Dental braces (also known as orthodontic braces) are a device used in orthodontics to correct alignment of teeth and their position with regard to bite. Braces are often used to correct malocclusions such as underbites, overbites, cross bites and open bites, or crooked teeth and various other flaws of teeth and jaws, whether cosmetic or structural. Orthodontic braces are often used in conjunction with other orthodontic appliances to widen the palate or jaws, create spaces between teeth, or otherwise shape the teeth and jaws. Most orthodontic patients are children or teenagers, however, recently, more adults have been seeking orthodontic treatment.

A. Ligature
The archwire is held to each bracket with a ligature, which can be either a tiny elastic or a twisted wire

B. Archwire
The archwire is tied to all of the brackets and creates force to move teeth into proper alignment.

C. Brackets
Brackets are connected to the bands, or directly bonded on the teeth, and hold the archwire in place.

D. Metal Band
The band is the cemented ring of metal which wraps around the tooth.

E. Bracket Hooks
The bracket or band extensions that are used for the attachment of rubber bands.

It is usually difficult to know if your child will need orthodontic treatment until your child is 7-8 and their permanent teeth start to come in. We recommend that you bring your child into the orthodontist when your child is 7 years old to evaluate whether treatment will be needed. Generally, the orthodontist will evaluate your child, and if your child needs treatment, the orthodontist will take corrective action to avoid costly and uncomfortable treatment later on.

Most problems are inherited, including tooth size and jaw size. These orthodontic problems may lead to crowding of teeth or spacing of teeth.
Overbites, underbites, extra or missing teeth, and irregularities of the jaws, teeth and face also are inherited.Other orthodontic problems can be caused by accidents, pacifier or thumb sucking, dental disease, or the premature loss of either the primary or permanent teeth.