Esthetic Options for Tooth Movement
By Dallin N. Harris, DDS, Gerald Minick, DDS, MS, MSD and Terri Tilliss, RDH, PhD
There is a great demand for esthetic orthodontic approaches to achieve tooth movement and bite correction, particularly now that adults constitute approximately one-half of orthodontic patients. The conventional use of labially bonded brackets and archwires can be viewed by some as too obtrusive. One approach to improved esthetics is translucent-appearing ceramic (rather than traditional metal) brackets, although the archwires are still visible. White archwires are also available, but the coating is often compromised by wear. Lingually positioned appliances and clear aligners avoid the visible appearance of braces.
