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5 Ways to Help Your Teen Adjust to Braces

teen braces

We all know that teen life is complicated — and adding braces into the mix can often feel downright unthinkable! That’s why it’s important to make it as comfortable as possible for your teen to adjust to their new brace-wearing situation. Here are a few tips to make wearing braces easier for them — and you!

 

We are here to help your teen achieve a beautiful smile!

Call us at 956-621-7907, or complete the form below

for a FREE, no-obligation consultation!

 

1. Do Your Research

Find out everything you can about the kinds of challenges your teen might face during treatment with braces. This will help you give your teen the proper guidance on how to take care of their braces and their teeth. It helps if you’ve had braces yourself because you can relate to what they’re going through. But even if you never experienced braces, you can learn more about what to expect. Here are a few things to know:

  • It’s important that your teen’s gums and teeth are healthy before we fit braces onto them. So, you’ll want to make an appointment with your dentist to get a routine clean and check-up, as well as fill any cavities if needed.
  • We usually recommend that you wait to whiten teeth until after braces have been removed, as some patients may notice some minimal tooth discoloration after the removal of the brackets. This also includes using non-whitening toothpaste.
  • It will take a few days for your teen’s mouth and tongue to get used to having braces, so we encourage you to purchase some orthodontic dental wax prior to your teen’s appointment. Your teen can place the wax over the brackets anywhere they might rub up against their mouth. This will help prevent any sore spots.
  • Have over-the-counter pain medicine available, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, so your teen can take it to lessen tooth pain.
  • Braces and wires in the mouth can create hiding places for plaque, so encourage your teen to brush after each time they eat. They should also carry a toothbrush with them so they can quickly brush if they’re away from home.

2. Plan and Prepare

Now that you’ve done your research, take your teen shopping to stock up on the things they’ll need for their oral hygiene and for any sensitivity or pain. This should include:

  • two new soft toothbrushes — one for home and one to carry with them
  • floss threaders
  • non-whitening toothpaste
  • orthodontic wax
  • over-the-counter pain reliever
  • interproximal brushes

You’ll also want to stock up on soft foods, cold drinks, and ingredients to make smoothies. Your teen’s teeth will be sensitive right after the doctor puts on the braces, so having these softer foods available will be a big help.

And encourage your teen to take a “before” selfie! This will help them track their progress. And once we remove their braces, your teen can compare their new, beautiful smile to where it was when they began their orthodontic journey.

3. Listen and Support

Adjusting to braces can be tough for your teen, so it’s vital to listen and support them through the process. If they’re having a bad day or feeling frustrated, take the time to hear their concerns and find a way to help them. If they’re embarrassed or uncomfortable with their braces, remind them of the outcome: a beautiful, straight, healthy smile.

And if your teen mentions an unusual pain or discomfort, pay attention. It may not be serious, but sometimes they might need an adjustment or for someone to look at their braces to ensure nothing has come loose. In that case, contact our office right away, and we will take care of it.

Behavioral reinforcement is another great way to support your teen. If they follow Dr. Taylor’s instructions, let them know how proud you are of them. And each time they hit a milestone in their treatment, reward them by doing something fun together.

4. Provide a Healthy Diet

When your teen gets their braces, they will have to adjust to a new way of eating. They can’t continue to munch on the foods they used to enjoy, like chewy foods, popcorn, candy, nuts, and so on.

Ideally, you’ll want to remove the problematic foods from your home, so your teen isn’t tempted. But that’s not always possible, so make sure you set the ground rules and let them know why it’s so important to steer clear of these foods — at home and when they’re away from home!

Plus, if you provide a healthy, balanced diet and make meals your teen can easily eat (and that the whole family will enjoy), this will help a great deal. This includes packing lunches that are filled with healthy, easy-to-eat foods.

5. Focus on the Positives

If you approach the braces experience with a positive, excited attitude, it will go a long way to easing your teen’s anxiety. Whenever your teen feels discouraged (“I’m going to have these braces forever“), remind them of the bigger picture and help them see how much they’ll gain from their experience.

If your teen is feeling self-conscious, remind them of how many of their classmates also have braces. You can also show them some before and after pictures and read them a few testimonials where people were thrilled with their results after getting their braces off. And share a few pictures of celebrities who wore braces to achieve their beautiful smiles!

We are Here for You and Your Teen!

Whether you’ve already decided on braces for your teen or haven’t yet made that decision, we are here to help. It begins with a free consultation, including x-rays, photos, and a complete examination by Dr. Taylor. During your consultation, will answer your questions, discuss your treatment and payment options, and take the time to ensure you are comfortable and confident with your teen’s orthodontic process.

We are here to help your teen achieve a beautiful smile!

Call us at 956-621-7907, or complete the form below

for a FREE, no-obligation consultation!

We service McAllen and its surrounding areas. 

 

Contact Us

We are always happy to hear from you. If you have a question or would like a no-charge consultation, jet send us your information and one of our highly trained orthodontic staff will be in touch with you!

  •  

Call us at 956-621-7907, or complete the form below now!

Contact Us

We are always happy to hear from you. If you have a question or would like a no-charge consultation, jet send us your information and one of our highly trained orthodontic staff will be in touch with you!

12 Potential Causes of Crooked Teeth (Some of Them Might Surprise You!)

crooked teethWhy do some people have crooked teeth, and some don’t? It can be a mystery, but it doesn’t need to be. And genetics can undoubtedly play a role—but that’s only one potential cause of crooked teeth.

Crooked or misaligned teeth are common in children and adults. And many people have no issues with their crooked teeth. However, dental misalignment can often affect overall health, and that’s when corrective actions are vital.

In this post, we’ll discuss 12 reasons teeth can move out of place, when this is (and isn’t) a cause for concern, and what you can do about it.

 

Interested in a Free, No-obligation Consultation?

We service McAllen and its Surrounding Areas.

Call us at 956-621-7907, or complete the form below now!

 

Causes of Crooked Teeth

1. Genetics

If your parents and grandparents had crooked teeth, it’s likely you do, too. As another example, if you inherited large teeth from your mother and a small jaw from your father, you can end up with teeth that don’t fit and become crooked.

2. Malocclusion

This happens when your upper and lower teeth don’t align when you close your mouth. This can be genetic (as noted above) when your teeth are too crowded for your mouth. But malocclusion can also happen for other reasons, such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, and tooth loss.

3. Prolonged thumb-sucking/pacifier use

crooked teethWhile thumb sucking/pacifier use ends typically within a few months, some children keep this habit up for far longer. This pressure from the thumb or pacifier on the gums can cause teeth to grow in crooked.

4. Tongue thrusting

This happens when the tongue hits against the front teeth or comes out between the front teeth when you swallow or talk. While this is most common in infants and children, it can continue into adulthood.

5. Mouth breathing

You may not have ever thought of this—after all, how much damage can air do? However, when children breathe through the mouth for long periods, it can also cause misalignment of teeth.

6. Early loss of primary (baby) teeth

At around age six, children will begin to lose their baby teeth. When a child loses a tooth earlier than this, it can cause other teeth to shift into the open space and new teeth to grow in crooked.

crooked teeth7. Poor dental hygiene

If children don’t practice good dental hygiene from the day they can hold a toothbrush, this can lead to gingivitis and eventually periodontitis. This severe form of gum disease affects the way teeth grow out.

8. Malnutrition

A balanced diet is vital for proper tooth and bone development. Poor nutrition can lead to crooked teeth because the body doesn’t have enough nutrients to help teeth grow properly.

9. Childhood facial injury

When a child has a severe injury to the face, this can cause the jaw to shift its position. It can also result in tooth loss. And both things can lead to teeth growing in crooked.

10. Poor- or improper-fitting dental work

When you have a crown, bridge, or filling that doesn’t fit properly, it can have a negative impact on your bite. This can cause pain and misaligned teeth.

11. Not replacing missing permanent teeth

As with baby teeth, when a permanent tooth is lost and not replaced, it can leave a gap in the gum line, which will cause a shift in the other teeth. That’s why it’s vital to replace a missing tooth with an implant or bridge.

12. Natural changes with age

When we age, our teeth naturally shift as our bite deepens. This can cause teeth to become crooked, even if you’ve never worn braces or Invisalign before.

Problems from Misalignment of Teeth

Now that you know how many things can cause your teeth to go out of alignment, let’s dive into what can happen as a result:

Gum Disease: When your teeth are crowded or crooked, it can be hard to clean them properly. That can lead to plaque, tooth decay, and eventually, gum disease.

crooked teethExcessive Wear and Tear: With a misalignment in your teeth, they can start to deteriorate. And when that wear and tear becomes excessive, it can lead to TMJ (temporomandibular jaw disorder) and the pain and discomfort that go with it.

Chewing Difficulties: Crowded or crooked teeth can make chewing difficult. This can lead to digestive problems.

Difficulty Speaking: One of the most common effects of crooked teeth is speech difficulties, particularly problems pronouncing certain words.

Low Self Esteem: Our smile is an important reflection of our personality. That’s why people with misaligned teeth may have increased self-esteem issues.

How to Fix Crooked Teeth

So, do you always have to fix crooked teeth? The short answer is no. However, this needs a bit more explanation.

crooked teethIf your child’s teeth aren’t straight, this may not be an issue. In fact, if your child has spaces between their baby teeth, this can be a good thing since the permanent teeth will take up more room once they come through. However, if your child has crowded baby teeth, their permanent teeth will likely also be crowded.

Per the American Association of Orthodontists, children should have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. That’s because certain issues may be easier to correct if they’re found early. So, if you have any questions at all about your child’s teeth and their potential misalignment, we highly recommend setting up an appointment for a free consultation with Dr. Taylor, our board-certified orthodontist. He can recommend the correct treatment at the appropriate time and prevent any complications that could come up later.

We now have a wide variety of treatment options for crooked teeth. These can include:

Braces

We offer many different types of braces, so you can be sure to get the ones that are best for you.

  • Traditional Braces: Traditional braces are a combination of wire, elastic bands, and plastic brackets that are fitted onto your teeth. Traditional metal brackets, made of stainless steel or titanium, are now much smaller and flatter, making them less noticeable and more comfortable.
  • Gold Braces: Gold braces are a trendy and aesthetic option—like jewelry for your teeth! The brackets and the connecting wires are gold, adding an aesthetic flair to your smile. However, they function just like traditional braces.
  • Clear Braces: Clear braces are much less noticeable than traditional metal braces. They offer a fantastic aesthetic alternative for patients seeking options other than traditional metal braces.

Invisalign

A fantastic alternative to traditional braces, Invisalign straightens your teeth without the look of metal braces. They are almost invisible, can be easily removed for eating, and will not irritate the inside of your mouth as metal braces can. And they really will straighten your teeth just as well as regular braces when administered by a trained orthodontist.

Dr. Taylor is an Elite Invisalign Provider with years of experience, so you will get the best possible treatment. We offer Invisalign for both adults and teens.

 

No matter whether you choose braces or Invisalign, we are here to help you achieve a beautiful smile!

Call us at 956-621-7907, or complete the form below now for a FREE, no-obligation consultation!

We service McAllen and its surrounding areas. 

Contact Us

We are always happy to hear from you. If you have a question or would like a no-charge consultation, jet send us your information and one of our highly trained orthodontic staff will be in touch with you!

 

Invisalign- About the Company

invisalign-retainerMany of you may be under the impression that Invisalign is the name of the company that gave us an alternative to the dreaded “metal mouth.” However, Invisalign is actually a product manufactured by Align Technology, Inc. They are a company that has set out to provide the dental and orthodontic industries with innovative products that began with Invisalign clear aligners, but now includes iTero Intraoral scanners and OrthoCAD digital services. These technologies have allowed dental professionals, all across the world, to achieve outstanding results with their patients. The first sentence of Align Technology’s website sums up their company perfectly:

“Align Technology is dedicated to transforming lives by improving the journey to a healthy, beautiful smile.”

It All Started With Invisalign

Amazingly, the Invisalign product was not created by a dental professional. In fact, it was created by an orthodontic patient by the name of Zia Chishti. It’s reported that Chishti conceived the idea when he was given a retainer to finish out his orthodontic treatment. His thought was that a series of retainer like devices would be able to slowly move teeth into proper placement.

Chishti partnered with fellow Stanford business graduate, Kelsey Wirth, in 1997. By 1998, their product was approved by the FDA and made available to the public a year later. Invisalign was initially met with resistance from the orthodontic community. This was due to the fact that neither Chishti nor Wirth actually had any credentials or expertise in orthodontic science. Like with many industries, this resistance gave way to the realization that there was a large amount of consumer interest.

Invisalign quickly gained popularity among orthodontic patients, especially the increasing number of adults seeking treatment. As it turns out, Chishti and Wirth were not prepared for the problems that come along with growth. After a series of misguided business and marketing decisions, they resigned from the company and were replaced by Tom Prescott. Fortunately, this change proved to be beneficial for both the Invisalign product and Align Technology as a whole.

“What I saw was a great opportunity with talented people and a very disruptive emerging technology. We rallied the management team to focus on fewer, more important priorities and were able to advance the business substantially.” – Tom Prescott

Align Technology has since grown to be a company of nearly 4 thousand employees. In 2007, they introduced a revolutionary technology in the form of the iTero Intraoral scanner and services. A simple explanation for this system would be that physical impressions of a patient’s teeth are now a thing of the past. This scanner creates a 3D image of the patient’s mouth that can then be used for a variety of procedures and treatments. Always looking to better educate their patients, a simulator was developed to show patients the outcome of their Invisalign treatment. Their commitment to the industry and its patients is nothing short of outstanding.

The Future of Align Technology and Invisalign

“We’re a young company. We still have more of a startup mentality. We see the opportunity for the very long term to become a standard of care in orthodontics and a leader in digital dentistry.” – Tom Prescott

Align Technology will undoubtedly continue to set the bar for innovation in the orthodontic and dental industries. There are currently over 45 thousand trained Invisalign doctors and over 3 million people have been treated. Align Technology’s ambition to continuously deliver cutting edge orthodontic and dental solutions will ensure that those numbers continue to grow in the years to come. If you’re considering orthodontic treatment with clear aligners, joining the Invisalign family is the best choice you could make.

What is the American Association of Orthodontists?

AmericanAssociationofOrthodontistsThe American Association of Orthodontists was founded in 1900 and is the oldest and largest dental specialty organization in the world. It’s membership consists of more than 17,000 orthodontist members throughout the United States, Canada and abroad. In order for an individual to become an orthodontist they must first complete dental school. They are then required to attend an additional 2 to 3 years of schooling at an accredited orthodontic residency program. Only then are they allowed to call themselves an orthodontist and gain membership into the American Association of Orthodontists. What this means is that it is made up of highly qualified and educated individuals and their positive reputation is well earned.

What Does the American Association of Orthodontists Do?

As stated on their Mission and History page, they are “dedicated to:

  • Ethically advancing the art and science of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics worldwide.
  • Improving the health of the public by promoting quality orthodontic care, the importance of overall oral health care, and advocating for the public interest.
  • Educating the public about the benefits of orthodontic treatment and the educational qualifications of orthodontic specialists.
  • Supporting AAO members in the practice of orthodontics.”

American Association of Orthodontist Foundation

Through their charitable entity, the American Association of Orthodontist Foundation, they provide funding and support for orthodontic research and education programs. Over $10 million in funding has been provided in support of Junior Faculty since 1994. The result of which has been the publishing of over 100 articles in orthodontic journals and even many publications outside of the profession. Dozen of lectures at orthodontic, dental and various other scientific meetings have also been made possible by this funding.

The American Association of Orthodontist Foundation also aids in professional advancement.

“Of the 66 Department Chairs and 36 Program Directors (total of 102) in the 72 graduate orthodontic residency programs in the U.S. and Canada, 31 were supported early in their academic careers by the AAO Foundation.”

Along with supporting Junior Faculty, the Foundation has started the AAOF Craniofacial Growth Legacy Collection and launched a new campaign, Research Initiative. The first is a massive collaboration of orthodontic collections with the intent to both preserve these records as well as make them available for academic research and other clinical purposes. Research Initiative is their latest fundraising effort with the goal of realizing $5 million in new pledges by December 31, 2015. The result of which would be an additional $300,000 dedicated strictly to orthodontic research.

My Life My Smile by the American Association of Orthodontists

My Life My Smile is all about helping and educating the public. Through this website you can learn about, and find information on, treatment options available to you and what to expect during treatment. You can use the site to locate an orthodontist near you that is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists. There are over 250 reports, essays, and clinical summaries available and even public service announcements; the latest of which warns against do it yourself orthodontic methods. To put it simply, the American Association of Orthodontists created My Life My Smile to provide a wealth of knowledge and resources to the consumer.

The American Association of Orthodontists strives to improve and further orthodontic science while also educating not only their members but the public as well. It is for these reasons that they will undoubtedly continue to grow and reshape the orthodontic industry.

Choosing the Best Invisalign Provider in McAllen Texas

shutterstock_261696827Like many individuals, you have decided to receive orthodontic treatment and improve your smile.

After researching the options available to you, you’ve come to the conclusion that you would like to be treated with Invisalign. But how do you go about finding the best Invisalign provider in McAllen, Texas (or any area for that matter)?

Step 1: See Who Invisalign Recommends

The first place to begin is the Find a Doctor page on the Invisalign website.

The results of your search are listed according to three important ratings awarded by Invisalign: Preferred, Premier and Premier Elite, the requirements of each being listed below.
Preferred Invisalign Provider
● Treat 10 new cases per year.
Premier Invisalign Provider
● Has treated a combined total of at least 50 cases.
● Treat 25 new cases every 6 months.
Premier Elite Invisalign Provider
● Has treated a combined total of at least 300 cases.
● Treat 50 new cases every 6 months.

There is also a fourth ranking, “Top 1%,” which, needless to say, is reserved for the most experienced doctors. It’s also important to note that if a doctor provides Invisalign treatment to teenagers (ages 11 to 19) it will be specified by both a tag in their profile and a star in their ratings icon.

So how do you use this information to help you find the best Invisalign provider in McAllen, Texas? What the Invisalign rating system does establish is the level of experience held by the doctor. Just like any other skill, practice makes perfect and time invested directly correlates to the quality of the outcome. Another factor that is overlooked is the effect of word of mouth. An Invisalign provider doesn’t have hundreds of cases under their belt by producing anything less than top quality results.

In this instance, Invisalign shows that Dr Taylor is the top Invisalign provider for McAllen and in fact the entire Rio Grande Valley, because he is the only Premier Elite Invisalign provider.
While these ratings can provide a great deal of insight when trying to decide on the best Invisalign provider in McAllen, there are some other things to consider.

Click Here to See Invisalign Recommendations for McAllen Texas

Step 2: Chose an Orthodontist over a Dentist

Invisalign can be delivered by any dentist. However normally a regular dentist will charge a similar amount for Invisalign as an Orthodontist. So if you are paying more or less the same, why not go to the specialist? You owe it to yourself to get the best possible practitioner for your Invisalign invisible braces. Look carefully at the qualifications listed for the dentist who is advertising Invisalign. Is he or she an Orthodontist? There are years more training required to become an orthodontist and they specialize only in braces. There are many advantages to choosing someone who is a specialist. In a very technical world specialists have the time and training to really understand what they are doing and this very true of orthodontists.

Step 3: Check Testimonials

Often you can find testimonials from previous patients. Google reviews are a great place to start. For example if you Dr. David Taylor’s reviews (click here) you will see he has a 4.7 star rating out of a maximum of 5 stars. This is very high and a good indication that you are going to get good service there too.

Your smile is important to you and before starting any sort of treatment you want to be sure you’re in the right hands.

By using and understanding the Invisalign ratings system you shouldn’t have any trouble finding the best Invisalign provider in McAllen, Texas.

Orthodontics Brings Hope and Smiles For Patients With Disabilities

invisalign-1As one might suspect, the physical and developmental challenges of special needs patients can present a certain level of difficulty when it comes to orthodontic care. But according to a recent article published by The American Association of Orthodontists, this is fortunately beginning to change. Patients with physical, cognitive and developmental disabilities are able to have their orthodontic needs taken care of thanks to advances in treatment technology, as well as education in caring for these types of patients, becoming more widely available to orthodontists.

An orthodontist with a history of treating special needs patients stated that “As recently as ten years ago, many orthodontists lacked the education and experience to work with patients with disabilities, and as a result, patients and caregivers were frustrated.”

This frustration is completely understandable not only because of the importance of oral health but also because, just like the rest of the population, these patients would benefit greatly from the boost in confidence gained by a healthy, beautiful smile. Organizations such as the American Association of Orthodontists are looking to have an impact by offering doctors continuing education on the matter. Doctors are documenting their successes and producing case studies to help further the level of education that is available. What’s even more amazing is that some orthodontic practices are taking it a step further and reaching out to special education teachers within their communities in order to learn about how to work with specific disabilities. These combined efforts are having a huge impact on the orthodontic industry and the lives of adults and children with special needs.

Patients with cerebral palsy struggle with excessive saliva, muscle control and an open bite with protruding front teeth that is coupled with tongue thrusting. Because of their open bite they are unable to close their lips which also contributes to their excessive flow of saliva. Through the use of removable aligner trays, temporary anchorage devices or simple surgeries, many of these problems can now be addressed. For example a case handled by an orthodontist out of California, is sure to tug on the heartstrings. This was a patient with cerebral palsy who struggled to eat on her own and required supervision during every meal in case she began to choke. As the orthodontist explains, “By straightening the patient’s teeth and aligning the jaw, she is now able to eat on her own. This is a huge lifestyle change for both patient and caregiver.”

Additional benefits are being had in the oral hygiene of these patients as well. Oftentimes the teeth of patients with cerebral palsy are crowded or poorly aligned. This results in the patient, or caregiver, having a difficult time with flossing or brushing of the teeth. With the option to remove the aligners that comes with using Invisalign removable aligners, and as the alignment of the teeth are corrected, this becomes an easier task. Due to the fact that the condition of their teeth is too complicated to use removable aligners, patients with downs syndrome are often fitted with traditional braces. In cases such as these, orthodontists are able to use tools like smaller hygienic brackets to make oral hygiene easier on both patient and caregiver. It is also noted that electronic and ultrasonic tooth brushing systems are beneficial to all patients.

While not all orthodontic practices treat special needs patients, the number that do will surely continue to grow as awareness increases, technologies improve and the level of education is expanded upon. In just ten years the orthodontic industry has come a long way in the treatment of special needs patients.

We can only imagine what will be possible with the advancements brought on in the next ten.

Invisalign Survey

invisalign-retainersThe Invisalign website published a fun article late last year for National Singles Week. Invisalign had commissioned a survey to find out how much having straight teeth affected romance.

They had 2000 people surveyed in the US to find out if an improved smile (which of course is what Invisalign is all about) increases your chance of getting kissed! And of course it does.

The survey showed that almost three out of four (74%) would rather kiss someone with a nice smile as opposed to someone with crooked teeth. Well, that makes sense.

You can see the infographic that invisalign published with this report here.

The invisalign article also quoted Justine Santaniello as saying about dating that

“It’s an inexact science. There’s no perfect recipe of style, looks and other personal traits that boosts a single’s chances of success in finding their soul mate, or at least of steering away from the dating duds. But what is clear from loads of research and my personal experience is that having a winning smile often influences whether you even get that first date.”

 

I am not sure that survey was really needed to establish that. Straight teeth enhance beauty and looking good is a factor in dating, work and even getting off a speeding ticket. Pretty much all your relationships get a boost if you improve your smile.

That is why Invisalign is so great. Because you can still keep USING your smile while you are straightening your teeth. If a persons smile is so important -as the survey from Invisalign suggests- then why cover it up with nasty braces? Correcting your teeth with invisalign means that you can smile and look good- no one can tell you are wearing braces. And ask your teeth straighten, you just keep looking better and better.

We are the Valley’s only Premier Preffered Invisalign provider and we have done hundreds of Invisalign cases. Come to the top rated McAllen Invisalign provider for a free consultation!

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Phone: 956-621-7907
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