A Perfect Smile Orthodontics

McAllen Orthodontist providing Braces & Invisalign

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Really Do Care About Every Step

What I loved the best was that they really do care about every step of the treatment, even uneventful things happening during treatment, and the consultation coordination with your dentist if need be. Now that is truly a caring orthodontist. – Melissa M

March 23, 2016 By Debbie Baumgarten Leave a Comment

Very Kind People

Very kind ppl the entire staff are always so helpful & friendly.It feels good to walk into a place where everyone is always smiling no matter what kind of day they are Having. I would highly recommend this place to all my friends & family. – M.D.

March 22, 2016 By Debbie Baumgarten Leave a Comment

How Long do Orthodontic Braces Take?

orthodontic bracesThe length of time that orthodontic braces must be worn varies from patient to patient. On average though, treatment will typically last between 18 -24 months.

There are 3 major factors involved when moving teeth through the use of orthodontic braces: the amount of force applied, the duration that that force is applied and the natural healing process that must take place. It’s important to understand each of these factors.

In order to begin moving a tooth, a light and gradual force must be applied. This force is generated by the ligature wires and applied at the brackets on each tooth.

Teeth are able to move because the periodontal ligament, what holds the tooth to the bone, is elastic. Because these tissues are living, they can be changed and reshaped. While an excessive amount of force will damage these tissues, too light of a force won’t promote any change or movement. So an even balance of pressure is required.

Even if a perfect amount of pressure is applied to a tooth, it won’t move sufficiently unless the pressure is applied for the correct amount of time. This is due to how the body removes and rebuilds the bone surrounding the tooth.

Cells known as osteoclasts remove bone and ligament in order to allow for movement of the tooth. Additionally, osteoblasts rebuild bone, ligament and cementum to maintain the new position of the tooth. An easy way to visualize this is to consider how a hot knife goes through butter. It melts and separates on one side while reforming and coming together on the other side.

Lastly, and most importantly, is the healing process. If a tooth is moved too quickly it won’t be allowed to heal properly. Just like muscle fibers need time to rebuild after a strenuous workout, the tissues, bones and ligaments of teeth need time to heal reform. This healing time is imperative for treatment with orthodontic braces to be a success. 

Can I Make My Orthodontic Braces Work Faster?

While we can in fact move teeth at a faster rate, as you have now learned it would be dangerous and damaging to do so. A slow, gradual movement is required to produce a positive outcome from your orthodontic treatment. But there are ways that you can help speed up the process, or at least avoid lengthening it.

The first is to begin orthodontic treatment as early as possible. It has been deemed by the AAO that children should be evaluated by an orthodontist as early as age 7.

Being able to catch oral health problems before they worsen, and cause more issues, makes a world of difference.

Maintaining proper care of your orthodontic braces is crucial to staying within the estimated treatment timeline. You should floss at least once a day, brush your teeth after every meal and before you go to bed. The purpose of this isn’t just to keep your braces clean. The healthier your gums are, the faster your teeth will move. It’s absolutely necessary to avoid candy, chewing gum and other hard foods your orthodontist warns against. These can bend or break the ligature wire and cause the brackets to come off and in turn slow down treatment.

If any part of your orthodontic braces break or come loose, you should contact your orthodontist and schedule an appointment immediately. Lastly, if you’re required to wear elastics, wear them at all times and be sure to change them every 24 hours.

Moving teeth with orthodontic braces is a delicate and complicated process. How long it takes depends on the level of health of the teeth, gums and supporting bone; the distance the teeth must travel, the amount of room available and the severity of the problems present. These are all factors that determine the length of orthodontic treatment. While it’s not safe to move teeth too quickly, you can help the process run more smoothly by properly taking care of your orthodontic braces and following the instructions of your orthodontist. You may not shorten the actual treatment time, but you will avoid costly mistakes and complications that could lengthen it.

September 2, 2015 By Debbie Baumgarten 1 Comment

Affordable Braces

metal-bracesUnderstanding which type of  braces is most affordable is very important. If you are considering using dental braces to improve the appearance or functionality of your teeth there are a lot of options. Or perhaps it’s your child that requires braces. Most people would agree that a beautiful, healthy smile is a desirable trait and straight teeth can even help the shape of your entire face! 

But when researching your options the amount of information to take in can be quite daunting and overwhelming. One concern is likely how much the treatment is going to cost and what the most affordable braces are.

Most Affordable Braces Option

There are a number of braces options that are available but traditional metal braces are the most affordable braces you can be fitted with. Traditional braces are an older technology but they can correct even the most complex tooth abnormalities, are known for their strength and durability and still remain the standard for orthodontics. Metal braces have also become smaller, less noticeable and more comfortable over the years while their price is lower than more sophisticated systems.

Other Braces Options

Invisalign and other braces systems do have certain aspects and features that make them a more pleasant experience than traditional metal braces. The most obvious benefit of Invisalign trays is that they are nearly invisible and hold up well against staining. A patient is also able to remove the aligning trays which makes cleaning and brushing of the teeth a much easier task.

But while these more advanced systems of braces can provide a shorter and more comfortable experience, they are more expensive than traditional metal braces. Also sophisticated 3D imaging equipment is used to take an image of the patients mouth for Invisalign trays. When you consider that most Invisalign treatments consist of upwards of 30 trays, it’s easy to understand the increase in cost.

In the hands of an experienced orthodontist, traditional metal braces can get your teeth just as straight as these advanced systems but at a lower cost. 

Whether you or your children need orthodontic treatment, there are a variety of options to choose from. For the more self conscious individual there are clear braces. If you’re looking to have your teeth straightened in the shortest amount time, you can look to braces that make use of self ligating brackets. But if your concern is cost, the most affordable braces are traditional metal braces. They may take a little longer, but they’ll get your teeth just as straight as any of the other more expensive options.

July 29, 2015 By Debbie Baumgarten Leave a Comment

Orthodontic Treatment Improves More Than Just Your Smile

braces-manImproving the aesthetics of facial structure is often considered to fall within the realm of plastic surgery. But what if there was another way? It’s a well known fact that orthodontic treatment can straighten teeth and create a beautiful smile. But the work and research of an orthodontist who kept track of his patients over an extended period has shown that an orthodontist can also have a great impact on a patient’s facial growth and in turn create a lifelong improvement to their appearance. After becoming interested in the possibility that orthodontic treatment could have an effect on the aesthetics of a patient’s face, this orthodontist began keeping track of his patients as they aged into adulthood. His findings provided a great deal of insight as to how drastic the changes could actually be. As a result, his work is now considered by the orthodontic community to be monumental and groundbreaking.

Advancements in the field of orthodontics are allowing doctors to literally sculpt a patient’s face during treatment. They do this by looking at how the bones in the face and jaw will grow over time and through an understanding of the dynamic relationship between the teeth, lips and jaw. According to one noted doctor,

an orthodontist will even look at the faces of the patient’s parents to help predict how the appearance could change in the future.

Although all of this is extremely important for children and young adults just beginning to establish a sense of self esteem, they aren’t the only patients benefitting. Upon completing their orthodontic treatments, adults are also seeing positive improvements to the aesthetics of their facial structures.

Orthodontists can also collaborate with dentists to address and correct abnormalities such as flared or oddly shaped teeth, misaligned jaws and uneven gum lines. When combined with braces, such work can provide dramatic results. The dentist’s role is to understand the correct timing for orthodontic treatment. A patient usually sees a dentist before an orthodontist; so they are the first line of defense in recognizing any potential problems that the patient may have. When it comes to children, the decisions of the dentist can have a life-long impact on their appearance.

Plastic surgery is no longer the only avenue towards a more aesthetically pleasing face. Thanks to research and the progress of the dental and orthodontic fields, patients can not only gain the confidence that comes with a beautiful, healthy smile, but also that which comes from the improvements to their facial structure. It’s truly exciting to consider that there is only room for growth in this area of dentistry and orthodontics.

June 23, 2015 By Debbie Baumgarten Leave a Comment

Use of rubber bands to close gap in teeth

rubber bands to close gap in teethAt our clinic in McAllen Texas, Dr. Taylor has seen cases where patients tried using rubber bands to close a gap in their teeth. His conclusion is that, “Do-It-Yourself Orthodontics Are Not Worth the Risk”. In this day and age, one can find do-it-yourself instructions for nearly everything. The most obvious appeal is of course the money that can be saved by tackling a project on your own. Typically, there is nothing wrong with going this route. However, ideas such as using rubber bands to close gap in teeth can have far worse repercussions.

Performing orthodontic procedures at home however could be disastrous. So disastrous in fact that the American Association of Orthodontists has placed an alert on the homepage of their website in order to inform the public of the inherent risks of attempting to move teeth without the direct supervision of an orthodontist.

In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists specifically states:

Moving teeth without a thorough examination of the overall health of the teeth and gums could result in the permanent loss of teeth, which may result in expensive and lifelong dental problems.

The use of elastics, commonly referred to as “gap bands,” to close gaps between the front teeth has sometimes been used by teens in place of professional orthodontics. Several videos can be found on the internet describing the process, and supposed effectiveness, of using elastics. But these videos do not mention the inherent dangers in simply sticking some rubber bands in your mouth. While it is sometimes possible to close one gap, this method just opens up other gaps and can also create a host of other problems.

Because teeth are not perfectly square, and taper upwards, there is a very real risk of the elastic bands sliding up the teeth and receding underneath the gum. To move the teeth one would need to leave the bands in the mouth permanently and while sleeping it is possible for the bands to move up the tooth and slide under the gum. Once this has happened it is often very difficult, if not impossible, to remove the band. If left untreated, gum disease could occur as well as loss of the bone that holds the teeth in place and ultimately, loss of these teeth. Also when you close one gap this way you open other gaps and this can then misalign your teeth – your teeth no longer fit smoothly together and this can create jaw pain, wearing down of some teeth, and other orthodontic problems.

By having a professional examination conducted, patients are able to gain an in-depth understanding of their dental health. When an individual foregoes this examination they may be unaware of potential underlying problems such as periodontal disease, cavities, root abnormalities or several other issues that would need to be addressed before performing any sort of teeth straightening procedures. Irreparable damage, including permanent tooth loss, could occur if a patient attempts to move teeth in the presence of undiagnosed oral health problems. Also an orthodontist carefully plans the movement of the teeth so that when complete, your teeth still fit together smoothly and do not create uneven pressure on your jaw.

Orthodontists attend 3 additional years of training after dental school because orthodontic treatment is a complex medical procedure and there is no single approach for everyone. Attempting to move or straighten teeth at home using rubber bands instead of orthodontic methods can be tempting for someone looking to save money but it simply isn’t worth the risk. Not only could you cause serious damage, the procedures to correct any damage will likely cost much more in the long run.

You only have one set of permanent teeth in your lifetime. Do yourself, your mouth, and your wallet a favor and only have orthodontic procedures performed by a qualified professional.

June 12, 2015 By Debbie Baumgarten Leave a Comment

Enthusiasm

“Dr. Taylor, your enthusiasm surpasses our passive culture. I have never been to a facility of any kind in which ALL OF THE STAFF are upbeat. I know this is because of you!”

May 28, 2014 By Debbie Baumgarten

Very Friendly…

“Their staff is very friendly. They have several rooms where people can wait and one of those is a mini movie theater that always has movies for the kids (Disney/Pixar). Both the lobby and the main room where you get your work done have top 40’s music playing.  I really don’t mind waiting when I’m that entertained. 

They seem to invest in top of the line equipment. I’ve been going in for Invisalign treatments for months now and am very satisfied. The staff is young (20-30 age group), which adds to their people skills especially since I’ve noticed that most patients are kids, teens, or young adults.  Most staff are also bilingual, which is also a plus. The Doctor supervises, guides, and perfects all dental assistant’s work for every session and every patient. I wholeheartedly recommend them.”- R.C.

January 27, 2014 By Debbie Baumgarten

Free Consultation!

Free Consultation

Dr Taylor-Orthodontist

Here at A Perfect Smile Orthodontics, your new smile begins with a thorough examination and a precise assessment of your oral health by Board Certified Orthodontist, Dr. Taylor- at no charge to you!

The first step to take if you are unhappy with your smile or there is something you would like corrected, is to get more information about what exactly the problem is and all possible treatment plans. 

We always take the time needed to answer your questions, explain your treatment options and make sure you’re comfortable with your care.

We also offer financing options to help you get the treatment you need within your budget. 

Let’s discover just how straight and beautiful your smile can be!

Call Us Now on 956.630.6166

Or send us a note and let us get back to you.

Call us at 956.630.6166, or complete the form below now!

  • We are located in McAllen Texas and are happy to service you at our clinic, A Perfect Smile Orthodontics.

October 14, 2013 By Debbie Baumgarten Leave a Comment

A Third of Americans Unhappy with Smile?

unhappy with smileSmile a BIG smile in the mirror and decide – Happy with your smile? Unhappy with smile? The American Association of Orthodontists recently commissioned Wakefield Research to conduct a study which showed that more than one third of American adults are unhappy with their smile. In fact 36% believe that they would have a better social life if they had nicer teeth! This seems to be especially true of young Americans, because apparently 48 percent of Americans ages 18 to 23 have an untagged picture of themselves on Facebook because they did not like their smile.

Unsurprisingly, bad teeth also represented the biggest dating turn-off among men and women. According to the study, 77 percent of women think crooked teeth are worse than a receding hairline in a potential love interest. The study also found that 22 percent of Americans who are unhappy with their smile think that better teeth would lead to a better love life.

On a professional level, 78 percent of Americans perceive adults with crooked teeth to be unsuccessful. Fourteen percent of those unhappy with their teeth felt that they might be missing out on a better job.

“Professional orthodontic treatments have come a long way in recent years, with innovative options such as clear aligner trays, lingual braces and ceramic braces,” said John F. Buzzatto, DMD, MDS, president of the American Association of Orthodontists. “Healthy teeth can be moved at any age and it’s encouraging that two-thirds of Americans think they are never too old for treatment.”

Are you unhappy with smile you see in the mirror? Come in for a Free Consultation and we can explain to you all possible options to fix it for life.

January 14, 2011 By Debbie Baumgarten 5 Comments

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Dr T & the whole staff are amazing, warm & caring environment. I get to see my baby smile now. Shes has gained so much confidence since starting treatment. Love you all & thank you so much.-Cassandra W

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A Perfect Smile Orthodontics
1400 E Expy 83 #155
McAllen,
TX 78503
956.630.6166

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