Types of Orthodontic treatment: Braces, Clear aligners, and more.

A beautiful smile is aesthetically pleasing and plays a significant role in oral health. For those seeking to achieve straighter teeth and proper alignment, orthodontic treatment offers a pathway to a confident and healthy smile. However, with many treatment options available today, it's essential to understand the choices and determine which best suits your needs.  

In this blog section of the guide, we will delve into different types of orthodontic options available to patients. From the traditional metal braces that have long been a staple in orthodontics to the more discreet and removable clear aligners, we will cover many treatments that can help you achieve the smile you desire.  

Traditional Braces  

• Metal Braces 

Metal braces are a common orthodontic treatment. They consist of small brackets attached to the teeth and a thin archwire to correct misalignments and bite problems.  

Metal braces are durable and reliable and have become smaller and more comfortable with advancements in orthodontic technology.  

Metal braces are a reliable and customizable option for orthodontic treatment. They offer a classic look, and you can choose colorful elastic bands to express your style.  

• Ceramic Braces 

Ceramic braces are a subtle option that matches your teeth's color, making them less noticeable than metal braces. The brackets can come in clear or tooth-colored, seamlessly blending with your smile.  

Ceramic braces use tooth-colored brackets and archwire for a more aesthetic treatment.  

Ceramic braces are a discreet option for orthodontic treatment suitable for adults and older teens who value aesthetics. 

• Lingual Braces 

Lingual braces are an excellent option for people who want their orthodontic appliances hidden. They're placed on the back of the teeth facing the tongue, making them almost invisible from the front.  

With precision technology, lingual braces are customizable and fit a patient's teeth, resulting in effective orthodontic correction. Although they may affect speech and tongue movement at first, most patients adapt quickly and find them to be a discreet solution.  

Clear Aligners  

Clear aligners have recently become a discreet and convenient alternative to traditional braces. They offer a more subtle approach to orthodontic treatment, allowing individuals to straighten their teeth without using visible brackets and wires. There are two common brands of clear aligners: Invisalign and ClearCorrect.  

• Invisalign 

Invisalign uses clear plastic trays to align teeth gradually. They're virtually undetectable when worn and personalized using computer imaging.  

Invisalign involves a consultation with an orthodontist, who creates a personalized treatment plan and crafts a series of aligners based on digital scans of your teeth. Each set is worn for about two weeks, gradually moving your teeth closer to their desired positions.  

Invisalign is removable, allowing for better oral hygiene and no food restrictions.  

Invisalign aligners are comfortable and convenient. They're made from smooth, BPA-free plastic and require fewer in-person appointments than traditional braces.  

• ClearCorrect  

ClearCorrect offers clear aligner treatment for a straighter smile. Custom-made from clear, durable plastic, they're nearly invisible when worn.  

ClearCorrect involves an evaluation by an orthodontist to see if you're a good fit for clear aligners. If so, a treatment plan is created, and aligners are crafted to fit your teeth. You wear each set for a specific time before moving on to the next.  

ClearCorrect aligners are comfortable and removable, so you can maintain oral hygiene and eat your favorite foods without restrictions.  

ClearCorrect aligners provide an effective and discreet alternative to traditional braces, allowing you to achieve a confident smile without drawing attention to your orthodontic treatment.  

Wearing aligners as instructed is crucial for successful Invisalign and ClearCorrect treatment. Regular check-ups with your orthodontist ensure progress and adjustments are made.  

Clear aligners, like Invisalign and ClearCorrect, offer a discreet and comfortable option for straightening teeth. They can be an excellent choice for mild to moderate orthodontic issues or anyone seeking a more inconspicuous treatment experience.  

Self-Ligating Braces  

Self-ligating braces are a modern alternative to traditional braces. They have brackets that hold the archwire without elastic or metal ties. SmartClip and Damon are two popular brands.  

• Damon Braces  

Damon Braces use a sliding door to secure the wire, reducing friction and adjusting more comfortably.  

These Braces use gentle forces to guide teeth without elastic or metal ties, requiring fewer orthodontist visits than traditional braces.  

Damon Braces use shape-memory wires to apply gentle pressure on teeth for efficient movement and shorter treatment times.  

Damon Braces offers metal and clear bracket options for patients, with clear brackets being a popular choice for those seeking discreet orthodontic treatment.  

• SmartClip Braces 

SmartClip Braces are efficient and comfortable self-ligating braces with a unique clip that holds the archwire in place for precise tooth movement.  

Furthermore, SmartClip Braces reduce friction, resulting in smoother tooth adjustments and less discomfort during treatment.  

SmartClip Braces work well for complex dental cases with precise control and reliable performance.  

Like Damon Braces, SmartClip Braces are available in metal and clear bracket options, providing flexibility and choice for patients wishing to personalize their orthodontic treatment.  

Consult an orthodontist to determine which self-ligating braces system best suits your needs and dental condition. Damon Braces and SmartClip Braces offer advantages like reduced treatment time, improved comfort, and fewer visits.  

Self-ligating braces offer efficient orthodontic treatment with precise tooth movement and enhanced comfort. Choose Damon or SmartClip for a beautifully aligned smile.  

Removable Appliances  

Removable appliances are essential in orthodontics, allowing for easy maintenance and alignment of teeth. There are three types of removable appliances: retainers, space maintainers, and aligner-like appliances.  

• Retainers 

Retainers are removable appliances used after orthodontic treatment to maintain the position of teeth. They are custom-made for each patient.  

Retainers come in two types: removable and fixed. Removable ones are made of plastic and worn at night. Fixed retainers are wires bonded to teeth for continuous support.  

Retainers are essential for maintaining the results of orthodontic treatment and preventing relapse. Consistent wear of retainers, as advised by the orthodontist, is crucial for long-term stability and ensuring the durability of the treatment outcome. 

• Space Maintainers 

Space maintainers prevent nearby teeth from shifting and maintain proper alignment after premature tooth loss in children.  

Space maintainers preserve enough space for permanent teeth eruption, avoiding future orthodontic interventions. They are custom-made from metal or plastic and attached to adjacent teeth using wires or bands.  

Regular orthodontist appointments are crucial for monitoring and adjusting space maintainers.  

• Aligner-like Appliances  

Aligner-like appliances, like Essix retainers or ClearCorrect Phase Zero aligners, are clear, removable devices used for minor tooth movements or as a prelude to more extensive orthodontic treatment.  

Clear, custom-fit appliances for teeth are transparent and removable, like clear aligners. They allow for easy cleaning and eating without restrictions.  

Aligner-like appliances discreetly adjust minor tooth rotations, spacing, and alignment after orthodontic treatment. They're a great alternative to traditional braces for those who only need minimal adjustments.  

It is essential to follow the orthodontist's instructions regarding the wear schedule and care of removable appliances to ensure their effectiveness and longevity.  

Orthodontic Surgery  

Orthodontic surgery corrects severe jaw and facial irregularities that can't be fixed with orthodontic treatment alone. It corrects severe skeletal and dental discrepancies such as overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites caused by jaw misalignment or size differences. It aims to improve dental alignment, facial aesthetics, and functional harmony.  

Furthermore, orthodontic surgery involves collaboration between an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and an orthodontist. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, and techniques used depend on the patient's needs, such as jaw repositioning, facial bone reshaping, or chin position alteration.  

It is important to note that orthodontic surgery is a significant undertaking, requiring thorough evaluation, meticulous planning, and post-operative care. Recovery time can vary, but patients typically experience swelling and discomfort for a few weeks following the procedure.  

Accelerated Orthodontics  

Accelerated orthodontics speeds up tooth movement for faster results. AcceleDent and propel are two methods of this.  

• AcceleDent:  

AcceleDent uses SoftPulse Technology to speed up orthodontic treatment. It's a handheld device with a mouthpiece that emits gentle vibrations to stimulate bone growth around teeth.  

AcceleDent generates micro pulses that speed up teeth repositioning and bone remodeling. Use it for 20 minutes a day in addition to braces or aligners for faster results than traditional orthodontic treatment.  

AcceleDent is a painless and comfortable method that works with your orthodontic treatment plan. Your orthodontist should guide you on whether it's right for your case.  

• Propel:  

Propel is a technique that speeds up orthodontic treatment. It involves making small holes in the bone around the teeth, which triggers faster healing and tooth movement.  

Propel takes a routine orthodontic visit to speed up tooth realignment and shorten your overall treatment time.  

AcceleDent and propel may speed up orthodontic treatment, but effectiveness varies based on individual factors and case complexity. Consult with your orthodontist to see if they're right for you.  

Furthermore, good oral hygiene and following your orthodontist's instructions are crucial for successful orthodontic treatments. Regular check-ups and adjustments ensure efficient progress toward desired results.  

Accelerated orthodontics using AcceleDent or Propel can reduce treatment time and help to achieve a better smile. Consult with your orthodontist to see if it's right for you.

Contact your Pinole dentist, Dr. Hoss Abar, DDS, MSD at Abar Orthodontics, to learn more about Types of Orthodontic treatment: Braces, Clear aligners, and more.

Resource:

Adult Orthodontics: What are my treatment options?

*This media/content or any other on this website does not prescribe, recommend, or prevent any treatment or procedure. Therefore, we highly recommend that you get the advice of a qualified dentist or other medical practitioners regarding your specific dental condition.