-10 weeks if the Orthodontist is using the latest technology in their office. Additionally, Technology and treatment philosophy can vary greatly among orthodontist depending on where they were educated and how committed they are to continuing education.

    Take the time to find the right person and the right practice as you move towards a beautiful smile that will last a lifetime.

    Read About Us at www.DrOrthodontics.com

    Like Us on Facebook www.facebook.com/reaginorthodontics

    Look At Us on Instagram at Reagin Orthodontics

    Watch Us on You Tube at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKKp-WxzuixqVTw8zuaNtFw

    Orthodontic Checkup–WHY age 7??

    10 June 2015
    admin
    No comments
    Categories: Braces, Community Interest, Early Treatment, Jaw Growth, Orthodontic Knowledge, Self Esteem, Summerville SC, Teeth, Your Health

    PMZ_5418 Orthodontic checkup-Why age 7?

    Many parents assume they must wait until their child has all of his or her permanent teeth in the mouth to have their first orthodontic check-up. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that every child get a check-up with an orthodontist no later than age 7. “I would like to emphasize how important it is that parents understand the value of an orthodontic check- up,” says Dr. Reagin. “By age 7, enough permanent teeth have erupted for an orthodontist to evaluate relationships between the teeth, face, and bite”.

    At your 1st appointment, the initial orthodontic exam, Dr. Reagin may find that your child’s bite is fine; however Dr. Reagin may identify a developing problem and recommend monitoring the child’s growth and development at a consistent interval. In other cases Dr. Reagin may find a problem that would benefit from early treatment. Evidence shows that approximately 25% of children seen at an initial orthodontic exam can benefit from early orthodontic intervention.

    Early treatment benefits include:

    • Guide jaw growth
    • Lower the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
    • Correct harmful oral habits
    • Create space for erupting teeth
    • Improve appearance and self esteem
    • Guide permanent teeth into a more favorable position

    When indicated, early treatment may often prevent more serious problems from developing and make treatment at a later stage shorter and less complicated. In some cases Dr. Reagin will be able to achieve results that may not be possible once the face and jaw have finished growing.

    “A visit to the orthodontist can ease a parent’s mind, too,” notes Dr. Reagin. Through an early orthodontic evaluation, you’ll be giving your child the very best opportunity for a healthy, beautiful smile.

    Keep in mind that if your child is older than 7, it’s certainly not too late for a check-up at Reagin Orthodontics. Dr. Reagin’s goal is to provide each patient with the appropriate treatment at the most appropriate time.

    To schedule a complimentary consult with Dr. Reagin call our office at 843-871-4411. Note that a dental referral is not necessary.

    Orthodontic Expander: Does my child need one?

    16 May 2015
    admin
    No comments
    Categories: Orthodontic Knowledge

    Palatal Expander

    Direction of upper jaw expansion

    A major benefit of receiving orthodontic treatment in childhood is that it’s possible to take full advantage of a child’s own natural growth process to treat or even prevent malocclusions (“bad bites”). A palatal expander is a device designed to help us do that.
    Palatal expanders create more space in a child’s mouth by gradually widening the upper jaw. It’s really quite easy — both to do and to tolerate. That’s because the upper jaw actually develops as two separate halves that don’t completely fuse together until sometime after puberty. Before that happens, the two bones can gently be separated and stabilized over a period of several months.

    The three situations that most commonly call for maxillary expansion:

    Crossbite — When a child’s upper jaw is too narrow to fit correctly with the lower jaw, the back top teeth will bite inside of the lower teeth instead of outside. This can be corrected by expanding the upper jaw.

    Crowding — Even before all of a child’s permanent (adult) teeth come in, we can tell when there will not be enough room to accommodate them. Widening the upper jaw can create the necessary space without the need for tooth extractions.

    Impacted Teeth — When a tooth that hasn’t come in (erupted) yet and is blocked by other teeth, widening the upper jaw can allow it to erupt into proper position on its own. This    most often happens with canine teeth — the pointier ones located directly under the eyes.

    Other benefits: Upper jaw expansion can broaden the smile in an aesthetically pleasing way, it can limit the number of teeth that need to be removed by creating space and expanders can improve breathing by increasing nasal volume and decreasing resistance to nasal airflow.

    How Expanders Work: An expander is custom-made for each individual and fits over several top teeth in the back of the mouth. The appliance has two halves that are connected in the middle with a screw. To activate the device, you simply turn the screw a very small amount every other day (or as directed) with a special key. This induces tension at the junction of the two palatal bones, causing them to gradually move apart. Once the desired expansion is achieved, we will leave the appliance in for a few more months to allow new bone to form in the gap and stabilize the expansion. Generally, expanders are worn for 6-12 months altogether.

    To find out if your child can benefit from an expander schedule your complimentary exam with Dr Reagin at 843-871-4411

    slimline

    Fluoride and Your Orthodontic Treatment

    24 April 2015
    admin
    No comments
    Categories: Caring for Your Braces, Your Health

    fluoride and braces

    Most children and adults have experienced a fluoride treatment many times at their dentist’s office prior to their first visit to an orthodontist. Fluoride helps protect teeth from tooth decay. It is most effective when it is used prior to decay forming, but it can also repair decay in the beginning stages.

    Fluoride continues to be beneficial to your teeth while your are in orthodontic treatment. It is one element, that in addition to brushing and flossing after every meal will make that smile of yours even more beautiful when your braces are removed. Fluoride treatments continue to protect against tooth decay while you are in braces and can also aid in preventing white spots, or decalcification, from forming around your braces. While in treatment fluoride mouthwashes, antibacterial rinses and toothpastes may also be added to add additional protection.

    At Reagin Orthodontics, your complete dental health is important us. We will talk to you about how to care for your teeth and braces at each appointment and will recommend additional fluoride and other items as needed along the way.

    Learn more about the benefits of fluoride in our previous posts here and here. You can also find out facts about fluoride from the American Dental Assoication.

    Is Wearing Your Retainers Really Important?

    17 April 2015
    admin
    No comments
    Categories: Caring for Your Braces, Your Health

    wearing retainers

    You have diligently cared for your teeth and braces the entire time you have worn your braces. You are excited that today is the day they will be removed! What’s next you wonder. Now you need to maintain that beautiful smile and that involves wearing retainers.

    Impressions are taken to make molds specifically for your mouth, then retainers are made from those molds to keep your teeth in place. Wearing your retainers and taking care of them is just as important as caring for your braces.

    Follow these guidelines to care for your teeth and retainers:

    Wear your retainers all the time, unless you are told differently by Dr. Reagin

    When you eat, remove your retainers and put them in their case. Do not put them on a lunch tray or in a napkin, that is the way most retainers are lost because they get thrown away!

    Brush your retainers with warm water and toothpaste. Take them out and really brush them. Plaque builds up on them. You want to remove the plaque which will also help to eliminate odors.

    Retainers are breakable so always place them in your retainer case when they are not in your mouth.

    Retainers should not be worn when swimming, should not be put in hot water, left in hot cars or on car dashboards or stuffed in your pockets.

    Caring for your retainers and wearing them regularly will keep you proud of your smile for years to come. If something does happen and you need new retainers, Dr. Reagin can make you a new set, but it is expensive. If you are worried about losing or breaking your retainers it is a good idea to take advantage of the discount we offer all our patients at debonding. You can buy a second set at the same time as your first set for half price. This offer is only available at debonding because the same mold can be used and a new mold does not have to be made.

    To learn more about retainers and caring for them visit our website 

    What Should You Ask At Your Consultation

    10 April 2015
    admin
    No comments
    Categories: Caring for Your Braces, Orthodontic Knowledge

    orthodontic consultation

    You scheduled the consultation and today is the day you meet with Dr. Reagin for the exam and evaluation. We’ve talked about what happens at a consultation here, but are you wondering what questions you might want to ask?

    Dr. Reagin and his staff will cover these top five questions during your initial visit.

    Is there an orthodontic problem, and if so, what is it?

    What must be done to correct the problem?

    Will any teeth need to be removed?

    How long will the treatment take to complete?

    How much will the treatment cost?

    You may want to ask a few additional questions to put you or your child at ease about starting orthodontic treatment. Here are a few questions and answers that you may want to to talk to the team at Reagin Orthodontics about.

    How much discomfort? Everyone always wonders how much it will hurt and that is completely understandable! There is typically not a great deal of pain involved in orthodontic treatment, but there is discomfort. The team at Reagin Orthodontics will suggest ways to minimize discomfort including using wax, pain relievers such as Tylenol and Advil,  and more found here.

    How do I brush? It is very important that you brush after each time you have a snack or meal. It is very easy for food to get trapped around braces. Dr. Reagin will show you how to brush and floss with your braces. There are even special brushes and flossers to help.

    How often do adjustments happen?  While it is difficult to say exactly, visits typically happen every 4-8 weeks.

    Are there foods I should avoid during treatment? Yes there are some foods that are better left alone until after you have completed your orthodontic treatment. These include sticky foods, hard raw vegetables and chewing ice. Once you have begun your treatment plan, we will go over this with you in more detail.

    Will my speech change?  Some patients experience a little bit of change to their speech when they first receive braces, but this is typically gone as soon as they adjust to having braces. Which is much quicker than you think it will be!

    We look forward to seeing you at your consultation and will be happy to answer any questions you have!

    April is National Facial Protection Month

    3 April 2015
    admin
    No comments
    Categories: Your Health

    sports mouth guards

    Each April the dental community joins together to promote National Facial Protection month. It is the perfect time of year to bring attention to how important it is to protect your teeth, gum and full mouth from injury during all the spring sports.

    Helmets and mouth guards go a long way when it comes to protecting your smile and bite. Reagin Orthodontics can help you with one of those items – a custom fitted mouth guard. Many injuries can be prevented by wearing this simple appliance.  Patients sometimes worry about being able to talk and breath while wearing one, but that is only a problem with the one-size-fits all variety found at retailers. Not with one specifically fitted for you by a dental professional.

    The American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons put together this comparison chart with the pros and cons of the different type of mouth guards.

    You do not have to be a patient of  Dr. Reagin’s to be fitted for a mouth guard. All you need to do is call and make an appointment! If you are a patient and need a mouth guard, make a point to talk to Dr. Reagin about being fitted prior to beginning sports. It is something he does for all of his patients that need one.  Trust us, once you have a mouth guard fitted for your mouth and feel how easy it is to wear one, you will wonder why you ever waited!