Orthodontics
Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry that is responsible for preventing, diagnosing, intercepting, and treating dental misplacements and maxillofacial disorders. Its objective is to achieve a correct occlusion (perfect contact of the teeth and their relationship with the jaw) and a good alignment of the teeth, to re-establish the morphological and functional balance of the mouth and face, also improving the patient’s facial esthetics. Various types of fixed and removable oral appliances are used in orthodontics. They apply soft pressure to the teeth and bone to produce controlled movements and obtain the desired results. We have different types of orthodontics that are adjusted according to the needs, preference, and budget of our patients.
Mini metallic Braces
Orthodontics is the first and best option to align and position the teeth or to start a smile design treatment. There are several types of orthodontics on the market, being MINI metallic braces one of the cheapest options. These braces are made of stainless steel for biomedical use and are 40% smaller in size than conventional metal braces. The brackets are attached to the front face of the tooth using a composite resin, then an arch wire is passed through them and held by means of ligatures or rubber bands. This arch wire will produce force that will be transmitted to the tooth through the bracket, generating the desired movements.
What are the advantages of MINI brackets?
As their name indicates, these brackets are much smaller and less bulky than conventional ones, making the treatment much more comfortable and esthetic, causing less discomfort to the patient’s lips and cheeks.
They offer great durability, functionality, and ability to adhere to the tooth.
Being smaller, they are located further from the gums, facilitating oral hygiene, and reducing the accumulation of plaque and the possibility of the appearance of gingival diseases.
How long will my treatment last?
The duration of the treatment will depend on the individual characteristics of each patient and the need for additional procedures such as extractions, mini implants, etc. The approximate time will be determined by the orthodontist when starting the treatment.
Ceramic braces
Orthodontics is the first and best option to align and position the teeth or to start a smile design treatment. There are several types of orthodontics on the market, ceramic braces being one of the most esthetic options. These Brackets are made of ceramic material and are highly efficient when it comes to solving bite problems and dental misplacement.
What are the advantages of using ceramic braces?
- They are the Braces whose cost is more accessible within esthetic orthodontics, with an excellent quality-price relation.
- They are made of ceramic, a highly esthetic material with a color similar to that of the teeth, allowing them to blend easily.
- Ceramic is 100% compatible with oral tissues and is recommended for people allergic to metals.
- They have a flat surface with rounded edges, being more comfortable and causing less discomfort and irritation to the cheeks and lips compared to metal braces.
How long will my treatment last?
The duration of the treatment will depend on the individual characteristics of each patient and the need for additional procedures such as extractions, mini implants, etc. The approximate time will be determined by the orthodontist when starting the treatment.
Sapphire braces
Orthodontics is the first and best option to align and position the teeth or to start a smile design treatment. There are several types of orthodontics on the market, with Sapphire braces being the most esthetic and high-end option.
What are the advantages of using Sapphire braces?
- They are made of sapphire crystal, a material which hardness and resistance is only surpassed by that of diamond.
- They are the most esthetic brackets on the market, they present an optical and mechanical behavior similar to glass, easily blending in with the enamel of the teeth and making them almost imperceptible when smiling.
- The material in which they are made of has a smooth surface and soft edges, reducing chafing and discomfort on the lips and cheeks.
- They have a high adherence to dental enamel because they have zirconium microparticles at the base, reducing the probability of falling.
- They do not change color with the passage of time or the consumption of food.
How long will my treatment last?
The duration of the treatment will depend on the individual characteristics of each patient and the need for additional procedures such as extractions, mini implants, etc. The approximate time will be determined by the orthodontist when starting the treatment.
Self-ligating braces
Self-ligating braces are a type of orthodontics, in which the use of elastic bands (or ligatures) is not required to adhere the bracket to the arch wire, because the bracket has a gate-type mechanism in which the arc is inserted. The self-ligating system increases ligation force and minimizes friction and pressure, reducing total treatment time and the discomfort associated with orthodontic movement.
What are the advantages of using self-ligating braces?
- Orthodontic treatment with self-ligating brackets has a shorter duration, since this anchoring system provides faster movement of the teeth, meaning fewer visits to the orthodontist. In addition, it does not require the use of rubber ligatures, which lose strength and must be constantly replaced, lengthening the treatment time.
- Since this system does not have rubber ligatures, it accumulates less food and bacterial plaque, making hygiene easier.
How long will my treatment last?
Although treatment time is considerably reduced compared to conventional orthodontics, the individual characteristics of each patient will determine the total time. The approximate time will be determined by the orthodontist when starting the treatment.
Invisible Orthodontics
Invisible orthodontics is the latest in dental alignment technology. It consists of the use of removable transparent dental aligners, manufactured in a high-detail 3D printer. These aligners allow progressive movements of the dental pieces to achieve a functional and harmonious smile.
What are the advantages of invisible orthodontics?
- Like other conventional orthodontic methods, invisible aligners apply light pressure to the teeth to move them progressively. However, these aligners are completely transparent and do not require the use of wires or metal elements, so they do not hurt the teeth or gums.
- This treatment allows individualizing and digitally planning each of the movements the teeth will make, allowing them to be moved to the desired position with a high level of precision compared to orthodontics with braces.
- As it is a removable treatment, it allows normal brushing of the teeth while maintaining adequate oral hygiene.
- They are suitable for people allergic to metal, who cannot use metal braces.
How is the treatment carried out?
The starting point of the treatment consists in carrying out an initial assessment of the patient and taking a photographic record. Subsequently dental impressions are taken and digital scanning is performed. The 3D digital record is analyzed using a software and the aligners are designed. Subsequently, the aligners are printed on a 3D Printer.
The patient is given a kit with the complete set of aligners and retainers to complete the entire treatment.
How long are the aligners worn?
The aligners must be worn for 22 hours a day and must be replaced every two weeks. The aligners must be removed to eat, drink and brush. The treatment has an average total duration of 6 months, after which retainers must be used to maintain the results. We recommend the use of a hygienic fixed retainer, instead of removable retainers.
Retainers
Hygienic Fixed Retainers
What are they?
After orthodontic treatment, the teeth tend to return to their original position, putting the achieved results at risk. For this reason, the use of a retainer (or retention phase) is one of the most important phases of the treatment since it allows the results to last over time. Hygienic fixed retainers consist of a stainless-steel arch, which is cemented (adhered) to the inner face of the incisor teeth to maintain their alignment and prevent unwanted movement.
And why are they called hygienic?
At the Dr. Alejandro Martinez Clinic, we have designed a fixed retainer with special characteristics, which allows the passage of dental floss between the teeth, thus avoiding the accumulation of plaque and the production of periodontal diseases.
What are the advantages of using a fixed vs. removable retainer?
- They are imperceptible since they are attached to the inner face of the teeth.
- Being fixed, they offer permanent retention, maintaining the position of the teeth and applying force 24 hours a day.
- They will last over time because they are cemented to the teeth with a highly adherent and resistant composite.
- Being a fixed retainer, you don’t have to worry about putting it on, taking it off or losing it.
- It does not interfere when speaking, and instruments can be played without any problem.
Are there any recommendations?
It is recommended to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing three times a day and using dental floss. In addition, it is still essential to carry out a professional dental cleaning at least twice a year.
Invisible Retainers (Essix)
What are they?
After orthodontic treatment, the teeth tend to return to their original position, putting the achieved results at risk. For this reason, the use of the retainer (or retention phase) is one of the most important phases of treatment, since it allows the results to last over time, giving the muscles, tissues, and bones time to stabilize the teeth in their new position. Invisible or Essix retainers are a type of removable retainer, made of transparent thermoplastic sheet, without any type of wire or metal hook, that are characterized by being esthetic and comfortable.
What are the advantages of these retainers?
These retainers are the most accessible and low-cost on the market, they are the most esthetic and represent advantages for people who in addition to orthodontics, have had some type of smile design with veneers or composites, since it protects the surface and edges of the teeth.
What care should I have with this retainer?
The retainer must be used for the number of hours indicated by the orthodontist. Bacterial plaque can also accumulate in the retainer, so it should be washed every day with a soft brush, neutral soap, and cold water (they should be kept away from heat and hot water, as their shape and fit can be altered). Periodically, the retainer should also be submerged in a glass of water with a cleaning product (Corega or similar) and allowed to air dry to avoid bad smells and flavors.
How long should I wear the retainer?
The retainer should be worn as directed by the orthodontist. Not using the retainer properly can cause the teeth to return to their original position, wasting time and money.
Wire and acrylic retainers (Hawley)
What are Hawley retainers?
After orthodontic treatment, the teeth tend to return to their original position, putting the achieved results at risk. For this reason, the use of the retainer (or retention phase) is one of the most important phases of treatment, since it allows the results to last over time, giving the muscles, tissues, and bones time to stabilize the teeth in their new position. Hawley retainers or also known as “wire retainers”, are removable retainers made of acrylic and metal. The metal wire is positioned in front of the teeth to maintain alignment, while the acrylic allows for adjustment to the palate and inside the teeth.
What are the advantages of these retainers?
This type of retainer lasts longer than the invisible retainer and allows adjustments to the hooks if necessary.
What care should I have with this retainer?
The retainer must be used for the number of hours indicated by the orthodontist. Bacterial plaque can also accumulate in the retainer, so it should be washed every day with a soft brush, neutral soap, and cold water (they should be kept away from heat and hot water, as their shape and fit can be altered). Periodically, the retainer should also be submerged in a glass of water with a cleaning product (Corega or similar) and allowed to air dry to avoid bad smells and flavors.
How long should I wear the retainer?
The retainer should be worn as directed by the orthodontist. Not using the retainer properly can cause the teeth to return to their original position, wasting time and money.
Cra 40b # 5b-15
ALMASUR Centro Profesional
Cali – Colombia