Braces in Las Cruces
Desert Orthodontics provides braces in Las Cruces, NM. Call 575-521-0900 to learn more and schedule your appointment.
While braces have been used to straighten teeth and correct bites for decades, modern orthodontic technology has given them a major upgrade. Today’s braces mean stronger wires that move your teeth faster and lower profile brackets for improved comfort.
When you (or your child) come to our office for a consultation, Dr. Pardo will examine your teeth, assess your bite, and take x-rays to view the roots of your teeth and jaw, if needed. Once she has diagnosed your orthodontic issues, Dr. Pardo will go over your treatment options. If you decide to move forward with braces, the next step is deciding which type of braces are right for you and planning your treatment.
You’ll return to our office to have your braces put on, which involves cementing brackets to each of your teeth and using small elastic bands to attach a wire to the brackets. Dr. Pardo will bend and adjust this wire during each of your appointments, and these adjustments move your teeth. Once your orthodontic treatment is complete, you’ll enjoy a beautiful smile and healthier teeth for a lifetime!
Metal Braces
Metal braces are an economical solution that provides effective treatment for a wide variety of orthodontic concerns. Many of our preteen and teen patients get metal braces, but adults choose them as well for their strength and durability.
Parts of Metal Braces
Brackets
Brackets are the handles on the teeth. The bracket is what moves the tooth into place. A bracket is glued on each tooth. The arch wire fits tightly in a slot in the bracket causing the tooth to move into place over time.
Arch wires
A horse shoe shaped wire, shaped specifically to fit around the teeth and is tied into bracket slots with an elastic tie. Teeth move from the pressure that is applied on the brackets by the arch wires. The arch wire provides a gentle pressure which guides the direction of movement of the teeth.
Elastic Ties
Small elastic ties are used to tie the arch wire into the bracket. These ties come in an assortment of colors allowing for personalization of your braces. You can change your colors at each appointment.
Orthodontic Springs
In some cases springs are placed on the arch wire between brackets. This is done to open space for a tooth to erupt or make room for a tooth to move into place.
Elastics
Elastics are commonly used to correct a bite discrepancy: ie. fix your overbite or under-bite. Elastics are a small rubber band that hooks from the top teeth to the bottom teeth. Elastics are to be worn 24 hrs. a day 7 days a week unless otherwise instructed.
Molar Bands
Molar bands are a small metal band that is fit around your molars. These are used if a molar has a crown on it and a bracket cannot be glued to the tooth. Bands are fit specifically to the tooth and is sealed in with a dental cement. Bands also provide Las Cruces for habit appliances when needed.
Separators
Separators are small blue rubber rings that are placed between your back molars to open space between molars. This is done to allow room for a band to be placed on a molar.
Frequently Asked Questions About Braces
What is a good age to have braces?
We don’t use age to determine when braces are needed—instead, we look at the development of the teeth and jaw. Children usually get braces when all or most of their adult teeth have erupted.
Is it painful to get braces?
Usually patients don’t find it painful to have their braces put on, but after their appointment, they begin to feel tightness and pressure, which can cause headaches and discomfort. This is only temporary, but we recommend using over-the-counter pain relievers to manage any pain.
How long will I need to wear braces?
The length of time you need to wear braces depends on your unique needs, but most patients have braces for 1 to 3 years.
How soon do teeth start moving with braces?
Your teeth start moving right away, but you won’t notice the movement at first—you’ll just feel it! The tightness and pressure mentioned above are signs that your teeth are moving, but the movements are subtle and slow. You’ll likely need a month or so before you see any noticeable difference in your smile.
Do braces fix your teeth forever?
Braces will fix your teeth forever as long as you wear your retainers as directed once your braces are removed.