What is orthodontics for?
Orthodontic treatment serves to correct the malposition of the teeth so that they recover their chewing function and their natural position, in addition to providing an aesthetic smile. The objective of the treatment is therefore to achieve a correct occlusion and provide good dental and facial aesthetics.
Types of orthodontic appliances
Currently we can offer the patient various appliances: metal brackets or transparent sapphire brackets and even invisible braces, such as clear aligners (Invisalign ®) or lingual brackets (Incognito ®).
Many patients want to solve their incorrect dental position, but the appearance of traditional braces makes them not consider orthodontics. Invisible orthodontics is an excellent alternative for those who wish to have a beautiful smile without the braces being noticeable.
Currently the techniques in invisible orthodontics have improved widely and excellent results are achieved in a shorter treatment time and with more comfort for the patient.
Invisalign: A unique and exclusive method
With the Invisalign system, a detailed treatment plan is applied using the ClinCheck 3D computer system. This program shows which movements are necessary to correct the position of the teeth and provides a forecast of the final result before starting treatment.
The dental position is corrected by means of aligners that are practically invisible and can be taken off and put on. They are also custom-made to ensure total comfort. Every two weeks the aligners are replaced and in this way the teeth are gradually moved until they reach their ideal final position.
The time needed to complete the treatment varies in each case depending on the patient and the complexity of the problem.
Advantages of the Invisalign system
1) It is a completely invisible system, made of transparent and imperceptible material: The patient will be able to smile without complexes. The aligners will have to be worn throughout the treatment, except during meals and when brushing and flossing.
2) It is more comfortable than other systems: Unlike traditional braces with brackets, the patient can eat whatever he/she wants during treatment.
3) Protects teeth: It is a perfect treatment for athletes or sportsmen, since the aligner also acts as a mouth guard. For musicians, if the aligner interferes with playing a wind instrument, it can be removed. For those who suffer from bruxism, the clear aligner protects the teeth during treatment as an occlusal splint.
4) No emergency visits: Clear aligners cannot break or cause unexpected discomfort.
5) Provides better periodontal and gingival health: It is essential to brush and floss after meals before putting the aligners back in.
Advantages of lingual orthodontics
1) Completely invisible orthodontics: Lingual brackets are very small and are placed on the inside of the teeth, so the patient can smile without worrying.
2) Faster: Treatment is shorter (between 12 and 18 months). Using an optical scanner and a computer with CAD/CAM software, the brackets are designed and fabricated in the laboratory. This makes it impossible for brackets to be misplaced and the system allows professionals to achieve the best possible result quickly.
3) Greater comfort: Lingual orthodontics provides greater comfort than traditional systems. The brackets are custom-made and adapted to the anatomy of the teeth. Some patients will feel a slight interference with their speech when they put the braces on, but after 4 to 6 days they will be able to resolve it.
4) Better gum and tooth health: The main supply of saliva in the mouth is provided by the tongue. The continuous flow of saliva from this organ that arises during swallowing and speech helps the cleaning or “self-cleaning” of the brackets. During treatment it is recommended to use an electric toothbrush with a small round brush head for better hygiene in hard-to-reach areas.
Disadvantages of invisible braces
1) It requires specialized training: Invisible orthodontic treatments can only be performed by specialists trained to carry out this very specific and demanding technique.
2) The office visits are longer: Although the treatment is shorter, the duration of each visit is longer, as the specialist has to spend much more time adjusting and activating the appliances.
3) They have a high cost: Because the appliances are manufactured in a personalized and individual way, their production cost is high and this increases the price of the treatment.