Orthodontics
Clear Aligners (Invisaline)
These are not braces actually, they are removable appliances made up of medical grade plastic like materials, and they fit over your teeth snugly and effect the tooth movement, as they are transparent, they are almost invisible, and they are the most commonly desired appliances by the adults who don’t want braces but want to correct their teeth. There are many manufacturers including Invisalign which is very popular, Eon Aligners, Clearpath aligners and Inman aligners to name a few. Scientifically, they are very advanced as they use modern CAD- CAM technology , the records of the patient are sent to the company headquarters, where they scan it with 3D scanners and give the computerized model of teeth which are available online and the doctor decides the treatment plan in consultation with the patient and can show the patient the outcome with these 3D images of his/her teeth on computer, after the doctor finalizes the treatment plan , the company manufacture these highly accurate aligners for patients and send them to doctors. The treatment stages are monitored by the doctor and necessary changes are done. They have advantages that they are transparent and can be removed by the patients at will, but at the same time regular almost full time wear is desired to obtain good results. They have some limitation about the type of cases that can be done, so orthodontic consultation and opinion is important in deciding whether these appliances will be suitable for you.
Metal Braces
These are the most common type of braces used, very suitable for almost all type of orthodontic cases. These are good for people who are comfortable with metallic smile and either consider it a style statement or proud of the fact that they care best for their teeth. These are the choice of the people who are not affected by the presence of braces and it does not hamper their social, professional or personal life. Scientifically, they are the gold standards, as they have the most desirable properties including low friction with arch wire, less damage to enamel while removing, no staining issues etc.
Ceramic Braces/Tooth Coloured Braces
For people who are worried about metallic smiles and presence of metallic braces on their teeth, these clear or tooth coloured braces provide aesthetic solution, they are very inconspicuous and give good looks. The wires used with them can also be tooth coloured to give almost no metal looks. They are suitable for people whose daily life activities may be affected by the presence of metallic braces, e.g. models, television anchors, celebrities, sports person who would not like metal looks. Scientifically, with modern advancements some traditional difficulties like increased friction, more damage to enamel and staining with food stuff have been solved but of course at the increased cost of manufacturing.
Lingual braces or Invisible Braces
They are the gold standards for invisible treatment approach as they are placed from inside of teeth, ideal for patients who desire no show of braces while they speak, smile or during other daily activities. These are the first choice of actors, models and celebrities who look for total esthetic solution. Scientifically they are as good as metallic braces and with the advancement of CAD-CAM technology, they are customized to particular patient and can be used for all varieties of cases. With modern low profile smooth brackets, there is no irritation to tongue and they are very comfortable. However some initial difficulties in speech and mild irritation to tongue may be encountered to some patients for the first week.