A Perfect Smile Orthodontics

McAllen Orthodontist providing Braces & Invisalign

Call: 956.630.6166
Se Habla Espanol | Open Saturdays!

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

Teeth grinding and bracesThere’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!

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! 

 

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.

3D printer modelImproving 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!

Been Told Invisalign Won’t Work For You?

Have you been told by an orthodontist or general dentist that “Invisalign doesn’t work” or that braces are a better option for your orthodontic treatment?

Before giving up on clear aligners, I highly recommend getting a second opinion.

We have seen many patients in the consultation room in the last few months who have been discouraged from starting with Invisalign treatment by other orthodontists when they are a perfect candidate for clear aligner treatment.

What that orthodontist does not tell the patient is that Invisalign wont work in their office because they don’t know how to use it. It is very important to understand that the effectiveness of Invisalign treatment greatly depends on the experience level that the treating orthodontist has with the product. Unfortunately, many doctors will tell patients that Invisalign won’t work because they are inexperienced with clear aligner treatments.

So how does the patient know if the are getting the real scoop about Invisalign treatment?

Go to Invisalign’s Doctor Locator, and research the experience level each orthodontist has with Invisalign treatment in your area.

Check It Out Here

If a doctor is not listed on the site, they do not use any Invisalign in their office.

Invisalign Elite Providers and higher have significant experience with Invisalign.

Also, be wary of chain practices that carry a high Invisalign ranking across their many locations as the Doctor you will see at your appointments may have little or no experience with Invisalign at all. Or the orthodontist working for a chain practice may live in another city (Houston, Dallas, San Antonio) and will not be in the Valley for the majority of your appointments.

Dr. Taylor is an Invisalign Elite Provider and a VIP Invisalign Orthodontist who has many years of experience treating patients with Invisalign. He is the RGV’s only Invisalign Elite Provider.

During the complimentary Invisalign consultation, he will let you know If Invisalign is a possible treatment option for you. Get the results you want with Invisalign clear aligners at A Perfect Smile Orthodontics.

Best Braces for Adults

With braces there are many options to choose from, depending on your lifestyle and budget. 

Adults who make public appearances or interact with clients may prefer Invisalign Clear Aligners for aesthetic reasons. This treatment involves the use of clear, molded plastic upper and lower teeth trays that fit your teeth through each straightening stage, which is about one week per set. This series of clear, removable orthodontic aligners straighten your teeth without the use of metal or wires. Each custom-made aligner moves the teeth progressively into place. The number of trays or “aligners” depends on how much straightening you need.

Invisalign has been referred to as the “sexy” version of traditional braces as they’re almost undetectable when you’re wearing them. Because they’re a smooth plastic, they shouldn’t irritate the insides of your mouth. You may have achy issues as your teeth begin to shift with each pair of aligners, but it usually doesn’t take long for you to adjust. They’re easy to clean, partly because you have to remove them before eating, and because they’re removable, you can brush and floss without issue.

However, treatment with Invisalign requires a certain level of discipline. As they are removeable, one may be tempted to not wear them at times. Invisalign treatment requires one wear the aligners 22 hours per day, otherwise treatment may drag out for years.

If you lack discipline, you may want to consider Clear Braces for adults. They are similar to traditional braces but, rather than using metal, clear braces are made of incredibly strong clear material, making them less noticeable. Our clear braces perform beautifully for our patients. The material stays crystal clear throughout the treatment and does not yellow or stain.

If you are on a tight budget, traditional braces for adults are your best option. Traditional braces have come a long way since you were a kid. Braces have evolved over the years. The brackets used today are smaller, and no longer are bands that wrap around the tooth used. Now, the options are lighter, more comfortable, cheaper, and less noticeable.

Any braces for adults are better than no braces

In addition to the aesthetic reasons for straightening your teeth, there are important health reasons for treatment with braces. It shouldn’t be considered a luxury or “just cosmetic” — not that that’s not important for one’s self-esteem and confidence.

When you have misaligned teeth, plaque and food buildup between your teeth which can make you more prone to gum disease and increased chances of tooth decay, gum and bone loss, irregular wear of the tooth enamel and TMJ/TMD pain. Even migraines or other chronic pain in the head, neck and jaw can be caused by misalignment of the jaw. So there are real health reasons to straighten your teeth, in addition to having a more confident, beautiful smile.

Braces for Adults

Braces for AdultsYou should never consider yourself “too old” for braces. Braces for adults has become quite common. In fact, approximately one out of every four orthodontic patients is an adult. And this really only represents a small portion of adults who could actually benefit from orthodontic treatment. The increase of adult braces is mostly due to the availability of more subtle, less visible options like clear braces and Invisalign. As an adult, considering braces can be daunting in many ways. However today there are many options to accommodate most lifestyles. 

Some adults may have had straighter teeth when they were younger, or may have even had braces earlier in life. Teeth can shift with age, whether due to injury or just natural growth or other circumstances, previously straight teeth can move out of alignment.

You should know that adults’ teeth don’t move as quickly or as painlessly as children’s do, so you can expect some discomfort initially and when you get your braces adjusted. You might find you have trouble speaking and eating at first but within a few days you will get used to them and be speaking normally. 

Invisalign is a great option for Braces for Adults

One option to consider is Invisalign, which straightens your teeth by wearing clear aligners. Invisalign is basically a series of clear, customized, removable appliances called aligners. Not only are these braces less visible, but they also are removable so they won’t trap food and plaque between your teeth like metal braces. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks and only removed for eating, brushing and flossing.

Clear aligners are different from clear braces. Clear aligners are made out of clear plastic and are designed to fit into your teeth, similar to a mouth-guard. Every couple of weeks you start using a new aligner that moves your teeth a little bit more than the previous set. Over time, your teeth are gradually moved into correct alignment.

Not only is Dr. Taylor a Board Certified Orthodontist, but he is the Elite Provider of Invisalign for the Rio Grande Valley.

Clear Braces for Adults is another option

“Clear Braces” are relatively new but highly effective. These braces are very similar to traditional braces, in that they are wired in. But they are practically invisible, unlike metal braces. They are made of clear materials, making them less visible than metal braces, while also being strong and resistant to staining. Clear braces provide the same benefits as metal braces, except that they’re clear!

If you feel that you may lack the discipline required with Invisalign Clear Aligners, Clear Braces may be a better option for you. 

Are braces for adults worth the trouble?

You might ask – Is it worth it? While initially the cost of braces might seem high, rest assured they are worth it and may even save you money in the long run. Misaligned teeth, improper jaw positioning or an irregular bite can cause a myriad of problems as you age. But in addition to that, having a professional appearance and greater confidence can also have a significant positive impact on your professional and personal life – more than you may realize. 

Explore all of your options

Come in for a FREE CONSULTATION with no obligations and get everything you need to make an informed decision. Here we will take the necessary x-rays and our Board Certified Orthodontist will exam you and formulate a treatment plan and discuss all available options with you. We also have financing options to fit your budget with our in-house, interest-free financing. 

Call now to set up your Free Consultation today! 956.630.6166

 

What is an Elite Provider of Invisalign?

Invisalign Elite ProviderDr. David Taylor is an Invisalign® Elite Provider. However most people don’t really know what that means. While every dentist or orthodontist who offers this revolutionary treatment is trained by the makers of Invisalign® to become a certified provider, there are different doctor designations based on overall experience and success. 

If you’re reading this, you’re probably considering Invisalign for straightening your teeth and improving your smile. An equally important part of your decision is who will provide your treatment, guiding you through the process and ensuring success. 

Elite providers are in the top 5% of providers as designated by Invisalign. Elite Providers have been working with the Invisalign product for a long time, with at least 300 lifetime patients treated. It is the highest level of achievement for Invisalign providers.

Reasons to Choose an Invisalign Elite Provider

Significant Invisalign experience under their belt.

It’s simple—if you want your orthodontist to be the most experienced Invisalign provider available, then you should choose one with Elite Provider status. These professionals are given this designation only if they meet the experience requirements. Elite Providers make up only 5% of all Invisalign providers in North America.

Elite Providers have received the best Invisalign training.

Only an orthodontist who has completed Invisalign training is qualified to determine whether or not Invisalign treatment is right for you. Dr. Taylor has committed many hours of education on the use of Invisalign technology to ensure you receive the best quality service.

Invisalign Elite Providers can treat more complex cases.

Because of the extensive experience they have acquired, Elite Invisalign Providers are able to treat moderate to complex orthodontic cases using Invisalign’s clear removable aligners. The Elite status means these providers are qualified to plan for even complex tooth movement.

Elite Providers put their long-term experience to work for you. Keep in mind that for some Invisalign patients, particularly for more complex cases, other orthodontic treatments may be required in conjunction with Invisalign. The Elite Providers know how to move teeth, guide the jaw and improve the bite for a healthier mouth—not just how to apply Invisalign. 

An Invisalign Elite Provider  results.

Because Elite Providers are experienced, potential patients will be able to see pictures of other patient’s successes. Even some of the Smile Team or the orthodontists themselves may be currently wearing, or have worn, Invisalign before! Also, an Elite Invisalign Provider will be able to tell you how many patients they have treated.

Remember, you are not purchasing Invisalign. You are buying orthodontic expertise that will use Invisalign. The orthodontist’s level of experience is essential to your smile satisfaction. Elite Providers have achieved a significant level of experience in treating patients with the Invisalign system. 

Some Gnarly Teeth Transformed!

gnarly teethSome people wonder if Invisalign can be used to straighten more severe situations, including what someone might even refer to as some very gnarly teeth! I think when you see this video you might be amazed at what Invisalign can do. We have very successfully used Invisalign to address and handle some very misaligned teeth with resultant beautiful smiles. 

What’s great about Invisalign is that it can do all of this without having to go through the unsightly experience of traditional braces, otherwise often referred to as “metal mouth”. Once you get used to talking with the aligners in place, using Invisalign is practically undetectable and most people won’t ever notice you are wearing the clear plastic aligners. 

But real success with Invisalign does take discipline and commitment. You need to wear the aligners 22 hours per day. Each time you eat you take them out to eat, then brush your teeth and the aligners when yo are done and put them back in. And we’ve even heard several reports of some weight loss due to curtailed snacking as it is too much trouble to have to go brush your teeth every time you want to pop a few potato chips. 

However, keep in mind that Invisalign is not your only option for straightening your teeth without the metal braces. We also offer Clear Braces as another solution to the problem!

Clear Braces are designed to provide patients with more attractive, less evident alternatives to metal braces. Clear braces provide the same benefits as metal braces, except they’re clear! They are made of clear materials, making them less visible than metal braces, while also being strong and resistant to staining. This is also a resource to address nearly all misaligned teeth scenarios, including some very gnarly teeth. 

Of course traditional braces are a tried and true method of straightening your teeth and this is also always an option. But the point is, that there are options and we can handle any situation – even the gnarliest of gnarly teeth!

Invisalign: Before and After

Invisalign Teen – How cool it is!

invisalign-teenAnother one of many Invisalign experience videos! This video is not a sponsored ad. It is just one of thousands of people who have had incredible success using Invisalign or Invisalign Teen. Take a few minutes to listen to this and other similar videos if you are considering any kind of program to straighten your teeth. From these you can gain a tremendous amount of reality as to what it’s like to go through the full Invisalign treatment – the pro’s and the con’s. 

Invisalign gives you the opportunity to straighten you teeth without the appearance of braces. While it takes a few days to get use to talking with the aligners in place, you do get used to it and it is virtually undetectable that you are wearing the clear plastic aligners. 

Invisalign aligners are also easier to clean than regular braces. You take them out to eat and then brush your teeth and the aligners afterwards and put the aligners back in. Although I will say it takes a bit more discipline to do the Invisalign program as with traditional braces you can’t take them out. 

The results from the full program are very impressive. This is an investment into a professional appearance and beautiful smile for the rest of your life. 

Association Member for

footer-bg

Follow Us On Social Media

Address

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

Click Here to Review Our Practice!