This consists of visible orthodontics based on correcting the position of the teeth by means of small devices called brackets that are cemented to the outer face of the teeth. They can be made of different materials such as metal, ceramic and sapphire
This type of treatment is intended for children or young people for whom aesthetics is not an issue.
The types of material used in the brackets are variable and applied according to each specific patient case:
These last two are called aesthetic braces
In conventional orthodontics, metallic or elastic ligatures (multi-coloured, gray or transparent rubber bands) are used to join the arches to the brackets. Given the arches are attached to the teeth, when the arch recovers its shape it brings with it the treated tooth-brackets, thereby moving the tooth to the ideal/required position.
During the course of these movements the elastic bands lose their pressure, and may become stained, so they must be changed at each appointment. In addition, the elastics retain bacteria, food debris and also generate a lot of friction between the wire and the bracket, meaning that greater pressure is required in order to move the teeth.
Self-ligating brackets do not have rubber bands that connect the bracket to the arch, the bracket has a click system that traps the wire inside without the need for rubber bands or ligatures.