Orthodontic Treatment Methods
Metal Brackets (Braces): Commonly known as braces or wire treatment, metal brackets are the most widely used fixed orthodontic appliances. They typically have a metallic appearance. These consist of brackets bonded to the teeth and archwires that pass through them, transmitting forces to move the teeth. Ligatures, which are elastic or metal rings, connect the brackets to the wires. Ligatures can be clear, metallic gray, or available in various vibrant colors, allowing patients to match current trends or their favorite team’s colors.
Self-Ligating Braces: In brace treatment, brackets are small attachments bonded to the tooth surface, and the wire is connected to these brackets, creating some friction. This friction can be advantageous or disadvantageous depending on the tooth movement. Self-ligating brackets are designed to significantly reduce friction, potentially shortening treatment time, chair time, and the number of appointments when deemed suitable by your orthodontist. They are not necessary for all treatments, and your doctor can provide more details.
Ceramic Braces (Clear Braces): With technological advancements, metal brackets have been largely replaced by less noticeable ceramic or clear braces. These can be made from materials like plastic or glass silica, and they may be transparent or white. In the past, ceramic and plastic brackets caused slower tooth movement due to higher friction. Recent advancements in specialized brackets with metal-like properties have resolved this issue. At our clinic, we use Radiance brackets from American Orthodontics for clear braces, ensuring both aesthetics and treatment efficiency comparable to metal braces. The wires passing through these brackets may be metal or white.
Iconix Brackets: A recent innovation in braces, Iconix brackets are lighter-colored metal brackets. They combine the durability and resistance to breakage of metal brackets with the aesthetic advantages of clear brackets.
Clear Aligners: The growing demand for orthodontic treatment among adults, coupled with some patients’ reluctance to wear fixed braces, has led to the development of removable, nearly invisible clear aligners. Commonly known by brands like Invisalign or Orthero, these aligners are digitally designed and custom-made based on dental impressions. Each aligner is worn for 2-3 weeks, gradually straightening the teeth. Their main advantages are near-invisibility and removability. While not all misalignments can be corrected with this method, it is highly effective for suitable cases.
Lingual Orthodontics (Internal Braces): For adults with misalignments too complex for clear aligners and requiring detailed treatment, lingual orthodontics is an option. Known as internal braces, these brackets are custom-made to fit the inner surfaces of the teeth and bonded with special adhesives. The key advantages are their complete invisibility and the full benefits of fixed orthodontic treatment.
Removable Appliances (Palatal Expanders): Primarily used in childhood, these appliances can correct simple tooth misalignments and skeletal anomalies. When used at the appropriate age and duration, they offer a short-term, cost-effective treatment option.
Fixed Functional Appliances (Powerscope): These are used primarily when the lower jaw is recessed, requiring skeletal correction. The ideal age for skeletal correction varies but is typically between 11 and 15 years. Fixed functional appliances, such as small pistons extending from the lower to the upper jaw, are attached to fixed braces and are particularly effective for slightly older children. They are not visible externally and can achieve desired results in a few months when used at the right age.
Extraoral Appliances: Known as “headgear” or “neckgear,” these are used for skeletal corrections but have become less common in recent years due to advancements in modern techniques and materials.
Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs): Referred to as “anchorage screws,” these are small screws placed in the bone under light local anesthesia to provide support for tooth movement. Their advantage is that they allow targeted tooth movement without affecting other teeth. Once their purpose is served, they can be easily removed, often without anesthesia.
