A Perfect Smile Orthodontics

McAllen Orthodontist providing Braces & Invisalign

Call: 956.630.6166
Se Habla Espanol | Open Saturdays!

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:*

 

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- besides 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 them. 
  • Sticky treats – The gooey, yummy stuff that can wreak 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 it 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 archwires, 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 accidentally 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. Mekraksakit 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!

masks and braces

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 offers 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!

"*" indicates required fields

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

Name:*

More Invisalign Tips

invisalign tipsHere are some more Invisalign Tips to help you during your Invisalign treatment. Your aligners are designed to “fit” your teeth after the first few weeks of wear because this is the position in which your teeth need to move during this time period. Because of this, it is possible that you will experience some discomfort during the first few days of wearing them.

Here are some Invisalign Tips for when you first put in a new aligner:

  • Make sure to wear them as much as possible ESPECIALLY during the first 48 hours.
  • Try putting in your new aligner before you go to bed so that some of the discomfort can occur while you are sleeping.
  • Do use OTC pain medications in moderation during the first 48 hours to help with the pain and pressure sensation.
  • Try sucking on ice cubes (ONLY WHILE THE ALIGNERS ARE OUT OF YOUR MOUTH) to ease discomfort
  • Use cold compresses on your cheeks
  • Saliva production could increase during the first 2 to 3 days. To avoid dehydration or dry mouth, be sure and drink plenty of water. If saliva production is causing you problems when you sleep, try sleeping on your back or propping your head up on a pillow. This should resolve within just a few days as your mouth gets used to the “foreign object.”
  • ALWAYS REMEMBER the end result and look forward to a beautiful smile! This should help keep you motivated to keep the aligners in for the full 22 hours per day and get through any pain or discomfort.
  • When you first begin to use your aligners, you may talk with a slight lisp. Practice talking during this adjustment period; it even helps to repeat tongue twisters! The lisp should go away after a few days.
  • Do not let Invisalign interfere with your love life! People have been kissing with traditional braces for years, and there is no reason to let your aligners get in between you and your partner. In fact, it’s likely that your partner won’t notice any difference whatsoever.
  • Removal of your aligners may take some getting used to. It is harder to remove them if you have “buttons” or other attachments on your teeth. Amazon sells a tool called an “Outie” that can aid in removal.
  • If you are noticing any roughness on the aligner, dental wax can help to avoid irritation. You can also speak with your dentist about filing these areas down to make them smoother.

Exercising consistent and mindful oral hygiene is of extreme importance when wearing your aligners. Bacteria and plaque can stick to your teeth for hours at a time which can cause cavities, gum disease, and other health problems. Here are some Invisalign Tips to help with that:

  • REMOVE YOUR ALIGNERS BEFORE YOU CONSUME ANY FOODS OR LIQUIDS OTHER THAN WATER. Hot liquids can cause aligners to warp or distort. Any colored liquid can also stain the plastic which could cause your clear, invisible aligners to change color. Also, foods and liquids can cause your aligner to take on odors.
  • Always brush your teeth and rinse your mouth well after drinking any liquids other than water. This will prevent any sugar or stain residue on teeth from becoming trapped under the aligner once it is reinserted.
  • After eating, be sure to brush your teeth thoroughly and floss each time. If brushing and flossing is not possible, rinse your mouth with an anti-bacterial mouthwash and warm water.
  • Do NOT chew gum when aligners are in your mouth so as not to damage them.
  • It is okay to use a whitening toothpaste, however, do not use other teeth whitening products throughout the duration of your Invisalign treatment. These whitening treatments can leave debris or particles behind which can bind to teeth once aligners are reinserted and create permanent white marks on the teeth.

In addition to practicing good oral hygiene habits, it is equally as important to keep your Invisalign aligners sparkling clean.

  • Always rinse and soak your aligners when not in your mouth and do not leave them out, exposed to air.
  • You can soak them in denture cleaner, Retainer Brite, or the official Invisalign cleaning crystals and water.
  • Always clean your aligners with cool water and CLEAR anti-bacterial soap. Colored soaps contain dyes which may cause the aligners to take on the color of the soap.
  • If using a toothbrush to clean your aligners, do so cautiously, and use a very gentle brush with a light touch. Otherwise, the toothbrush can scratch them and leave visible etchings.

Overall, Invisalign does take some getting used to and requires a few lifestyle changes. Hopefully these Invisalign Tips will help. Oral hygiene takes a little discipline, but it also establishes good habits that you can continue after you are no longer using aligners that will provide a lifetime of good health. And keep your eye on the prize; a beautiful smile and gorgeous teeth! Is it worth it?? Absolutely!!

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!