Orthodontics
Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry dealing with irregularities of the teeth such as malocclusion and their correction, ie. With help of the braces.
When a patient wants to improve his/her aesthetic appearance because of crooked teeth, he can consult the Orthodontist who will provide the solution to his problems.
Various conditions in which Orthodontic Treatment is indicated:
1. Crowding of the teeth
2. Openbite
3. Deep bite
4. Rotation of the teeth
5. Crooked teeth
6. For maxillary expansion
7. Spacing between teeth
8. Protrusion of upper teeth
9. Midline diastema
10. When midlines of upper and Lower teeth do not match
During the treatment phase, orthodontic tooth movement is carried out. The bone resorption takes place in the direction where tooth movement is carried out, and bone deposition takes place in the opposite direction, ie. In the tension site of the tooth.
Orthodontic Braces
These are the devices used in the orthodontics that helps to align the teeth in the proper position by applying pressure onto the teeth. Braces consist of the following components:
1. Brackets
2. Modules
3. Archwires – Niti, Beta Titanium(TMA) or Stainless steel
There are various types of braces
1. Traditional metal braces
2. Ceramic Braces
3. Lingual Braces
4. Invisible Aligners such as Invisalign, Clear Path, K-aligners
Metal Braces
These braces are used since many decades. Metallic braces consist of metal brackets and metal wires. These components help in the movement of teeth. These braces provide comparatively easy and most extensive movement of teeth. They can also be used in the cases of extreme overcrowding and perform better in such cases than ceramic braces and clear aligners.
The disadvantage of metal braces are the poor aesthetics and maintenance of good oral hygiene by the patient.
Ceramic Braces
These braces consist of ceramic brackets and archwires. Many patients because of the aesthetic reasons opt for ceramic braces because they are not much noticeable and color matches with that of teeth. But the major disadvantage of such braces are that they tend to break easily in extreme tooth movements as the friction between ceramic archwires and ceramic brackets is high. Another disadvantage is patient has to maintain highest level of oral hygiene as plaque tends to accumulate around the brackets and there is more food lodgement around the brackets as they are more bulkier as compared to metal brackets. These braces are more expensive than metal braces. The module or elastic around ceramic brackets tend to stain whereas brackets does not stain, so this makes the teeth look uglier.
Lingual Braces
These braces are much more expensive than traditional metal or ceramic braces. The brackets are placed on the lingual, ie. Inner side of the teeth so that patients appearance is not compromised. Patient’s who don’t want any bracket to be visible can opt for lingual braces.
The major disadvantage is that it has to be placed by professional, ie. Orthodontist and not all Orthodontists are skilled to place Lingual braces. Secondly, the tongue may interfere and rub against the brackets, and there are chances of ulceration. Case selection for lingual braces will be done by your orthodontist. Not all the patients are good candidates for lingual orthodontics. The treatment time with lingual braces is more than other braces.
Invisible Aligners
Invisible braces or Invisalign Aligners such as Clear Path, Invisalign or K-aligners are made up of Multilayer aromatic thermoplastic Polyurethane/Copolymer. These aligners don’t consist of the traditional bracket and wire system. These are invisible plates which are to be worn by the patient except when the patient eats or brushes. Aligners are most comfortable for the patient.
The major disadvantage is the cost factor which is much higher than metal, ceramic and lingual braces. Extreme overcrowding or extraction cases are difficult to be done by clear aligners.