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It's the end of summer, and fall is just around the corner. Soon the temperatures will cool down, the leaves will start to change, and Dr. Joel Martinez, Dr. Christopher Martinez, and Dr. Vanessa Martinez and our team at Joel Martinez, DDS are sure that you’ll soon be thinking about Halloween costumes and Thanksgiving plans in no time. But wait! First, we want to know about your favorite parts of the summer! Did you go on a wonderful family trip? Did you pick up a new hobby? Did you try to spend as much time outside and in the sun as possible?

Share your favorite memories, stories, or photos with us by leaving a comment below or on our Facebook page.

Labor Day is upon us, and that means the non-official end to summer. Before the kids head back to school and temperatures start to cool down, this is your last chance to barbeque in the beautiful McAllen community, head to the lake, and wear your favorite pair of white pants.

About Labor Day

Each year, Labor Day is celebrated on the first Monday of September. It is the one day of year Americans celebrate their achievements in work, which the US Department of Labor says has contributed to prosperity and well-being of America as a whole. Americans have been celebrating Labor Day since the 1880s, and today it is an official federal holiday.

Interesting Facts About Labor Day

• Every year, more than 30 million Americans travel over Labor Day weekend.
• Canada was the first to celebrate Labor Day, and the US soon followed.
• President Cleveland made Labor Day and official US holiday in 1894.
• Labor Day marks the beginning of the NFL and NCAA sports seasons for fans.
• Labor Day marks the end of hot dog season, when Americans consume seven billion hot dogs.

Thanks for being a valued patient of our orthodontic office. Our staff would like to wish you a safe and happy Labor Day weekend. Enjoy your time off!

For Dr. Martinez, dogs are very important members of the family so it’s no surprise that they will be spoiling their pups, Shane, Ali, and Everest on National Dog Day with a nice outdoor adventure to celebrate.

Shane is the oldest of the pack. He’s a fifteen-year-old border collie terrier mix who has been loyal to the family since day one. Shane doesn’t have the typical story most pets do when they’re acquired by their owners. In fact, you could say that Shane was the one who chose Dr. Martinez and his family, instead of the other way around. One evening, while Dr. Martinez was walking around the neighborhood with his wife, a smelly Shane began following them around wagging his tail. Despite their best efforts to scare him off, Shane followed them for about three miles, all the way back to their home. Seeing as they couldn’t seem to get rid of him, they decided to prepare a bath for him fully anticipating it to be a bit of a struggle. But Shane sat patiently, happy as could be and still wagging his tail.

Fourteen years later, Shane continues to sit patiently and welcome his family home every time they come through the door.  He has shown unconditional love and affection to everyone, even since that very first day when he wasn’t officially a part of the family yet. He’s always such a good sport too, agreeing to dress up as “2 Chain Shane” (after the rapper, 2 Chainz) one Halloween!

Everest, a one-year-old beagle who is named after Mount Everest due to the family’s love of hiking and the outdoors, loves to run around outside. He starts from one end of the yard and just as he’s approaching the other end, he throws himself into a summersault and starts rubbing his back all over the grass. After that’s gone on for a good 30 seconds at least, he takes off to do the same thing on the other side. It’s the cutest little ritual!

Dogs are amazing companions. Whether it’s watching TV or enjoying a nice rainfall, seeing his dogs enjoy life’s simple pleasures is a reminder for Dr. Martinez to enjoy those same things in his own life.  

All of us at RGV Braces hope you will give your pups some extra love this National Dog Day! If you’re considering getting a dog, remember that inviting a furry friend into your home is a privilege. Always think through the amount of time and money you’re able to put into having a pet, as they can’t survive on their own. At the end of the day, they need training, food, and lots of love!

Nowadays, many adults are taking advantage of getting straighter teeth with braces. Dr. Joel Martinez, Dr. Christopher Martinez, and Dr. Vanessa Martinez and our team love to help patients create the dazzling, confident smile they’ve always wanted.

Our adult patients usually fall into two categories: some had braces in the past but didn’t wear their retainers, while others are brand-new to wearing braces. Either way, both groups want the same thing: straighter teeth and a beautiful smile!

You will have several options for getting braces, depending on your financial situation and how quickly you would like your treatment to finish. Traditional metal braces are a less-expensive option and can help people who have severely crooked teeth. But many adults may not prefer this option because they dislike the appearance of metal brackets.

If you’re concerned about how you’ll look, we offer clear ceramic braces that aren’t as visible. These are more expensive than metal braces, and patients need to be careful with colored drinks that can stain them, such as coffee or red wine.

Another popular option is a clear aligner treatment called Invisalign®. This type is practically invisible; it uses a series of aligners that are customized to fit your teeth. The process of straightening your teeth can last anywhere from three to 18 months. For people who have extreme bite problems or crowded teeth, a different method may work better.

Don’t hesitate to call our McAllen office today to set up a consultation. Dr. Joel Martinez, Dr. Christopher Martinez, and Dr. Vanessa Martinez will help you choose the best option so you can be on your way to a straighter, more confident smile!