Orthodontics is a dental specialty that studies, prevents and corrects developmental disorders, the shape of the dental arches and the position of the teeth. The objective of orthodontics is the mobility of the teeth, seeking their occlusal normalization (the chewing surface), or the displacement of the entire set of teeth (dental arch), above all, to correct functional masticatory disorders.
There are different types of orthodontics, among which are:
Orthodontics with braces
It is the most common type of orthodontics and consists of placing metal or ceramic brackets on the teeth, which are connected with a metal arch that exerts pressure on the teeth to move them to their correct position.
Invisible orthodontics (invisalign)
is a type of orthodontics that uses clear, removable aligners to move teeth into their correct position. These aligners are changed every two weeks and gradually adjusted to achieve the desired dental alignment.
Lingual orthodontics
It is a type of orthodontics in which braces are placed on the back of the teeth, making them invisible from the front. This type of orthodontics is more expensive and requires more adjustment time than orthodontics with conventional braces.
Surgical orthodontics
It is a type of orthodontics that is used in more severe cases of malocclusion, in which surgery is required to correct the position of the jaw bones.
It is important to note that each type of orthodontics has its advantages and disadvantages, and that the choice of the type of orthodontics will depend on the needs and preferences of the patient, as well as the recommendation of the orthodontist. Orthodontics not only improves the aesthetics of the smile, but also improves the functionality of the teeth and helps prevent periodontal diseases and other common oral problems.
Types of Brackets in Orthodontics
There are different types of braces in orthodontics, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Below are the most common types of braces and their characteristics:
Metal braces
1) Durability: Metal braces are very strong and durable, making them ideal for correcting complex dental problems.
2) Effectiveness: Metal braces offer a high level of control for the orthodontist, allowing for greater precision in tooth movement.
3) Cost: Metal braces are the most economical option in orthodontics, making them accessible to a greater number of patients.
4) Variety of colors: Metal braces are available in a wide variety of colors, allowing patients to customize their treatment and express themselves through their braces.
Ceramic brackets
Features:
- Ceramic braces are made of special porcelain-like materials, which gives them a color similar to that of teeth and makes them almost imperceptible.
- They work in the same way as metal braces, but are more discreet and aesthetic.
- They are more expensive than metal braces, but less expensive than sapphire braces or invisible aligners.
- They can be combined with metal braces to reduce the cost of treatment.
Advantages:
- Aesthetics: ceramic braces are an aesthetic option that blends in with the natural color of the teeth, making them less visible than metal braces.
- Comfort: Ceramic braces are softer than metal ones, so they do not cause as much discomfort to the gums and cheeks.
- Effectiveness: Ceramic braces are effective in correcting a wide range of dental alignment problems.
- Variety of colors: Ceramic braces are available in different colors, allowing patients to personalize their treatment and express themselves through their braces.
Disadvantages:
- Durability: Ceramic braces are less durable than metal ones and are more likely to break.
- Staining: Ceramic braces can become stained over time if you do not practice good dental hygiene or if you consume foods and drinks that stain your teeth.
- Cost: Ceramic braces are more expensive than metal braces.
In conclusion, ceramic braces are an aesthetic option in orthodontics that offer a number of advantages compared to other types of braces. They are discreet, effective and comfortable, but they are also less durable and more expensive than metal braces. It is important to keep in mind that each type of brace has its advantages and disadvantages, and that the choice of the type of brace will depend on the needs and preferences of the patient, as well as the recommendation of the orthodontist.
Self-ligating brackets
1) Self-ligating metal braces: These are similar to conventional metal braces, but do not require elastics to hold the archwire in place. Instead, they have a gate or clip that opens and closes to hold the archwire in place.
2) Self-ligating ceramic braces: These are similar to conventional ceramic braces, but do not require elastics to hold the archwire in place. Instead, they have a gate or clip that opens and closes to hold the archwire in place.
3) Passive self-ligating brackets: These are a variant of self-ligating brackets that use a passive self-ligating system to reduce friction and treatment time. These brackets have a wider slot that allows the archwire to move freely.
4) Active self-ligating braces: These are a variant of self-ligating braces that use an active self-ligating system to apply a constant, gentle force to the teeth. These brackets have a gate or clip that opens and closes automatically to hold the archwire in place.
The advantages of self-ligating braces include shorter treatment time, fewer adjustments required, and less discomfort for the patient. Disadvantages include higher cost and the need for an experienced orthodontist for placement.
In conclusion, self-ligating braces are a type of orthodontic system that uses special brackets that do not require ligatures to hold the bracket to the archwire. There are different types of self-ligating braces, such as metal, ceramic, passive self-ligating, and active self-ligating. The advantages of self-ligating braces include shorter treatment time, fewer adjustments required, and less discomfort for the patient, while the disadvantages include higher cost and the need for an experienced orthodontist to place them.
Sapphire brackets
Advantages:
- Aesthetics: Sapphire braces are transparent and blend in with the natural colour of your teeth, making them less visible than metal braces. They also do not stain over time, so they maintain their original colour throughout the treatment.
- Strength: Sapphire crystal is a more resistant material than ceramic, so it has less risk of breaking. In addition, it adheres better to the tooth than porcelain or plastic, so it is more difficult for a bracket to come loose or fall off.
- Adhesion: Sapphire crystal adheres better to the tooth than porcelain or plastic, making it more difficult for a bracket to come loose or fall off.
- Easy to clean: To keep your sapphire braces clean, simply brush your teeth after every meal.
- Comfort: Sapphire braces are softer than metal ones, so they do not cause as much discomfort to the gums and cheeks.
Disadvantages:
- Price: the cost of sapphire braces is higher than other types of braces, since the material is of better quality.
- Possible color change: If proper dental hygiene is not maintained, the color of the sapphire braces could vary and take on a more yellowish tone, which would make their presence more noticeable in the smile.
In general, sapphire braces are a good choice for patients looking for an aesthetic and durable option, but it is important to consider their higher cost and the need for good dental hygiene to avoid discoloration.
Lingual braces
Features:
- Lingual braces are placed on the inside of the teeth, making them practically invisible to the naked eye.
- They are a good option for those patients looking for an aesthetic and discreet option in orthodontics.
- They are more expensive than metal brackets and may require longer adjustment time.
Advantages:
- Aesthetics: lingual braces are a good alternative to metal braces, as they are placed on the inside of the teeth, making them practically invisible.
- Comfort: Lingual braces are softer than metal ones, so they do not cause as much discomfort to the gums and cheeks.
- Effectiveness: Lingual braces are effective in correcting a wide range of dental alignment problems.
- Variety of colors: Lingual braces are available in different colors, allowing patients to personalize their treatment and express themselves through their braces.
Disadvantages:
- Treatment duration: Lingual braces may require a longer adjustment time than metal braces.
- Cost: Lingual braces are more expensive than metal braces.
- Difficulty to clean: Lingual braces can be more difficult to clean than conventional braces, since they are located on the inside of the teeth.
In general, lingual braces are a good option for those patients looking for an aesthetic and discreet option in orthodontics, but it is important to take into account their higher cost and the need for good dental hygiene to avoid cleaning problems.
Retainers
Dental retainers are devices used after orthodontic treatment to keep teeth in their new position. Retainers are used to prevent teeth from moving back to their natural position after orthodontic treatment. Incorrect management during the retention stage can cause us to lose the alignment and leveling that we had achieved with orthodontics. Retainers are prosthetic devices that are placed once treatment is finished and allow us to maintain the stability of our teeth. After treatment, teeth have a bit of memory, especially during the first few years. Without proper retention, teeth can move again, as they have a natural tendency to return to their initial position.
There are different types of retainers, such as fixed and removable.
Fixed retainers:
Removable retainers:
Retainers must be worn full-time for the first few months, except for eating and brushing your teeth. After that time, your orthodontist may tell you to wear them only at night.It is important to follow the dentist’s recommendations regarding the use of retainers, since any neglect in this regard can cause undesirable changes. The proper use of retainers guarantees that the results obtained during the period in which we have had the braces are sustainable over time. In addition, retainers help patients with bite problems (malocclusion or bruxism), that is, who clench their teeth. In short, dental retainers are essential to maintain the results obtained with orthodontic treatment and prevent relapse.
Advantages:
- Maintaining the new position: Dental retainers are essential to maintain the results obtained with orthodontic treatment and prevent relapse.
- Body adaptation: Dental retainers help the body adapt to the new position of the teeth and prevent them from returning to their previous position.
- Easy to use: Dental retainers are easy to use and comfortable for the patient.
Disadvantages:
- Treatment duration: Dental retainers must be worn for an extended period of time, which may be uncomfortable for some patients.
- Cost: Dental retainers can be expensive, depending on the type of retainer and the orthodontic treatment you have had.
- Difficulty to clean: Dental retainers can be difficult to clean, especially fixed ones.
It is important to note that each type of dental retainer has its advantages and disadvantages, and that the choice of retainer type will depend on the patient’s needs and preferences, as well as the orthodontist’s recommendation. In general, dental retainers are an essential part of orthodontic treatment and are necessary to maintain the results obtained with the treatment.
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Dra. Johanna Calderón
Dr. Edson Cortes Triana
Dra. Angie Aguiar
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Dra Johanna Calderón
Periodontics and dental implants specialist. Our clinical team provides comprehensive care: dental implants, periodontics, smile design, root canal treatment and general dentistry.
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Orthodontic care at our locations
We offer this treatment across our locations in Colombia. Confirm the treating clinician and appointment availability when booking your consultation.
