There are different types of orthodontics and techniques that orthodontists use to correct the placement and alignment of the teeth to ensure better aesthetics and oral health. Such are the various options, that on many occasions one does not know what type of orthodontics will suit you according to your oral needs.
There are different factors that influence the choice of one technique or another, from the patient’s lifestyle to any anomaly that may affect his well-being. One of the objectives of Clinic Cloud is to inform you enough so that you can guide your decision when consulting with a dental specialist about what type of orthodontics is best for you.
Therefore, in this post we tell you about the different modalities used in dental clinics so that you know what each one of them consists of.
orthodontic treatments
When we talk about orthodontics, we refer to the treatments that are carried out in clinics to progressively level and correct the patient’s teeth and bite. The purpose of the treatments is to locate the teeth in a correct position, both aesthetically and functionally. And there are several ways to do it, the traditional ones such as the well-known brackets, and other more modern and novel ones such as invisible orthodontics.
Knowing which one best suits your profile depends on what you are really looking for and need and it will always be the professional who, in the end, endorses your preferences.
Regardless of the type of orthodontics, they all share the same function, to modify the position of the teeth, either in a more or less aesthetic way. All models take advantage of the regeneration of the bone and tissues of the oral cavity to balance and harmonize the masticatory system.
So what differentiates one technique from another? Issues such as comfort, hygiene, aesthetics, pronunciation, the number of visits to the clinic that they require, etc. In any of the cases, let’s first see what each of them consists of and then make a comparison that clarifies your doubts.
fixed orthodontics
Fixed orthodontics are those that include the techniques that use multibrackets, that is, the classic brackets that stick to the teeth of a lifetime. Although it could be considered the least aesthetic type of orthodontics, advances in medical-dental science have achieved an important evolution, both ornamental and functional.
As its name indicates, this type of orthodontics cannot be removed by the patient, since it remains fixed. It can only be handled in consultation by the professionals and specialists of the dental clinic.
Currently, there are several types of brackets that manage to be more discreet and practical, with smaller and invisible models. The types of fixed orthodontics are classified according to the material that has been used and the place where they are going to be placed. Some of them are:
metal brackets
Within fixed orthodontics it is the most traditional and the one that most people usually know about. They are quite resistant, especially against blows, bites or certain foods and it is one of the cheapest models.
Metal braces treat problems such as alignment, the type of bite, and the position of the teeth. The disadvantage? The aesthetics. Being made of metal, they are very visible and can often be unattractive to the person who wears them. Of course, at least you have the option of giving it a personal touch through the colored rubber bands that are placed on the brackets.
ceramic brackets
The aesthetics improves a lot with this type of fixed orthodontics. In fact, it is what stands out the most about ceramic brackets, their design. In addition, you can combine them with the previous treatment, since there is the possibility of placing the ceramic on the front teeth to leave the metal ones in the less visible part, on the teeth below.
sapphire brackets
Sapphire braces are virtually invisible and are quite similar to ceramic braces. Their main advantage is that, thanks to their small size, they better prevent chafing that usually occurs on the gums and lower lip with the traditional metal model.
In addition, sapphire is a very hard and resistant material, so it prevents the brackets from wearing out easily if they are cared for according to the orthodontist’s instructions.
lingual orthodontics
This type of orthodontics is placed on the inside of the teeth, making it completely invisible to the eyes of others since they are hidden.
The way in which each bracket is designed is what makes this type of orthodontics stand out. They are manufactured with resistant materials that guarantee hardness and a certain malleability, such as stainless steel. They are placed on the surfaces of the teeth that are in contact with the tongue, the lingual, hence its name.
To avoid discomfort and sores when chewing or speaking, since they are in the inner part of the teeth, their polishing, smoothness and adaptability are carefully worked on.
removable orthodontics
Removable orthodontics are those that can be moved, which, for example, can be removed and placed by patients when eating or brushing their teeth. However, the fact that this practice is allowed does not mean that it can be manipulated freely, since the follow-up and treatment techniques must always be carried out by the dental specialist.
The most popular type of removable orthodontics is the invisible one, which uses transparent aligners. In addition, it uses state-of-the-art technology that is personalized according to the patient’s case and in a very precise way. That is why it is one of the most common orthodontic techniques in dental clinics internationally and the favorite of patients.
Invisalign
This technique is known as invisalign, invisible orthodontics whose base is transparent aligners made of a very new plastic material. This type of orthodontics is renewed every two weeks, more or less, and is almost imperceptible.
As they are aligning sleeves, they do not require brackets to correct the placement of the teeth and improve their aesthetics. In addition, it does so progressively, since the new position that the teeth must take is carried out as the covers are changed every two weeks. That is, the teeth move as you wear the aligner to finally achieve the desired result.
The main advantage of invisalign orthodontics, apart from being almost invisible, is that you can remove it at mealtime and brush your teeth. Therefore, it facilitates the maintenance of oral hygiene, which can reduce the number of visits to the dentist. Something that, possibly, you could not avoid with more traditional orthodontics.
What type of orthodontics is right for you?
Knowing what type of orthodontics is best suited to your profile depends on several factors. For example, you have to study the state of your teeth and the result you want to obtain, if you want a lasting or faster treatment, how important aesthetics are to you, if you are willing to go to the dentist several times or how far your economic capabilities.
Our recommendation is that you go to a dental clinic and consult a specialist so that they can offer you the best solution according to your needs. Although it is also good to go with your homework done. Therefore, we show you a brief comparison compiling the types of orthodontics that we have discussed, so that you have a clearer idea of what you want.
- Lingual brackets: among all the types, this may be the least comfortable. In addition, it is more difficult to maintain hygiene and its pronunciation is noticeable. Aesthetically they are not seen and emergency visits only happen sometimes. They have a high efficiency, it is only applicable to adults, it requires more and longer visits to the dentist and it is one of the most expensive models on the market.
- Metal brackets: they are not very comfortable, they are difficult to clean, they are aesthetically visible, they have poor pronunciation and sometimes require visits to dental emergencies. They have a high efficiency, they are valid for any age, the number and duration of visits to the dentist are normal and they are the most economical.
- Ceramic brackets: their comfort when wearing them is a bit low and it is also difficult to maintain perfect oral hygiene. Aesthetically they are very inconspicuous, their pronunciation is hardly noticeable and they rarely require visits to the emergency room. Compared to the rest of the models, they have a medium efficiency and the number of visits and the duration of the consultation are normal. This model is designed for any age and its price is not high.
- Sapphire brackets: this model has the same characteristics as the previous one. They are not very comfortable and it is difficult to maintain hygiene. Aesthetically they look very little, like their pronunciation. It is not usual to go to the emergency room for this type of brackets and visits to the dentist occur normally. They can also be used at any age and have a medium economic value within the market.
- Invisible orthodontics: this is the best valued by both professionals and patients. It offers high comfort and easy hygiene. Aesthetically, its pronunciation cannot be seen or noticed, it does not need emergency visits, its efficiency is high and it is valid for any age. In addition, with invisible orthodontics it will not be necessary for you to regularly go to the dentist. The disadvantage? Which is the most expensive on the market.
