Dr. Beechard C. McConnell, III is formally trained as a specialist in orthodontics for children and adults. A lifelong Anderson resident, Dr. Beech, as his patients like to call him, graduated from T. L. Hanna High School. He received his B.S. degree in Financial Management from Clemson University in 1992. In May 2002, Dr. McConnell received his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the Medical University of South Carolina where he served as class president all four years, was appointed the ADEA representative for the school, and graduated near the top of his class academically and first clinically. Dr. McConnell was accepted directly into the Medical College of Georgias Orthodontic residency program, where he received his Certificate in Orthodontics in December 2004.

Dr. McConnell is committed to excellence in orthodontics and utilizes the most up-to-date technologies to treat children and adults. He is involved in many dental organizations and study clubs that ensure he is current with the best techniques available in orthodontics.

Dr. McConnell is an active member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the Southern Association of Orthodontists, the South Carolina Association of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association, and the South Carolina Dental Association.

Giving back to his community is extremely important to Dr. McConnell. He is a member of the Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce, served on the Board of the Anderson Area YMCA, and the Board of Visitors of Anderson University. In addition, he willingly donates to several local charitable organizations and law enforcement agencies. Dr. McConnell resides in Anderson and when not working, he enjoys pursuing his outdoor passions, traveling, and spending quality time with his family.

All orthodontists are dentists, but only about 6 percent of dentists are orthodontists. An orthodontist is a specialist in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Orthodontists must first attend college, and then complete a four-year dental graduate program at a university dental school or other institution accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association (ADA). They must then successfully complete an additional two- to three-year residency program of advanced education in orthodontics. This residency program must also be accredited by the ADA. Through this training, the orthodontist learns the skills required to manage tooth movement (orthodontics) and guide facial development (dentofacial orthopedics).

The American Association of Orthodontists is the national organization of dental specialists who limit their practice to orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. Founded in 1900, the AAO is the oldest and largest dental specialty organization in the United States and Canada. To date, the AAO has more than 14,600 members, including more than 2,000 international members from outside North America. This membership consists of approximately 94 percent of all orthodontists who currently practice in the United States.

The AAO is dedicated to advancing the art and science of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, improving the health of the public by promoting quality orthodontic care, and supporting the successful practice of orthodontics. All members must meet the specialty educational requirements as defined by the Commission on Dental Education of the American Dental Association.

Braces arent just for kids anymore. Tooth alignment can be changed at any age if your gums and bone structure are healthy. We offer a variety of treatments that are designed for different age groups including adults. A new smile can begin today.

Orthodontic treatment at later stages in life can dramatically improve your personal appearance and self-esteem. Improving the health of your teeth and gums is equally important. Crooked teeth and a bad bite can contribute to gum and bone loss, tooth decay, abnormal wear of the tooth enamel and surfaces, headaches and jaw joint (TMJ/TMD) pain.

Good news!The new techniques and appliances we use greatly reduce discomfort levels, decrease the frequency of visits, shorten treatment time and may allow you to choose from several options. Your options may include metal braces, translucent braces or transparent aligners that can be worn at night to improve mild cases of misaligned teeth.

During the initial examination, we will be able to determine the best possible treatment for your individual needs. During this initial examination, we can outline the treatment plan, time of treatment expected and the approximate cost.

Ceramic braces are made of translucent (clear) material. They are most popular with adult patients, due to their cosmetic appeal. The only drawback to ceramic brackets are that they are more fragile, and the elastic ties can discolor between orthodontic visits.

Clearly Different The Invisalign System combines advanced 3-D computer graphics technology with 100-year-old science of orthodontics. Invisalign aligners are designed to move your teeth in small steps to the desired final position prescribed by Dr. McConnell. Each aligner is precisely calibrated and manufactured to fit your mouth at each stage of the treatment plan. Your first step is to visit our office to determine if Invisalign is right for you. After sending precise treatment instructions, Invisalign uses advanced computer technology to translate these instructions in a sequence of finely calibrated aligners. Each aligner is worn for one week and only taken out to eat, brush and floss. As you replace each aligner with the next, your teeth will begin to move gradually week-by-week until the final alignment prescribed is attained. Then youll be smiling like you never have before!

When we remove your braces, we will begin the retention stage of your treatment. Your final orthodontic result depends on your retainers, so follow through with the hard work youve put in so far. Remember to remove your retainer before brushing, and brush your retainer before placing it back in your mouth.