"Hey, Dr. Gerling! When should my kid come in for an appointment?"

Many parents often assume they must wait until their child has all of his or her permanent teeth to visit Dr. John Gerling, only to discover treatment would have been much easier if started sooner. Did you know the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, recommends that every child have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven?

That’s right—seven.

You're probably thinking, "Ok, what’s so great about age seven?" Enough permanent teeth have arrived for Dr. Gerling to make a determination about whether any problems are present. The first molars have come in, providing an opportunity to check for malocclusion, or what Dr. Gerling calls “bad bite.” Also, the incisors have begun to come in, and problems such as crowding, deep bites and open bites can be detected.

Early evaluation, of course, may signal a need for early treatment. For some children, early treatment can prevent physical and emotional trauma. Aside from spurring on years of harmful teasing, misaligned teeth are also prone to injury and are detrimental to good oral hygiene. So, if your child is nearing his or her seventh birthday, give us a call at (956) 687-2004.

Ask Dr. Gerling: Why is it so important to have straight teeth?

Some people wonder why McAllen and Rio Grande Valley orthodontist Dr. John Gerling and our team work tirelessly to give our patients straight teeth. Of course it’s nice to have a smile full of evenly aligned teeth, but did you know that straightening your teeth at the office of Dr. Gerling can keep them healthier? Straight teeth lead to better oral hygiene, increasing your chances of keeping your own natural teeth for a lifetime!

Straight teeth are less prone to decay, because they collect less plaque—the sticky colorless substance that forms on our teeth and leads to tooth decay; and they are easier to keep clean! At the office of Dr. John A. Gerling, you will receive the highest quality of orthodontic care in an environment that is friendly and fun. For over 20 years, our knowledgeable doctor and staff have been creating beautiful, healthy smiles in the Rio Grande Valley and surrounding areas. You can trust your family's smile to us!

If you’re wondering whether your teeth might cause problems because they are out of alignment, please give us a call at 956-687-2004 to set up a consultation. Dr. Gerling can help you decide whether or not you will benefit from orthodontic treatment.

Have a great rest of the week!

What's your favorite part about John A. Gerling DDS?

From your very first visit to John A. Gerling DDS, our team strives to provide superior orthodontic treatment in a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. We thought we’d ask you, our wonderful patients: Have you been especially impressed by Dr. Gerling? Did our professional team go out of their way to make your day? Are you in love with your new smile?

Whether you’ve just come in for a consultation or your family has been visiting our office for years, we’d love to hear your feedback. Or, you can tell us by giving us a call! Happy Monday!