What is the greatest form of orthodontic treatment for a teen?
– Each individual case determines which treatments work best, but clear orthodontic aligners are highly effective for fixing crooked teeth with teens due to their clear exterior and lack of metal wires for a more socially conforming look during treatment.

What are some standard everyday risks that could easily affect the oral health of a teen?
– Although many bad bites may happen naturally to your smile, teens face higher risks of oral damage than many due to the increased prevalence of bad habits such as wearing mouth jewelry, chewing or smoking tobacco, using drugs, even recreational ones, as well as competing in contact sports without the use of safety gear.

What form of safety equipment should be used for teens who play contact sports?
– To better protect your teeth, wear safety masks, mouth guards, facemasks, and helmets whenever applicable.

No matter which service you choose to treat your smile, the real importance is to ensure proper treatment is given. If you would like Dr. Jaime Rivera and our team at Rivera Orthodontics to bring you in for an oral exam to determine which orthodontic treatment is best for you, please contact our office in El Paso, Texas, by calling us at 915-592-5853. We can get you on the path to smiles for miles!

The post How to Protect Your Mouth as a Teen first appeared on Rivera Orthodontics.

As the festive holiday season begins to spread its cheer across the nation, be wary of any activities that may pose hidden dangers to your aligners. Although most activities are harmless, there are some additional foodstuffs to be aware of.

Because traditional braces may inhibit your regular eating patterns, avoid foods mentioned by your orthodontist that can get stuck in or damage your braces. A few holiday foods to avoid include:

– chewy candies such as taffy or chewing gum
– hard candies such as candy canes
– popcorn or corn on the cob
– apples
– various nuts and snacks
– hard cookies, peanut brittle, and crackers

Always remember to brush your teeth twice daily and floss your teeth once daily. Don’t forget to clean your retainer weekly. It’s also important to be careful with objects around your mouth which can damage your braces or your teeth. It is important to visit regularly with your orthodontist.

If you have any oral accidents, or your braces have been damaged, please contact Rivera Orthodontics as soon as possible. If you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jaime Rivera, we can be reached at 915-592-5853, or stop by our office in El Paso, Texas. If you feel you would like braces, or have other questions or concerns, please let us know. We are happy to help you. On behalf of our staff, we wish you a festive and happy holiday season.

The post Do You Need Orthodontic Braces? first appeared on Rivera Orthodontics.

Aligning crooked or crowded teeth doesn’t only result in an attractive smile, correcting a “bad bite,” also results in a healthier mouth. In honor of October’s National Orthodontic Health Month, we are sharing four tips to help protect your braces and your smile while enjoying the upcoming holidays.

#1- To protect braces, with their brackets, orthodontic bands, and arch wires, please avoid candy or snacks which are hard, sticky, crunchy or chewy such as caramel or bubblegum. Never chew ice, and watch out for popcorn, nuts, candies with nuts inside, and peanut candies in the hard-shell.

#2- If you are indulging in extra sugary treats due to the holiday, beat cavities by stepping up your brushing and flossing game. Brush carefully around all of your brackets and wires, focusing on places where your teeth meet your gums and where your braces attach to your teeth.

#3- To protect your braces, stick with soft chocolates, peppermint patties, peanut butter cups and other treats that melt in your mouth and can easily be washed away.

#4- For our patients wearing braces who also engage in sports, wearing mouth guards will protect your lips and your cheeks from cuts or damaged braces should you accidentally get hit in the face or fall down.

At Rivera Orthodontics in El Paso, Texas, we offer a variety of braces for our patients of all ages seeking an aligned smile. If you would like to schedule a consultation, please call 915-592-5853 today. Dr. Jaime Rivera along with the rest of our dedicated team, are excited to help you enjoy the holiday celebrations while maintaining your healthy smile!

The post Don’t Let the Holidays Dampen Your Healthy Smile Care first appeared on Rivera Orthodontics.