Share your experience at Richard Boyd Orthodontics with the world!

Dr. Richard Boyd and our talented staff have been creating beautiful smiles in the Columbia area for over 25 years! Combining experience with advanced education and personal care, our orthodontist and staff strive to bring you only the best orthodontic treatment options available in Columbia.

Whether you've visited Dr. Boyd's office for a week, months or even years, we'd love to hear your feedback about how our office has fared during your orthodontic treatment! There are lots of ways you can share your thoughts about our office, but we encourage you to head to our Google Local listing and write a review there.

After all, reviews help Dr. Boyd create more beautiful smiles in Columbia and surrounding communities. Thanks in advance, and we hope you have a wonderful weekend!

You may write your review here.

Some fun facts about orthodontics, from Dr. Richard Boyd

At Richard Boyd Orthodontics, we know our patients love fun facts - LOVE THEM. After all, who doesn't? The American Association of Orthodontists has come up with some fun facts about orthodontics that Dr. Boyd and our team thought you would enjoy. Have a great rest of your weekend!

• There are nearly 4 million people in orthodontic treatment throughout the United States. Three out of four are younger than 18.

• The first mechanical treatment for correcting irregular teeth was suggested by Gaius Plinius Secundus (A.D 23-79).The American Association of Orthodontists is comprised of more than 12,000 members in the United States, Canada and abroad.

• The time required to complete orthodontic treatment ranges from 12 to 36 months depending on the nature and severity of the problem.

• Of the 160,000 dentists in the United States and Canada, 8,000 are practicing orthodontists.

• The cement that attaches the braces to the teeth is now made with a special fluoride-releasing substance.

• Wires activated by body heat used in today's braces originally were developed by NASA for use in the space program.

• In addition to alleviating or preventing physical health problems, orthodontics can boost self-esteem as treatment aligns teeth, jaws and lips.

• Famous orthodontic patients include: Dr. Joyce Brothers, Hale Irwin, Cher, Diana Ross, Phyllis Diller, Chelsea Clinton, Whoopi Goldberg, Daisy Fuentes and Brandi.

When are two phases of treatment necessary? Dr. Boyd has the answer

Usually patients in treatment at Richard Boyd Orthodontics already have their permanent teeth, but in some cases we have to start treatment earlier, even before the patient’s permanent teeth come in. Dr. Boyd and our staff call this “two-phase treatment.”

When we have patients with clear developmental problems at an early age, it’s best to start work when they are young, before the problems get bigger and more difficult to treat. Examples include an upper or lower jaw that is not growing correctly, or a mouth growing in a way that doesn’t leave enough room for all the permanent teeth to come in.

In these cases we will start early and do one round of treatment – phase one – while the patient still has his or her baby teeth. Phase one usually does not involve braces, but can include a different type of appliance that helps the jaw grow into place properly, such as a retainer. We’ll follow up with phase two usually a few years later, when permanent the patient’s permanent teeth have come in. Phase two often does involve braces and sometimes headgear.

In order to catch early problems, we recommend that children have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven (and so does the American Association of Orthodontics). However, if your dentist or pediatrician sees any sign that early treatment might be necessary, he or she may recommend your child visit an orthodontist even sooner. For more information about two-phase orthodontics, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Boyd please give us a call at 803-708-7618.

Happy Monday!

Richard Boyd Orthodontics present: the importance of mouth guards

With summer here for another seven weeks, our team at Columbia's Richard Boyd Orthodontics would like to take this time to remind our athletes in treatment to take care of both your mouth and appliances while participating in contact sports (and non-contact sports) this August. Dr. Richard Boyd will always tell you that only by using a mouth guard can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries when out on the field. The next time you're in for a visit with Dr. Boyd, be sure to ask him for a mouth guard, and we will provide one!

For more on the importance of wearing a mouth guard, please visit the American Dental Association. We hope you're having a GREAT summer!

“Hey, Dr. Boyd! Any truth to those rumors about braces?”

Dr. Richard Boyd and our staff know there are many myths circulating about orthodontists and orthodontics these days. But, before you buy into these myths, we think you should get the facts first! Our staff came across a great site recently that helps set the record straight - literally. The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, have some excellent information on the myths and facts of orthodontics, and we encourage you to check them out!

If you have any questions about orthodontics or your treatment here at Richard Boyd Orthodontics, please feel free to give us a call at 803-708-7618.

Happy Monday!