Now a perfect smile and even teeth are a very real desire. Modern technology allows you to tidy up the condition of the oral cavity in a short time and at an affordable price. There are many types of bracket systems, but in this article we will consider metal braces. We also draw a comparative characteristic between ceramic and metal products and try to find out what it is worth choosing.
Design
Before setting yourself metal braces, you need to know their design. The first orthodontic construction of this type appeared only at the end of the nineteenth century. And from the first moment of their appearance, these systems have been successfully used not only to align teeth, but also to correct occlusion and other defects in the oral cavity. Of course, the appearance of these structures has changed significantly since then. Since the first braces were completely devoid of an aesthetic appearance, their braces went far beyond the boundaries of the oral cavity.
The modern bracket system is almost invisible to others and does not cause absolutely any discomfort to those who wear it. It is convenient to eat with it, it does not distort the person’s speech and is generally not noticeable when worn.
Device
If we consider in detail the design of the bracket device, then we can highlight the following details:
- For fastening metal braces, special hooks are often used. They are attached directly to existing teeth or implants. Also, systems can be fixed using various suction cups or brackets. All these mounts are absolutely reliable and convenient.
- The whole design is connected by a wire arc, which is very responsible. Because it is thanks to her that the dentition is leveled. This is ensured by the fact that the wire is stretched with a certain force, which brings the teeth to the correct position.
In metal braces there are also ligature mounts, which are considered optional. They provide an even stronger bond between the wire arc and the locking elements.
Advantages and disadvantages
The metal bracket system has its pros and cons, which you should learn about before you install it on your teeth. After all, I don’t really want to realize that such a system does not suit you, after you spend time and money on installing it.
Advantages of the Orthodontic System
- Since such braces are made of special metal alloys, they are very durable and reliable. To break such braces, even if you eat solid food, is almost impossible.
- If you have the wrong bite or there are problems with the dentition itself, then by installing a metal structure, you can get rid of these shortcomings as soon as possible. After all, metal is a fairly strong substance and can have a strong effect on teeth.
- Some systems, such as plastic ones, may stain from drinking drinks or eating foods that contain colorants. With metal structures this will never happen.
- During the installation of the metal bracket system, the patient feels quite comfortable and practically does not feel anything.
- Modern technology allows you to choose a special color and even shape for your braces, so your teeth can become the most fashionable of the season.
- And the indisputable advantage of this system is the cost of metal braces, which is significantly lower than all other types.
disadvantages
- On the white surface of the teeth, metal structures are very noticeable.
- If the patient suffers from an allergy, then the metal alloy from which the system is made can become its cause.
- Due to the fact that the material for the manufacture is selected sufficiently hard, there is a risk that the sensitive mucosa of some people will be irritated or small wounds may appear in the oral cavity.
- It is possible that during treatment with metal braces the patient will experience some discomfort, even pain may occur.
Varieties
It is worth noting that there is a certain classification in which metal braces are divided depending on their location, as well as the method of fixation.
At the location there are vestibular and lingual systems. The first orthodontist attaches to the front of the tooth, and because of this, they are very clearly visible on its surface. That is why manufacturers are trying to make these systems very small and paint them in colors that will not immediately catch the eye.
The second systems are located on the inside of the dentition. Due to this, they become almost invisible. But if you listen to reviews of this type of metal braces, then patients say that it takes a long time to get used to them. At first, they cause great discomfort. And the installation itself is a complex and lengthy process.
As for the methods of fixation, here the braces are divided into ligature and ligature. Metal ligature braces have special rings in their structure, which are made of the same metal or rubber. Such designs are very firmly attached to the teeth, and it is quite difficult to remove them without the help of a specialist. The second type is ligature-free metal braces, which do not have any additional fasteners, so the process of installing them is much faster than ligature, and easier.
When choosing systems, you cannot rely only on your own intuition. Therefore, it is better to visit a specialist who, having assessed the condition of your oral cavity and the characteristics of your body, will be able to say exactly which bracket system is best for you.
Views of Ormco
Ormco is an American company that produces bracket systems. Most orthodontists from around the world trust her. Its products have a large assortment, which is worth mentioning:
- Classic ligature - these systems have already been mentioned. There is an arc to which grooves are attached using ligatures made in the form of a wire or rings.
- Ligatureless - special clips are used here as fasteners. At a certain point, they open, thereby releasing the arc. This greatly facilitates the treatment process. It does not cause discomfort to the patient, and the installation process is significantly reduced.
- Mini braces are significantly reduced in size. They are easier to install and wear, and maintenance is greatly simplified. And one more definite plus is that the possibility of caries is almost excluded.
- Damon Q metal braces - they are almost half the size of classic braces, and their grooves have smooth edges, which makes the process of getting used to and socks easier.
- Sprint - such a bracket system is suitable for those patients who have been found to have an allergic reaction to the metal, since nickel is not part of the alloy. It is a monolithic system.
- Roth braces have a special design in the form of rhombuses. Their size is reduced by thirty percent, and this form is more comfortable for positioning.
Metal and Ceramics
There are a number of advantages of metal braces over ceramic. First of all, they are much cheaper and have high strength, and also much better and faster can correct the bite. But ceramics have one superiority - its aesthetic appearance significantly exceeds metal. That is why many people opt for ceramics. And also it does not cause allergic reactions, which are not uncommon in patients. Now you can choose the color of ceramics, which will almost completely coincide with the shade of enamel. In addition, ceramics very rarely cause irritation to the mucosa, and from it wounds do not appear in the oral cavity.
Indications for installation
There are a number of cases where the orthodontist informs the patient about the need to install an orthodontic system. Here you will be informed which are better - ceramic or metal - braces to choose. After all, if you are allergic to metal, then you are simply contraindicated in the installation of a structure made of this material.
So, braces are needed in the following cases:
- The specialist found that in the row there are several teeth with a curvature. With a metal structure, you can quickly and inexpensively get rid of this defect, which gives you some aesthetic inconvenience.
- Already at the stage of formation of the dentition, an experienced specialist can notice serious abnormalities that require adjustment.
- It is possible that a person has some malocclusion pathologies, which can also be easily corrected by installing an orthodontic system.
- If you plan to install prostheses or implants, then, perhaps, in the process of preparing the oral cavity, you will need some time to walk around with braces.
There are cases that are extremely rare, but they should also be taken into account. For example, if the jaw is too small, braces are needed in order to accelerate the eruption of the teeth.
Reviews of metal braces that are left by doctors and patients indicate that these are very reliable and effective designs that can quickly tidy your bite.
Contraindications
It is not so simple to install braces of this type, and before prescribing such a procedure, the doctor must conduct several studies to determine the individual characteristics of the patient's body. So, there are a number of contraindications, in the presence of at least one of them the installation of a metal bracket system is prohibited:
- If the patient at the time of installation of the system lost a large number of teeth on which the structure could be attached.
- Various pathologies of the cardiovascular, immune systems, the presence of any viral or infectious diseases.
- If the patient has severe forms of cancer.
- Blood diseases are a serious reason to refuse braces.
- Various diseases of the joints and bones are another obstacle to the metal system.
- Epilepsy. When diagnosing such a disease, any serious procedures with teeth and oral cavity are generally prohibited.
In addition to all this, the installation of such a system can be prevented by the presence of teeth that require immediate treatment, this also includes various anomalies in the development of the jaw and, of course, allergic reactions to the metal. Recent contraindications can be easily eliminated or a good alternative to the metal structure can be found.
Installation procedure
The quickest and easiest way to put metal braces is alloyless, but their fastening is not too strong. If you want to be sure of the reliability of the fasteners, then it is better to choose a lingual system, but be prepared for the fact that it will take several hours.
- It all starts with the fact that the patient simply comes to the orthodontist’s appointment, where the specialist, after conducting a preliminary examination, can talk about possible contraindications, give his recommendations on which system is better to choose and from which material. If he needs any additional information, then the doctor conducts several tests, thanks to which the full picture will be visible.
- The next step is the preparation. Here the doctor carries out the sanitation of the oral cavity, or, to put it more simply, he cleans the teeth of possible deposits. There is a need, then the teeth are cleaned from caries or eliminate other diseases from the field of dentistry.
- Be sure to take a cast from each tooth of the patient, according to which then specialists will make the design. After all, each system is created individually.
- Right before the start of the procedure, a special protective and strengthening solution is applied to the enamel, as well as a complete polishing of the dentition.
- Each tooth plate on which the system will be attached is covered with a special glue, and after that the braces are finally attached. Further, the main task of the specialist is to check whether the fasteners are securely set and whether the locks are correctly installed.
It ends with the fact that the already installed structure is covered with a special cement dental mortar, which must completely dry on the teeth. To at least slightly speed up this process, doctors use ultraviolet lamps.
Care Rules
If you have installed metal braces, then be prepared for the fact that they need special care. But attention requires not only the system, but also your oral cavity.
Observing the following recommendations, you can not only avoid the negative consequences after the installation process, but also increase the effectiveness of the treatment process:
- You need to brush your teeth regularly and do it very carefully so that even the smallest food debris does not linger in the oral cavity. To do this, it is recommended to use not only a familiar toothbrush for everyone, but also purchase dental floss, as well as a special brush designed specifically for care of braces.
- Each month, the patient must come to the clinic for examination to monitor the healing process, and the doctor must also carry out the rehabilitation of the oral cavity.
- At first, it is better not to eat sweets, food that stretches, as well as solid foods. Chewing gums should be completely discarded.
The cost of metal braces is approximately fifty thousand rubles, but the price may vary depending on the clinic, the materials that were used for the manufacture, and the problems that were found in your oral cavity.
Conclusion
If you still doubt whether it is worth installing an orthodontic system, then take a look at the photos before and after. Metal braces help make your smile perfect. This is a great opportunity to tidy your dentition or correct malocclusion. Moreover, the price of installing metal braces is available to almost anyone.