What is Camouflage Orthodontic Treatment?

Have you ever wondered what a camouflage orthodontic treatment plan might be? In many cases, finishing cases normally might not be possible for a myriad of reasons, such as when the perfect result may not be easily attainable. In these scenarios, camouflage orthodontic treatments might help – but what actually are they?
What are Camouflage Orthodontic Treatment Plans?
Camouflage orthodontic treatment plans are generally used when a perfect treatment is not possible, often due to physiological limitations (e.g. an uneven jaw shape) or financial reasons. In general, a camouflage case results in pretty good results, but it won’t be quite as perfect as the optimal treatment plan would have given.
Why Finishing Cases with Camouflage Orthodontics Might Be Needed
There are numerous reasons camouflage might be needed. These include:
– Patients don’t want to undergo a specific treatment plan
– There is a discrepancy that needs treatment to make the teeth look straight
– The patient cannot afford jaw surgery to fix the problem at the source
In the above cases, finishing cases with camouflage treatment plans won’t be ideal, but it can help to hide the problem. In the case of jaw issues, for example, a treatment plan may help mask issues with the tooth alignment, but the jaw shape may still be off.
Are Camouflage Orthodontic Treatments Always Suitable?
It’s important to clarify that not every case will be a candidate for camouflage orthodontic treatment. For example, a smaller lower jaw may be less suited to camouflage since you’ll need to remove teeth from the upper jaw and/or slide the teeth back. This can have many impacts on airways or tongue space, so it may not always be suitable or ideal for Class II and Class III cases and the like.
If you’re unsure whether camouflage orthodontics could be suitable anymore, contact a professional orthodontist for specific case-by-case support.