Modern technology allows you to fix almost any anomaly in the dentition. Statistics show that a large percentage of the population has problems with bite. Improper tooth positioning also causes discomfort in humans. But it’s not necessary to live with what we inherited from nature. A person can make corrections by correcting defects. We learn what braces are, what are their features, how they work. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of the systems, we will review the reviews of patients and specialists.
Description of bracket systems
This is an orthodontic design consisting of locks and an arc connecting them. In principle, braces can no longer be called a novelty. Their long-term use in dentistry has managed to recommend the technique as an effective tool in occlusion correction.
Peculiar locks are attached to each tooth using special glue. All of them are connected by a metal arc. In the course of tooth displacement, the specialist has the opportunity to adjust the design. Thus, the patient receives one orthodontic model for the entire course of treatment. Despite the fact that bracket systems seem very simple, they are based on a scientific base and modern technological solutions.
The principle of operation of orthodontic structures
All braces are based on a common mechanism of action. What is it like? Anomalies in the development of the dentition can be corrected by moving units under constant pressure. His strength is not great. This pressure is provided by an elastic element - a metal arc. This part of the system has the ability to return to its original, correct shape after bending.
The arch is attached to the teeth with special locks. The entire structure gradually aligns the teeth along the correct line. As a result, the patient is provided with a healthy and aesthetic bite. Next, we’ll talk about what bracket systems are. After all, progress does not stand still. And today, an orthodontist can offer his patient a choice of different models.
What are the braces for teeth?
The considered orthodontic constructions are divided into vestibular and lingual. What is the difference? The latest model is distinguished by its type of mount. Locks are fixed on the inside of the teeth.
Vestibular mount outside. Simply put, the system is fixed to the front, which can be seen during a conversation, smiles.
What are the braces yet? Modern technologies make the system more aesthetic. Recently appeared the so-called invisible braces. All types of designs have their positive and negative sides.
The specialist can judge the feasibility of installing each of the systems based on their indications and contraindications. We will talk more about this in the following sections of the article.
Metal braces
The construction in question is most consistent with the meaning of the alignment procedure. All parts are made of metal, most often of titanium alloy. Almost all patients are interested in the question: what kind of braces are there and how much do they cost? This type of design is considered the most affordable (an average of 60,000 rubles). The cost, of course, varies depending on the clinic and the region.
Ceramic orthodontic constructions
The principle of operation of these bracket systems is no different from metal models. The only difference is that the locks that are attached to the teeth are made of ceramic. They do not differ in color from enamel. Such a design looks, of course, more beautiful than metal braces. Which are there? The price is different by how much? Ceramic structures are made only vestibular. And their cost is on average 30% more expensive than classic models.
Invisible Constructions
They are called sapphire braces. Many patients like them very much. And perhaps, in the near future, such braces will become fashionable, such as piercings. Made of transparent artificial crystals. Accordingly, they are less striking in the eyes of people around than ceramic braces. Many patients say that they treat this orthodontic device as a “cool” decoration. The cost of sapphire braces ranges from 100,000 rubles.
Lingual constructions
Abroad, this type of braces began to be practiced since the 1970s. In the countries of the post-Soviet space, such designs appeared by the 2000s. Initially, these models cost the patient fabulous money. All because the casts were sent to America and from there they sent the finished model.
As we have already mentioned, the main difference between the braces in question is that they are fixed from the inside. The first models were incredibly inconvenient for the patient. They severely disrupted human diction.
To date, managed to improve the design. The thickness of the locks does not exceed 2 mm. This allows you to adapt much faster to the presence of a foreign body in the oral cavity.
Cons of lingual braces
The main disadvantage of these designs is not even a temporary violation of diction. Some patients adapt quickly enough and pronounce words clearly.
- The disadvantages of this type include an increase in the duration of treatment. In lingual systems, the point of impact is located closer to the anatomical center of the tooth. Therefore, bite correction may last several months longer.
- These constructions, of course, are capable of injuring the tongue. After all, we even feel the hair if it gets into our mouths. But due to the fact that this model is low profile, the problem goes away with time.
- Experts do not recommend the installation of these braces for children. After all, the design makes it difficult to carry out hygiene procedures, and the child may not be able to cope with them on their own.
Ligature and ligature bracket systems
These designs differ in how they attach the arc. The ligatureless system is also called self-ligating.
Ligature models are when the arc is attached directly to the braces. This has its negative sides. For example, a specialist puts on a white ligature on ceramic braces . But after a while she change the tint to gray, yellow. All this happens because the ligature is made from materials that can not withstand food colors.
Ligatureless designs are made in the form of a lock. Attach to all types of braces. This is a lock covering the arc, holding it in the groove. During operation, the color remains the original.
The principle of movement in these two types of structures is practically no different. In ligature systems, the strength of the application to the tooth matters. The work of self-ligating structures is also aimed at the biozone. After all, sensitive periodontal is better not to injure. Self-ligating design works quite smoothly. The arc moves passively in the groove, preventing an overdose of pressure on the tooth. Now we know what types of braces are. Of course, all this information can be obtained in the doctor’s office. However, those patients who plan to correct the bite will have a better dialogue with the doctor, having a basic understanding of existing structures.
Bite correction period
We have already talked about what braces are. Now a logical question arises: how many should they be worn?
So, the patient can observe the first result after six months of wearing the system. Undoubtedly, everything will depend not only on the selected bracket model, but also on the severity of the primary curvature. Experts say that the construction will have to be worn for at least a year.
On average, a course of treatment can take a couple of years. And in the most difficult situations, the patient will have to be patient. Sometimes braces are worn for about 5 years.
After the designs have done their job, it is necessary to fix the result. The doctor puts the retainer. We now know what kind of braces are, it's time to talk about devices that reinforce the achieved effect.
The retainer looks like a wire that is attached to the teeth (on the inside). It interferes with the movement of the roots. Also, experts use eliners. These are transparent mouthguards that are worn at night.
Reviews of specialists and patients
If you are already familiar with what kind of braces are, reviews and prices for them will help determine the choice of design. What do experts say about bite correction systems?
In general, all types of braces are good enough. Modern technologies allow during the consultation period to simulate the expected result. Based on this, the question of the appropriateness of treatment is decided. Reviews of orthodontists indicate that braces of all types are an effective solution to the problem. Of course, public people are advised to install the so-called invisible systems.
As for patients, there are also those who are dissatisfied with the result. As a rule, it turns out that they were not too responsible in choosing the clinic and specialist. But it is precisely the doctor’s qualifications that must always be considered first. It turns out that it is not enough to know what kind of dental braces are. The price of the issue, of course, is also often of great importance to patients. However, it is necessary to think about whether they will be able to compensate for the saved money spent effort and unjustified hopes? So, in this matter the opinions of both specialists and patients agree that a good doctor is the key to success.