Orthodontic Appliances

What are braces?

Braces are orthodontic appliances used in both children and adults. Their main purpose is to correct a wide range of dental issues such as rotated or crowded teeth, jaw problems, and misaligned bites. Options include metal, ceramic, or clear aesthetic braces.

Metal

Ceramic

Aesthetic

What are archwires?

Archwires are a fundamental part of orthodontics because they guide the teeth into their proper position. The archwire is inserted into the brackets and is responsible for moving the teeth. They are made from different metal alloys.

What are clear aligners?

Clear aligners are nearly invisible plastic replicas of your teeth. When worn, they apply gentle pressure to gradually reposition the teeth.

How do aligners work?

Aligners are thin, custom-made trays that fit snugly over the teeth. Each aligner is designed for a specific movement. Sometimes, additional elements such as small resin attachments on the teeth are used to help with certain corrections. Patients are responsible for placing and removing the aligners as directed.

The length of time the aligners are worn and the number of aligners required are fundamental aspects of the treatment. Each aligner must be worn for 22 hours a day for a period of 7 to 14 consecutive days. During this time, each aligner moves the teeth just a fraction of a millimeter. The total number of aligners varies according to the specific orthodontic treatment needs of each patient.

How are aligners made?

The process begins with scanning your teeth and reviewing your X-rays to make an accurate diagnosis. The data obtained is imported into specialized software, where the movements necessary to achieve the best position for your teeth are simulated. Each of these movements generates a specific file that is printed. Once the impression is available, the aligners are manufactured using adaptable plastic or a 3D printer.

Braces are used in the initial phase of treatment, as they are ideal for carrying out the most complex movements. Subsequently, in the final stage, aligners are used to refine the details, which reduces the time the braces need to be worn.

Duration of use and number of aligners needed

Hybrid treatments (Braces + Aligners):

What are interarch elastics?

Intermaxillary elastics are small latex bands that apply additional force to one or more teeth, thereby complementing the effectiveness of orthodontic appliances, something that the latter cannot achieve on their own.

What is MSE?

Maxillary transverse deficiency is a common condition in orthodontics. During puberty, the use of a maxillary expander allows not only dental expansion but also skeletal expansion, although it has side effects on the dentoalveolar structure. The use of mini-screw-assisted rapid palatal expansion (MSE) has opened up new opportunities for addressing maxillary transverse deficiency in adult patients. This method involves placing four mini-screws in the back of the palate, which provides an adequate force vector to facilitate maxillary expansion.

What are Temporary Anchorage Devices (TAD)?

TADs are very small metal screws placed through the gum into the bone of the jaws. They act as anchors to help move teeth into the proper position when traditional mechanics aren’t enough.

What are retainers?

Changes in tooth position are a natural phenomenon that lasts a lifetime. To ensure that the results achieved after orthodontic treatment are permanent, it is essential to use retainers. Although small variations are common after treatment, retainers help prevent teeth from returning to their original position.