What is your New Year's Resolution?

The year is almost over, so we wanted to ask what was memorable about 2009 for you, and what are you looking forward to in 2010? Do you have a new years resolution, or any exciting plans for the coming year?

Have a safe and happy New Year, from all of us at Green Orthodontics!

Learn more about orthodontics on AAO's YouTube page - Dr. Nettles Green

Dr. Green and his team would like to point you to a few interesting webisodes about orthodontics. The American Association of Orthodontics, or AAO, has a YouTube page we enjoy visiting regularly. There, they post some very pertinent videos about orthodontic treatment, and the new technology in orthodontia. These include "Orthodontic Treatment Basics," "Common Bite Problems Seen in Children" and "Does My Child Need Braces?"

We think you may find these webisodes interesting, as well as enlightening.

If you have any questions about the videos, or your treatment here at Green Orthodontics, please give us a call.

The Greater Columbia Dental Association

In October Dr. Green and his staff attended the Greater Columbia Dental Association meeting. Featured guest was David Pollay, author of "The Law of the Garbage Truck". We enjoyed a fun evening of fellowship with each other and our colleagues and took the "No Garbage Trucks" pledge. Check out David on his blog at davidjpollayblog.com. We really do love what we do!

Also, don't forget about our retainer deals! Dr. Green offers half off retainers to his patients who lose their retainer. All we require is for our patient to bring several canned or non-perishable items to our office for the deal. So far, over 400 pounds of goods have been donated to Harvest Hope Food Bank within the last several months.

Patient reviews for Dr. Green

Green Orthodontics, serving Columbia and surrounding areas, has been receiving some great patient reviews lately! Check out what our current patients are saying about Dr. Green and team!

"Straightforward information on current orthodontia status and corrective measures. Friendly, consumer/patient atmosphere. Office is effective and streamlined with little wait time." ~ Mark O.

"They are good at making the patient and family feel at ease,in explaining everything and taking the time so the patient doesn't feel rushed. Very pleasant and professional staff and office environment." ~ Donna C.

"He (Dr. Green) really listened to what I wanted from my braces and I really got a sense that he was experienced and good at what he does. He spaced appointments to accommodate the distance I travel, found a way to avoid extra dental expenses (i.e., narrowing gap rather than getting a bridge/false tooth), and addressed bite issues that were not the primary reason I came in (i.e., aesthetics)." ~ Morgana B.

"He does a wonderful job with the technical issues and also with discussing the treatment and the progression of the treatment with patients. The new office set-up really seems to make treatment easier for both patients and staff." ~ Steve M.

"Dr. Green is very pleasant. I find him to have much confidence in his work and has so far done a fantastic job. Thank you Dr. Green and staff." ~ Garland B.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is tomorrow, and we at Green Orthodontics are thankful for all our wonderful patients and friends that make each day extraordinary!

Since the holiday season is about to begin, what are you thankful for?

Share a response in the comments section, or head over to our Facebook Fan Page to join the conversation!

Happy Thanksgiving,

--Green Orthodontics

What’s so special about an Orthodontist?

"Dentists, Orthodontists, they're all the same right?" We hear our patients asking this question as they wonder about the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist. Before becoming an orthodontist Dr. Green started out in dental school and earned a DDS (dental degree), just like your dentist. After dental school however, Dr. Green decided he wanted to learn more about orthodontics, which is one of nine specialties within the dental field. So he stayed in school for a few more years and became an expert in orthodontics; which focuses on tooth and jaw alignment and bite problems like overbites and under bites.

Other dental specialties you may have heard of include endodontic (focusing on the soft tissue inside your teeth), periodontic (focusing on the gums and other tissues surrounding your teeth) and prosthodontic (focusing on restoring and replacing damaged teeth).

Isn't it nice to know there's a dental expert here to help you through any type of treatment your teeth, jaw and gums might need?

Braces 101, from Dr. Green

Should you need to call Green Orthodontics in case you sustain any damage to your braces, we can help you more effectively if you can tell us exactly which piece is in trouble! Here’s a handy diagram and corresponding list of all the parts that make up your braces.



Elastic Tie: Tiny rubber band that fits around the bracket to hold the archwire in place.

Archwire: The main wire that acts as a track to guide the teeth along. It's changed periodically throughout treatment, as teeth move to their new positions.

Loop in Archwire: Frequently used for closing space left by an extraction. Many archwires don't have a loop.

Bracket: Small attachment that holds the archwire in place. Most often, a bracket is cemented directly onto the tooth's surface, eliminating the need for a band.

Headgear Tube: Round, hollow attachment on the back bands. The inner bow of the headgear fits into it.

Coil Spring: Fits between brackets and over archwire to open space between teeth.

Tie Wire: Fine wire that is twisted around the bracket to hold the archwire in place.

Band: A thin ring of metal fitted around a tooth and cemented in place. The band provides a way to attach the brackets to the tooth.

Hook: Welded or removable arm to which elastics (rubber bands) are attached.

Elastic (Rubber Band): Small rubber band that is hooked between different points on the appliance to provide pressure to move the teeth.

Hope this helps! Give us a call if you have any questions!

Did you know?

You've learned a little bit about Dr. Green here on the blog and the Green Orthodontics web site. But did you know that he's an avid South Carolina Gamecocks fan? Dr. Green graduated from Wofford College, and in 1993 he received a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from the South Carolina School of Medicine in Charleston.

In addition, Dr. Green attended the Advanced Damon Seminar in Atlanta the weekend of October 23rd. For more information on what he learned or about Damon braces, give us a call or stop by our offices!

Have a great weekend,

From Dr. Green and staff

Boo!

It's almost Halloween, and we understand sour candy is a part of any Halloween celebration. But while sour candy can be delicious, they are arguably as unhealthy for your teeth as sweet candy. The reason is, sour candies tend to be very acidic, and are capable of burning your cheeks and gums while wearing down the enamel on your teeth.

In 2008, the Minnesota Dental Association released a study which suggested the amount of acid in sour candies may eat away at tooth enamel and cause cavities. We at Green Orthodontics would like to remind you that if you should experience a craving for sour candies on Halloween or in the future, please:

1. Remember to rinse your mouth with water immediately after consuming candy, drink milk, or eat a couple pieces of cheese.

2. Do not brush immediately after consuming sour candy. The candy's acidic nature tends to soften tooth enamel. Brushing your teeth can mean abrading the enamel.

3. Limit the amount of sour candies that you consume on a daily basis. If you do indulge, remember not to suck or chew on sour candies for long periods of time.

If tooth erosion has already begun, ask us about ways to reduce sensitivity and continue to protect your teeth.

Hope this helps! We at Green Orthodontics wish you a happy and safe Halloween!

Get to Know Dr. Green

Orthodontist Dr. W. Nettles Green was born and raised in Camden, South Carolina. He graduated from Wofford College and received a Doctor of Dental Medicine from the Medical University of South Carolina School of Medicine in 1993. He obtained a Master of Science degree in Orthodontics in 1995 from Northwestern University in Chicago.

From 1995 to 1998, he practiced orthodontics in the U.S. Army in Fort Irwin, California then returned to private practice in Columbia. Dr. Green recently received his certification as a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, which is an elective process that provides assurance to the public that an orthodontic specialist has successfully completed requirements designed to assess the knowledge, skills and clinical expertise necessary to provide quality patient care.

Dr. Green's outside interests include golf, hunting, off-shore fishing, and spending time with his family. He and his wife Amy live in Forest Acres with their three children, Dorian, Amelia and Nettles. Dr. Green enjoys pop and country music, including bands like Coldplay and Nickelback. His favorite TV show is CSI: Miami, and his two favorite foods are Pizza and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts.