Orthodontic Appliance Selection and Placement

Selection of an orthodontic appliance is determined by the treatment plan as well as patient’s requirement. Different orthodontic appliances have different stages for starting treatment. For example, fixed braces are bonded to outer surface of teeth and Clear aligners fabrication needs intraoral scan. Fixed braces can be metal braces, ceramic braces or Lingual braces.

Precise placement of orthodontic brackets ( bonding) on designated area of tooth surface is most important as these braces are 3 D programmed. Error in doing so not only delays the treatment but also leads to substandard treatment results.

After the fixed orthodontic appliance is bonded, fluoride application is done to strengthen the teeth against enamel white spot lesions and dental decay.
In the end, initial aligning orthodontic wires are placed in the bracket slots. These wires along with 3 D programmed brackets take the teeth to the final position.

Clear Aligners ( Invisalign) has different process altogether. Click here to learn more about Invisalign process