Orthodontic Appliances: Types And How They Work

Orthodontic appliances are used in dentistry to align and straighten teeth as well as to correct bite issues. There are several types of orthodontic appliances available each designed to address different dental problems. In this blog post we will discuss the various types of orthodontic appliances and how they work to improve the alignment of teeth.

Types of Orthodontic Appliances

There are several types of orthodontic appliances including –

Traditional braces – Traditional braces consist of metal brackets that are attached to the teeth and connected by wires. These braces apply pressure to the teeth to gradually move them into the desired position.
Ceramic braces – Ceramic braces are similar to traditional braces but the brackets are made of clear or tooth colored ceramic material making them less noticeable.
Invisalign – Invisalign is a series of clear plastic aligners that are custom made to fit over the teeth. These aligners are nearly invisible and can be removed for eating and brushing.
Lingual braces – Lingual braces are attached to the back of the teeth making them invisible from the outside. They are a great option for those who want a more discreet orthodontic treatment.
Retainers – Retainers are used after braces are removed to prevent the teeth from shifting back to their original position. There are different types of retainers including removable and fixed retainers.

How Orthodontic Appliances Work

Orthodontic appliances work by applying constant pressure on the teeth to move them into the desired position. This pressure stimulates the bone around the teeth to remodel and adapt to the new alignment. Here is how some of the most common orthodontic appliances work –

Traditional Braces

Traditional braces consist of metal brackets that are attached to the teeth and connected by wires. The brackets are carefully placed on each tooth and the wires are tightened regularly to apply pressure and gradually move the teeth into the desired position. The orthodontist will adjust the wires during regular appointments to ensure that the teeth are moving correctly.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces work in a similar way to traditional braces but the brackets are made of clear or tooth colored ceramic material making them less noticeable. They apply pressure to the teeth to move them into alignment just like traditional braces.

Invisalign

Invisalign consists of a series of clear plastic aligners that are custom made to fit over the teeth. The aligners are worn for a specific amount of time and then replaced with a new set to gradually move the teeth into alignment. Invisalign aligners are nearly invisible and can be removed for eating and brushing.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are attached to the back of the teeth making them invisible from the outside. They work in a similar way to traditional braces by applying pressure to the teeth to move them into alignment. Lingual braces are a great option for those who want a more discreet orthodontic treatment.

Retainers

Retainers are used after braces are removed to prevent the teeth from shifting back to their original position. Retainers can be either removable or fixed. Removable retainers are worn for a specific amount of time each day while fixed retainers are permanently attached to the back of the teeth to hold them in place.

Overall orthodontic appliances are effective in correcting misaligned teeth and bite issues. The type of orthodontic appliance recommended will depend on the individual’s dental issues and aesthetic preferences. Orthodontic treatment can greatly improve the appearance of teeth and contribute to overall oral health.