There are many occasions when we hear the term orthodontics, but do you really know what it is? In the following article we explain what it is, the types that exist and the benefits it can bring you.

What is orthodontics?

It is a branch of dentistry that deals with the study, prevention and repair of dental alterations that may occur during the developmental stage of a person, the shape of the dental arch or the position of the teeth. Its main function is to restore the natural morphology of the dentition.

The objective of orthodontics is to return the teeth to their natural position to correct both the bite and esthetics. In order to do this, there are different types of braces, which will be used depending on the needs of each person.

Types of equipment

There are three different types of appliances used in orthodontics.

Functional

Functional appliances are a type of removable appliance that has been created to correct the position of the jaw muscles. In this way we are able to increase its length.
At the beginning, these types of devices only carry out functional modifications, but gradually give way to more structural changes.
These appliances modify the direction of the force of the muscles causing the teeth to move.

Removable

This is a type of appliance that the customer can easily put in and take out, either for cleaning or for any other reason. Its main function is to apply force on the teeth to be moved. The force exerted is totally artificial and acts directly on the teeth, being totally unrelated to the force exerted by the jaw muscles involved in chewing.
They are usually recognized by the name of "plates" and are especially convenient when the aim is to expand the jaws to correct bites. Most commonly they are placed on the posterior teeth.

Fixed

The best known are braces. They are a combination of metal elements glued to the teeth, rubber bands and metal arches that join them together. Unlike the rest of the braces, this type of braces allows you to move each of the teeth in any direction.
It is important that the placement is carried out by an expert to ensure that everything is positioned correctly to achieve the required displacements.
We can find visible brackets, which will be the metallic brackets that everyone knows, or transparent brackets, which are glued on the teeth copying their color. It is also possible to place them both on the inside of the teeth and on the outside, which is the most common.

During the duration of the orthodontic treatment, it is of vital importance to maintain proper hygiene, brushing both the teeth and the braces correctly.

Benefits of having orthodontics

Opting for dental orthodontics will provide a series of benefits, both aesthetic and for your health. Among them we can find the following:

Reduces tooth wear
Reduces the appearance of cavities
Reduced likelihood of periodontal disease
Reduction of tooth sensitivity
Improved bite
Aesthetic enhancement
Increased self-esteem

These are some of the benefits that you can find if you opt for orthodontics. From Granada, in B&J clinics we offer you the possibility to put yourself in the hands of real experts who will offer you personalized treatments and the best solutions for your braces, seeking to correct your teeth and find the perfect alignment and adjustment of your teeth.
Contact us and we will answer any questions you may have.