Every middle school has its unsung heroes—the students who light up the room with a smile, lift others up when they’re down, and always go the extra mile. That’s exactly who we’re looking to celebrate with our SMILE Award. SMILE stands for Shine, Motivate, Inspire, Lead, and Excel, and it’s more than just an acronym. It’s a way of life, and it’s what makes our community stronger, kinder, and a whole lot more fun. This award is for the students who don’t just show up—they stand out. Whether it’s helping a classmate, leading by example, or simply bringing positive energy wherever they go, SMILE Award nominees remind us what makes our school special.
The local schools select their candidate and then award them at their school's end-of-year Honors Program.
Hester and Morris Orthodontics has been honored with this award for several years, and we were pleased to add St. John School, Valwood School, and Highland Christian Academy to the list of recipients this year. Each student receives a plaque and a $100 cash prize courtesy of our office.
The SMILE Award Recipients for 2025 are:
St. John School: Jebran Gladwin
Valwood: Tamsyn Persaud
HCA: Avery Harrell
Hahira Middle: Hayden Horton
Lowndes Middle: Cedric Holder
Pine Grove Middle: Makayla Rodriguez
Scintilla: Austin Parkerson
Newbern Middle: Aziyah Wilson
Valdosta Middle: Shemori Felton
Lanier Middle: Shawn Mann
Berrien Middle: Trenton Edwards
Highland ChristianPine Grove MiddleValwood SchoolScintilla Charter AcademyBerrien Middle SchoolValdosta Middle
Thank you to the schools that submitted photos!
We are so proud of each of these students! And we wish them all the best as they enter high school! Keep Shining! Keep Smiling!
When it comes to straightening teeth, two options usually come to mind: traditional braces and Invisalign. Both treatments can deliver a confident, healthy smile, but they work in pretty different ways. Here’s what sets them apart—and how to decide which might be right for you.
braces patient
How They Work
Braces use metal brackets and wires to gradually move your teeth into alignment. An orthodontist glues the brackets to your teeth and threads a wire through them, tightening it at regular appointments to shift everything into place. Invisalign, on the other hand, uses a series of clear, removable plastic aligners custom-made for your mouth. You switch to a new set of aligners every week as your teeth move.
Look and Comfort
The biggest difference most people notice is appearance. Braces are visible, while Invisalign is nearly invisible—most people won’t even notice you’re wearing aligners. Braces can cause some discomfort, especially after adjustments, and the metal can sometimes irritate the inside of your mouth. Invisalign aligners tend to be more comfortable since they’re smooth plastic, and there are no wires or brackets to worry about.
Convenience and Lifestyle
Invisalign aligners can be taken out when you eat or brush your teeth, making oral hygiene much easier compared to braces. With braces, you’ll have to avoid sticky or hard foods, and cleaning around the wires can be tricky. That said, because Invisalign is removable, it only works if you’re disciplined about wearing them 20–22 hours a day.
Which Is Better?
It really depends on your needs.Both are effective, but braces often address more complex cases, while Invisalign excels for both mild to moderate alignment issues and offers a more straightforward approach to bite problems. With the right orthodontist, either can be an excellent choice! An orthodontist can help you choose the best treatment for your smile and lifestyle!
Invisalign is a great option for many wanting a confident smile!
Thinking about getting your teeth straightened but dreading the “metal mouth” look? Invisalign might just be the solution you’re looking for! Check out these fun facts about this popular clear aligner system:
Invisalign Has Been Around Longer Than You Think The first Invisalign aligners hit the market in 1999, so they’ve been helping people smile confidently for over two decades (Long Grove Dental).
Millions Have Joined the Invisalign Club More than 10 million people worldwide have chosen Invisalign for their orthodontic treatment (Long Grove Dental).
They’re Practically Invisible Made from a special thermoplastic called SmartTrack®, Invisalign aligners are clear and virtually undetectable—no one will know you’re wearing them unless you tell them (2K Dental, Westinghouse Dental).
No BPA, Latex, or Gluten Here The aligners are made with materials that are free of BPA, latex, gluten, and other harsh chemicals, making them a safe choice for nearly everyone (Forestridge Dental Group).
Fewer Office Visits You’ll probably spend less time at the dentist than you would with traditional braces, since Invisalign requires fewer checkups and adjustments (EZ Dental Bellevue).
You Get a Sneak Peek of Your New Smile Invisalign uses advanced 3D imaging to show you what your teeth will look like after treatment—before you even start! (EZ Dental Bellevue)
Easy to Clean, Easy to Eat Since the aligners are removable, you can eat whatever you want and brush your teeth with ease. No more picking food out of brackets or skipping your favorite snacks! (Healthline)
Dr. Morris with Invisalign rep, Brian Roper
Whether you want a straighter smile or just love fun dental trivia, Invisalign offers a modern, comfortable approach to orthodontics—without the hassle of traditional braces.
Dr. James Gregory Morris has been a leading orthodontist in the South Georgia area for decades. His expertise and dedication to his patients have earned him the Blue Diamond Plus Award for the top orthodontist in South Georgia. He has the most Invisalign experience of anyone in the area and has helped thousands of patients feel more confident about their smiles. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards a brighter, more beautiful smile!
Invisalign Attachments: What Are They and How Do They Help Your Smile?
Hello and happy Summer from all of us at Hester and Morris Orthodontics! If you’re considering Invisalign or you’re already on your journey to a straighter smile, you might have heard your orthodontist mention “attachments.” We get lots of questions about them in our Valdosta office, so today we’re breaking down what Invisalign attachments are, why they’re important, and what you can expect if you need them during your Invisalign treatment.
What Are Invisalign Attachments?
Invisalign attachments are tiny, tooth-colored bumps made of dental composite that we temporarily bond to certain teeth. They’re small—think little dots, not big brackets—and are carefully shaped and placed to help your Invisalign aligners move your teeth more precisely.
Attachments are sometimes called “buttons” or “engagers,” but no matter what you call them, they’re a key part of making Invisalign work for many of our patients.
Why Are Attachments Needed for Invisalign?
While Invisalign aligners do a lot of the heavy lifting on their own, some tooth movements are tricky. Rotating a stubborn canine or pulling down a tooth that hasn’t fully erupted can require a little extra help. That’s where attachments come in! By providing a spot for the aligners to “grip,” these small bumps allow your aligners to apply just the right amount of force, in just the right direction.
Not every patient needs attachments, but for those who do, they help make sure your smile transformation stays on track.
What Is the Process for Getting Invisalign Attachments?
If your treatment plan calls for attachments, don’t worry—the process is quick and painless. Here’s what you can expect at our office:
Preparation: We’ll start by cleaning and drying the teeth that will get attachments. We'll also prepare your teeth with special products, just as we do for patients with braces, to help the attachments adhere. This part can have a sour taste, but we help rinse it out for you.
Placement: Using a custom template (that fits over your teeth like an aligner), we’ll apply the composite material in precisely the right spots.
Bonding: The attachment material is hardened with a special light so it stays securely in place.
Finishing Touches: We remove the template and check to make sure everything feels comfortable.
You might feel the attachments on your teeth at first, but most of our patients tell us they get used to them quickly. And don’t worry—they’re hardly noticeable to others, especially once your aligners are on.
How Do Attachments Affect Daily Life?
You’ll wear your Invisalign aligners just as before, but the attachments help your aligners fit more snugly and move your teeth more efficiently. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Cleaning: Brush and floss your teeth as usual, but also clean around the attachments. Please note if any attachments have come loose and notify our office.
Eating: Attachments stay on your teeth while you eat, but since you’ll be taking your aligners out for meals, you can still enjoy your favorite foods.
Visibility: Attachments are made to blend in with your teeth, so they’re very discreet.
When your Invisalign treatment is done, we’ll simply polish the attachments off—no damage, no fuss.
Our Team Is Here for You
At Hester and Morris Orthodontics, our whole team is dedicated to making your Invisalign experience smooth and successful. If you ever have questions about attachments, aligners, or anything else, we’re just a call or text away. You can even message us via the Dental Monitoring App. Dr. Morris and our entire team love helping our Valdosta and South Georgia community smile with confidence!
If you’re curious about Invisalign or want to know if attachments will be part of your treatment plan, schedule a http://www.hmorthodontics.com free consultation with us. We can’t wait to help you start your journey to a beautiful, healthy smile!
