Fixed Vs Removable Orthodontic Treatments

An orthodontic treatment is one of the most popular ways to straighten teeth and improve smiles. There are many different types of orthodontic treatments available, including both fixed and removable options.

Fixed orthodontics involves appliances that are attached to the teeth and cannot be removed until after treatment is complete. Removable orthodontic appliances, on the other hand, can be removed for cleaning or during meals.

Fixed Orthodontic Treatments

Braces are the most common type of fixed orthodontic treatment. Braces use brackets and wires to apply pressure on the teeth, gradually moving them into their ideal position. Metal braces are the traditional option, while ceramic braces are more discreet. Additionally, self-ligating braces require fewer adjustments and tend to be more comfortable.

In recent years, custom 3D-printed braces have also become available, which are individually tailored to the patient’s teeth to allow for a more efficient and effective treatment. There are several brands offering this system to 3-D print braces such as Lightforce, Stride by KLOwen, DIBS AI, and BracesOnDemand.

Lingual braces are another fixed orthodontic appliance that involves brackets that are placed on the back of the teeth and are virtually invisible. Traditional lingual braces such as Incognito by 3M have been around for some time, while more modern options like Inbrace and Brius have come around within the last decade.

MTA, also known as the Modified Tandem™ Appliance, is another type of fixed appliance. This device is designed for orthopedic correction of the growing Class III patient and is more comfortable than conventional devices because it’s worn intraorally. However, for this device, there is a removable option.

Removable Orthodontic Treatments

Removable orthodontics involves appliances that can be taken out for cleaning or during meals. This is a good alternative to fixed appliances for those that would rather not restrict their diet.

However, this type of appliance can be an issue for those that are always on the go, have busy schedules or are a little more on the forgetful side. 

Clear aligners are an increasingly popular removable orthodontic treatment. Invisalign is the most well-known brand of clear aligners, but there are many others on the market, such as Spark, 3M Clarity, Suresmile, Clearcorrect, Angelaligners, and Candid Pro. These plastic trays are custom-made to fit the individual’s teeth and are removed for cleaning or during meals.

Finally, spring retainers are a type of removable orthodontic device that can make minor adjustments without the need for braces beforehand. Unlike the retainer you get after your braces come off, which holds your teeth in a corrected position, spring retainers work to straighten teeth.

Spring retainers are typically made with a wire and acrylic frame. They are designed to move teeth 1-2 millimeters and are often used for teeth that have shifted after previous orthodontic treatment. While they can be effective for turning or rotating a tooth, they may not be suitable for addressing more extensive crowding.

There are many different types of orthodontic treatments available, including both fixed and removable options. Fixed treatments involve appliances that are attached to the teeth and cannot be removed until treatment is complete, while removable treatments can be taken out for cleaning or during meals.

From traditional metal braces to clear aligners and spring retainers, there are many different types of orthodontic treatments to choose from. Call Yang Orthodontics at (215) 757-0864 or schedule a free consultation here to find out which treatment is best for you.