What types of braces are there and how they work, how do they differ, how to choose the right design for yourself? To understand this issue, you need to structure the options and decide on their advantages/features.
The first factor: when the doctor is used to working with certain braces
...Or he learned to work on ligature braces, then he becomes an adherent of the classic braces system. It happens that an orthodontist began his activity at the department as a resident, where everyone worked with a certain brace system, and he practically grew up on it. It can be difficult for a doctor to give up such preferences. But a professional and experienced orthodontist does not focus on one method of treatment, but knows and uses different techniques.
The best braces: which systems to choose
Each brace system has its own characteristics and making a clear choice is quite difficult. The patient should first of all listen to the advice of the orthodontist - an experienced specialist will recommend a specific model that is suitable for your case, taking into account the position of the teeth and the condition of the bite. Be sure to take into account your own requirements for the appearance and comfort of the device. The financial component should also play an important role.
When choosing, you should also consider the brand of braces, since products from different companies may have different quality. Don't rely only on reviews from the Internet. This is an important factor, but not decisive.
Second factor: cost
If the choice of braces is determined not by the doctor, but by the clinic, then the clinic can save money. It is much more profitable to buy cheap braces, but how to work with them is a question for the orthodontist. More effective and technologically advanced brace systems are already slightly higher in cost due to the fact that scientific developments, a huge number of studies, and articles have been invested in them. And the bracket becomes a tiny orthodontic mechanism, into which a large technological base is invested. The cost of such a product cannot, in principle, be cheap. An analogy can be drawn with untested dietary supplements and medications that have undergone many certifications. Therefore, at the Confidence aesthetic orthodontics clinic, we work with braces produced by Ormco and 3M Unitek - these are truly first-class and proven products. They carry two categories of advantages - both for the doctor and for the patient.
Advantages for the patient: treatment time is reduced, it can be treated without removal, in cases that previously could not be treated in this way, these braces are small, comfortable, and due to self-ligation, the patient can visit the doctor less often. Pros for the orthodontist: more complex cases can be treated faster, more comfortably, this is an amazing compromise of quality, time and finances. The most ideal compromise.
Individual lingual systems.
They are manufactured in foreign technical laboratories according to an individual project using 3D modeling, which determines the high cost compared to any other type of braces, as well as its direct dependence on the exchange rate. Among lingual braces, these are the most functional brace systems; they are comparable in functionality to their vestibular counterparts, but are difficult to use and require highly qualified orthodontists. Otherwise, their advantages and disadvantages are typical for lingual systems.
Incognito bracket system
Selection of braces according to the mechanics of orthodontic treatment
There are cases when the patient requests increased requirements for aesthetics and wants lingual braces. We, as orthodontists who know how to work with lingual braces, understand that a particular case is not optimal for treatment with internal braces; it will be more difficult and longer in terms of time, because the mechanics of the lingual technique are different.
The choice in this situation will always remain with the patient, but he will need to accept that in his case, high-quality treatment with lingual technology will affect the treatment period and will be 6-10 months longer, because specifically in his individual case, mechanics with external braces will be faster .
The same situation arises when a patient chooses lingual braces for work involving active speech. The orthodontist is always obliged to warn that the work may suffer at first, because lingual technique greatly affects diction.
It happens that in adolescents with a high level of demineralization, lingual technique is even recommended, because the inner surface of the teeth will not have the same risk of stains and caries after braces are removed.
There are cases when it makes no difference to the orthodontist which bracket system to treat the patient with.
Therefore, the choice of braces depends not only on the patient, but also in some ways on the doctor, what he knows how to do, what he is used to, what the patient’s case is. The best option for both parties is to find a compromise.
Invisible braces
This is a separate criterion when choosing a bracket system. After all, many patients are interested in the issue of the visibility of the structure on the teeth. If aesthetics is more important to you, then “invisible” braces include the following options:
- - ceramic;
- - sapphire;
- - lingual.
The first two types of systems involve the use of a non-ligature type of fixation. The clasps on these braces are small and rounded. In addition to the aesthetics parameter, they also do not have a negative effect on the soft tissues of the oral cavity. The third type, lingual, involves installing the system on the inside of the teeth; as a result, the braces are not visible at all.
Is it worth choosing such “invisible” systems? The exact answer is up to you. We advise you to focus not on aesthetics, but on efficiency, on which the final result and the duration of the entire treatment depend!
What are the hidden factors when choosing braces?
At the Confidence clinic, all orthodontists are professional in any technique and work equally well with any type of braces. But if we offer 15 braces options, then it's worse for the patient. The most comfortable thing is to offer roughly 3-4 options, based on key queries and restrictions.
As a rule, the orthodontist understands well the technical nuances of each brace system; for example, on cheap braces, the locks may open or may not hold the arch. For the doctor, the convenience is that the lock still works, opens and closes, even after two years of treatment. Many braces open and close well for the first six months, and then problems begin. The lid is loose or jammed. Treatment simply will not progress in a month. The orthodontist will have to reinstall and close the locks.
High-quality braces mean the reliability of their work, when for the patient the treatment process goes as planned, and not as it turns out depending on the nuances that arise.
For example, Clarity braces are quite decent and pleasant to use. It’s impossible to say that Inspire Ice is better or worse. Both bracket systems have good ligature wings, they also work well and are about the same in cost. A good product, no matter whether it’s braces, food or cosmetics, is never cheap. There are other braces that are just as good, but they won’t cost any less. On the other hand, there are braces that are actually sold “by weight”; they are often used to attract patients to cheap promotions. There is a different steel and deformation after removal, but using such braces, it is difficult for the doctor to solve complex clinical problems, sometimes it is only possible to achieve teeth alignment.
In this sense, there is a fundamental difference between cheap and more expensive braces. And a good orthodontist will naturally take care of the patient’s health and his reputation. The reliability of the design of the Damon braces system has been tested by time; they are truly convenient for both the doctor and the patient.
Sometimes in economy segment clinics you can find outright imposition of certain braces. Why is this happening? Not every such clinic can afford a large supply of braces in stock - this means additional storage space and large frozen amounts. Then the doctor strives not to let the patient go without installing braces from those in stock.
The best metal braces: a review of manufacturers and the products they offer
Metal braces can be called a classic option, which has been successfully used to correct malocclusion pathologies for several decades. They do not lose their relevance due to their high efficiency, versatility and at the same time affordable, affordable price. On average, installing braces on one jaw costs 15-20 thousand rubles.
Metal braces are produced by different brands and below we will look at four companies that supply high-quality metal braces to the market.
AMERICAN ORTHODONTICS
A well-known brand manufacturer from the USA, engaged in the production of brace systems and supplying them to the world market.
The company produces not only metal braces, but also systems made of synthetic sapphire and ceramics. Also in the brand’s catalogs you can find combined braces that allow patients to save on treatment. The most famous and popular metal braces from orthodontists are the Master line systems. The braces in this series are ligature, compact and convenient for everyday use. Correction with Master braces allows you to effectively eliminate the most complex bite pathologies. The manufacturer's systems can be used to treat malocclusions in both children and adult patients. The material used to produce the brand’s braces is medical steel.
FORESTADENT
This German manufacturer of braces first introduced its product to the world market in the 70s of the last century.
Currently, the company is a world leader in the production of systems used in orthodontic treatment. In Russia, Forestadent lingual braces are in particular demand. The basis of the structure is made from alloys of different metals, which increases the strength of the braces and reduces the time required for bite correction. The bracket grooves are polished, there is no nickel in the structure, and its hooks have a unique shape. All these characteristics make Forestadent metal braces absolutely safe and comfortable - they are easily adjustable and do not cause any discomfort to the patient when wearing them.
TOP-SERVICE FÜR LINGUALTECHNIK GMBH
This German braces manufacturer specializes in the production of lingual systems that differ in the type of fastening.
The brand always produces braces based on individual impressions of the patient’s teeth, and thanks to this, the designs are convenient and effective. But there are also disadvantages to the individual approach: if you decide to get braces from this brand, you will have to wait for them to be made for you in Germany and sent to Russia. And this will increase both the time and cost of treatment. The most famous series of the brand are incognito braces, made from an alloy of gold and platinum. This production material makes it easy and simple to install braces and quickly get used to them. The brand also produces braces that can be installed on a specific area of the jaw that needs correction. This allows patients to avoid unnecessary overpayments for orthodontic treatment.
PILOT
This is a Russian manufacturer of braces, producing classic metal ligature braces.
Since the production of braces by the brand is carried out in Russia, they are offered to patients at a more than affordable price: installing the braces on 1 row of teeth will cost no more than 8 thousand rubles. Pilot braces can be installed to correct the bite of both children and adults, but it must be taken into account that the course of treatment will be quite long - at least 2 years. During treatment, the patient will have to visit the clinic monthly to change the ligatures. The archwire in brand braces will need to be changed quite rarely. The systems are compact, look quite aesthetically pleasing on the teeth, and adaptation to installed braces is quick.
If any brace system is suitable for the patient according to indications?
In this case, we recommend that the patient choose based on aesthetics. The cost will depend proportionally on it. The more invisible the braces, the slightly more expensive they are. Therefore, the patient can choose clear sapphire braces, where activation occurs once a month, or clear ceramic Clear braces, where activation occurs once every 2 months. The most invisible braces - lingual - are placed on the inside of the teeth, they are activated once a month, and they are not visible at all. Their specificity is a slightly longer adaptation period. But the patient chooses, including the financial part that is comfortable for him.
Treatment times also depend on aesthetics - they are slightly longer with transparent systems. The fastest orthodontic treatment occurs with external metal braces
For a patient for whom aesthetics is not important, the orthodontist installs the brace system that works the fastest. Optimally – Damon Q self-ligating braces.
They are also recommended for complex work, with large movements and distances. This is the most reliable option if there is serious work to be done, and not just a small correction. During this time, ceramic braces are still at risk of chipping. Therefore, the patient needs a durable, reliable brace that can withstand this big, challenging job. This is possible with sapphire and ceramic braces, but it will be more difficult and longer. In such situations, it is preferable to choose not ligature metal braces, but self-ligating Damon or even Insignia Damon Q, individually manufactured using digital orthodontic technology. This is the best that an orthodontist can offer his patient.
Damon Q braces
Classification by material of manufacture
When thinking about which braces to choose based on the material of manufacture, you need to know the main advantages and disadvantages of each option:
- 1. Metal . The most durable classic systems that can cope with defects of any complexity and are the cheapest. Among the disadvantages: very noticeable, even if you install a self-ligating system with small locks, they can cause allergic reactions and irritation of the mucous membranes. Common ligature systems: Mini Diamond, non-ligature systems: Damon Q, Damon 3MX.
- 2. Ceramic . Braces are much less noticeable on the teeth and do not cause allergic reactions. The most common Damon systems are highly durable and efficient. The only drawback of such systems is their high cost.
- 3. Sapphire . They are made of artificial transparent material, due to which they are almost invisible on the teeth. However, they have increased fragility, so they are not suitable for advanced defects that require long-term correction. Popular option: Inspire ICE.
If you are unsure whether to choose ceramic or metal or sapphire braces, ask our orthodontist for advice. Depending on the severity of the defect and your wishes for aesthetics and cost, the doctor will select the best option.
What are the disadvantages of ligature braces?
The main disadvantage is more frequent meetings with the orthodontist. The rubber bands on braces require constant replacement. They swell, sometimes change color, can fly off, and over time they control the arc less. For the patient this is not as important as for the doctor, except that for the patient the activation takes longer. Technically, working with ligature braces is more difficult, and they have less control over the process. But for the patient, this is a matter of more difficult hygiene, frequent visits and the duration of treatment in principle. Modern orthodontics is increasingly moving towards self-ligating systems.
Which braces are easiest to care for?
Each type of braces requires careful care and caution when worn. Metal brace systems are less demanding in this regard, as they allow you to practically limit yourself in food. They are not painted, have high strength, and are resistant to temperature changes.
It is also quite easy to care for self-ligating systems, since they do not have ligatures in which food becomes clogged and plaque accumulates.
What is the difference between Inspire Ice clear sapphire braces and Damon Clear ceramic braces?
These bracket systems have different biomechanics. Sapphire braces are ligature braces, and ceramic braces are a passive self-ligating system. Therefore the principle is completely different. With ceramic braces, the patient visits the orthodontist once every 2 months in the initial stages, and with sapphire braces - once a month.
Damon Clear
Inspire Ice
In what situations are lingual and vestibular braces combined?
Basically, when the patient wants to make the orthodontic treatment process invisible to others. Also, sometimes placing a brace system on the lingual, inner surface is due to the immaturity of the enamel in adolescents or the presence of demineralization spots on the outer surface, where the risk of caries is higher.
We check whether the child needs a visit to the orthodontist
There are a number of signs that indicate the need for orthodontic treatment in children:
- crowding and creeping of some teeth onto others;
- the presence of diastemas - large gaps between the teeth;
- Losing some baby teeth too early.
In addition, there are some hereditary factors that can influence the appearance of teeth in children. It has been proven that children of those people who have ever suffered from malocclusion and needed treatment will also be forced to resort to the services of an orthodontist to obtain an aesthetic and healthy smile.
Which braces do men choose and which braces do women prefer?
Lingual braces are most often chosen by men in leadership positions and women who are sensitive to the aesthetics and invisibility of braces. Men respond better to Incognito internal braces because they are willing to invest in their health and smile, while keeping orthodontic treatment a secret. In addition, men are impressed by German technology and reliability.
If invisibility does not play a role, then men more often choose advanced digital technologies Insignia and braces, which, like a good suit, are made individually. Insignia is the male choice, since they are aimed at high technology, they are interested in it, they believe in it. Women for whom aesthetics and invisibility of the treatment process are especially important often choose transparent braces such as Inspire Ice (sapphire) or Clear (ceramic). In general, at Confidential we always try to find a compromise between aesthetics and functionality.
