Orthodontics: all the news

orthodontics is the science, within dentistry, that is responsible for the study of the bite (that is, the fit of the maxillary bone with the mandibular) and the position of the teeth. The goal of orthodontics is to always seek harmony, both aesthetic and functional.

• Two types: fixed and removable (removable).
• The aesthetic bracketts: they are made of ceramic or composite and are a good option for adults.
• The latest: invisible orthodontics (covers), more comfortable and aesthetic.

Types of orthodontics

In orthodontics there are two very different types of, both recognized but each one more or less recommended depending on the case:

• Fixed orthodontics: composed of elements that the professional adheres to our teeth. The bracketts, tubes and bands. Fixed orthodontics are usually put in when the patient already has all the adult teeth. On the other hand, the removable one is used to put in mixed dentition, that is, when the child has both milk teeth and permanent teeth in the mouth.
• Removable orthodontics: the appliances that we could call “removable”. Removable orthodontics is more often used as orthopedic orthodontic treatment, that is, to correct bone fit problems. For this reason, it is important that the patient is of a growing age, since in some way what we do with the devices is to help them grow properly.

The news

Over the years, a lot of progress has been made in this field and we can mention several updates and news:

• The classic metal bracketts are no longer the size they used to be. They are currently significantly smaller, making them more comfortable to wear, less bothering and less sore. These are still the most common, resistant and the ones of choice for childhood treatment. Within the metallic ones we must mention those of lingual technique. They are special bracketts that adhere to the inside of the teeth. It is a fairly new and very aesthetic technique. Admittedly, the idea is ingenious but has drawbacks to take into account:

• Cosmetic bracketts are a good choice for an adult. They are usually very similar in size and shape to metallic ones with the difference that they are made of more aesthetic materials such as ceramic or composite. They are bracketts that can be seen, but they go much more unnoticed. The indications are the same as the metallic ones, but they differ in that these are somewhat more delicate (for this reason the ones of choice in children are metallic ones) and are more expensive due to the materials.

The last

As the most outstanding novelty there is the so-called invisible orthodontics. These are transparent and personalized splints or covers that contain all the necessary information to move our teeth. The splint is usually changed every 15 days. It is a new and current treatment. It is the most comfortable and bearable of all the existing orthodontic treatments and consists of wearing the splints throughout the day and all night, but with the advantage that they can be removed for eating and for oral hygiene. With this treatment-revolution unpleasant sores, the discomfort of eating with appliances and the classic difficulty when brushing teeth disappear. And we win the maximum aesthetics in orthodontics. However, not everyone is a candidate for this type of orthodontics. There are movements that are difficult to achieve, so it can be discouraged in some cases, but not many. That is why it is important to get advice before deciding what type of orthodontics I want to do. As another drawback we have that it is the most expensive treatment so far.