A Perfect Smile Orthodontics

McAllen Orthodontist providing Braces & Invisalign

Call: 956.630.6166
Se Habla Espanol | Open Saturdays!
  • Home
  • About
    • About Us
      • Best Orthodontist in the Rio Grande Valley
    • Meet Dr. Taylor
      • Why go to a Board Certified Orthodontist?
      • 8 Questions to Ask Before Choosing an Orthodontist
    • Orthodontic Staff
    • Our Facility
    • Orthodontist or Dentist?
    • Signs You May Need to See an Orthodontist
    • Reviews
    • Testimonials
    • 10 Reasons to Choose Us
    • Blog
    • Areas We Serve
      • McAllen Orthodontist
      • Mission Texas Orthodontist
      • Edinburg Texas Orthodontist
      • Weslaco Texas Orthodontist
      • Pharr Texas Orthodontist
  • Orthodontics
    • Ways To Straighten Your Teeth
    • Problems to Watch for in Growing Children
      • Baby Teeth and Orthodontics
      • When should a child first visit?
      • Preparing Your Child for Braces
    • Health Reasons to Get Braces
      • 9 Ways Braces Can Improve Your Long-term Health
      • Use of rubber bands to close gap in teeth
    • Straight Teeth and Confidence: The Transformative Power of a Perfect Smile
    • The Importance of Wearing a Retainer
    • Orthodontic Myths
    • Free Consultation
    • 3D Digital Scanner
  • Braces
    • The Five Stages of Traditional Braces
    • Clear Braces
    • Colored Braces
    • Invisalign
    • Braces for Adults
    • Single Arch Braces Treatment
    • What Braces and Invisalign Treats
    • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Braces
    • How Much Do Braces Cost?
      • How to Pay for Braces
    • AcceleDent
    • Teeth Grinding and Braces
  • Invisalign
    • Invisalign Teen
    • What Invisalign Treats
    • Invisalign Testimonials
    • Invisalign FAQs
    • Can You Get Invisalign If You Have Missing Teeth?
    • Invisalign Tips
    • Tratamiento Invisalign
    • Online Clear Braces vs an Orthodontist: What’s the Difference?
    • 8 interesting things you should know about Invisalign before you try it
  • Payment Options
  • Free Consultation
  • Location & Hours
    • Open Saturdays!
  • Contact
    • Send an Inquiry
    • Schedule an Appointment
    • Orthodontic Emergencies
    • Disclaimer
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
  • Español
    • Ortodoncia
    • Cuánto cuestan los aparatos de ortodoncia?
    • Consulta de Ortodoncia Gratis
    • Tratamiento Invisalign
    • Opciones de Pago

Summer is a Great Time to Get Braces

Summer is here! School is out, and days are longer. And that 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. We do this to identify any potential problems developing with the jaw that may require 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! 

Why Getting Braces in the Summer is a Great Idea

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

The free initial consultation includes x-rays and a discussion of which treatment option is right for your child. We will also discuss insurance and/or financing options, as well as any necessary preparations that need to be made before applying braces to 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 also be soothing.

There may be some mild irritation to the inside of the mouth, in the beginning, but 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.

 

Changing Habits May be Easier in the Summer

person biting into an orangeYour child or teen will need to adjust their eating habits for certain foods, and it’s better for them to figure these things out before returning to school. Things like apples, carrots, hard bread, crackers, etc., should be cut up before eating rather than biting into them. That’s because biting into 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 that 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 to avoid plaque buildup during your 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 brief 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 extracurricular activities.

 

Dr. Taylor and the staff at A Perfect Smile Orthodontics offer all patients a complimentary consultation. This consultation includes a comprehensive exam with X-rays, as well as providing you with options regarding the types of braces we offer and all available financing options. Call us 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.

"*" indicates required fields

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

Name:*
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email

June 12, 2025 By Debbie Baumgarten Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

a-free-braces-consultation Free Consultation
Get Started!
Se-Hable-Espanol956.630.6166
Hable Español
As Low As $99 A MonthAs Low As $99 A Month
Special Offer

Free WhiteningFree Whitening
With Your Braces or Invisalign!

Get Consultation

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

Our Location

perfect-smile-orthodontics-location

Board Certified Orthodontist

board certified orthodontist

Association Member for

footer-bg

Follow Us On Social Media

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Address

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

Click Here to Review Our Practice!

For Free Consultation Call
956.630.6166

Hours of Operation Monday-Saturday 9:00am to 6:00pm
Copyright © 2025A Perfect Smile Orthodontics.
1400 E Expy 83 #155, McAllen, TX 78503. Phone: 956.630.6166
·Orthodontist Marketing by Cook Profitability Services · Privacy Policy·