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FIXED ORTHODONTICS

With the emergence of alternatives to braces, such as Invisalign, some may think that conventional fixed orthodontics is outdated or less popular.

This idea couldn't be further from the truth. Orthodontic braces are an excellent option for shaping and aligning teeth, and they remain an extremely common and sought after procedure.

It's no secret braces are still the most common method to align teeth and now there are more options than ever. It is important to speak with your orthodontist in Torremolinos, at the Sonrisol Dental clinic, to get the orthodontic treatment that best suits your needs.

Types of fixed orthodontics

When people hear the word "orthodontics" the most common image that comes to mind is the sight of metal tracks along the teeth.

These are traditional appliances. Although they are still very common, there are many alternatives to the original look and style of braces!

Contrary to popular belief, not all fixed orthodontic treatments are the same. There are gadgets to suit your unique personal style or needs.

Traditional metal orthodontics

These are by far the most widely used style of braces. They are made of durable stainless steel, bows and elastics. They sit on the front of the tooth and are connected with bands on the last teeth to cover the entire area of the mouth that needs orthodontic adjustment.

There are many ways to personalize the treatment and make it more aesthetically appealing to the patient. It has become very common to add colored elastics to make the treatment more personalized and pleasant for the patient.

Ceramic orthodontics

These braces are what they sound like. They are made of light colored ceramic, instead of the traditional metal style.

Although these devices are practically identical to traditional metal ones, the material from which they are made makes them much less visible on the teeth. They are an excellent alternative to traditional metal braces and can be a great option if the patient is concerned about the aesthetics of the orthodontic appliance.

The next question that is not always addressed is what exactly is fixed orthodontics? If you are looking for the perfect smile, braces are the most common way to straighten and align your teeth.

They vary a lot, but in general, conventional orthodontics is a long-term device that gently aligns the teeth over time. Traditional fixed orthodontics is made up of metal or cosmetic braces that adhere to the teeth and arches or wires that connect them.

In recent years, transparent braces made of different materials have been developed, for those who do not like the aesthetic appearance or the feeling of having metal in the mouth.

This type of orthodontics that can dramatically improve a patient's smile.

What are these gadgets really made of in your mouth? The answer is metal and sometimes ceramic. Although there are many variants, they all follow the same general design.

The material that holds the different parts of the orthodontics together must be as strong as the teeth so that they can gently guide teeth into place over time. Archwires and braces work together to move teeth into place.

The different parts that you will notice in most fixed braces are:

  • Braces: This is the piece of metal at the front of the tooth. It sticks to every tooth that needs readjustment. It is the iconic square-looking device that attaches directly to the patient's teeth and, with the help of metal arches, performs the main task of aligning the teeth. It is very important, when you have fixed orthodontics, to brush well around the brackets of each tooth, since it is very common for food to get stuck in this area.

  • Docks: Springs or springs are less common and are generally used in specific cases. Springs are needed to push or pull the teeth, in cases where a tooth has been lost or there is a gap, as well as in cases where there is crowding in the mouth.

  • Metallic Bow: These bows are the ones that really get the job done. They are the ones that move the teeth aligning them in the arch and are fixed to these teeth thanks to the brackets, to which they are normally attached by means of elastics that are usually changed every month.

  • Bands: These are rings that fit around the molars or teeth further back in the mouth. It has a small hook that serves as an anchor to fix the elastics.

  • Elastic: Elastics are fixed around the brackets and help the teeth to move into place. These can be clear or colored. Colored elastics are often an option for younger patients who need braces, as they can better reflect personality. The elastics can be strung along the brackets or placed along each bracket individually, depending on your orthodontic requirements.

Misaligned teeth may not seem like a big problem, however if the problem is not resolved early, the effects can worsen over time. This can lead to serious orthodontic problems if not resolved.

In extreme cases, having crooked or overlapping teeth can affect the way the jaws align. This can lead to severe pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), trouble eating, and even trouble speaking.

Another side effect of crooked teeth is difficulty cleaning, brushing, or flossing. Over time, this inability to properly clean teeth can lead to cavities, swollen gums, and serious infections.

Traditional metal treatments are also commonly sought after because they are usually much more affordable than most non-metallic appliances.

If you are considering braces for your child, an early orthodontic checkup is recommended. In this way, our orthodontist can identify any emerging alignment problems early. Knowing about a child's dental problems early on can help parents budget for orthodontic procedures that may be needed in the future.

The cost also depends on the time and type of treatment needed.. If there are only a few misaligned teeth, the patient will not need to wear orthodontics for years. This drastically reduces the price for that particular patient.

Usually, the most serious cases of dental realignment are the most costly.

The price can also be affected with respect to the maintenance of the orthodontic appliance. For example, a patient may require more frequent dental cleanings. You may also need braces prior to fixed orthodontics.

In essence, although the price of an orthodontic can vary a lot, at the Sonrisol dental clinic in Torremolinos We will do the preliminary study to give you a closed budget and without future surprises and as tight as possible.

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