Cosmetic orthodontics

Cosmetic orthodontics is a branch of dentistry which deals with the correction of misaligned teeth for cosmetic (aesthetic) reasons. This usually involves the wearing of a brace to help move the badly aligned teeth back into position.

Braces are a standard form of treatment for misaligned teeth which results in what is known as a ‘bad bite’. This means that the top row of teeth protrude over the bottom row of teeth: or there are too many teeth in the jaw which has caused overcrowding.

A brace may be worn to correct an irregularity caused by tempromandibular joint (TMJ) in which there is a problem with the movement of the jaw leading to difficulties in biting or chewing.

Braces are worn for medical reasons but they can also be chosen for cosmetic reasons such as improving a crooked smile. This can have an effect on a person’s confidence and self esteem and their overall quality of life.

Properly aligned teeth will help to alleviate this as well as ensuring an attractive looking smile.

Types of braces

There are various types of braces available which include:

• Invisalign (invisible braces)
• Fast acting adult braces
• Damon braces
• Inman aligners
• Simpli5 clear aligners

These are used in two ways: to correct the misalignment followed by the wearing of a retainer to fix the teeth in their new position.

Invisalign

Also known as ‘invisible braces’: this type of brace is made from a transparent material which means that it is hardly noticeable to the naked eye. They are a plastic brace which fits easily over the teeth and moves them gradually into the desired position.

Fast acting adult braces

These are designed to be worn by adults only. They are suitable for people with fully grown teeth, with minimal or no crowding and a normal alignment of their teeth.

This brace consists of a gumshield with tiny motors which cause it to vibrate. This vibration occurs as the person bites down onto the gumshield for a designated period of time.

This stimulation loosens ligament as well as causing new bone to grow which moves the teeth into the correct place and holds them there.

Damon braces

These metal free, no-friction braces are comprised of wires and a slide mechanism which enable misaligned teeth to move back into position.

Inman aligners

This is similar in appearance to Invisalign braces except that they contain a metal bar which can be seen across the front of the teeth. But it uses the same principles as Invisalign.

The combination of the metal bar and a coiled spring pressing against the teeth causes a ‘push-pull’  movement which moves the teeth into the correct place.

Simpli5 clear aligners

A transparent plastic set of aligners (5 in total) which are worn to correct mild cases of misaligned teeth or other similar orthodontic problems.

This brace does not contain a metal bar, wires or brackets and is chosen by people who are looking for a mild form of cosmetic correction.

Crooked or crowded teeth within these aligners move gradually over a period of time. Once the aligner feels loose then it is replaced with another aligner. This process is repeated until the teeth have moved into the desired position.

Discuss these options with your dentist or orthodontist. He or she will recommend the most suitable brace for you depending upon the condition of your teeth and personal preferences.