A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing Orthodontic Appliances
“Should I get metal braces or invisible aligners?”
Almost every individual considering orthodontic treatment has faced this dilemma, often followed by another question, “Are invisible aligners necessarily better?”
I guess the next step for you might be to pick up your phone and search on social media platforms for “How to choose between metal braces and invisible aligners?” But hold on, today we’ll delve into this topic and ask why you haven’t considered consulting Innovative China Dental Laboratory, a manufacturer of those seemingly impressive orthodontic appliances?
Firstly, the orthodontic appliances discussed today refer to those used for correcting the entire set of teeth, excluding functional appliances or simple removable appliances.
Under this premise, orthodontic appliances can be broadly classified into two categories: fixed appliances and invisible appliances.
Fixed Appliances
01 Metal Appliances and Ceramic Appliances
Fixed appliances are “fixed” because they are bonded to the teeth and cannot be removed. The commonly referred to “metal braces” are metal appliances within fixed appliances, typically made of stainless steel. They shine brightly in the mouth, hence the name “metal braces.”
In many readers’ minds, “metal braces” are synonymous with a lack of aesthetics. In numerous TV dramas (mainly school dramas), “metal braces” are often used to emphasize the protagonist’s unremarkable appearance in the early stages, and an important part of the protagonist’s transformation often involves removing the braces.
I can immediately think of many TV dramas, such as the classic Thai drama “First Love,” and I welcome you to share other dramas in the comments section.
Considering aesthetics, ceramic appliances were subsequently invented. Due to their porcelain enamel color, which resembles tooth color, they are visually more appealing. These appliances are routinely produced by Customizable China Dental Lab, and finding a reliable lab is crucial.
02 Self-ligating Appliances and Non-self-ligating Appliances
Based on the ligation method of fixed appliances and archwires, appliances can be further divided into self-ligating appliances and non-self-ligating appliances.
● Self-ligating appliances have a built-in lock that secures the archwire without the need for additional ligation (Figure 2).
● Non-self-ligating appliances require the use of extra ligation wires to bind the archwire.
In comparison, self-ligating appliances have a smoother appearance and less resistance when sliding, which some people claim results in less pain.
Invisible Appliances
3D-printed invisible aligners are made of a heat-pressed membrane material that wraps around the teeth, transparent and snug-fitting, making them nearly invisible at first glance.
Invisible aligners typically come in multiple sets, with each set being replaced every 1-2 weeks. Each set gradually realigns the teeth through incremental changes. There are many brands of invisible aligners, and while you may search for specific brand names, the actual corrective principles are largely similar.
