Anne Hill, Author at A Perfect Smile Orthodontics

Celebrate National Orthodontic Health Month With Us!

It’s National Orthodontic Health Month!

Sure, this time of year is all about falling leaves, pumpkin spice, and trick-or-treating. But for us here at A Perfect Smile Orthodontics, it’s also about orthodontic health awareness!

National Orthodontic Health Month gives us the chance to celebrate the benefits of orthodontic treatment and all those healthy, beautiful smiles. It also gives us another opportunity to focus on the importance of good oral health — particularly in this season of so much candy!

The purpose of National Orthodontic Health Month is to create awareness about orthodontics and how essential it is to your overall dental and physical health. To that end, here are a few key points:

The recommended age for a child’s first orthodontic check-up is no later than age 7.
Orthodontists not only straighten teeth but also correct abnormal bites such as crossbites, overbites, or underbites.
Orthodontists can also correct crowded teeth, spacing or gaps between teeth, narrow palates, extra teeth, impacted teeth, and more.
You can have your teeth straightened and your bite corrected at ANY AGE.

Want to Learn More? Schedule Your Free Consultation!

Call us at 956.403.6080, or complete the form below now!

The History of Orthodontics

Did you know that the concept of straightening teeth has been around since ancient Egypt? It’s true: they used a substance produced from animal intestines to shift teeth into better alignment. And in ancient Rome, a scientist discovered that putting finger pressure on teeth for a long time, over a period of months, could help shift teeth into a new position. There’s also archeological evidence that the Etruscans used gold wire to keep teeth in place and maintain the spaces.

In the 1700s, French dentist and surgeon Pierre Fauchard created a device called the Bandeau. This horseshoe-shaped metal device had wires coming through that to attach it to the teeth — scary looking by today’s standards, but revolutionary at the time!

illustration of a bandeau orthodontic device

Fauchard’s Bandeau

Orthodontics wasn’t defined as a separate dental specialty until the 1800s, and the term orthodontia was first used in 1841. Materials like precious metals, steel, and gum rubber were used to create appliances that would straighten teeth. And rubber bands for braces were first used in 1850.

The American Society of Orthodontia was founded in 1901 and renamed the American Association of Orthodontists in the 1930s. In the early 1900s, orthodontists began wrapping different materials around the teeth and connecting them with bands. By the 1960s, gold was a popular material choice, and then stainless steel took over in the 1970s. It wasn’t until the mid-70s that orthodontists started adhering brackets directly to the teeth instead of wrapping them around.

It’s amazing to see how fast technology progressed from that point, with invisible braces in 1987 to Invisalign in 1998. And the technology of creating braces has also grown by leaps and bounds over the past twenty years, including 3D dental imaging to create digital impressions of the teeth.

Today, you have so many options to straighten your teeth and perfect your smile. And to think, it all started back in ancient Egypt!

Tips to Treat Your Braces Right This Month

Yes, you can still enjoy your October festivities — even the Halloween candy, as long as you do it right. Here are a few tips on what to avoid and what to enjoy (in moderation, of course).

Treats to Avoid:

Caramels and taffy
Hard and/or chewy candy
Jellybeans
Lollipops
Bubblegum
Popcorn and nuts

Treats to Enjoy:

Chocolate bars (no nuts)
Peanut butter cups
Soft cookies
Marshmallows

And make sure to brush and floss well during this Halloween season, especially after eating any sugary or starchy food.

What’s the Best Way to Celebrate National Orthodontic Health Month?

We think the best way to celebrate is to schedule a free consultation with our Board Certified Orthodontist, Dr. David Taylor.

Dr. Taylor and our team at A Perfect Smile Orthodontics will take the time and care to see if orthodontics can help you achieve the beautiful, healthy smile you’ve always wanted.

Your first appointment is always free and includes an exam, including x-rays. Our state-of-the-art facility is up to date on all the latest technology, so you can feel confident that you are getting the very best care. Our staff is both professional and fun, and we strive to make your experience smooth and enjoyable!

Get Started Now! Schedule Your Free Consultation!

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.
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8 Questions to Ask Before Choosing an Orthodontist

Choosing an orthodontist can be a challenge! After all, you have plenty of options in the Rio Grande Valley, and you want to make sure your orthodontist is the right match for you or your child. Given the time and money you’ll invest, it’s not a light decision — but it doesn’t have to be stressful! You can find out a lot about an orthodontist by asking some simple questions. Here are eight questions to ask before choosing an orthodontist:

Am I seeing a trained orthodontic specialist?

Just because a dentist offers orthodontic treatment, it doesn’t mean they’re a trained orthodontic specialist. All orthodontists are dentists, but only 6% of dentists are trained orthodontists.

Orthodontics is a specialty, and a dentist must attend two to three more years of school and complete a residency before becoming an orthodontist. Before moving forward with any treatment plan, be sure that a trained orthodontic specialist will oversee your care. You can rest assured that Dr. Taylor is a board-certified orthodontist with over 15 years of experience.

Schedule Your Free Consultation!

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

How much experience does this orthodontist have?

When choosing an orthodontist, your decision should be based on the orthodontist’s expertise and experience. For orthodontists, AAO (American Association of Orthodontists) Board Certification is the highest level of achievement and requires hundreds of hours of additional education. Only one percent of dentists are Board Certified Orthodontists.

Dr. David Taylor is your Board Certified Orthodontic Specialist Located in McAllen, Texas! We service the surrounding cities and the entire Rio Grande Valley. He diagnoses and completes all treatments, which ensures superior results and continuity of care.

Dr. Taylor grew up in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and graduated from the University of Western Ontario’s School of Dentistry. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) in 2005, graduating with distinction. During his four years of Dental School, Dr. Taylor was awarded many distinctions.

Following his dental training, Dr. Taylor did his orthodontic residency at the Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry. There, he earned his certificate in Orthodontics in 2007. Concurrently, he completed a Master of Science (MS) for his research in decalcification during orthodontic treatment. During this same year, the American Association of Orthodontists Annual Session selected Dr. Taylor’s research for presentation.

Also in 2007, Dr. Taylor received a Fellowship in Orthodontics from the Royal College of Dentists of Canada. One year later, in 2008, he became a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics (board-certified). Significantly, two of the cases he presented to become board certified were selected for the American Board of Orthodontic Case Display. He received this prestigious honor at the 2008 American Association of Orthodontists Annual Session. Click here to learn more about Dr. Taylor!

Dr. Taylor is widely recognized by his peers, his patients, and the community for providing exceptional orthodontic treatment.

We’ve also hired another orthodontist, Dr. Mekraksakit (also known as Dr. M), who was carefully chosen by Dr. Taylor in order to provide more patients with the same level of excellent care that we are known for!

What are my treatment options?

Knowing what options are available for treatment is extremely important when deciding on an orthodontist. Because every patient has unique needs, an orthodontist needs to provide a variety of treatment options to help every patient achieve their best results.

At A Perfect Smile Orthodontics, we offer traditional (metal) braces, clear braces, Invisalign, and a wide range of other orthodontic options. Whatever your situation, Dr. Taylor and Dr. M can find the right treatment to straighten your teeth! It is our mission to offer affordable options while providing the best care possible!

Does this orthodontist treat adults?

Braces are not just for children and teens! In fact, twenty-five percent of patients who wear braces are adults. Getting braces can have incredible health benefits for adults, particularly when correcting misaligned teeth and jaws.

However, not every orthodontic practice actually treats adults, so make sure you look for an orthodontist who treats patients of all ages. At A Perfect Smile Orthodontics, we take great pride in creating beautiful smiles for adults, teens, and children.

Does this orthodontist use the most current technology and treatments?

Because of technological advances, orthodontic treatment options have greatly improved. That’s why it’s important to know if your orthodontist offers the latest advancements to provide the highest standard of care possible. Dr. Taylor uses the most advanced technology available, like digital X-ray technology, 3D imaging, and more.

Additionally, because Dr. Taylor is a Board Certified Orthodontist, he stays up-to-date on the latest technology and can therefore pass it on to his patients.

What do other patients say about this orthodontist?

The best way to learn more about an orthodontist provider is to read reviews posted by others who have been a patient. At A Perfect Smile Orthodontics, we are passionate about serving our community in the Rio Grande Valley, and we treat every patient as part of the family. Dr. Taylor and his staff strive to provide you or your child with excellent orthodontic care! Here’s what a few patients have said about Dr. Taylor:

Received Invisalign treatment and couldn’t be happier. Dr. Taylor and the staff were more than willing to work with me and my schedule. The entire place is like a well-oiled machine. There are several choices out there, but I felt so good about Dr. Taylor and his team of professionals that I would fly in for my appointments. I would not hesitate to recommend anyone for their treatment with Dr. Taylor and his team!” – Craig R.

The staff here is extremely kind and gentle. They make great conversation and help with any issues you may have. Throughout the whole braces process, the staff and doctor were very patient and understanding. I recommend them 100%.” – Amylia S.

My son got his braces off today and we are so happy with the results. He can’t stop smiling! He had them on for about 2 years and we had a pleasant experience at every appointment. Dr. Taylor and his staff are great!” – Connie G.

Click here to read what more of our patients have to say!

How much is a professional consultation?

Moving forward with orthodontic treatment is an important financial decision, and it’s vital to have a consultation with an orthodontist before making that decision. To help you, we offer a free consultation at A Perfect Smile Orthodontics.

Your consultation includes a thorough examination and a precise assessment of your oral health by Board Certified Orthodontist, Dr. Taylor. That way, you can ask all the questions you want with no obligation before making that important financial decision!

What are my payment options?

Your beautiful smile is an investment, so it’s vital to understand the financial commitment that comes with that smile.

To help you achieve the gorgeous, healthy smile you deserve, we offer several affordable payment options at Our McAllen, Texas clinic. Additionally, we have an insurance specialist on staff who can check your insurance benefits if applicable.

We’re here to answer ALL your questions!

Dr. Taylor and our team at A Perfect Smile Orthodontics will take the time and care to answer any question you have about your orthodontic treatment. We are here for you and are proud to be part of this wonderful community!

Your first appointment is always free and includes an exam with x-rays. Additionally, we can provide you with every option for braces or Invisalign so that you can make an informed decision for your specific needs and budget.

We want to make orthodontic care affordable for everyone who needs it, so we offer interest-free payment plans. Our state-of-the-art facility is up to date on all the latest technology, so you can feel confident that you are getting the very best care. Our staff is both professional and fun, and we strive to make your experience smooth and enjoyable!

We Would LOVE to help you or your family member achieve that Perfect Smile!

Schedule Your Free Consultation!

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.
Name:*
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Teeth Grinding and Braces: Are they compatible? Here’s the scoop.

There’s a lot to know about teeth grinding and braces. First, can you even get braces if you grind your teeth? If you can, then do braces help, or can teeth grinding affect braces negatively? And what causes teeth grinding in the first place?

Tooth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common issue. And can cause plenty of problems — whether you’re aware you’re doing it or not!

Why do people grind their teeth?

While there’s no single cause for teeth grinding, many things can contribute. These include:

Stress: When you’re dealing with chronic stress or anxiety, you may clench your teeth as a coping mechanism.
Medical conditions: Teeth grinding has been linked to TMJ disorders or an ear infection that affects the jaw muscles.
Sleep disorders: People with sleep apnea experience teeth grinding more often than those without this sleep problem.
Teeth misalignment: You’re more likely to grind your teeth when your upper and lower teeth are not aligned.

How can you tell if you’re grinding your teeth?

Since teeth grinding can often be unconscious, you may not know how to tell if you’re doing it. To help you, the Mayo Clinic lists the following symptoms:

Your sleep partner wakes you up due to loud teeth clenching or grinding
Flattened, fractured, chipped, or loose teeth
Worn tooth enamel which exposes deeper layers of your tooth
Increased tooth sensitivity
Jaw or face pain or soreness
Tired or tight jaw muscles
Pain that feels like an earache, though it’s not a problem with your ear
A dull headache originating in the temples
Damage from chewing on the inside of your cheek
Indentations on your tongue
Your mouth won’t open or close completely

If you suspect you may be grinding your teeth, call us for a consultation. We can examine your mouth and jaw for signs of teeth grinding.

What problems can teeth grinding cause?

Grinding your teeth can cause many issues, such as surface tooth damage, erosion of tooth enamel, disrupted sleep (primarily for your sleep partner), jaw or face pain and muscle tightness, and headaches.

Plus, if you grind your teeth over a long period and don’t get any correction, this may cause teeth to break, become loose, or shift their alignment. Chronic teeth grinding can also result in needing root canals, crowns, or even tooth extraction.

That’s why it’s so important to get help for teeth grinding. And often, if the grinding is caused by a misalignment, braces can help.

Teeth grinding and braces

Braces — whether metal or Invisalign — will realign and straighten your teeth, so they fit together better. When this happens, many people no longer feel the urge to grind their teeth.

However, you should know that if your teeth grinding is severe, braces may make things worse before they get better. That’s because you may have some extra irritation or discomfort as your teeth begin shifting and realigning. But this should improve as the teeth move into their correct position.

Once your teeth are correctly aligned, you’ll need to use retainers, so they don’t return to their former position. If you don’t use retainers to keep your teeth straight, the problem of grinding teeth can return as the teeth shift back to their uneven state.

The best way to know if braces can help with your teeth grinding is to get an orthodontic consultation. That way, we can see if misalignment is causing your grinding issue, and show you exactly how braces or Invisalign can help you.

Additional solutions

Sometimes, when teeth grinding is caused by other issues (such as those mentioned above), you may need a different solution. These may include managing your stress and anxiety with help from a licensed professional, or addressing sleep apnea with a qualified medical doctor.

Additionally, if you’re still grinding your teeth even with braces, you may need to wear a nightguard to prevent tooth damage. These can be custom-made to fit perfectly over your braces, and new ones can be provided as your teeth shift and your smile improves.

We can help you resolve your teeth grinding

Come in for a consultation to address whether your teeth grinding is caused by a misalignment. Dr. Taylor and our team at A Perfect Smile will take the time and care to see if braces or Invisalign could be the solution to address this often painful issue.

The first appointment is always free and includes an exam, including x-rays. Our state-of-the-art facility is up to date on all the latest technology, so you can feel confident that you are getting the very best care. Our staff is both professional and fun, and we strive to make your experience smooth and enjoyable!

Get Started Now! Schedule Your Free Consultation!

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.
Name:*
First Last
Cell Phone*
Phone:
Email:*
How Can We Help?
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Celebrate National Orthodontic Health Month With Us!

It’s National Orthodontic Health Month!

Want to Learn More? Schedule Your Free Consultation!

The History of Orthodontics