Common Orthodontic Appliances
In orthodontics, a wide range of appliances is available to address various skeletal discrepancies and dental malocclusions. It’s essential to remember that the success of your treatment isn’t solely determined by the appliance itself, but rather, it is the clinician who wields the appliance that plays a pivotal role. Just as anyone can swing a tennis racket, but not everyone can perform like Roger Federer, the practitioner behind the appliance must have years of training and experience to achieve the best results – in your case, a once-in-a-lifetime smile.
As orthodontists, our approach prioritises finding solutions to your combined functional and aesthetic concerns. We collaborate closely with you to understand your specific needs and aspirations, and together, we define clear and achievable treatment goals. Only then do we select the appropriate appliances, ensuring they serve the intended purpose effectively.
Sequential Clear Aligners
– e.g., Invisalign
Sequential Clear Aligner treatment has seen a huge surge in popularity over the last 10-15 years. While it may not be suitable for all types of malocclusions, in capable hands, it can lead to a significant improvement for most patients. It excels in correcting open bites and molar distalisation while maintaining excellent control of the whole dental arch. Patient cooperation is pivotal during clear aligner treatment, alongside the requirements for multiple attachments, refinements, and potential interproximal reduction (IPR). While Invisalign is often chosen for its aesthetic appeal, it’s helpful to be aware of its limitations and engage in a comprehensive discussion with your orthodontist to establish clear and realistic treatment goals before starting your orthodontic journey.
Metal Brackets (Braces)
– Fixed Appliances
Metal braces are the most commonly used orthodontic appliances by your orthodontists to enhance both your bite and your smile. Working with these devices is highly technique-sensitive, with the capability to correct a wide range of malocclusions. They excel in addressing deep bites and rotated teeth, especially when compared to Sequential Clear Aligner treatments like Invisalign. It’s important to note that aesthetics can be a concern for some individuals when considering metal braces, and occasionally, there may be a need for additional appointments in the event of bracket dislodgment.
Ceramic Brackets
Ceramic brackets offer a discreet orthodontic solution that prioritizes aesthetics without compromising functionality. While metal braces remain the more common choice, ceramic brackets provide an attractive alternative. Their less conspicuous appearance can greatly appeal to those who seek a subtle orthodontic option. Similar to metal brackets, the ceramic alternative also excels in delivering excellent three-dimensional control over the roots of teeth, particularly in challenging clinical scenarios, which highlights its strengths when compared to sequential clear aligners like Invisalign.
Lingual Braces
Orthodontic treatment using lingual braces offers the ultimate aesthetics. Lingual brackets are affixed to the inside (tongue side) of your teeth. As a result, initial discomfort to the tongue and potential speech impediments are common in the first few weeks after initial placement, with most individuals adjusting over time. Lingual treatment demands a high degree of precision, and adjustment appointments are often lengthier, requiring patients to maintain an open mouth for an extended period.
Maxillary Expanders
Maxillary expansion effectively addresses malocclusions like posterior crossbites, where the upper jaw (maxilla) is narrower than the lower jaw (mandible). It can broaden the overall arch form, alleviate dental crowding, and facilitate the alignment of erupting permanent teeth. However, the suitability of maxillary expansion varies by case, as it depends on factors such as the patient’s specific malocclusion, age, and overall orthodontic treatment plan. Improper use may lead to unintended side effects. With various maxillary expander designs available to cater to specific treatment objectives, our experienced orthodontists will guide you in selecting the most appropriate option for your needs.
Digital Driven, Personalised Appliances:
Suresmile™ offers robotically adjusted archwires of various materials (Niti, TMA, Elgiloy) based on the orthodontists’ prescription to accommodate each patient’s specific requirements. This technology effectively identifies occlusal interferences and works to eliminate them, aiming to produce the best functional and aesthetic results for the patient. However, it’s important to note that individual patient responses to these robotically produced wires may vary, often requiring additional adjustments by your orthodontist to maximise the best results.
LightForce™ provides custom-designed brackets tailored to match the surface anatomy of your teeth. These brackets are part of a digital treatment plan set up by your orthodontist at the beginning of your orthodontic journey. By using LightForce™, the need for manually placing brackets on your teeth is minimised, a process that demands a high level of precision. Nevertheless, every patient may respond differently to their prescribed treatment, often necessitating further adjustments to attain the most optimal outcome.
Orthodontists routinely employ a range of additional appliances to address specific treatment goals. These may include devices like bite plates, space maintainers, lower lingual arches, among others. If you have any orthodontic concerns, we welcome you to schedule a consultation with our experienced orthodontists.