Advantages and disadvantages of sapphire bracket systems

It's never too late to make your smile beautiful and attractive. For this purpose, modern dentistry uses various orthodontic structures that can correct malocclusion and straighten teeth. Most people associate straight teeth with a beautiful smile, but it is worth remembering that uneven teeth are more difficult to care for, which may require many more visits to the dentist: for the treatment of caries, and maybe for removal, and then for prosthetics.

The most common designs for correcting malocclusion are braces. The most popular recently are the so-called sapphire braces. Their popularity is due to their aesthetic appearance and efficiency. This non-removable device has a streamlined shape without sharp corners, so the process of getting used to them, in comparison with traditional ones, is minimized. However, it is worth keeping in mind that such braces are only suitable for snow-white teeth. If the enamel has a yellowish tint, sapphire braces will be very noticeable.

Pros and cons of sapphire braces

Sapphire braces are made from artificially grown sapphire. In terms of strength, this material is second only to diamonds. Sapphire is absolutely non-toxic and does not cause harm to health. This material is hypoallergenic and chemically neutral - thanks to this, it can come into contact with tooth enamel for a long time, and also does not stain because it does not enter into chemical reactions with alcoholic beverages, coffee and tobacco.

Sapphire braces systems cope with such defects as: twisted, everted and sparse teeth. They are a comfortable, aesthetic and fairly common orthodontic device for correcting malocclusion. It is important to remember that the best time to use braces is when a young person has permanent teeth.

The main advantages of sapphire braces include:

• aesthetic appearance. The transparency of the material makes the structure almost invisible on the teeth;
• resistance to staining, even with regular consumption of colored drinks and foods;
• lack of long-term addiction;
• sapphire braces do not interfere with eating
• little trauma to the mucous membrane;
• do not distort speech.

As for the disadvantages, they are as follows:

• fragility. Despite the strength of the material, the system itself can be damaged and deformed, so dentists do not recommend eating food that is too hard and viscous;
• Like all braces, sapphire braces may cause discomfort in patients with sensitive mouths;
• ineffective for serious pathologies;
• requires long-term wearing to achieve the desired effect.

According to types, sapphire braces are divided into:

• ligature - they use ligatures to hold the arches on the teeth (they are made in the form of thin rings of elastic or wire). These materials wear out quite quickly and have to be replaced periodically;
• self-ligating. They are easier to use. These systems do not cause discomfort when worn, as they exert reduced pressure on the surface of the teeth.

Types of braces

Currently, there is a large selection of braces made by different manufacturers. Each patient can choose the most suitable device in terms of quality and price. This can only be done by an experienced orthodontist after a thorough diagnosis.

All types of braces are divided according to the material of manufacture, type of installation and method of fastening.

Types of bracket systems based on material of manufacture

The price of braces often depends on the material used.

Metal

This is the most common material. Types of systems are produced from stainless steel with an admixture of nickel, titanium, and gold products. Metal braces made by leading manufacturers are reliable and capable of performing any function.

Advantages:

• reliability of the design - they rarely break or come off;
• suitable for correcting any dental disorders;
• high efficiency of treatment;
• a relatively short wearing period - in most cases does not exceed 1 - 1.5 years, in adolescents and children - from 6 to 12 months;
• do not require exclusion of large quantities of foods from the diet; You should limit only very hard foods, such as nuts;
• the price will be cheaper than many other designs.

Flaws:

• do not always look aesthetically pleasing;
• can injure the inner surface of the cheeks and lips (modern high-quality systems in most cases do not have this drawback);
• some metal structures (mainly containing nickel) can cause allergies;
• Patients may experience a metallic taste in the mouth.

Features of titanium braces:

• the most durable and lightest types of systems; they are easier to wear than any other metal systems;
• fully compatible with human tissues, therefore do not cause allergies;
• suitable for people suffering from any chronic diseases.

Features of gold braces:

• made of metals and alloys, gold-plated on top;
• gold does not oxidize, does not cause allergies or tissue irritation;
• looks like decoration;
• does not have a negative effect on enamel;
• have a positive effect on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
• disadvantages - expensive types of systems.

How to care for metal types of braces:

• brush your teeth with a special toothbrush with V-shaped bristles; use special brushes to clean areas where it is impossible to reach with a brush;
• treat the interdental spaces with dental floss (floss) after each meal or use irrigators for rinsing where it is impossible to clean the teeth in other ways;
• Twice a year, patients should definitely have their teeth professionally cleaned in the office of a dental hygienist.

Types of bracket systems

Plastic

Made from hypoallergenic synthetic materials. They have both advantages and disadvantages. Advantages:

• lightweight, therefore often installed on children;
• the cheapest;
• hypoallergenic;
• They cope well with minor dental problems.

Flaws:

• fragile, often break;
• wearing time 1.5 – 2 years;
• significant malocclusion cannot be corrected;
• are colored with food dyes, therefore they require restrictions in the consumption of various nutrients;
• require significant restrictions in the intake of solid foods; It is not advisable to smoke or consume any coloring food substances - strong tea, coffee, pomegranate and carrot juice, beets, red wine.

Care features: the same as when installing metal braces. But care must be taken with care, as plastic is highly fragile.

Ceramic

Braces made of white or transparent ceramics are increasingly replacing the classic types of metal systems. The advantages of transparent ceramic braces are:

• lightness, comfort of wearing;
• not very noticeable in the mouth - ceramics do not give glare there;
• hypoallergenic, good compatibility with human tissues;
• quick adaptation to wearing braces, no discomfort;
• have virtually no negative impact on the speech apparatus.

Flaws:

• require longer wearing compared to metal braces (1.5 – 2 years);
• often break, especially when eating solid foods;
• ceramic braces can be colored with food dyes, but not as intensely as plastic ones;
• quite expensive.

Features of care: no different from caring for metal braces, but require a more careful attitude.

Sapphire

This type of braces is made from synthetic sapphires. Sapphire braces are an aesthetic type of system, being both an orthodontic device and a decoration.

Advantages:

• almost invisible in the mouth; the presence of braces is revealed only by the reflections of artificial sapphires;
• do not cause allergies, do not irritate tissues;
• the patient quickly gets used to them, the feeling of discomfort goes away after a few days.

Flaws:

• for complete correction of malocclusion, longer wearing is required compared to metal types of systems (2 or more years);
• fragile, therefore cannot withstand high loads and require longer wearing;
• they definitely require careful hygiene procedures, as they quickly become opaque and noticeable in the mouth;
• the most expensive.

Features of care: no different from caring for metal braces.

Sapphire braces are almost invisible on the teeth

What types of braces are there according to the method of fastening?

Any braces consist of clasps installed on each tooth and a metal wire (arch) attached to them. According to the method of fastening, all braces are divided into ligature and self-ligating.

Ligature

In ligature braces, the arch is firmly attached to the clasps using elastic or metal rings - ligatures. The system is time-tested and can be used to correct significant malocclusions.

Advantages of ligature braces:

• reliability and efficiency - suitable for correcting any malocclusion;
• relatively short wearing period - shorter than with other systems, on average - 1 - 1.5 years, sometimes more (depending on the material of manufacture);
• modern manufacturers produce different types of systems, you can choose the most suitable one;
• cheaper than non-ligature braces.

Flaws:

• in most cases, ligature braces are volumetric models that are noticeable in the mouth;
• the dentist spends a long time with the installation - an arch will need to be attached to each lock using ligatures; a highly qualified orthodontist is required, but it’s worth it;
• You will need to visit the doctor frequently - once every 1.5 months to correct the tension of the arc, as well as to change the ligatures (they often fail);
• It is more difficult to care for such a system than for a non-ligated one.

The most famous types of ligature braces, made from different materials:

Metal:

• Gemini (manufacturer - 3M Unitek, USA) - high-quality braces from a well-known company, made of medical steel; The clasps are low, so they are comfortable to wear; relatively easy to install, correction must be carried out every 1.5 - 2 months;
• Alexander (Ormco, USA) is a well-known brand in Russia; a distinctive feature is small narrow clasps that create a softer tension on the arc; wearing may take longer, but comfort is guaranteed; care is no different from other metal models;
• Metal braces (HT Corporation, South Korea) – classic ligature braces, characterized by high quality and reasonable price;
• Metal braces Pilot (Orthodent Techno, Russia) – a fairly high-quality and reliable design; the advantage is the price, several times lower than that of global manufacturers; Disadvantages include frequent allergies to the metal used.

In ligature braces, the arch is attached to the locks with elastic rings

Ceramic:

• Clarity (3M Unitek, USA) – popular, high-quality and not the most expensive ceramic braces; made of high-strength ceramics; small clasps are durable and fit freely in the mouth without causing discomfort or speech impairment; a more modern model - Clarity Advanced; a feature of these types is the protection of enamel from organic acids formed by the action of carious microorganisms;
• Reflections (Ortho Technology, USA) – relatively inexpensive popular braces; made of polycrystalline ceramics and aluminum oxide; a special feature is the “swallow tail” fastenings, which create a more reliable structure.

Sapphire:

• Pumo (Ortho Technology, USA) – classic ligature sapphire braces made of artificial stones without the use of metal; completely invisible on the teeth; treatment of system elements with zirconium dioxide allows them to be more firmly attached to the teeth; are relatively inexpensive compared to other sapphire braces;
• Radiance (American Orthodontics, USA) is also a classic, but more expensive type of system; sapphires are translucent, the color of sapphires merges with the color of the teeth, so they are almost invisible in the mouth; do not change color from food dyes;
• Inspire ICE, transparent (Ormco, USA) – unique durable sapphire brackets; are characterized by high strength and high aesthetics; However, they are fragile and do not always withstand high loads at a high cost.

Plastic:

• Spirit MB (Ormco, USA) – lightweight, aesthetic and almost invisible plastic ligature braces on the teeth; have a metal base and are used to correct minor malocclusions in children and adults; duration of treatment – ​​1.5 – 2 years;
• Avalon (Ortho Technology, USA) – inexpensive plastic braces with metal grooves; easy to install, comfortable to wear and care for; After installation, it is not recommended to smoke or consume coloring products; very aesthetic;
• Plastic braces (Ortolite, Russia) – plastic braces are lightweight, aesthetically pleasing, sufficiently durable and affordable.

Unligated or self-ligating

The main difference between this type of braces is the fixation of the arch without ligatures. The arc is attached to each lock using a special cap. These are softer, but at the same time effective systems. They are easy for the orthodontist to work with, and they are absolutely comfortable for the patient. There are two subtypes of non-ligature braces: active and passive. The latter are more modern; the locking caps in them do not affect the arch, which makes orthodontic treatment more physiological.

Advantages of self-ligating braces:

• more compact and invisible in the mouth;
• comfortable for the orthodontist to use and for the patient to wear;
• do not cause irritation to soft tissues;
• easy to take off and put on.

Flaws:

• longer wearing time compared to ligature models;
• high price.

Popular types of self-ligating braces made from different materials:

Metal:

• Damon Q (Ormco, USA) is the most popular and easy-to-use type of system; self-ligating braces (passive), made of durable hypoallergenic steel alloys, have small clasps that do not interfere with the patient’s comfort when eating and talking; The orthodontist can easily remove and put on the system; observation is required every 3 to 4 months, but the duration of wearing is slightly longer than with ligature braces; the model is expensive, but worth the cost;
• Empower Metal (American Orthodontics, USA) – self-ligating braces that combine active and passive effects on the arch. A very effective type of braces and costs a little less than Damon Q;
• Experience metal (GC Orthodontics, Germany) – self-ligating braces, which feature clasps made of heavy-duty, non-oxidizing metal; a very reliable and efficient system, cheaper than previous ones.

Ceramic:

• Damon Clear ceramic braces (Ormco, USA) - like all Damon products, the system is distinguished by the highest quality, reliability and aesthetics; A feature of the brand is a patented fastening device; expensive type of braces;
• Clarity SL (3M Unitek, USA) – considered ceramic braces, but some of the clasps are made of metal; This gives the system strength and reduces wearing time; Another feature is the manufacturing technology, which allows you to protect the enamel from injury; somewhat cheaper than Damon braces;
• In Ovation C (Dentsply, USA) – transparent braces coated with zirconium dioxide and do not change color; in addition, the design of the system prevents its incorrect installation; beautiful and reliable braces.

Types of braces according to the type of installation on teeth

Braces are installed on the outside or inside of the teeth. Accordingly, they are divided into vestibular and lingual varieties. Read more about installing braces in our article.

Vestibular

This is a classic type of installation of braces: the clasps are installed on the front surface of the teeth, the entire system is facing outward. Such braces are clearly visible when talking and smiling. Vestibular braces differ in the material of manufacture (metal, ceramic, sapphire, plastic) and in the method of fastening (ligature and self-ligating).

Advantages of vestibular braces:

• these are the most reliable systems, they break down less often and, depending on the material of manufacture, can withstand heavy loads;
• vestibular metal braces are the most reliable orthodontic device, with its help you can get a positive result even with the most complex malocclusions;
• The wearing period of vestibular braces is shorter than that of lingual braces;
• It is easier for the orthodontist to install them and adjust the tension of the arch.

Minuses:

• are often uncomfortable in the first days of wearing; but modern systems are often made with small locks, and the discomfort quickly passes;
• during wearing, they can injure the inner surface of the lips and cheeks; correctly selected and installed models usually do not have this drawback;
• may interfere with lip closure, chewing and diction - much depends on the experience of the orthodontist and the correct installation of braces;
• unaesthetic appearance - you can choose a system that is almost invisible on the teeth.

Lingual

They are also called internal or invisible. Lingual braces are more difficult to install, which is why they cost more. These types of braces are suitable for adult patients who do not want to show their shortcomings to others.

Advantages of lingual braces:

• invisible in the mouth;
• do not change the configuration of the face;
• Wearing lingual braces does not create psychological discomfort.

The patient's lingual braces are not visible to others

Flaws:

• more complex installation processes, archwire tension adjustments, and oral care;
• not suitable for correcting severe malocclusions;
• longer wearing period compared to vestibular models;
• may scratch the inner surface of the tongue;
• high price.

Popular types of lingual braces:

• Incognito (3M Unitek, USA) – ligature systems with small flat clasps are made of gold-containing alloys according to an individual cast; the impression is made by the orthodontist and sent to the company’s dental laboratory located in Germany; such individual systems are absolutely comfortable for the patient; they do not scratch the tongue or distort speech; the disadvantage is the long production time (about 3 months) and high cost;
• STB (Ormco, USA) – also a ligature type of braces with fairly massive clasps; material – nickel and cobalt alloy; has contraindications for installation: low tooth crowns, jaw width is less than normal, dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint; the advantage of this model is its relatively low cost;
• 2D (Forestadent, Germany) – metal self-ligating braces with flat clasps; are available in standard sets, are easy to install, but have contraindications, primarily insufficient crown height and problems with the temporomandibular joint.

Price table for different types of braces

Wearing and care

After installing any braces: metal, ceramic or sapphire, you must regularly visit the dentist. To effectively correct the bite, the doctor must change the position of the arches once a month.

Sapphire braces are worn for at least a year. Although in practice, the average time to correct a malocclusion is 2-4 years. Unlike ligature ones, self-ligating structures are worn for less time (about six months).

Removing braces is painless and fairly quick. The doctor removes the braces from the teeth with special pliers or cuts them off with a drill. After removing braces, patients must use a permanent retainer for some time (this is a special wire arch attached to the inside of the teeth to secure the treatment result).

Sapphire braces require the following care:

• following a special diet that excludes solid and viscous foods;
• using special toothpaste with a high content of fluoride and calcium;
• Thorough brushing of teeth after each meal, as well as in the morning and evening;
• use of special devices for cleaning teeth. A V-shaped brush, a small brush and brushes for cleaning archwires are suitable for these purposes;
• Use mouthwash after brushing your teeth.

As an additional method of care, it is recommended to use an irrigator. With its help, food debris and pathogenic bacteria stuck between the teeth are easily and quickly removed.

It is important to remember: it is necessary to carefully monitor the condition of sapphire braces. If the fastenings are broken or the bracket comes off, you should immediately contact your doctor.

Why should you contact our clinic?

Only an orthodontist at our clinic can correctly select the most optimal brace system for you. In doing so, he will take into account several important factors:

• your type of malocclusion and degree of malocclusion;
• how much time you can devote to treatment;
• whether it is necessary to remove extra teeth;
• your financial capabilities;
• your lifestyle.

If you decide to get serious about the beauty and health of your teeth, we are waiting for you in our clinic. Call and make an appointment right now!

Installation

Installation of sapphire structures has a number of difficulties.

Sapphire braces are placed on the outer surface of the teeth. Thanks to this, the patient maintains correct diction and microtrauma of the tongue is eliminated.

There are a number of contraindications when installing any braces systems:

• in the treatment of serious pathologies in the oral cavity;
• during the period of colds;
• in the first trimester of pregnancy.

The installation process of braces systems consists of the following steps:

1. The orthodontist diagnoses the oral cavity and takes x-rays.
2. Sanitation of the oral cavity is carried out (all teeth and possible inflammation of the gums are treated for caries).
3. After this, the doctor takes dental impressions so that the design fits the patient as ideally as possible.
4. Next, the dentist performs a professional teeth cleaning.
5. After this, each tooth is treated with a special substance to weaken the enamel layer.
6. To fix the braces, a composite composition is applied to the surface of the teeth. The installation of parts is selected individually for each individual tooth.
7. After this, arches are threaded through the braces, which fix the correct position of the teeth.

The process of directly installing sapphire braces takes about 2 hours. It is painless and does not cause discomfort or discomfort. The main role when installing any braces is played by responsibility, accuracy and precision on the part of the orthodontist.

However, this method:

• prevents degradation of jaw bone tissue;
• prevents tooth wear;
• does not interfere with nasal breathing;
• prevents the appearance of individual facial defects during long-term wearing of orthodontic products.

When installed correctly, braces systems will serve patients for the entire term and will delight them with high results.

That's the whole process of installing braces systems.

Further success in correcting malocclusion depends only on the patients. To do this, you must comply with all the requirements and recommendations of the dentist and carefully monitor the condition of the installed structures.

Let's sum it up

There is no clear answer to the question of which brace systems are better; there is no fundamental difference between them. If aesthetic considerations come first for the patient, then it is rational to give preference to transparent sapphire designs, but your choice should always be agreed with a specialist. For those who most value the wear resistance of the system and its reliability, ceramics would be the optimal solution; it is better to give it their preference, but even in this case, you first need to visit a doctor for a consultation.

There is no need to be afraid of installing braces; the treatment procedure will not cause any serious discomfort, but the result will allow you to fully enjoy life and not hide your beautiful and dazzling smile.

Popular manufacturers

The leadership in the manufacture of sapphire bracket systems belongs to American manufacturers. They produce their products in a wide range, and constantly update their range. German companies are more painstaking in the production of sapphire braces and conduct clinical trials for a long time. Because of this, they are slightly behind their American colleagues. But their products are distinguished by high quality and affordable prices in Moscow.

Among the well-known manufacturers of sapphire bracket systems, it is worth highlighting the following companies:

• Ormco produces many orthodontic structures, but the most popular is the Inspire ICE braces. They are completely transparent and transmit both regular daylight and neon light well. They are characterized by high strength, durability and ease of wearing. These systems do not damage tooth enamel and can be easily and quickly removed if necessary;
• ZM has been producing equipment for correcting malocclusion for more than half a century. Their products have earned many prestigious awards and positive reviews from customers;
• American Orhodontics has been on the market for about 40 years and produces a wide range of all kinds of braces systems.

Price

The price of sapphire braces in Moscow depends on various factors. On average, their cost varies from 25,000 rubles and above. If all braces are made of sapphire, then their cost increases significantly. If sapphires are installed only in visible areas, and ceramics or metal are used on distant teeth, this significantly reduces the cost of the structure. Before choosing sapphire braces, study information about them on the Internet, read people's reviews and compare the cost of products in Moscow.

Differences between sapphire, ceramic and metal braces

Bracket systems are made from different materials, and therefore each option has its own differences, pros and cons:

• Classic metal braces. They cope well with various malocclusion pathologies and remain the most affordable. They are inferior to sapphire and ceramic products due to their not entirely aesthetic appearance.
• Ceramic braces are made from high-quality and hypoallergenic ceramics. They are almost invisible on the teeth, since the color of the ceramic is similar to the color of the teeth. They are suitable for correcting various malocclusion pathologies and are strong, durable and resistant to staining. However, if you regularly consume coloring foods and drinks, they may darken. Unlike metal products, they have a more aesthetic appearance. When comparing them with sapphire braces, cost plays a significant role. Ceramic braces are more affordable;
• Sapphire braces are a type of ceramic braces, but they are more transparent. Sapphire products are not painted. They are distinguished by their aesthetics, efficiency, and hypoallergenicity. However, at the same time, for most people such products in Moscow are too expensive.

Classification of ceramic products

Ceramic braces are divided into two groups:

1. Polycrystalline.
2. Monocrystylic.

The most popular are the first ones, that is, polycrystalline systems, characterized by the dullness of the coating and the ability to fully replicate the color of the teeth. Their use, however, is not always possible, since matte structures are not always suitable for a particular patient.

Monocrystalline braces are more transparent, they actually completely match the color of the enamel and are more comfortable, but they are fragile, susceptible to damage and take longer to operate.

Reviews

According to reviews from most patients, sapphire braces are easy to get used to. Already 2-3 days after their installation, the discomfort from the pressure on the teeth disappears.

Also, judging by the reviews of those who have installed sapphire braces, they do not cause pain, do not interfere with talking or eating, and are practically invisible on the teeth to others.

To summarize, it is worth noting that although sapphire braces are in great demand, they are less effective in correcting serious malocclusion pathologies. And despite the many advantages, their main disadvantage is their high cost. Therefore, the best alternative would be to install Star-Smile aligners. These orthodontic structures will correct the bite without wearing braces for a long time.