Types of orthodontics: which one to choose?

If you’re contemplating starting orthodontic treatment for yourself or your children, you’re in luck. In this post we want to explain the characteristics of the types of orthodontics that currently exist in the market, and how they differ from each other.

Keep in mind that the types of orthodontics solve different problems, we will analyze which one is best for each oral problem.

In this video, our doctor Concha Gross explains the different types of orthodontics.

What types of orthodontics exist?

Below we see the 5 types of orthodontics that exist, and that you can also find in our clinic.

Invisalign invisible braces

Invisible orthodontics or Invisalign differs from other types of metallic and aesthetic orthodontics in that it is removable. That is, we do not carry it continuously. These are two transparent splints that are placed on the teeth as if it were a cover, and that are imperceptible at first glance.

 

Ceramic (or porcelain) orthodontics

Within the different types of orthodontics, ceramic orthodontics belongs to the group of so-called aesthetic orthodontics. The brackets are not metallic, but ceramic porcelain, of a very similar color to the tooth, so they are less noticeable. Of course, the arch that runs through the mouth is metallic.

 

Sapphire orthodontics

In this type of aesthetic orthodontics, the brackets are transparent and the arch may or may not be. That is to say, depending on the case that we have to deal with, a metallic arch or another covered by Teflon will be used, which makes it almost transparent.

Metal orthodontics

Metallic orthodontics is the best known of all types of orthodontics and, although more and more people are opting for others, it is also the most common. In metal orthodontics we use stainless steel brackets of the highest quality.

Lingual orthodontics

The method is the same as that of conventional metal orthodontics, that is, stainless steel brackets. The big difference with other types of orthodontics is above all aesthetic. Is that these brackets are placed on the inside of the teeth. Therefore, for all purposes, it is practically invisible orthodontics. Here we tell you more details about lingual orthodontics.

Advantages and disadvantages of all types of orthodontics

Reading the previous point, you may have already chosen your ideal orthodontic treatment among the different types of orthodontics. But keep in mind that aesthetics is just one of many things to consider. Therefore, we will try to see how each of them works.

Pros and cons of metal braces

Metal orthodontics is the cheapest of all types of orthodontics, which gives it a considerable advantage over the rest. Another, much more important, is that it is usually the one that solves the most dental malposition problems. And, finally, it is the least prone to device breakage. On the other hand, the disadvantages are that it can be more annoying at first and that it is the most seen. However, the discomfort subsides very soon. And as for aesthetics, it depends on each case. For children, the use of orthodontics is very common, and they adorn their braces with colored rubber bands that can change at each revision.

The best and the worst of lingual orthodontics

The main advantage of lingual orthodontics is that, if there is a stain (we will talk about this later), it will remain on the hidden face of the tooth. In addition, and with respect to Invisalign, for example, it better solves problems of rotated teeth or at different heights. The risk of small injuries in the mouth is also reduced and its precision capacity, as in common metal orthodontics, is much greater. On the negative side, hygiene is more difficult than in other types of orthodontics and treatment can take longer.

Ceramic orthodontics: what wins and what loses

On the aesthetic side, it is one of the clear winners, since the brackets closely resemble the color of the tooth. However, they are more fragile than other types of orthodontics such as sapphire brackets and, of course, metal brackets.

Advantages and disadvantages of sapphire orthodontics

They are, after metal brackets, the most resistant to breakage. In addition, aesthetically they are much more accepted, especially by adults, since they are almost invisible. However, they are larger than the metallic ones (although they are less visible), somewhat more expensive and take longer to process. This is because the sapphire increases friction with the bow and this slows down the movement that the teeth have to make. It is also not recommended for teeth that are not very white, because it partially loses its aesthetic capacity.

The good and the bad of Invisalign

The best thing seems obvious: they are not seen and that can be a huge advantage, especially for adults. Another very big one is that they can be put on and taken off at will, so dental hygiene is much more complete. Son, also very comfortable. But what for some may be an advantage (that they are removable) for others may be the opposite. If you don’t wear Invisalign all day (except for eating and brushing your teeth), treatment can take forever. In addition, there are certain rotation or malocclusion problems that this type of orthodontics cannot solve. The price is, finally, higher than in the rest of the cases.

What happens if at the end of the treatment I do not put on the retainers?

The retention phase is a very important phase in orthodontic treatment. In this video Dr. Concha Gross explains everything to you:

 

What problems does orthodontics solve?

Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry that serves to solve all those problems related to the bite. We can resort to it in the following 7 cases:

1. Open bite

We call an open bite in which one or more upper teeth fail to contact the lower ones. In other words, there is a space between both dental lines that prevents the mouth from being able to close perfectly.

An open bite can often be the result of pacifier abuse in childhood or thumb sucking. It also happens when, when swallowing, we push the upper pieces with the tongue. But it may simply be that the mandible and maxilla are not in parallel and it is not due to any supervening cause.

2. Cross bite

Cross bite is one in which the upper teeth protrude outside or inside with respect to the lower ones. The most common causes are that the teeth have not come through the space in which they should or that the bone has not developed correctly.

3. Covered bite

Visually, we detect a covered bite because the upper teeth cover more than half of the lower teeth when we close our mouths.

4. Prognathism

It consists of a displacement of the lower jaw forward with respect to the upper one.

5. Retrognathism

It is the opposite of prognathism. That is, when the lower jaw is delayed with respect to the upper.

6. Diastema

This is the name given to the interdental space, which in adults should never exist.

7. Tooth crowding

Although dental crowding is usually associated with one of the causes mentioned above, we define it as the state of crowding of some pieces due to a lack of space or poor alignment.

Latest tips

With all this information, we suggest that you go to your orthodontist so that they can explain to you which is the most suitable treatment for you. Keep in mind that, no matter how much you prefer one or the other, your wishes may not coincide with the right option for your problem.

And another very important thing: orthodontics requires thorough dental hygiene. Before we talked about possible stains, these are mainly due to not taking care of hygiene as we should. If you stop by our office, the specialist, Concha Gross, will talk to you about all types of orthodontics. And, once you start the treatment, you will give yourself the hygiene guidelines so that your mouth, in a few months, will be the envy of all.