Techniques and options for teeth straightening using dental braces

Teeth straightening has always been about changing the position of the root and tooth in the mouth. Changes in position are achieved by gradually putting precision strain on the teeth using dental braces.

The advantage of today’s modern techniques is that teeth straightening can be achieved with shorter treatment periods, less discomfort and without one’s appearance being disrupted during the treatment.

Exactly what type of dental braces are used for each individual case depends on the extent of the adjustments needed in combination with the patient’s own desires.

1. Fixed dental braces

A fixed dental brace is the traditional solution and still the most effective if extensive teeth straightening is necessary. Principally it involves gluing fittings to the front of the teeth on which one then attaches a wire. About every 6-8 weeks one visits the dentist who then tightens the thread. By doing so the teeth are moved millimetre by millimetre.

The difference between today’s fixed braces or brackets, as they are also called, is that the fixtures and threads are now available in tooth like materials and colours. This gives dental braces a much more discreet look than the traditional track.

2. Removable dental braces

Removable dental braces were used to a greater extent and then primarily on younger patients or patients with functional problems. Within cosmetic dentistry the use of removable braces is unusual.

3. Invisible dental braces

There are essentially two types of invisble dental braces:

Invisible (lingual) teeth straightening

An invisible (lingual) tooth straightening is essentially the treatment as a fixed dental brace but the difference is that the fixtures are glued to the inside of the teeth. This makes the dental brace invisible.

Some dentist suggest that this method limits the results that can be achieved in comparison with teeth straightening with fixed dental braces, while the supporters of the technique suggest that there is no difference other than price. The price difference is roughly £2000 per jaw.

Invisalign dental braces

An Invisalign dental brace is an invisible brace consisting of a series of individually adapted acrylic splints that are worn 22 hours per day. They are really only to be taken out during tooth brushing and when eating. The splints are exchanged as the position of the teeth changes (approx. every other week).

Invisalign dental braces are not suitable for all kinds of teeth straightening and can therefore, despite such claims, not replace the need of conventional teeth straightening. However, in many cases it can be a simple, comfortable and discreet, but costly alternative.

« Teeth straightening introduction | The teeth straightening procedure »