Orthodontics Without Braces: Smile Confidently

In this article, you will find answers to all your questions about orthodontic treatments that don’t require braces (or brackets). This type of treatment has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its remarkable cosmetic and comfort benefits. In the past, the idea of aligning teeth without braces seemed unimaginable, but thanks to the significant advancements in dentistry, it is now possible to achieve a beautiful and straight smile with ease and comfort. The emergence of orthodontics without brackets has made the process much more convenient, faster, and aesthetically pleasing for patients.

What is orthodontics without braces?

The latest orthodontic treatment involves aligners that are used in place of brackets to shift teeth into the correct position without causing any discomfort or compromising dental aesthetics. The aligners are designed to appear like clear retainers, but they differ in that they have the ability to gradually move teeth to the desired position and bite. Unlike retainers, which simply maintain the current tooth alignment, aligners are capable of creating the necessary movements to achieve the desired results.

Step by step of orthodontics without braces

1. To determine if you’re a suitable candidate for orthodontic treatment without brackets, your orthodontist will begin by conducting an evaluation of your dental condition. This evaluation will help them determine whether this type of treatment is right for you, or whether a different orthodontic approach involving brackets is more appropriate for your needs.
2. Once your orthodontist determines that you’re a suitable candidate for orthodontic treatment without brackets, they will conduct a series of dental examinations to initiate the treatment process. These exams typically involve using a state-of-the-art 3D intraoral scanner to create an accurate digital impression of your mouth. In addition to the 3D scan, intraoral and extraoral photos will be taken, and a panoramic radiograph will be obtained. These diagnostic tools are essential for any dental treatment, particularly orthodontic treatments, to ensure that the treatment plan is tailored to your specific needs.
3. Once the intraoral studies are complete, they are sent to the aligner manufacturing company for further analysis. The company conducts a thorough assessment that includes creating a projection of your smile at each stage of the orthodontic treatment without brackets, giving you an idea of what the final outcome will look like. This projection also determines the total number of aligners required, which can range from 5 for simple cases to up to 30 for complex cases. The total number of aligners needed will also impact the final cost of your orthodontic treatment without brackets.
4. After the aligner manufacturing company completes their assessment, the orthodontist will discuss the treatment plan with the patient, who will ultimately decide whether to proceed with the clear aligners or explore other orthodontic options. If the patient decides to continue with the aligners, the fee paid to the aligner manufacturing company for the treatment plan will be included in the overall cost of their orthodontic treatment.
5. Using the positions defined in the previous study, the aligner manufacturing company will order the production of the aligners using advanced 3D printers.
6. Once production is complete, the aligners are available for use from the beginning of your orthodontic treatment until your teeth are fully aligned. You can choose to have the orthodontist change your aligner at each appointment, or you can opt to receive the complete set of aligners at once. This can be helpful if you have a busy schedule or if you are going on a trip, as it can be confusing to keep track of which aligner to use if you miss appointments.
7. The final result is a beautiful, straight, and aligned set of teeth, without any of the drawbacks of traditional braces..

How much does orthodontics without braces cost?

One of the most common questions about orthodontics without brackets in Medellin is how it compares to other types of orthodontic treatments in Colombia, and the answer can vary greatly.

• The first step is an initial evaluation that includes an intraoral scan, photos, and x-rays, which typically costs 200,000 COP or more.
• Afterwards, the company that produces the aligners (such as Invisalign, Dentaline, among others) conducts a study that costs 380,000 COP or more.
• Ultimately, the total cost of orthodontics without brackets varies between 3,000,000 to 10,000,000 COP, which is a broad range due to the individual complexity of each case. The results are obtained once the study conducted by the aligner manufacturer (Invisalign, Dentaline, etc.) has been completed, which is priced at 380,000 COP and up.

Numerous brands are currently available for orthodontics without brackets. Invisalign is one of the most well-known and established companies in this field, but its cost can be high due to limited laboratory availability in Latin America. Other companies, such as Dentaline, have emerged with scientific analysis and direction from orthodontists and advanced technology, and we also work with them to achieve excellent results.

At our clinic, we offer both types of orthodontic systems without brackets, providing you with all the available options and scientific support. However, it’s important to note that like any dental treatment, there are certain indications and contraindications. While aligners may be suitable for 80% of cases, the remaining 20% may require alternative treatments that are more effective for their specific needs. It’s best to consult with a professional to determine if orthodontics without brackets is the ideal option for you.

• Having a good smile and a pleasant appearance is not only important for those who work in modeling or the entertainment industry but also for people who work in other professions such as sales, customer service, and public relations. This is because your smile is often the first thing people notice about you and it can have a significant impact on your professional and personal life. Orthodontics without braces is a great option for those who need to maintain a professional image while undergoing treatment. Additionally, it is a great option for those who have special events coming up such as weddings, graduations, or other important milestones where they want to look their best. With orthodontics without braces, you can achieve a beautiful, straight smile without having to worry about the appearance of traditional braces in photos or in person.
• “I have small areas where my teeth are crooked and make me feel uncomfortable” is a frequently encountered case where patients are self-conscious about their misaligned teeth. They often refrain from smiling or laughing in social situations and may even avoid seeking dental treatment because they feel that their problem is not significant enough to warrant traditional braces. This is where clear aligners come in as an excellent solution, providing a discreet option for patients to improve their teeth alignment without drawing unwanted attention. With clear aligners, patients can regain their confidence and comfortably undergo other cosmetic dental treatments, such as smile design or teeth whitening, knowing that their teeth are well-aligned.
• Orthodontics without braces is a highly advanced treatment that can address complex dental problems, such as overlapping or widely spaced teeth, and bite issues. However, whether you are a suitable candidate for this type of treatment will ultimately depend on the assessment of an orthodontist. They will evaluate the severity of your case and determine if this treatment can effectively correct your dental problems.
• If patients have short roots, it is not advisable to undergo orthodontic treatment, including orthodontics without brackets, as it may worsen the issue.
• Orthodontic cases that involve the need for orthognathic surgery are usually more complicated and may require two phases of orthodontic treatment, one before surgery and another after surgery. As a result, in such cases, conventional or self-ligating orthodontics may be the better option.
• It’s natural to want to keep costs down, but when it comes to orthodontic treatment, the cheapest option may not always be the best. While some people believe that orthodontics without brackets is a more affordable alternative to traditional braces, this is not always the case. In fact, this type of orthodontics is a highly advanced technology that uses precise movements to achieve optimal results with maximum comfort and aesthetics. So while it may not be the cheapest option, it’s worth considering the long-term benefits and outcomes of this type of treatment.

What options do I have in case I am not a candidate for orthodontics without braces?

As previously stated, 80% of patients are typically eligible for this type of treatment. However, if you happen to fall into the remaining 20%, don’t lose hope. In dentistry, there is a vast array of technologies available that can provide you with solutions that you may not have even considered before. Here are some alternative options:

• If my treatment requires more complex movements:

To begin treatment for certain cases, the optimal solution is to opt for self-ligating brackets, which are equipped with cutting-edge technology. Not only are they much faster than traditional brackets, but they are also smaller and lack rubber components. They are designed to deliver a low-friction experience, ensuring movement is consistent throughout the month rather than solely during appointments. Moreover, they come in a transparent self-ligating version, providing a discreet option for those seeking an aesthetic solution.

• If you happen to have short roots, enhancing your smile’s appearance through a smile design would be a recommended approach. Depending on the specifics of your situation, aesthetic borders, resin, or ceramic veneers may be used to create a striking transformation in your teeth’s shape, position, and color.
• If the cost is a concern, there are still options available to you. Transparent orthodontics can provide a more aesthetic alternative to conventional orthodontics, while traditional orthodontics offers a cost-effective solution with a great benefit ratio. Additionally, a complementary smile design can be made to complement your orthodontic treatment, which includes microdesign and whitening to give your teeth a remarkable appearance. Rest assured that there are several options to choose from to achieve your desired results.

Feel free to visit our clinic if you are seeking orthodontics treaments.

Dra. Sara Pelaez Monsalve Post Author

Aesthetic dentistry with more than 14 years of experience in the field. Founder of Clinica Viena and Viena Kids (clinic focused on pediatric dentistry). Professional focused on patient care, on the application of best practices and high-quality world-class treatments.