121 – What Braces Work The Fastest

What Braces Work The Fastest? 

An orthodontic therapy is a therapeutic path that aims to correct malocclusion problems through the use of an orthodontic device, commonly known as a dental appliance. There are different types of dental appliances. Here, we will talk about some options you have, including fixed braces, lingual orthodontic devices, and invisible tooth aligning trays, such as Invisalign.

Fixed braces

Whatever fixed braces are used as orthodontic tools, their function is to correct defects in shape, position, relationship and function of the teeth and jaws, face and functional chewing disorders. Fixed or traditional braces are made up of small plates that function as brackets that hold metal arches in place that take care of putting the teeth into position.

The brackets of a fixed tooth appliance have, in fact, the task of facilitating the alignment of the teeth through the individual movement of each of the teeth in any direction of space.

Fixed orthodontics can be performed at any age and not only for aesthetic reasons, but to improve the functionality of the teeth, for example in chewing; rectify the position of the jaws by restoring their natural alignment; and even correcting phonetic defects caused by bad tooth position.

Fixed braces: the types

There are currently types of traditional braces made with different materials such as metal, ceramic, or plastic. The main advantage of traditional metal braces is that the cost is generally less expensive than other treatments, while the main disadvantage of this type of device lies in the visibility of the device.

Ceramic orthodontic appliances

Fixed ceramic braces are orthodontic devices that are the same size and shape as metal ones, except they incorporate tooth-colored plates to blend in with them. Some even have tooth-colored threads for added discretion.

In this case, it could be said that the advantages for ceramic orthodontic appliances include:

  • In the lower visibility compared to the metal star teeth appliance
  • In the speed with which the teeth move in the desired direction with respect to the transparent plastic appliances.

The disadvantages, however, of this type of device include:

  • In higher cost than traditional metal appliances
  • They can stain easily if the patient does not clean them well and carefully.

Lingual orthodontic appliances

Lingual braces are the same as traditional metal braces, except that the brackets and wires are placed inside the teeth.

The advantage of this type of device lies in the invisibility of the device. That is, this type of device is not visible from the outside.

The disadvantages, on the other hand, are different:

  • These are more difficult to clean and expensive devices
  • They are not suitable for extreme cases of misaligned teeth
  • At first they can be uncomfortable
  • Adjusting them takes longer and is more difficult than with traditional metal braces

Invisalign orthodontic appliances

Invisalign orthodontic treatment is a transparent alternative to the traditional metal appliance for children. This type of device consists of a set of 18-30 aligners and looks a lot like a mouthguard, as it is plastic, is transparent and can be customized. Furthermore, this type of aligner can be removed, therefore it is not a fixed dental appliance and can be changed every 2 weeks.

The advantages of this type of device reside:

  • In its (almost) invisibility
  • In the possibility that the patient has of being able to eat and drink whatever he wants

The disadvantages, on the other hand, concern the fact that:

  • This type of device does not work in case of severe dental problems;
  • They are available for adults and adolescents, but not for children;
  • These are more expensive orthodontic devices;
  • They can be lost quickly
  • They are expensive to change and treatment can take longer

If you are looking for further information on orthodontic treatment or on the cost and on the disadvantages and advantages of each type of appliance, contact your trusted dentist and they will be able to provide you with all the information you are looking for.