Spring Break Special!

School’s out! The days are getting longer which means more time for outdoor activities or to just take a break and be lazy! With the kids out of school, Spring Break is also an excellent time for a free consultation for braces. To celebrate, we are offering extra low down payments on braces for anyone who comes in for an appointment during Spring Break!

Your FREE consultation includes a full exam, complete with x-rays. We offer several treatment options for our patients and can go over which one is best for you or your child. Products like Invisalign®, Invisalign Teen®, self-ligating braces, and invisible braces are options for those who want their braces to be less noticeable. Traditional braces can be fun too! Many of our teens enjoy the different looks that they can create by changing out the colors of their elastic bands at each visit!

We always take the time to explain your treatment options, answer your questions, and make sure you are comfortable with your care, and we will help you find the best and most affordable braces option! We are happy to check with your insurance to see what benefits are available to you. We also have great financing options, and by coming in during Spring Break, you can take advantage of our Special, with extra low down payments!

Our goal is to offer patients the best possible orthodontic treatment for the lowest possible cost to you! You are in great hands with Dr. Taylor! He’s a Board-certified orthodontist serving McAllen, Edinburg, Mission, and the surrounding areas. Dr. Taylor and his family love the Rio Grande Valley and have strong ties to the community, and always treat their patients like family. During every visit, our patients always share a smile and a laugh with Dr. Taylor and our wonderful staff at A Perfect Smile Orthodontics.

Your beautiful smile begins with a Free, No Obligation consultation with Dr. Taylor!

Give us a call today at (956) 433-3579 for your free consultation, or fill out the form below and we will contact you.

Summer is a Great Time for Kids to Get Braces!

Summer is officially in full swing! School is out and days are longer and which means more time for outdoor activities such as swimming, playing, or just being lazy. There are also fewer commitments such as after school activities like sporting events. Because of this, summer is an opportune time to have your child evaluated for braces.

The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that all children have an orthodontic exam by age 7 to see if there are any problems developing with the jaw that may need early intervention. Most of the baby teeth are still in place and an orthodontic specialist can easily determine if there is anything that needs early attention. If early treatment is necessary, it can ease time and expense of braces treatment later on. Generally, he best time for most kids to get braces is between the ages of 11 and 14.

Benefits of Getting Braces in the Summer

Obviously, fewer time commitments mean more scheduling flexibility in the summertime especially since the first few appointments can take a little longer.

The free initial consultation includes x-rays and discussion regarding which braces treatment option is right for your child. We will also discuss insurance and/or financing options, along with any preparations that may need to be done prior to applying braces on the teeth.

The second appointment will involve placing the appliances on your child’s teeth.

Orthodontic technology has come a long way, but there will still be a minor adjustment period as your child’s mouth gets used to braces. The teeth may be a little sore in the beginning. Ibuprofen helps a lot but it’s a good idea to have soft foods on hand. Things like rice, pasta, and soup are all good choices while the mouth adapts to braces. Chilled foods such as ice cream or popsicles can be soothing as well.

There may be some mild irritation to the inside of the mouth in the beginning, however it usually resolves within a week or two. This is caused by the hardware rubbing or chafing against the mouth or lips. Fortunately, orthodontic wax can solve this problem immediately.

Changes to Eating Habits

Your child will need to change the way they eat some foods and it’s better for them to figure these things out before going back to school. Things like apples, carrots, hard breads, crackers, etc., should be cut up before eating rather than biting into them since taking a bite out of these types of foods can cause breakage of the braces on the front teeth. Corn that’s on the cob should be sliced off as well.

Other types of foods should be avoided all together so no breakage occurs:

Toffee
Caramel
Hard candies
Popcorn
Gum
Ice

There will also need to be some adjustments to dental hygiene once braces are applied. We will show you and your child the most effective way to brush and floss in order to avoid plaque build-up during braces treatment.

Kids are incredibly resilient to change, but it will be easier for them to establish new habits when they are home for the summer. This way, once they go back to school, it will all be second nature to them!

After school starts back up again, your child will only need to come in for short office visits when braces need to be adjusted and to check progress. These appointments are quick and won’t take much time away from school or extra-curricular activities!

Dr. Taylor and the staff at A Perfect Smile Orthodontics offers all patients a complimentary consultation that includes a complete exam with x-rays along with providing you with options regarding the types of braces that we offer, and all financing options. Give us a call at (956) 433-3579 or fill out the form below to schedule your free consultation!

Recognizing Signs of Depression in Teens

Children and teenagers may experience depression differently than adults, however like their adult counterparts, children and adolescent sufferers are at an increased risk of attempting or committing suicide. According to Wikipedia, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) found that up to 7% of teenagers who develop depression may commit suicide. Additionally, they report that suicide is the third leading cause of death among teenagers who are 15 – 19 years old.

It’s normal for adolescents to go through ups and downs especially as they have to navigate through hormonal changes, peer pressure and other stressors. However, if the “lows” persist for more than a few weeks, they could be depressed. If signs of depression continue to get worse, it’s time to get help. These symptoms would be a departure from the teenager’s previous attitude, mood, or behavior.

Symptoms of Depression

Depression does not get better on its own. It can get worse and lead to more severe issues if left untreated. It also puts teenagers at higher risk for suicide, so it’s important to seek help immediately.

Sadness which doesn’t seem to go away and can cause crying spells for no apparent reason.
Frustration
Anger
Hopelessness
Loss of interest in activities
Feeling guilty
Ongoing fatigue
Headaches and other physical aches and pains
Increased sensitivity to criticism
Changes in weight
Trouble concentrating (grades may be affected)
Feeling worthless
Fixation on failures
Self-criticism
Low self-esteem
Frequent thoughts of suicide or death

Behavioral Changes to Watch Out For

Adolescents’ behavioral changes associated with depression can be different from that of adults’. For example, children or teenagers may begin to “act out” their feelings of depression by becoming more rebellious or having angry outbursts. Other behavioral changes that could be signs of depression include:

Sleeping too much and/or no motivation to get out of bed in the morning
Not being able to sleep
Decreased or increased appetite which may manifest as losing or gaining weight
Restlessness/agitation – this can manifest as not being able to sit still, pacing, or becoming more fidgety
Use of alcohol or drugs
Complaints of aches and pains or not feeling well – this may lead to increased visits to see the school nurse or being absent from school
Isolation from social situations or family participation
A decline in academic performance or a sudden decrease in grades
Not paying attention to hygiene or less time spent on personal appearance
Being quick to anger or lose temper
Risky or reckless behavior
Self-harm – this can include cutting
Excessive use of smart phone or internet (this can also increase depression symptoms)
Low energy levels, feeling fatigued
Problems at school including absenteeism and tardiness
Getting into trouble at school for behavior issues
Getting into trouble with the law

If you’re a teenager and you are experiencing these types of feelings or behavior, it’s important to reach out for help. Talk to someone such as a parent, friend, teacher, coach, school counselor, or another family member.

If your home situation is dysfunctional or you are a victim of abuse, talk to a relative or a teacher or counselor. Tell somebody. You do not ever deserve to be abused by anyone, whether it’s from a bully, a boyfriend or girlfriend, a parent, or anyone else.

If you are a parent of a depressed teenager, take action. Talk with your teen. Encourage open dialogue. Get help. Your child’s pediatrician or family doctor is a good place to start. Create a safe environment where your teen feels comfortable talking to you about serious issues by not being judgmental or getting mad at them about the feelings that they are experiencing. If you feel your teen needs counseling, get a referral from your doctor, or even the school nurse or guidance counselor.

When to Get Emergency Help

If you are having thoughts of suicide or of harming yourself, CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY. Don’t isolate yourself. Tell someone how you are feeling, such as your parent, teacher, a relative, friends, etc. If you are alone, get out around people where you will be less likely to harm yourself.

If you are a parent and you are afraid that your child is at risk of harming themselves or others, call 911. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR CHILD ALONE.

Other options if you or your teen are having suicidal thoughts include:

Call the suicide hotline. Someone will answer the phone 24/7. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline telephone number is 1-800-273-TALK (8255). You can also go to their webchat at suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat.
Call TEENLINE 24/7 at 800-852-8336.
Call SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) at 1-800-487-4889. They are also available 24/7 and all calls are confidential.
If you are a victim of domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
Contact your family doctor, pediatrician, or mental health professional.

Causes of Depression

Hormonal imbalances
Brain chemistry changes
Chronic pain or illness
Having an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia
Physical illness
ADHD or other learning disability
Obesity
Being bullied
Trauma from abuse or violence
Confusion regarding sexual identify, especially in an unsupportive environment
Death of a loved one
Parents divorcing
Early childhood traumas including emotional, physical, or sexual abuse
Spending too much time on social media
Loneliness or feeling socially isolated
Peer pressure
Witnessing violence such as physical or sexual abuse
Unhealthy or dysfunctional family environment such as having a parent who is an alcoholic, drug addict, or is chronically ill
Other mental illness such as anxiety or being bipolar
Alcohol or drug abuse

Prevention

It’s impossible to prevent everything that can cause depression, however there are ways to help. One way is to talk about it or reach out for support especially during crises.

For parents, seek out treatment for your teenager at the earliest sign of a problem. The pediatrician or family practitioner is often a good place to start and they can provide a referral for a mental health specialist. Maintain ongoing treatment or counseling to help prevent recurrence.

Your Life Matters

It may feel like you’re alone or that your situation won’t improve. Those are symptoms of the depression. If you feel suicidal or are having thoughts of suicide, call 911 or the Suicide Hotline, and tell someone else how you’re feeling.

Dr. Taylor and our staff at A Perfect Smile care about all of our family of patients in the community. We recognize that depression and suicide are serious public health problems and we hope this information is helpful.

Braces and Candy

With the arrival of Easter on Sunday, we wanted to remind our patients about some of the challenges with braces and candy. Sugar, and especially candy can be more troublesome to deal with for those wearing braces. Some candies have a tendency to stick to brackets and wires more so than others. In fact, candy that is particularly sticky or nutty can even damage your braces.

Candies like these don’t just get stuck in braces; they can become embedded in the wires which can loosen or distort them. Some of the worst offenders include:

Jelly beans
Caramel
Starbursts
Toffy
Jaw breakers
Taffy
Nutty bars containing peanuts or almonds
M&Ms
Skittles

It’s best to stick with softer type candies such as peanut butter cups or plain chocolate bars. Fortunately, a chocolate Easter bunny would be an example of a great choice of candy for someone wearing braces!

Dental Hygiene Challenges for Braces and Candy

Sugar from candy can cause cavities and this is especially true if you have braces since the candy can sit against your teeth for hours after eating. It hides in all of the nooks and crannies which can cause bacteria to quickly form and lead to tooth decay.

AAO - Brushing And Flossing While Wearing Braces

Watch this video on YouTube

Practicing good dental hygiene habits consistently will ensure that your teeth stay healthy throughout the treatment duration of your braces so that once you have them removed, you will have both a beautiful and a healthy smile!

We recommend brushing twice a day AND after every meal. It’s a good idea to have an arsenal of tools on hand to help to keep your teeth clean and healthy such as:

Soft toothbrush (be sure and replace every three months)
Waxed dental floss
A gentle mouthwash that kills bacteria to rinse with
An interproximal brush (this is a kind of tooth brush that looks similar to a pipe cleaner)
Floss threader

Start out by brushing your teeth in small circular motions and be sure to spend about 2 minutes thoroughly brushing. Don’t forget the inside of your teeth as well. Brush the roof of your mouth lightly and also your tongue. This will help loosen and wash away any bacteria that might be lurking about.

Next, use your interproximal brush gently to get down between braces and make sure that any food buildup is removed. Work around and between your braces but use a light touch so that you don’t damage them.

And lastly, after rinsing your mouth out with water, rinse with a mouthwash that helps to kill bacteria.

Following these steps every day will help keep the cavities away! And don’t forget to see your dentist every 6 months for a checkup and teeth cleaning. Having braces does require a few extra steps in your hygiene routine. Just always remember to keep the end goal in mind – a beautiful and healthy new smile!

From Dr. Taylor and the staff at A Perfect Smile Orthodontics, we’d like to wish everyone a Happy Easter and a fun filled day spent with family and friends. May the miracle of this sacred holiday bring each of you peace and happiness!

Baby Teeth and Orthodontics

Timing of Loss of Baby Teeth and Orthodontics Treatment

There is a direct link between the timing of the loss of baby teeth and Orthodontics treatment. Most children begin to lose their primary (baby) teeth around age 6 and will continue to do so until they are around 12. These are just the averages ages; some kids will start a little early, and others will start a bit later which can be completely normal.

Usually, the baby teeth are lost in the order that they came in. For example, kids will lose their two front bottom teeth first, and then their two front top teeth. The side teeth are lost next, with the molars being the last to fall out, usually by 12-years old. Wisdom teeth don’t come in until sometime between 17 and 21 years old. The American Dental Association has a chart that helps show the order of the loss and eruption of primary and permanent teeth: https://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Publications/Files/patient_56.pdf?la=en.

Loss of Early Primary Baby Teeth and Orthodontics

Baby teeth are actually formed while the fetus is still in the womb, however they won’t begin to emerge until around 6-months of age. Children will usually have all twenty of their baby teeth by the time they’re 3-years old.

Baby teeth hold space for the permanent teeth that will come in later. When a child is young and their jaws are continuing to form, there isn’t enough room in the mouth for the larger, permanent teeth. Thus, those teeth will come in beginning with the front teeth first, just the same as the baby teeth did so that the jaw will be large and strong enough to handle the permanent teeth as it grows.

Some kids can lose a baby tooth early. This can be caused by trauma to the mouth/tooth or a cavity. In some children, genetics play a role on when they lose their baby teeth so it’s not necessarily unusual for the process to begin a little early or a little late.

Early primary tooth loss can also be caused by tooth decay that occurs when the child is using a bottle and it’s left in the mouth for too long (such as when a baby falls asleep) because sugars in the milk or juice can cause bacteria to form.

The permanent teeth grow under the baby teeth and as a permanent tooth starts to emerge, the root of the baby tooth will die off, causing the tooth to be loose. Once this process is complete, the tooth falls out and the new tooth should come in within a month or two.

If the baby tooth has been damaged, it may fall out before the permanent tooth is ready to come in. This can cause future problems with baby teeth and orthodontics may be needed. If a primary tooth falls out too early, it leaves a space. With no permanent tooth coming in behind it to fill the space, the other teeth in the mouth will start to shift towards each other and fill the space. This in turn, creates crowding issues once the permanent tooth is ready to come in which will likely warrant orthodontic treatment such as braces or an extraction later on in order to correct the crowding.

Delayed Loss of Primary Baby Teeth and Orthodontics

If the baby teeth are late in emerging, a different set of challenges can occur because the permanent teeth can start to come in while the baby teeth are still in the mouth. It can look as if there are two rows of teeth in the mouth. This process causes the adult teeth to come in crooked which will require orthodontic treatment to straighten them with braces later on.

Early Orthodontic Intervention

If your child has lost a baby tooth and 2 to 3 months have gone by without the adult tooth coming in, it’s time to see an orthodontist. The orthodontist can place a “space maintainer” (either removable or fixed) between the existing teeth in order to hold that space for the permanent tooth and prevent the other teeth from moving in to fill it.

If a primary tooth is missing for too long, it can cause the other teeth in the mouth surrounding that tooth to become loose because they’re not supported which will cause them to move.

Some space maintainers are removable but these are generally only used by a child old enough to know how and when to remove it and to keep it clean. For younger children, or for back teeth, a fixed maintainer is appropriate. It’s attached to the two surrounding teeth by a cement bond and can be taken off by the orthodontist once the permanent tooth emerges.

For those children who have baby teeth that are delayed in falling out and the permanent teeth are starting to come in, orthodontic treatment is needed as well. After a thorough examination, the orthodontist may want to go ahead and extract the baby tooth in order to make room for the permanent one.

Even if you don’t notice these types of issues occurring with your child, it’s still a good idea for an orthodontic exam at age 7 to see if there are any problems developing with the jaw. Most of the baby teeth are still in place at this time and it’s good to have a specialist identify whether or not there is anything that needs attention.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends this too for all kids. To read more about the advantages of early orthodontic treatment and how it can prevent or reduce treatment time later on: https://www.aaoinfo.org/system/files/media/documents/Right_Time_for_Ortho-MLMS-hl.pdf.

Free Consultation at A Perfect Smile!

Dr. Taylor offers all of his patients a complimentary consultation that includes a complete exam with x-rays.

We would be happy to evaluate your child at no cost to you.

To schedule your free consultation, click HERE: https://www.aperfectsmileorthodontics.com/free-consultation/.

The timing of when your child loses their baby teeth and orthodontics treatment to prevent overly crowded or crooked permanent teeth is very important.

Catching any issues early can save you and your child from more extensive Orthodontic Treatment later.

Preparing Your Child for Braces

Sitting down and researching this as a family can be a fun way for your child or teen to feel involved and have some control over the process. Lots of kids are enthusiastic about using colored rubber bands. These are used with metal and porcelain braces to adhere the brackets to the adjustment wire and are changed out at every visit. They can be customized to be as colorful and flamboyant as your child desires. Clear or white bands are also available to create a less obvious “braces” look.

Our state of the art offices provide lots of fun things for your kids including a 25 seat HD movie theater. This can free you up to spend some time with Dr. Taylor going over some of the things that kids may find boring. There are also rewards programs and contests for the kiddos to participate in!

The Adjustment Period

Having braces applied doesn’t hurt. In fact, there’s no need for a numbing shot. They may feel some pressure on their teeth, but that’s about it.

A big part of preparing your child for braces is to go over what to expect during the adjustment period. It may take about a week before they’re comfortable “in their teeth” again. The important thing to remember is that this only lasts about a week.

There may be some mild irritation to the inside of the mouth. This is caused by the hardware rubbing or chafing against the mouth or lips. Fortunately, orthodontic wax (also called dental wax) can solve this problem immediately. All they will need to do is pinch off a piece of wax and place it right over the bracket causing the irritation. The wax will stick. It’s always a good idea to send some extra wax with your child when they leave the house so they’ll always have it when needed. Warm, wet tea bags can also be soothing to sore spots in the mouth.

The teeth may be a little sore in the beginning too. (This also can occur after braces are adjusted each month). Ibuprofen helps a lot but it’s a good idea to have plenty of soft foods on hand. Things like rice, pasta and soup are all good choices while the mouth adapts to braces. Chilled foods such as ice cream or popsicles can be soothing as well.

Food Cautions

When preparing your child for braces it’s very important that they understand they may need to change the way they eat some foods. Things like apples, carrots, hard breads, hard crackers, etc., should be cut up before eating rather than biting into them. The reason for this is because taking a bite can cause breakage of the braces on the front teeth. Corn that’s on the cob should be sliced off first as well.

A few types of food should be avoided altogether so as not to cause breakage:

Toffee
Caramel
Popcorn
Gum
Ice
Hard candies
Chewy or sticky candy

AAO - What to Eat When You Have Braces

Watch this video on YouTube

Your child will also want to avoid foods or drinks that have strong colors such as berries or grape juice. These can permanently stain rubber bands or clear, porcelain braces and wires.

It’s a good idea to avoid or reduce consumption of sugary foods and drinks. Fructose and other forms of sugar can cause cavities and with braces on teeth, there are more nooks and crannies for bacteria to form.

Dr. Taylor is a Board-Certified Orthodontist and the only licensed Invisalign® provider in the valley. He and our staff are committed to making each experience easy, fun, and exceptional! We are happy to help prepare you and your child for braces.

Signs you may need to see an Orthodontist

Crooked teeth aren’t the only reason to see an orthodontist. There are other issues that can affect the bite, jaw and tooth health which can have adverse effects on overall long-term wellness. If left untreated, some conditions can lead to increased tooth decay, gum disease, headaches, earaches, biting and chewing problems, and can even cause trouble speaking.

Signs that you may need to see an orthodontist may include:

Chewing or biting difficulty
A jaw that makes sounds such as popping or clicking noises
A jaw that shifts with movement
Cheek biting
Jaw pain, or TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction)
Uneven or excessive wear on teeth
Frequent headaches that may radiate to the ears or neck
Overbite
Underbite
Teeth that either meet abnormally or do not meet at all
Grinding teeth
Teeth that seem out of proportion to the face
Extra teeth
Crowding teeth
Spaces between teeth
Trouble chewing certain foods

These can be symptoms of such conditions as malocclusions, misaligned jaws, and teeth. Different types of malocclusions such as crossbites, underbites, overbites, and open bites will grow worse over time. They can place extra stress on the jaw muscles causing chronic pain in not only the jaw, but also the neck and shoulder. If a malocclusion is not corrected, it can even cause the face to grow asymmetrically.

Dr. Taylor is a board certified orthodontist and an expert who is trained to diagnose and treat these irregularities. It’s a good idea to have your child come in for a visit at age 6 to 7 to see if any of these irregularities are presenting. Depending on the severity of the condition, Dr. Taylor can determine if early intervention is necessary or if it’s okay to wait until the child is a little older.

Ideally, the best time for a child to get braces is between the ages of 10 and 14 while the child’s jaw and head are still growing. Teeth are easier to straightening during this time period too. However, a person is never too old to see an orthodontist and have any issues corrected; we have many adult patients who are much happier and more confident with their beautiful new smiles after treatment! A lot of them are surprised to learn that there are so many options available that fit easily into their lifestyles.

We offer several different braces options for both children and adults. Invisalign® is often a perfect choice since the trays used are almost totally invisible. Dr. Taylor is the Valley’s only Invisalign® premier provider. If for some reason you are not a candidate for Invisalign® and are concerned about braces showing, we also offer clear braces which a lot of adults prefer.

Traditional metal braces are much smaller than they used to be making them easier on the mouth and less obvious than in years past. A lot of kids and teenagers enjoy making them more fun with the use of colored bands and can change the look with each adjustment appointment!

Dr. Taylor and our team at A Perfect Smile invite you to come in for a consultation to address whether or not you or your child have conditions which may not be as obvious as crooked teeth, but which will affect long-term health if not addressed.

The first appointment is always free and includes an exam including x-rays. Our facility is state of the art and up to date on all of 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 with us as smooth and enjoyable as possible!

We use a scanner and 3D Printer for our dental impressions and models!

What’s so exciting about having a 3D Printer? Well, have you been to a Dentist and had to get an impression of your teeth made? They put this purple or grey colored gooey goop in your mouth that makes you almost gag. It tastes bitter and you have to leave it in your mouth until it sets and then it is pried off of your teeth? Well, if you have had that experience you won’t forget it. It’s not pleasant.

Well, at A Perfect Smile Orthodontics, you won’t have to go through any of that. We pride ourselves on staying ahead of the game when it comes to technology so that our patients always receive the best care in the Valley.

Improving our patients’ experience is very important to us and we are excited to share that we are now have a 3D printer! We are able to generate an exact 3D replica of your teeth and your bite which means less messy dental trays to get impressions! The conventional model of obtaining plaster-like molds involves putting goopy trays in your mouth to get a “model” of your teeth. It takes a few minutes and requires the patient to wait until the product “sets.”

For Invisalign patients, now, all we have to do is perform a scan and voila! We are able to get a perfect 3D replica of your teeth! This state of the art technology allows us to show you digitally how your teeth will move into a perfect position. It also allows for faster service since Dr. Taylor can now create the prescription for your custom Invisalign aligners on site!

We are also using the 3D printer to make retainers for ALL of our patients after their braces treatment has been completed. This makes it fast and easy to transition out of braces.

There are also times when a patient has a relapse because of poor retainer wear compliance, and we now have the ability to print retainers from the patient’s final scan and use this as an aligner to correct the lapse! Many of our patients have been both relieved and surprised that we can do this so easily and quickly!

Dr. Taylor’s office is the only practice that currently has a 3D printer in all of South Texas! We are dedicated to our patients having an awesome experience with us and having a 3-D printer is just one more way that we can make that happen!

So say Goodbye to goopy, icky and gagging impressions and Hello to more modern technology at A Perfect Smile Orthodontics!

Online Clear Aligners

Do-It-Yourself Online Clear Aligners are being heavily advertised as an inexpensive “at-home” treatment to straighten your teeth. It is important to understand that these products are gimmicks intended to make money. The owners of these companies have little regard for patient health, quality of treatment, and they do not yield results that are acceptable to the standard of care maintained by the American Board of Orthodontists. These companies claim to be able to do so remotely and at a much lower cost than traditional methods. The initial process involves either a photo scan of your teeth, or they will send you a kit to make a 3-D impression, which you then mail back to them. X-rays are never taken and a patient’s proper diagnosis is never done. In fact, we have seen many patients in our consultation room who tried “at-home” aligners with very poor results. They are now starting treatment with Dr. Taylor and regret wasting time and money on these products.

Dr. Taylor is a Board Certified Orthodontist and he will take measurements, several x-rays and photos and a 3D scan of how the jaw and teeth fit together in order to properly diagnose malocclusion. He will also closely monitor progression and identify and correct potential problems throughout treatment. Poorly done orthodontics can be disastrous and potentially cause permanent damage such as TMJ (where the jaw is not properly aligned), and serous occlusal issues later in life. Periodontal disease and even tooth loss can occur as a result of unmonitored or poorly diagnosed orthodontics.

Here is what the medical community has to say about Online Clear Aligners:

The American Association of Orthodontists issued a Consumer Alert on 1/31/2015 regarding the risks involved with “Do It Yourself” Teeth Straightening Products. It states:

Consumers who may be considering “do it yourself” orthodontic treatment should be aware that they may be putting their teeth, gums, and bones of the jaws in harm’s way. This alert is predicted by the uptick and availability of such products available online and in retail stores ……. Any time a dental procedure is undertaken by an untrained, unsupervised individual there is substantial risk for irreparable damage. “The American Association of Orthodontists is committed to consumer health and safety and urges anyone considering any type of teeth straightening procedure to see an orthodontic specialist,” says Robert Varner, DMD, president of the AAO………Aligning jaws, straightening teeth, and correcting bites should begin with a comprehensive examination by an orthodontist, not with a few clicks on a computer screen, and not without the supervision of a qualified dental professional. Throughout orthodontic treatment, and through regularly scheduled appointments, orthodontists assess the movement of teeth, bone, and soft tissue, and make the necessary adjustments to advance the process.”

To become an orthodontist, it takes an additional 2-3 years of education after dental school. Orthodontists are specialists who treat dental and facial irregularities to correctly align one’s teeth, bite and jaw. They are experts in occlusion (the meeting of the upper and lower teeth, bone physiology, and bone development).The essential difference between online clear aligners and proper orthodontic treatment is this: The manufacturers of Online Clear Aligners are offering a PRODUCT; aligners. The regulatory safeguards that protect the consumer are nonexistent.

Conversely, an orthodontist offers SERVICES, KNOWLEDGE, MEDICAL EXPERTISE and a PRODUCT; straight teeth, a healthy mouth and a beautiful smile.

Dr. David Taylor, of A Perfect Smile Orthodontics in McAllen, Texas, is a Board Certified Orthodontist and an Elite Provider of Invisalign. We offer a complementary consultation including a 3D scan of your mouth to be able to fully evaluate your orthodontic needs. He has treated thousands of patients with excellent results.

Call: 956.443.3579

How Old Do You Have To Be To Get Braces?

Many people are uncertain about if they should consider braces for young children and if so, at what age should they see an orthodontist for the first time?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children first be evaluated at age 7. You do not need a referral to schedule this appointment at A Perfect Smile Orthodontics. Dr. Taylor will not generally recommend any treatment for children between ages 7 and 9, but he will monitor their growth and development and the overall oral health. If limited orthodontic treatment (Phase 1) is recommended it is likely because the child has primary dentition (baby teeth) preventing the proper development of the permanent teeth or early identified malocclusion. Done at the right time, Phase 1 treatments may lessen the need for surgery, more invasive procedures, or adult teeth extractions in the future. Also, if a child is experiencing social discomforts with their teeth, limited orthodontic treatments can be recommended that will greatly improve the smile while waiting for development of the adult teeth and the right time for full orthodontic treatment. A child’s smile can be very important to their overall self esteem going into their teen years, Phase 1 orthodontic treatment can have life changing positive results.

Your child’s pediatric dentist or general dentist may or may not recognize the need for early treatment, that’s why the first consultation with a Board Certified Orthodontist at age 7 is so important. Orthodontists have specialized training in craniofacial development, skeletal growth patterns, and tooth development and can identify potential problems in young children. This consultation is always complimentary with Dr. Taylor at A Perfect Smile Orthodontics.

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