Types of orthodontics. Which one to choose?

Learn about the types:

There are several types of braces for orthodontic treatment, and it all depends on your needs and specific characteristics. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Here are the 5 most common types:

1. Metal braces: son más tradicionales y económicos, poco discretos.
2. Invisible orthodontics: removibles para comer y cepillarse, y cómodos. No funcionan en todos los casos. 
3. Ceramic braces: más discretos y estéticos, pero más frágiles y costosos.
4. Self-ligating braces: más eficiente, puede disminuir el tiempo de uso, costosos y poco estéticos.
5. Lingual braces: muy estéticos, más incomodos y costosos.

While metal braces are the most common, there are several other options that are important to know if you want to start your orthodontic treatment. Let’s look at each one clearly:

 Metal braces:

These are the most well-known and widely used braces in history. Until recently, they were the only type available. Due to their practicality and low cost, they became very popular and remain essential in modern orthodontics.

“How do they work?” They use small metal pieces called brackets to gently move the teeth into the correct position for a proper bite. The brackets are attached to each tooth using a special glue, and a thin wire called an archwire connects them all. This wire is what actually guides the teeth to align over time. Because the brackets are placed on the outside of the teeth, this type of orthodontic treatment is visible when you smile.

Advantages:

1. Cost: They are usually more affordable than other types of braces, making them accessible to a larger number of people.
2. Effective: They are effective for correcting a wide range of dental alignment issues, such as crooked teeth, crowding, overbite, and underbite.
3. Durability: They are known for their strength and ability to withstand the daily wear and tear of orthodontic treatment.

 Invisible Orthodontics:

Also known as invisible orthodontics or clear aligners, they are a discreet alternative to traditional metal braces for correcting dental alignment issues. These aligners are removable and practically invisible, making them a popular option for those seeking a more aesthetic treatment.

“How do they work?” They are custom-designed for each patient, fitting perfectly over the teeth. They apply gradual and controlled pressure to the teeth, moving them little by little into the desired position. However, they do not work for all types of bite problems.

Advantages:

1. Aesthetics: They are practically invisible, allowing patients to maintain their natural appearance during treatment.
2. Comfort: They are removable, which makes oral hygiene easier and allows you to eat without restrictions.
3. Treatment duration: it can vary depending on the complexity of each case, and it may be similar to or slightly shorter than the treatment time with traditional braces.

 Lingual braces:

These are orthodontic braces placed on the back of the teeth, on the inner or lingual side, making them invisible from the outside. This technique allows for correcting dental alignment and bite problems in a discreet way.

“How do they work?” Wires are used to apply pressure and move the teeth into the desired position, just like conventional metal braces. The main difference lies in their placement, which makes them more aesthetic (since they are almost invisible) but also more uncomfortable. They can cause irritation to the tongue and make speaking more difficult.

Advantages:

1. Invisibles: Because they are on the inner side of the teeth, they are invisible from the outside.
2. They protect the enamel.: Since they are on the inner side of the teeth, they do not cause stains or issues on the visible part of the enamel.
3. Effective: They are just as effective as conventional braces.