What causes a malocclusion or facial irregularities?
A. Malocclusions are inherited (genetic) or acquired (resulting from events after birth). Inherited problems include: • Discrepancy between the size of the jaws and the size of the teeth, resulting in crowding or spacing • Extra or missing teeth • Jaw growth problems, such as when one jaw grows more or less than the opposing jaw • Cleft palate and other jaw or face irregularities Acquired problems include: • Premature loss of primary or permanent teeth • Dental disease • Thumb or finger sucking • Breathing problems caused by enlarged tonsils or adenoids • Q. How do braces work? A. Braces include brackets, which are bonded directly to the tooth or sometimes attached to a band placed on a molar tooth, and arch wires that connect all the brackets. Unlike what most people think, it is the arch wire that does all the work-the brackets merely serve as handles! The wires use a steady, gentle pressure to move teeth into their proper positions. Much like moving a stick through sand, as the toot
