A Perfect Smile Orthodontics

McAllen Orthodontist providing Braces & Invisalign

Call: 956.630.6166
Se Habla Espanol | Open Saturdays!
  • Home
  • About
    • About Us
    • Meet Dr. Taylor
    • Meet Dr. Mekraksakit
    • Orthodontic Staff
    • Our Facility
    • How to Afford Braces
    • Health Reasons to Get Braces
    • Orthodontist or Dentist?
    • 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
    • Clear Braces
    • Colored Braces
    • Braces
      • AcceleDent
    • Invisalign
    • Braces for Adults
    • Free Consultation
    • Ways To Straighten Your Teeth
    • The Five Stages of Traditional Braces
    • Why go to a Board Certified Orthodontist?
    • When should a child first visit?
    • Problems to Watch for in Growing Children
    • 3D Digital Scanner
    • What Braces and Invisalign Treats
    • The Importance of Wearing a Retainer
  • Invisalign
    • Invisalign Teen
    • What Invisalign Treats
    • Invisalign Testimonials
    • Invisalign FAQs
    • Online Clear Braces vs an Orthodontist: What’s the Difference?
  • Payment Options
  • Free Consultation
  • Location & Hours
    • Open Saturdays!
  • Contact
    • Send an Inquiry
    • Schedule an Appointment
    • Orthodontic Emergencies
    • Disclaimer
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
  • Se Habla Español
    • Ortodoncia
    • Opciones de Pago
    • Consulta de Ortodoncia Gratis

Summer is a Great Time for Kids to Get Braces!

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

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

Benefits of Getting Braces in the Summer

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

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

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

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

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

Changes to Eating Habits

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

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

  • Toffee
  • Caramel
  • Hard candies
  • Popcorn
  • Gum
  • Ice

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

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

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

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

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.

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

June 28, 2019 By Lisa Kay Leave a Comment

How Old Do You Have To Be To Get Braces?

braces for children

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

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

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

Call us at 956.630.6166 or click here

to sign up for a FREE Orthodontic Consultation!

 

May 15, 2018 By Debbie Baumgarten Leave a Comment

a-free-braces-consultation Free Consultation
Get Started!
Se-Hable-Espanol956.630.6166
Hable Español
Just $399 To StartJust $299 To Start!
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 © 2023A Perfect Smile Orthodontics.
1400 E Expy 83 #155, McAllen, TX 78503. Phone: 956.630.6166
·Orthodontist Marketing by Cook Profitability Services · Privacy Policy·