When is orthodontic treatment necessary?
Orthodontic treatment is necessary when the patient has a malocclusion, that is, a bad position of the teeth in the bite. Nowadays, we can perform orthodontic treatment not only for children, but also for adult patients. This is something that we can do through technological advances without a problem, since we are treating a patient with aesthetic braces who is 69 years old.
What types of orthodontic treatment are there?
There are a wide variety of orthodontic treatments. While children are usually fitted with removable prostheses, braces are more common among adults.
On the one hand, brackets can be of different types:
- Vestibular: those that go on the outside of the tooth.
- Lingual: those that go on the inside of the tooth and are completely invisible.
On the other hand, we must also take into account the choice of material:
- Aesthetic
- Plastic
- Composite
- Ceramic
- Sapphire
- Metal
Also, the most advanced brackets today are self-ligating brackets, as well as Invisalign clear brackets.
What are the differences between traditional brackets and self-ligating brackets?
The traditional bracket has an elastic ligature that holds the wire. This ligature loses some of the strength of the wire that is transmitted through the metal to the tooth, as friction is created by the movement. Self-ligating brackets eliminate this rubber band, decreasing friction and increasing the transmission of force from the wire to the bracket and the tooth. These treatments allow for shorter treatment times, due to their greater effectiveness.
Are there differences in treatment between children and adults?
Yes, there is a difference in treatment between children and adults. In adults, unlike children, there is no growth of the maxillary bones. In children it is possible to take advantage of this growth to place the teeth in a good position.
In adults, since they do not have this facility, it is necessary to adapt to the shape of the bones they already have. If this is not possible, the help of a maxillofacial surgeon would be necessary. In addition, adults tend to be more concerned about the aesthetics of the appliances. For this reason, lingual, vestibular esthetic and Invisalign braces are the most commonly requested.