Are you aware of the benefits that can be had through orthodontic aligners such as Invisalign? With Invisalign, you can dramatically improve the look of your smile and put your teeth back into straight positions. Straighter teeth can provide you with better oral hygiene and a much more aesthetically pleasing smile. Even when your treatments are underway, your smile can still look wonderful because Invisalign aligners are clear and will not add any visual distractions on your teeth and gums.

Invisalign aligners are made of durable and safe thermoplastic materials that are both clear and removable. Thanks to the benefits of Invisalign aligners being detachable, you can still enjoy all the foods you love simply by taking out your aligners before eating. In addition, Invisalign aligners are metal-free and do not contain any brackets or wires, which may inhibit your smile or cause further problems with your daily cleaning routines. Due to the fact that Invisalign alignment treatments can be given with minimal issues and hindrances to your mouth, they can dramatically boost your self-esteem and be comfortable to wear, even for adults.

When you are ready to schedule an exam for Invisalign with Rivera Orthodontics at our office in El Paso, Texas, you can call us at 915-592-5853. Dr. Jaime Rivera and our entire team are here to help straighten your teeth.

The post Spring Time Smile Time: Invisalign® first appeared on Rivera Orthodontics.

– Eating and speaking can often be done with much greater ease with straight teeth.

– Straighter teeth have been proven to be much more efficient in stopping tooth decay and gum disease because they are easier to clean and less likely to harbor plaque in hard to reach places.

– Braces can straighten teeth and lessen the effects of bruxism or other forms of tooth wear that may occur more often if teeth are out of alignment.

– Braces can improve your self-esteem and self-image by giving you a smile you can show off and cherish for a lifetime of joy.

– Many misalignments with our teeth could be the result of malocclusions, also called bad bites, which can change your smile in a variety of ways, including your joint functions within your jaw.

To schedule your orthodontic examination at Rivera Orthodontics with Dr. Jaime Rivera and our team at our office in El Paso, Texas, simply give us a call at 915-592-5853. We look forward to hearing from you!

The post Can Orthodontic Braces Deliver on Their Promises? first appeared on Rivera Orthodontics.

Here are some service reminders to keep your orthodontic treatment at its peak:

– If you should suffer an oral accident which damages your braces, use your orthodontist-provided wax until a visit can be made to fix your braces,
– Always make sure to practice safe and effective oral hygiene habits, including brushing and flossing your teeth. Use dental tools that are specially designed for braces.
– Always be sure to visit your orthodontist at Rivera Orthodontics for all your regularly scheduled appointments and adjustments. Any skipped sessions could delay your recovery time and hamper your treatment effectiveness.
– If you have a retainer, always make sure it is cleaned adequately.
– Take extra caution when protecting your teeth and braces. If you are doing any strenuous activity, such as winter sports, or contact sports, be sure to wear proper safety gear such as helmets, mouth guards, and face protectors.
– Certain foods and snacks can get lodged between your teeth and braces. If possible, avoid harmful products that can get stuck in these areas.

For more tips and helpful hints to keep your braces at their best, please contact Rivera Orthodontics to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jaime Rivera. Our office is located in El Paso, Texas, and we can be reached by calling us at 915-592-5853. We look forward to shaping your smile!

The post Embrace Your Orthodontic Care Treatment Options first appeared on Rivera Orthodontics.

Braces use several components to apply continuous pressure over a period of time to move the teeth to their ideal positions. These components include:

– Orthodontic bands: These bands wrap around each tooth to anchor the brackets in place. They are not used for all patients. Some individuals have brackets and no bands.
– Brackets: Brackets are squares that are attached to the front of each tooth with orthodontic bands or bonding. The brackets hold the arch wires in place as that move the teeth.
– Arch Wires: These attach to the brackets and guide the teeth to their ideal positions.
– Ligatures: These tiny rubber bands hold the arch wires to the brackets.
– Elastics: Brackets have hooks that elastics or rubber bands are attached to to connect the upper and lower teeth in various ways. This applies pressure to the upper teeth against the lower teeth to achieve an ideal bite.

There are certain foods that you should avoid when wearing braces, including:

– Hard or difficult-to-bite foods
– Chewy foods
– Corn on the cob
– Hard pretzels, nuts, carrots, and popcorn

Also, do not chew bubble gum or ice.

We encourage you to contact Rivera Orthodontics today to learn more about orthodontics and to schedule a consultation.

The post The Components of Braces first appeared on Rivera Orthodontics.

Brushing and Flossing While Wearing Braces
Braces and other orthodontic appliances can attract plaque and food, which can stain the teeth if it is not removed. Our orthodontist may recommend brushing your teeth after every meal or snack, to carefully remove any food or plaque that is stuck in your braces. Brush using a soft toothbrush. To clean each tooth, brush down from the top and up from the bottom. Next, use a proxabrush, which is also called a Christmas tree brush, to clean between your braces. Between each set of brackets, insert the brush from the top to the bottom and then from the bottom to the top, using several strokes in each direction. There is also a special procedure for flossing with braces. Insert the short end of the floss between the main arch wire and the part of the tooth closest to the gums. Use a gentle sawing motion to work the floss between the teeth. Be very careful around the arch wire.

Avoid These Foods While Wearing Braces
For those wearing braces, most foods can still be eaten as long as they are cut into small pieces that can be easily chewed. However, some foods can damage braces and should be avoided, including:

– Hard foods that are hard to bite (i.e. apples and bagels)
– Chewy foods (i.e. taffy and caramel)
– Corn on the cob
– Popcorn, nuts, carrots, and hard pretzels

Do not chew ice or bubble gum with braces.

Feel free to contact Rivera Orthodontics today to learn more and to schedule a consultation.

The post How to Brush and Floss During Orthodontic Treatment first appeared on Rivera Orthodontics.