Ligature braces are a popular way to create the perfect dentition. There is a classification according to the material used as the basis of the design, as well as a distinction according to the method of attachment. Ligature braces are a classic system that most patients prefer.
Features
The ligature system is one of the foundations of orthodontic therapy. Most deviations associated with malocclusion can be corrected thanks to its installation. The design is the adhesion of braces on the arc using a ring made of metal, which is called the ligature. In some cases, wire is used instead. In general, this is a flexible mechanism that is able to stably maintain an arc in the hole of the element. The movement of teeth that have fixed ligature braces occurs rather slowly due to the overcoming of great friction. To reduce it, ligatures of an elastic type are often used.
The considered bracket system is:
- Color;
- Transparent;
- With decorative elements.
Metal ligature braces have a silver color system. With this type of braces, the mount is reliable. However, when the design is shifted, only a professional can make the adjustment.
Existing types of ligature braces
The ligature bracket system is divided into types that differ among themselves in the material used. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages.
- Ceramic. A distinctive feature - the design is almost invisible on the teeth, but the cost is many times greater than the competitor on a metal base. Ceramic ligature braces can be polycrystalline, with excellent aesthetic performance, as well as monocrystalline. The latter are of high quality. The second name for braces is sapphire, each component of the structure is made of sapphire of artificial origin, which visually looks very much like a natural tooth.
- Combined / Combined. Based on the name, it is clear that this is a combination of ceramic and metal elements.
Pros and cons of ceramics and metal as a basis
The metal ligature bracket system is popular due to some parameters that distinguish it from other types:
- High strength
- Classic look.
- Optimum cost per installation.
The disadvantages include visibility with a smile, as well as the need for frequent visits to the dentist - at least 1 time in 30 days.
Ceramics as the basis of an orthodontic design is almost invisible on the teeth, and is characterized by high quality material. However, the high cost and difficulty in removing braces affect the popularity of such systems. In addition, the material may stain from colored food.
The combination of ceramics + metal provides an aesthetic appearance of the structure, as well as an affordable price. “Minus” - with a wide smile, all the fasteners made of metal become noticeable.
According to data, today about 10 different systems based on the ligature are common. In demand:
- "Pilot";
- Victory
- Tiger
- "Master".
Materials: metal, plastic, sapphire
Metal ligature braces are made of high-strength titanium, its alloy, as well as nickel. This design has a low cost, contributes to the rapid treatment of malocclusion. Metal-based braces can help even with serious deviations.
Plastic-based systems are used quite rarely, even despite the low cost of the material itself and the possibility of choosing a color that merges with the natural shade of the teeth. The reason for this is the short life of the structure due to the low strength and low allergen content. Plus, such ligature braces easily change color when consuming food with the addition of dyes. The risk of destruction during therapy is not excluded.
Stealth, durability, resistance to staining - all these are sapphire ligature braces. But many users note not only their positive, but also negative characteristics. Not everyone can afford to buy a design based on artificial sapphires. In addition, dentists do not recommend their use for treatment of children due to strong bonding to the teeth. In the process of removing the system, the sensitive enamel of children's teeth can be easily damaged.
Gold and Ceramics
Gold structures are a kind of metal systems. Braces are based on medical steel, which is coated with gold plating. There is a misconception that the installation of such an orthodontic design is a sign of luxury. The main goal of the developers is aimed at using gold braces for patients suffering from abnormalities in the digestive tract.
Ceramic systems are distinguished by a combination of all the advantages of plastic and sapphire designs. These ligature braces, reviews of which, in most cases, are only a positive connotation. These systems do not cause irritation when used and allergies. The cost of ceramics is much lower compared to sapphire designs.
When choosing braces, most patients are guided only by the financial side. However, the final decision should be made only by a specialist. In order to reduce the cost, you can combine existing options. A ceramic structure is placed on the visible part, and metal on the visually removed part.
Contraindications
Ligature braces are strictly prohibited for young children or in the absence of teeth. In some cases, the dentist may advise you to postpone the procedure:
- With a tendency to allergies.
- If periodontitis is diagnosed.
- With insufficient implementation of oral hygiene.
- If the patient suffers from certain mental illnesses.
- If the patient does not want to follow the doctor's recommendations.
Advantages of the ligature system as a whole
Ligature bracket systems are characterized by high functionality, the ability to restore the bite, even with serious initial deviations. When installing such structures, you can be sure of high results of therapy. The possibility of using hardly noticeable when smiling braces made of ceramic or sapphires of artificial origin using transparent rubber bands is noted. They have a lower cost compared to non-ligature systems.
Minuses
The main disadvantages of bracket systems with a ligature include:
- Frequent replacement of elastic elements that lose their elasticity over time.
- When installing braces with rigid ligatures, unpleasant pain occurs.
- The bulkiness of the structure, which may impede the implementation of hygiene procedures.
- Possibility of coloring elements with natural and artificial dyes contained in food.
- The course of treatment lasts longer in time than when using self-regulating systems.
In addition, it is worth considering that the installation of ligature braces involves a regular visit to the doctor, about once a month. In any case, the choice of the type of orthodontic constructions should be based on the recommendations of an experienced specialist, after a thorough examination and identification of the existing problem.