The Evolution of Orthodontic Technology: From Metal Braces to Clear Aligners

Orthodontic treatment has come a long way since its inception. Gone are the days when metal braces were the only option to straighten teeth. Today, our orthodontist in Hamilton, MT, offers a variety of orthodontic appliances that can be used to treat orthodontic problems.

Braces Explained

Brackets and wires that rearrange your teeth are the foundation of orthodontic treatment. With the introduction of new materials and technologies, traditional braces have been improved upon to create a more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing treatment experience for patients.

Traditional metal braces consist of two to three brackets bonded to each individual tooth. These brackets are placed at a slight angle so that archwires can be threaded through them. Archwires serve as anchors for the brackets and are tightened throughout treatment to apply gentle tension and force to the teeth to move them into their ideal position.

With the continuous progression of orthodontic technology, modern options have become available as an alternative to traditional metal braces. Ceramic or porcelain brackets are often considered more attractive than stainless steel brackets, although they typically cost more than metal brackets as well. They can still come in clear, silver, or white to blend in with the patient's smile. In some cases, patients may opt for a more discreet treatment with lingual braces placed on the backs of the teeth instead of the front.

Clear Aligners Explained

While metal braces were the standard method for orthodontic treatment, they were far from discreet. In the early 2000s, there was a shift towards a more cosmetically pleasing orthodontic option.

Clear aligner therapy is a method of straightening teeth using a series of removable, transparent plastic trays called aligners. Each set of aligners is custom-made for the patient and worn for a specific amount of time before moving on to the next set in the series. Unlike braces that use brackets to apply pressure to the teeth and wires that tighten them, clear aligner therapy uses gentle pressure on the teeth to guide them slowly into proper alignment. Since the aligners are removable, patients are able to remove them to eat and clean their teeth or adjust their fit as needed. This makes them a convenient alternative to traditional metal braces for many patients who want straighter, more uniform smiles but don't want to deal with the hassle that comes with traditional orthodontic treatments.

Get in touch with our orthodontist in Hamilton, MT, and orthodontist in Stevensville, MT, at 1116 W Main St, Hamilton, MT 59840, or 3920 US Hwy 93, Stevensville, MT 59870. You can call (406) 363-2200 to learn more.