What types of orthodontic appliances exist?
The classic categories: fixed or removable?
Traditionally, orthodontic appliances are classified into two major groups. Removable orthodontic devices, as their name suggests, can be taken out of the mouth and put back in by the patients. Fixed orthodontic appliances are bonded to the surfaces of the teeth by the dentist and can only be removed by the doctor. Generally, though not exclusively, removable appliances are the devices used mainly during childhood, while fixed orthodontic braces are used to treat adolescent and adult patients. Even in earlier times, there were cases that differed from this practice, but with the appearance of clear aligners (Invisalign), the previous trend was completely overturned. Since aligners can be used in the treatment of any age group starting from early childhood until adulthood. For more information about invisible clear aligners, you can click HERE!
What are traditional removable orthodontic appliances good for?
These orthodontic appliances are generally used for pre-treatment of patients. By pre-treatment, we mean the first step in solving some kind of complex dental problem. They are also useful for partial correction of large deviations. Removable orthodontic appliances are generally worn by patients during childhood, from the age of 8 to 12. Since they can only partially correct orthodontic problems most of the time, a second step with a fixed orthodontic appliance is always necessary, usually during adolescence. A major advantage of clear aligners like Invisalign is that with their help these two phases can often be solved in a single step. (Though not in all cases. For these instances there exists a special kind of aligner treatment option especially designed for patients with mixed dentition.) This can save a lot of time and money and, not least, spare our young patients from many inconveniences. Many types of removable orthodontic appliances exist; their indication is determined by the patient’s age, the specific dental problem, and the treating dentist’s preference. If you would like to learn more about treatment with removable orthodontic appliances, click HERE!
What are invisible clear aligners?
Although patients can also remove this, we do not classify it among the traditional removable orthodontic appliances. Why not? Because in the tasks it performs, its role matches that of fixed braces. What is more, it often even surpasses them, as it is capable of combining the advantages of removable and fixed orthodontic appliances. With its help, individual teeth can be moved and set perfectly to their correct places. In addition, bite discrepancies can also be modified with it, such as the position of the jaw or the correction of deep bite.
And what about fixed orthodontic appliances?
Naturally, fixed orthodontic appliances were the tools of precision orthodontics for many decades. They still play an important role in treatments, as they are cheaper and more accessible than modern, invisible clear aligners, because the latter one requires serious technical and professional background. Another advantage is that we can even place colored elastics on the brackets, which can make wearing braces more attractive for children. There are many types of fixed orthodontic appliances. Some are aesthetic (invisible) and some are metallic. Some are bonded to the outer surfaces of the teeth, and some to the inner (lingual side) surfaces. There are also self-ligating orthodontic appliances, in which small latches hold the archwire (wire that moves the teeth) in place. In one respect, however, all fixed orthodontic appliances are the same, namely that they are made up of small units (brackets) that can be bonded to the teeth.
Are there any other types of removable orthodontic appliances?
On the borderline between the categories mentioned above, there exist certain types of orthodontic appliances that we have not yet mentioned. One such removable “orthodontic appliance,” which in fact does not straighten but merely holds the teeth in place, is the so-called retention plate, and this plays a very important role in ensuring that the teeth do not shift after orthodontic treatment. Thus, with the help of the retention appliance, we can avoid relapse after the treatment.
Are there any other types of fixed orthodontic appliances?
There exist fixed orthodontic appliances that can aid the main treatment in line with the braces or aligners. This procedure can be applied pre-treatment before starting the main intervention, for example, a palatal expansion with the hyrax appliance. Or in support of the main treatment process, for example, with anchorage-enhancing devices. External appliances outside the oral cavity also belong in this category, since they always have parts inside the oral cavity that are bonded in place. These appliances are used only in rare, more specialized cases, but in those cases they are indispensable.
Which orthodontic appliance is the most suitable for my teeth?
Answering this question can be an extremely complex task. Naturally, your individual preferences, as a patient, also play a role in the final decision. However, an orthodontic consultation cannot be complete without a thorough dental examination, intraoral scanning, and x-ray image analysis. Based on these, the orthodontic specialist can select the most suitable appliance and treatment plan for you.
Would you like to find out which orthodontic appliance would be the best for you? Then click HERE and book an appointment for an orthodontic consultation with our expert! In our clinic, the consultation is free if you undergo your orthodontic treatment with us.
The price of the consultation is credited toward the price of the orthodontic appliance.