McAllen Orthodontics, Invisalign and Braces - Dr. David Taylor

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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 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 had 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 removing 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 before 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, like 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 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. 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 someone to look at their braces to ensure nothing has come loose. In that case, contact our office immediately, and we’ll handle 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’ll 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, or nuts.

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 set the ground rules and tell them 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 (which the whole family will enjoy), this will help a lot. This includes packing lunches 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 before and after pictures and read them a few testimonials. And share 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, we’ll answer your questions, discuss your treatment and payment options, and take the time to ensure you’re comfortable and confident with your teen’s orthodontic process.

We’re 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’re always happy to hear from you. If you have a question or would like a no-charge consultation, just send us your information, and one of our highly trained orthodontic staff will contact you!

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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 teeth

Why 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. Yet, dental misalignment can often affect overall health, and that’s when it’s vital to correct it.

So, what causes crooked teeth? Do you always have to fix them? And what are the different ways to take care of this issue?

Causes of Crooked Teeth

1. Genetics

If your parents and grandparents had crooked teeth, it’s likely you do, too. Or 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. It can be genetic, but can also happen for other reasons, such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, and tooth loss.

3. Prolonged thumb-sucking or pacifier use

crooked teethWhile thumb-sucking or pacifier use typically ends within a few months, some children keep it up far longer. And 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 their mouths for long periods, it can cause tooth misalignment.

6. Early loss of primary (baby) teeth

At around age six, children will start losing 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 be crooked.

crooked teeth7. Poor dental hygiene

If children don’t practice good dental hygiene from the day they can hold a toothbrush, it 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 harm your bite. This can cause pain and misaligned teeth.

11. Not replacing missing permanent teeth

As with baby teeth, losing a permanent tooth and not getting it replaced can leave a gap in the gum line. This gap will cause a shift in the other teeth, so replacing that missing tooth with an implant or bridge is vital.

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.

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’s hard to clean them properly. That can lead to plaque, tooth decay, and, eventually, gum disease.

crooked teethExcessive Wear and Tear: Misaligned teeth can start to deteriorate. 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 and 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 more 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.

cute girl at dentist showing perfect teethIt may not be an issue if your child’s teeth aren’t straight. 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. But if your child has crowded baby teeth, their permanent teeth will probably 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 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 have a wide variety of treatment options for crooked teeth. These can include:

Braces

We offer many 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, you can easily remove them for eating, and they won’t irritate the inside of your mouth like metal braces can. And yes, 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!

 

Back to School with Braces: 7 Tips to Keep Your Braces in Shape This School Year

Girl with braces at school

School’s back in session! It can be exciting to start a new school year — but also a bit intimidating. And if you have braces, well, you may wonder how to keep them in top shape while juggling classes, lunch breaks, and after-school activities.

Never fear — we’ve got you! With a little planning, you won’t even have to think about your braces; instead, you can focus on having a fantastic school year. Here’s everything you need to know.

1. Pack a Braces-Friendly Lunch

One of the easiest ways to protect your braces is by being careful about what you eat. Say no to sticky or hard foods like gummy candies, nuts, and popcorn since these can damage your braces. Instead, say yes to snacks that are gentle on your teeth, like soft fruits, yogurt, or cheese sticks. When you include these in your lunch, you’ll enjoy some yummy treats that are also braces-friendly!

2. Create a School Braces Kit

When adding items to your backpack, include a small braces care kit. Include a toothbrush, toothpaste, orthodontic wax, floss threaders, and a small mirror. That way, after you’ve eaten lunch, you can take a few minutes to brush your teeth and remove any food stuck in your braces. Plus, you never know when a bracket wire may irritate your mouth, so having wax on hand will cover the sharp edges in a jiffy.

3. Navigate the School Cafeteria with Ease

The school cafeteria can be tricky to navigate with braces, but you can still enjoy your meals without any awkwardness. First, choose softer foods that are easy to chew, like mac and cheese, shredded chicken tacos, and soft bread (no hard rolls, please!). And cut your food into smaller pieces when you need to — like slicing an apple instead of biting into it. This makes it easier to eat without damaging your braces.

4. Be an Expert at Handling School Emergencies

Sometimes, a bracket or wire might come loose during the day. If this happens, don’t panic! Just apply orthodontic wax to the area to keep it from irritating your mouth. If it’s really bothering you, visit the school nurse, who might be able to help. It’s also a good idea to have a small bottle of pain reliever with you in case you need it. And remember this: Emergencies aren’t really that serious when you’re prepared for them!

5. Know How to Deal with Those Pesky Questions

Wearing braces is normal, but it’s okay if you feel a little self-conscious about them. If your friends or others ask questions about your braces, be confident and explain that your braces are helping you have great teeth — and healthy ones — for the rest of your life. Honestly, so many people have braces these days that you probably won’t get many questions about them. But if you do, tell them that you’re excited about the amazing smile you’ll have when you’re done!

6. Keep up Your Oral Hygiene, No Matter How Busy You Get

Keeping your teeth clean is super important, especially when you have braces. Even if your school day is busy, try to stick to your brushing and flossing routine after meals. You can set reminders on your phone to help you remember. Staying on top of your oral hygiene will help you avoid any problems with your braces.

7. Prepare for After-School Activities

If you play sports, be sure to wear a mouthguard to protect your braces and keep your teeth safe. And after practice or games, don’t forget to brush your teeth, especially if you’ve had a snack. This will help keep your braces and teeth in the best shape possible.

You’ve Got This!

Taking care of your braces during the school year might seem like a lot at first, but it becomes second nature once you get into the habit. By packing a braces-friendly lunch, keeping a care kit with you, and sticking to your oral hygiene routine, you’ll be on your way to a healthy, beautiful smile in no time.

And if you need any more tips on how to navigate the school year with braces, we’re here to help, so contact us. Here’s to a great school year ahead!

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