Malocclusion, or a misaligned bite or crooked teeth, is a common issue. Some people’s teeth come in crooked, overlapping, or crowded. This can occur when a person’s mouth is too small for their teeth. Individuals may also have gapped teeth. A person may have upper and lower jaws that aren’t the same size or that did not form correctly. This can cause an overbite or an underbite. If you have malocclusion, Dr. Jaime Rivera may recommend braces in El Paso, Texas.
Braces are can be made from different materials. Traditional braces are made of metal. However, for those who are hesitant about wearing metal brackets and wires, we offer aesthetic braces. These braces have wires and brackets that are made from clear or tooth-colored material. During your consultation, discuss your options with our orthodontist to find the best treatment for you.
Braces have several parts that apply continuous pressure over a period of time to move the teeth to their ideal positions. These components include:
Brackets – The brackets are bonded to the front of each tooth or are attached to orthodontic bands. The brackets hold the arch wires in place that move the teeth.
Orthodontic bands – These bands wrap around each tooth to hold the brackets in place. They are not used in every case. Some individuals have brackets and no bands.
Arch wires – Arch wires guide the teeth to their ideal positions. They attach to the brackets.
Ligatures – These tiny rubber bands hold the arch wires to the brackets.
Elastics or rubber bands – These are attached to hooks on the brackets and worn between the upper and lower teeth. They move the upper teeth against the lower teeth to achieve proper fit of individual teeth.
We welcome you to call Rivera Orthodontics at 915-592-5853 today for more information and to set up your next appointment (or your child’s next appointment) with our orthodontist.