A Perfect Smile Orthodontics

McAllen Orthodontist providing Braces & Invisalign

Call: 956.630.6166
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Celebrate National Orthodontic Health Month With Us!

It’s National Orthodontic Health Month!

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

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

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

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

Want to Learn More? Schedule Your Free Consultation! 

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

The History of Orthodontics

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

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

illustration of a bandeau orthodontic device

Fauchard’s Bandeau

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

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

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

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

Tips to Treat Your Braces Right This Month

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

Treats to Avoid:

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

Treats to Enjoy:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Get Started Now! Schedule Your Free Consultation! 

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

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

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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.

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

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

masks and braces

 

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! 

masks and braces

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 Free orthodontic 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!

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

Name:*

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 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 can determine when a treatment plan might be appropriate.

a perfect smile orthodontics

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!

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

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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. 

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!

"*" indicates required fields

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

Name:*

 

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

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