What You Need to Know about Braces

If your teeth are crooked or if you have a misaligned bite, Dr. Ben McDowell may recommend braces in Payson, Arizona. An orthodontic exam will be performed and our orthodontist will take impressions of your teeth, take photos of your teeth and face, and take X-rays of your mouth and head. Your treatment plan will be formed based on this information.

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 cosmetic braces. These braces have brackets and wires 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 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 – Stainless steel, clear, or tooth-colored materials that wrap around each tooth to provide an anchor for the brackets. Orthodontic bands are cemented to the teeth. Orthodontic bands are not used in every case. Some patients have brackets without orthodontic bands.

Arch wires – Arch wires attach to the brackets and guide the teeth to their ideal positions.

Ligatures – Ligatures are tiny rubber bands hold the arch wires to the brackets.

Elastics or rubber bands – Elastics or rubber bands hold the arch wires to the brackets. Elastics or rubber bands can also be attached to hooks on the brackets and worn between the upper and lower teeth. This applies pressure and moves the upper teeth against the lower teeth to achieve an ideal fit for individual teeth.

Brackets – Small squares that are bonded to the front of each tooth or are attached using orthodontic bands. Brackets hold the arch wires in place that move the teeth. Brackets are occasionally bonded to the back of the teeth, for a more discreet option.

We welcome you to contact Payson Orthodontics today for more information and to schedule an appointment with our orthodontist.