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!

Summer is a Great Time to Get Braces

The summer break is just a few weeks away! School will be 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 or teenager 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 the time and expense of braces treatment later on. Generally, the best time for most kids to get braces is between the ages of 11 and 14. However, those ages aren’t set in stone. Really, anyone can get braces at any age!

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 discussing 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 the teeth.

Orthodontic technology has come a long way, but there will still be a minor adjustment 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 excellent 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/teen 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 bread, 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 altogether 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.

Young people 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 offer 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!

Contact Us

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns about your orthodontic health. Simply call us at 956.630.6166, or complete the form below and we'll get back to you.

What Better Time to Get Braces While Everyone is Wearing Masks Again!

Unfortunately, this time of year, we are seeing spikes of COVID-19 all over the country. This is extremely disheartening, and after almost 2-years, we are all tired of dealing with it. Now that we are having to “mask up” again, wearing a mask does make it easier to keep your braces more hidden, until you have time to get used to them.

Traditional metal braces have come a long way. Several years ago, large metal brackets which were very obvious were placed on teeth, which sparked the nickname, “Metal Mouth” for lots of kids.

These days, brackets are much smaller and a lot less noticeable. Lots of our kids are even excited to get them since many of their friends already have braces, and they can even customize their look with colored rubber bands every time they have a follow-up appointment!

Some folks may still be a little hesitant though about wearing traditional types of braces because they can take a little getting used to and no one wants to be called a “Metal Mouth!” Metal braces today most certainly don’t look like they used to, but like with anything that affects appearance, it is usually the individual who’s more self-conscious, and most other people will barely notice them.

However, if you or your child have any hesitation at all about any possible stigma associated with braces, now is a great time to get them while everyone is wearing masks! This will allow you time to adjust to your new look without having to worry about what others might think!

Get Started Now with a Free Consultation!

Call us at 956.630.6166!

If appearance is a serious concern for you, we do offer options such as clear braces which use porcelain, clear, or tooth-colored brackets, or Invisalign, which are clear trays that are used to move teeth.

Dr. Taylor is the only orthodontist in the Rio Grande Valley who is an “Elite” status Invisalign provider. He’s also a Board-certified orthodontist who has provided braces of all kinds for hundreds of both children and adults and will work with you to make sure that you are happy with your choice of braces.

We take pride in providing the best care for both adults and children in a family-friendly environment so that all of our patients look forward to coming in for their visits! Dr. Taylor and his wife, Sara, are proud members of the community and strive to make each patient feel like they are part of the family.

Come in For a Free, No-Obligation Consultation!

Dr. Taylor and Dr.Mekrakasik offer a free, no-obligation consultation to anyone considering braces. Our family-friendly environment is welcoming to patients of all ages and our staff is eager to help you with your orthodontic needs!

Your consultation includes a complete, painless exam which will include x-rays. We can go over exactly what to expect and what options work best based on your individual needs and budget.

We believe that financial considerations should not be an obstacle to obtaining a healthy, beautiful smile. We are sensitive to the fact that people have different financial situations and can provide you with several payment plan options.

Get Started Now!

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

Can Pacifiers and Thumb Sucking Cause Orthodontic Damage?

The act of sucking is natural for all babies, most even begin in the womb. After all, it is the motion that will sustain their lives for many months to come. It is comforting, soothing and teaches them to accept nourishment.

Many parents chose to provide pacifiers as a calming tool as well. Most babies will stop the practice of thumb/finger sucking and pacifier use on their own as they age. Others will continue, which can cause significant damage to the teeth and bite over time.

At A Perfect Smile Orthodontics, we are very familiar with the results of the prolonged habit, and can help rebuild your child’s smiles, should any problems develop. Dr.Taylor, Dr. Mekraksakit, and our amazing staff will work with you step by step to help overcome any orthodontic issues that may have been presented.

Get Started Now!

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

Potential Problems

The length of time and intensity of thumb sucking and pacifier use can be a major factor for potential teeth and jaw problems. If a child maintains the habit past the age of 4 or 5, or if they are very aggressive with the sucking, the possibility of problems increases. Some of these problems can include:

Teeth Alignment – the front top teeth will begin to protrude out and the lower teeth to lean in towards the tongue.
Jaw – the upper jaw can narrow causing a cross-bite where the upper and lower teeth do not line up. Or an open bite can occur so the teeth do not overlap properly
Speech – Normal, straight teeth help us to pronounce our words. Lisps can occur lasting into adulthood if not treated
Face Structure – The shape of our jaws affects the shape of our face, if the jaw is affected, the face shape could be as well.

Contributing Factors

Other factors that influence the severity of future problems are duration, frequency, and intensity of the habit.

Duration – If a child stops the habit before 4 or 5 years of age, less damage will occur. The baby teeth may still grow unnaturally, but the permanent teeth still have a chance of forming normally, with limited damage to the jaw and facial structure.
Frequency – Most children only suck their thumbs for short periods of time, others will suck all day and into the night. If the frequency is high, the risks for damage to teeth and jaw are higher.
Type of Sucking – Some children will simply lay their finger or thumb in their mouth others will actually suck with more force. The harder they suck, the more damage they can do.

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!”

The important thing to remember is that ALL babies have natural rooting and sucking reflexes. It is only when it becomes a habit that it can cause lasting damage. If you have a child that continues to suck their thumb or pacifier past 3 years of age, it may be time to seek help to eliminate the habit. We highly recommend you have your child examined by an orthodontist by age 7 to determine if they may need orthodontic assistance to reverse any adverse effects of thumb sucking or pacifier use. The reason for this is because, by 7-years of age, potential orthodontic problems can start to emerge. If this occurs, Dr. David Taylor and Dr. Moura can determine when a treatment plan might be appropriate.

Our Friendly Staff at A Perfect Smile Orthodontics are Here to Help!

We will begin with a FREE, no-obligation, consultation. We will take x-rays and provide a full exanimation to determine the extent of possible damage, as well as offer treatment options, complete with costs involved and numerous financing options so that orthodontics can be affordable for just about everyone!

We always take the time to explain your treatment options, answer your questions and make sure you’re comfortable with your care. Together, you’ll discover just how straight and beautiful your smile can be. Our free orthodontic consultation will help you find your child’s best and most affordable braces option. We look forward to working with you to achieve your child’s Perfect Smile!

Get Started Now!

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

A Perfect Smile for the New Year!

Happy New Year From All of us at A Perfect Smile!

What will you resolve to do in 2021? Usually, resolutions include things like eating less or getting in shape, but this year, why not try something different? If you’ve ever wanted a beautiful and healthy smile, there’s no time like the present! As parents, we tend to always put our children first, but if you are not satisfied with your smile, we can help you too!

Very kind people! 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.

At A Perfect Smile Orthodontics, we can help you to realize your resolution by offering the best possible care at affordable prices in a warm and caring environment. Our mission is to provide the highest quality orthodontic care for our patients and ensure that every guest has a positive and enjoyable experience every time they visit our practice!

We treat children and adults of all ages, and strive to make you feel at home. Our friendly and compassionate staff go the extra mile to make sure your visits are pleasant and pain-free.

Get Started Now!

Call us at 956.630.6166, or complete the form below and we will contact you!

Dr. Taylor and Dr. Mekraksakit are here to help you achieve your 2021 goals! We offer a wide variety of options for braces, some of which are invisible! We have many finance plans and accept insurance. Additionally, we provide a FREE, no obligation consultation to go over all options available to you! We are committed to helping you select what works best for you or your family members.

Oral Health Impacts Overall Health

You may not be aware, but there are significant health benefits to having well-aligned teeth and jaws. In addition to affecting physical health, it also affects mental health. Malocclusion can cause oral health issues which can affect your overall health especially as you start to get older. Everybody knows about the importance of good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. But misaligned teeth can cause a lot of dental problems including:

Increased plaque and decay. Crowded or misaligned teeth can constantly trap food particles in small cracks and crevices. Even with brushing and flossing, it can be difficult to get into those tiny areas, which can lead to cavities and more expensive and time-consuming dental procedures.
Gum disease. There are different stages to gum disease, which can cause major problems with oral health, which also affects overall health.
Jaw disorders and pain. If the jaw or teeth are not aligned properly, you may experience chronic headaches, jaw popping, and TMJ.
Speech problems. The tongue has as much to do with speech as the voice. If your tongue is hampered by teeth that restrict its movement, you may have trouble annunciating, or speak with a lisp.
Breathing problems. Depending on the severity of malocclusion, your ability to breathe properly can be affected. This, in and of itself, can cause health problems too.
Not being able to properly digest food. If you can’t chew well because of a misaligned bite, you may not be breaking down your food well which can lead to digestive issues.
Facial asymmetry if the upper and lower jaw are not aligning properly.

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!”

Self Esteem and Self-Confidence

Unfortunately, both kids and adults can experience self-esteem issues if they are embarrassed by their smile. Teenagers can be particularly brutal to kids that have orthodontic issues. Adults can experience problems too with the way they feel about themselves, and it’s not uncommon for anyone with crooked teeth to find themselves smiling with their mouths closed, or covering their mouths with their hand when speaking, smiling, laughing, or eating in public.

Free Consultation!

Here at A Perfect Smile, we strive to make it as easy and feasible as possible for you to get the smile you’ve always dreamed of. We offer payment options to fit just about every budget, because it is our mission to provide both exceptional and affordable orthodontic treatment. We accept insurance and will be happy to check with your provider to see if you have orthodontic benefits. Even if you do not, we offer in-house financing with low monthly payments. We also accept Care Credit.

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

At your free consultation, we will provide a thorough examination including x-rays. Once this is completed, we’ll sit down with you and go over the various options for braces depending on your situation and budget, and can give you a price quote as well. In addition to offering traditional braces and clear, ceramic braces, we also offer Invisalign, which is a method of straightening teeth that is virtually invisible. In fact, Dr. Taylor is an Elite status Invisalign provider and has treated hundreds of patients, some of whom that were told previously that they weren’t a candidate for Invisalign. This is a common option for adults, since your “braces” are invisible, even at close range.

Give us a call today for your FREE consultation, and make 2021 the year that you realize your dream of a perfect and beautiful smile!

Get Started Now!

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

Caring For Your Braces During The Holidays

The holidays are upon us again, which for most of us means family, fun and food. It is the time of the year we look forward to most, especially after the year we’ve just been through. Even if you are celebrating on a lower scale, it is important to remember to take extra care with your braces during the holiday season.

If you have been reluctant to maintain your regular orthodontic visits, we strongly recommend you plan to visit our office before the holiday festivities. It is our responsibility to ensure that your braces are in good condition, and doing the job they were meant to. The last thing you want or need is unnecessary pain or discomfort while you are celebrating, plus, we would love to see your smiling face!

A Friendly Reminder on Caring for Your Teeth Throughout the Holidays

You likely already know the foods and drinks to avoid and those won’t change over the holidays; there will just be so much more of them to resist!
We would just like to kindly remind you of the things that are best avoided, some more than others. Here are our suggestions:

Must Avoid:

Hard candies- beside the sugar being bad for your teeth and braces, it is also possible for the candies to damage your braces or wires. Unfortunately, this does include candy canes! You can break them off into little pieces and suck on them, but it is not a good idea to bite into them or try and chew.
Sticky treats – The gooey, yummy stuff that can wreck havoc on your braces such as, gum, caramel, peanut butter, toffy, etc.
Non-edible objects – often in times of stress, out of habit we chew on things not meant for our mouths such as pens or fingernails. It is easy to do this without even realizing we are, so please be mindful of what you are putting into your mouth.
Nuts and Seedy foods – nuts, chips, fruit containing seeds, any food that can leave small hard pieces in your mouth and between your wires and teeth.
Harder, crunchier fare – Raw fruits and vegetables should not be bitten into. Instead, cut into little pieces and enjoy!
Jerky, hard bread and snacks.
Ice – Don’t crunch on the ice! This is a frequent cause of brace and bracket damage.

Must enjoy:

Well cooked, soft meats and vegetables.
Soft breads, muffins, pies and cakes.
Soft fruits.
Yogurt.
Cheeses.
Eggs.

We all know that sugar is the ultimate NO. No for teeth and braces, but let’s face it, there are simply some comfort and traditional foods we want to enjoy during our holiday season. If you chose NOT to avoid that sweet treats, then take care in moderation.

Manageable bites – cut your treat into smaller pieces that are easier to chew effectively, or simply suck on.
Smaller portions – it really isn’t necessary to have a large portion just to satisfy our comfort food craving. Take a smaller portion of several things and enjoy the season.
Brush, brush, brush – make sure you are upping your dental hygiene game by brushing extra, flossing and rinsing. It is imperative for oral health!

If you do damage your braces or arch wires, give us a call and we will get you in as soon as possible so you can continue to enjoy your holiday without discomfort.

If you are traveling, be sure to pack extra bands and wax. Don’t forget the retainer and mouthguard! The last thing you want during your holiday is to be unprepared when you are not at home. If you are Invisalign user, take care to use your Invisalign case so that you don’t accidently leave your tray on a napkin or throw it away.

Most importantly, please enjoy your holiday season! And remember, Dr. Taylor and all of us at A Perfect Smile are here for your orthodontic needs. Our mission is to provide exceptional, affordable orthodontic treatment to anyone in the Rio Grande Valley. We value all of you and want to make sure that you receive the finest orthodontic care available, and make your visits, easy, enjoyable, and quick!

Dr. Taylor and Dr. Moura and the Entire Staff at A Perfect Smile Orthodontics Wish All of You a Safe and Happy Holiday Season!

What Better Time to get Braces Than While Everyone is Wearing Masks!

Traditional metal braces have come a long way. Several years ago, large metal brackets which were very obvious were placed on teeth, which sparked the nickname, “Metal Mouth” for lots of kids.

Get Started Now with a Free Consultation!

Call us at 956.630.6166!

If appearance is a serious concern for you, we do offer options such as clear braces which use porcelain, clear, or tooth-colored brackets or Invisalign, which are clear trays that are used to move teeth.

Come in For a Free, No Obligation Consultation!

Dr. Taylor and Dr. Moura offer a free, no-obligation consultation to anyone considering braces. Our family-friendly environment is welcoming to patients of all ages and our staff is eager to help you with your orthodontic needs!

Your consultation includes a complete, painless exam which will include x-rays. We can go over exactly what to expect and what options work best based on your individual needs and budget.

Get Started Now!

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

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.

Contact Us

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns about your orthodontic health. Simply call us at 956.630.6166, or complete the form below and we'll get back to you.

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!

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

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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.

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