A Perfect Smile Orthodontics

McAllen Orthodontist providing Braces & Invisalign

Call: 956.630.6166
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10 Orthodontic Myths Busted: Separating Fact from Fiction for a Perfect Smile

 

orthodontic braces on a smiling hispanic girl

You may have heard all kinds of orthodontic myths — from horror stories about pain to misconceptions about age limitations. But these myths can stop you from seeking the treatment you need.

In this post, we’ll debunk some of the most common orthodontic myths, so you have the info you need to make the best decision about your dental health.

Myth 1: Braces are Just for Looks

Fact: Sure, braces can make your smile look amazing, but they do more than that! They can fix bite issues, help with speech, make chewing easier, and more. It’s not all about the selfie (though that’s a nice bonus!).

Myth 2: Braces are Just for Kids and Teenagers

Fact: Not true! Braces aren’t just for the school crowd. Adults get them, too, and for good reasons. In fact, more adults are now opting for braces or aligners — it’s never too late to get that dream smile! 

Myth 3: Braces Hurt… A Lot

Fact: You might feel a bit of discomfort when you first get them or after adjustments, but it’s not that bad. Think of it as a little tightness. It’ll pass, and there are easy ways to manage it with over-the-counter pain relievers and orthodontic wax.

Myth 4: Sports + Braces = No Go

Fact: While you might need to take some precautions, having braces doesn’t sideline you from your favorite activities. Just wear a mouthguard, especially one made for braces, and you’re good to go. Game on!

Myth 5: Braces Take Forever to Work

Fact: How long your orthodontic treatment takes depends on what you need to be done. However, with advancements in orthodontic treatment, many patients find it takes a much shorter time than they originally thought.

Myth 6: Orthodontic Treatment is Too Expensive

Fact: Braces are an investment, of course. But we believe financial considerations should never be an obstacle to getting a healthy, beautiful smile. We offer affordable monthly payment plans with no interest, and anyone can start treatment with a small down payment. 

Myth 7: Once Braces are Off, Treatment is Done

Fact: Achieving that perfect smile is only half the battle. Post-treatment care, especially wearing retainers as prescribed, is vital. Retainers help maintain the new position of your teeth so they don’t revert to their original placement.

Myth 8: All Orthodontic Treatments are the Same

Fact: Orthodontic care is not a one-size-fits-all solution. We meticulously tailor treatments to address each patient’s unique needs. From traditional metal braces to Invisalign, there’s a solution for every concern and preference.

Myth 9: DIY Orthodontics are Just as Effective

Fact: DIY might be great for crafts — but not for braces! Doing it yourself can lead to severe dental complications. Professional treatment ensures that the movement of your teeth is safe, controlled, and effective. 

Myth 10: Orthodontists and Dentists are the Same

Fact: All orthodontists are dentists, but all dentists are not orthodontists. To become an orthodontist, a dentist must attend two to three more years of school and complete a residency. This equips them with the expertise to diagnose, prevent, and treat dental and facial irregularities. Plus, our orthodontist, Dr. Taylor, is board-certified. Board certification is the highest level of achievement that an orthodontist can get and requires a mastery level of competence. 

Orthodontic Myths — Busted!

There you have it: 10 orthodontic myths busted! But of course, the best way to find out if orthodontics is right for you is to schedule a free consultation.

We 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.

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

8 Questions to Ask Before Choosing an Orthodontist

 

 

Choosing an orthodontist can be a challenge! After all, you have plenty of options in the Rio Grande Valley, and you want to make sure your orthodontist is the right match for you or your child. Given the time and money you’ll invest, it’s not a light decision — but it doesn’t have to be stressful! You can find out a lot about an orthodontist by asking some simple questions. Here are eight questions to ask before choosing an orthodontist:

Am I seeing a trained orthodontic specialist?

Just because a dentist offers orthodontic treatment, it doesn’t mean they’re a trained orthodontic specialist. All orthodontists are dentists, but only 6% of dentists are trained orthodontists.

Orthodontics is a specialty, and a dentist must attend two to three more years of school and complete a residency before becoming an orthodontist. Before moving forward with any treatment plan, be sure that a trained orthodontic specialist will oversee your care. You can rest assured that Dr. Taylor is a board-certified orthodontist with over 15 years of experience. 

Schedule Your Free Consultation! 

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

How much experience does this orthodontist have?

When choosing an orthodontist, your decision should be based on the orthodontist’s expertise and experience. For orthodontists, AAO (American Association of Orthodontists) Board Certification is the highest level of achievement and requires hundreds of hours of additional education. Only one percent of dentists are Board Certified Orthodontists.

Dr. David Taylor is your Board Certified Orthodontic Specialist Located in McAllen, Texas! We service the surrounding cities and the entire Rio Grande Valley. He diagnoses and completes all treatments, which ensures superior results and continuity of care.

orthodontist

Dr. Taylor grew up in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and graduated from the University of Western Ontario’s School of Dentistry. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) in 2005, graduating with distinction. During his four years of Dental School, Dr. Taylor was awarded many distinctions. 
 
Following his dental training, Dr. Taylor did his orthodontic residency at the Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry. There, he earned his certificate in Orthodontics in 2007. Concurrently, he completed a Master of Science (MS) for his research in decalcification during orthodontic treatment. During this same year, the American Association of Orthodontists Annual Session selected Dr. Taylor’s research for presentation.
 
Also in 2007, Dr. Taylor received a Fellowship in Orthodontics from the Royal College of Dentists of Canada. One year later, in 2008, he became a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics (board-certified). Significantly, two of the cases he presented to become board certified were selected for the American Board of Orthodontic Case Display. He received this prestigious honor at the 2008 American Association of Orthodontists Annual Session. Click here to learn more about Dr. Taylor! 
 
Dr. Taylor is widely recognized by his peers, his patients, and the community for providing exceptional orthodontic treatment.

We’ve also hired another orthodontist, Dr. Mekraksakit (also known as Dr. M), who was carefully chosen by Dr. Taylor in order to provide more patients with the same level of excellent care that we are known for! 

What are my treatment options?

Knowing what options are available for treatment is extremely important when deciding on an orthodontist. Because every patient has unique needs, an orthodontist needs to provide a variety of treatment options to help every patient achieve their best results.

At A Perfect Smile Orthodontics, we offer traditional (metal) braces, clear braces, Invisalign, and a wide range of other orthodontic options. Whatever your situation, Dr. Taylor and Dr. M can find the right treatment to straighten your teeth! It is our mission to offer affordable options while providing the best care possible! 

Does this orthodontist treat adults?

Braces are not just for children and teens! In fact, twenty-five percent of patients who wear braces are adults. Getting braces can have incredible health benefits for adults, particularly when correcting misaligned teeth and jaws.

However, not every orthodontic practice actually treats adults, so make sure you look for an orthodontist who treats patients of all ages. At A Perfect Smile Orthodontics, we take great pride in creating beautiful smiles for adults, teens, and children. 

Does this orthodontist use the most current technology and treatments?

Because of technological advances, orthodontic treatment options have greatly improved. That’s why it’s important to know if your orthodontist offers the latest advancements to provide the highest standard of care possible. Dr. Taylor uses the most advanced technology available, like digital X-ray technology, 3D imaging, and more.

Additionally, because Dr. Taylor is a Board Certified Orthodontist, he stays up-to-date on the latest technology and can therefore pass it on to his patients. 

What do other patients say about this orthodontist?

The best way to learn more about an orthodontist provider is to read reviews posted by others who have been a patient. At A Perfect Smile Orthodontics, we are passionate about serving our community in the Rio Grande Valley, and we treat every patient as part of the family. Dr. Taylor and his staff strive to provide you or your child with excellent orthodontic care! Here’s what a few patients have said about Dr. Taylor:

Received Invisalign treatment and couldn’t be happier. Dr. Taylor and the staff were more than willing to work with me and my schedule. The entire place is like a well-oiled machine. There are several choices out there, but I felt so good about Dr. Taylor and his team of professionals that I would fly in for my appointments. I would not hesitate to recommend anyone for their treatment with Dr. Taylor and his team!” – Craig R. 

The staff here is extremely kind and gentle. They make great conversation and help with any issues you may have. Throughout the whole braces process, the staff and doctor were very patient and understanding. I recommend them 100%.” – Amylia S.

My son got his braces off today and we are so happy with the results. He can’t stop smiling! He had them on for about 2 years and we had a pleasant experience at every appointment. Dr. Taylor and his staff are great!” – Connie G.

Click here to read what more of our patients have to say!

How much is a professional consultation?

Moving forward with orthodontic treatment is an important financial decision, and it’s vital to have a consultation with an orthodontist before making that decision. To help you, we offer a free consultation at A Perfect Smile Orthodontics.

Your consultation includes a thorough examination and a precise assessment of your oral health by Board Certified Orthodontist, Dr. Taylor. That way, you can ask all the questions you want with no obligation before making that important financial decision!

What are my payment options?

Your beautiful smile is an investment, so it’s vital to understand the financial commitment that comes with that smile. 

To help you achieve the gorgeous, healthy smile you deserve, we offer several affordable payment options at Our McAllen, Texas clinic. Additionally, we have an insurance specialist on staff who can check your insurance benefits if applicable. 

We’re here to answer ALL your questions!

Dr. Taylor and our team at A Perfect Smile Orthodontics will take the time and care to answer any question you have about your orthodontic treatment. We are here for you and are proud to be part of this wonderful community! 

Your first appointment is always free and includes an exam with x-rays. Additionally, we can provide you with every option for braces or Invisalign so that you can make an informed decision for your specific needs and budget.

We want to make orthodontic care affordable for everyone who needs it, so we offer interest-free payment plans. 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!

We Would LOVE to help you or your family member achieve that Perfect Smile! 

Schedule Your Free Consultation! 

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

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

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. We also accept Care Credit.

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!

  • 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 Orthodontics
1400 E Expy 83 #155
McAllen,
TX 78503
956.630.6166

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