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.

June 12, 2025 By Debbie Baumgarten Leave a Comment

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!

"*" indicates required fields

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

Name:*

December 23, 2021 By Debbie Baumgarten Leave a Comment

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·