Numerous types of orthodontic treatment have been researched and developed along the development history of Orthodontics to enhance appearance of your smile and improve dental health by correcting malocclusion. When it comes to the occlusion, there are complicated issues involved such as the contact between teeth and the relationship between the upper and lower teeth when they approach each other. Malocclusion occurs when there is misalignment or incorrect relation between the teeth of the two dental arches. To treat malocclusion, orthodontic treatment plan must be designed carefully and precisely only by the Orthodontists.

Fixed Braces

Braces are considered the original and also the most common type of orthodontic treatment. This method involves brackets that are bonded to each tooth’s surface and connects together with wires or elastics, which genly move teeth to the desired positions by applying pressure under the orthodontist’s control. In each follow-up appointment, the orthodontist adjusts the braces to ensure proper pressure required. This is also the opportunity for your orthodontist to evaluate the movement of your teeth and the progress made, which allows for recommendations that may enhance the final outcome of the orthodontic treatment plan.  

Fixed braces are mainly categorized into 2 common types due to different materials of brackets divide  :

• Metal braces

The metal braces are traditional option which is more effective at treating severe malocclusion cases than other types. The only disadvantage that patients may face when choosing traditional metal braces is that they are very noticeable when you smile, laugh, or talk. This can make people feel very self-conscious.

• Ceramic braces

The translucent look of ceramic material complimentary to the natural look of the teeth makes braces camouflaged and less noticeable. This is a good alternative to traditional metal braces for patients who care much about the aesthetics. Both types of braces work on the same principles and are equally as effective for most cases

Advantages of fixed braces:

• Be able to exert markable effect to correct severe cases of malocclusion
• Braces are fixed on the teeth so patients do not have to constantly remind themselves to wear braces in certain periods of time as invisible aligners
• Fixed braces are provided at more affordable cost compared to invisible braces

Disadvantages:

• Fixed braces cause discomfort because of the contact of orthodontic materials to surrounding soft tissues. Patients may suffer from soreness and irritation at the lip or cheek area
• Food easily gets lodged in the crevices and different surfaces of the braces, requiring greater oral care
• Improper care when wearing fixed braces may form white lessons that develop to tooth decay. Dental plaque not removed is main cause of gum disease in the treatment time

Invisible aligners

While fixed braces have been in use for many decades, invisible aligners has been the new orthodontic treatment in the recent years. Invisible aligners help realign your teeth without requirement to adhere any appliances on the teeth surface. A series of removable transparent plastic aligners are customized to straighten your teeth.

Each pair of transparent plastic aligner trays is designed in correspondence with the orthodontic treatment stage to gradually move teeth. An individual may be indicated to wear each pair of aligners in several weeks or a months, depending on the treatment plan designed by the orthodontist. The orthodontist will give you new pairs of trays in follow-up appointments.

Advantages:

• Removability makes it possible for patients to take out trays when eating, preventing food lodge
• As patients are more likely to keep better oral hygiene than those with fixed braces, oral conditions are limited
• Inconspicuous look brings about comfortability when speaking and smiling without any embarrassment.
• Smooth surface of trays causes no irritation to soft tissues

Disadvantages:

• Some patients neglect to wear aligners on schedule, which may lengthen the treatment time or produce less successful outcome
• Invisible aligners may not be effective to some certain complex cases
• Some patients consider it annoyance when they have to remove and put on aligners many times a day for eating
• More costly than fixed braces