Types of braces: differences, advantages, disadvantages

Braces are divided into types according to different parameters: functionality, installation principle, material, etc. Usually the doctor invites the patient to choose an orthodontic design based on medical indications and his financial capabilities. How to make the right choice? Let's find out what types of braces there are and how they differ from each other.

Braces consist of many parts, the main ones being the locks and the arch. The first ones are attached to the enamel using a special dental glue. Throughout the entire time you wear orthodontic braces, the locks remain in the places to which they were glued. A metal arc is passed through them. It puts pressure on the jaw and dentition, which helps align the teeth.

Braces are installed for a period of several months to 2-3 years, depending on the pathology of the bite. Every 1-3 months, the patient comes to see the orthodontist to tighten the arch and increase the pressure on the teeth. This continues until they take the correct position.

The duration of orthodontic treatment is determined not only by medical indications, but also by the type of braces. Factors such as comfort, aesthetics, safety, etc. also depend on the type of system. There are many options for installing orthodontic structures. Often, after an examination, the doctor invites the patient to choose the type of braces himself, based on his financial capabilities, lifestyle, profession, etc.

We will help you make the right choice and describe all the types of orthodontic brackets used today in modern dentistry.

What types of braces are there?

Bracket systems are classified according to several bases:

by material: metal, plastic, ceramics and sapphire;
by type of fixation: ligature and non-ligature (self-ligating);
by place of installation: lingual and vestibular.

Each bracket system has its own distinctive properties, advantages and disadvantages. We will describe each type separately.

Indications for installation of vestibular braces

The main reason for orthodontic correction is the desire to get an attractive and healthy smile, which is natural for every person. As for medical factors, the presence of which is considered a reason for prescribing treatment, they include:

The need to correct the bite;
Correction of speech defects;
Correction of occlusal closure;
Crowding of the frontal incisors;
Interdental gaps - trema and diastema;
Curvature of one or more teeth;
Hypertrophied development of one of the jaws in relation to the other;
Diagnosed chewing dysfunction;
Aesthetic and other factors.

The choice of a corrective device is determined by the specifics of the identified pathology.

Metal braces

Metal brackets for correcting bites are the most common type of braces, which appeared more than 70 years ago. Over time, the design has been modified and modernized, but the principle of its structure has remained the same. Metal braces systems consist entirely of metal, mainly medical steel. This material is very durable, so you can achieve the fastest results with it.

It also has other advantages:

can correct almost any malocclusion pathology;
are installed both on the outside and on the inside of the teeth;
are included in the middle price category (more expensive than plastic, but cheaper than ceramics).

Metal braces also have disadvantages. Among them:

require adaptation, during which they may rub the oral mucosa;
affect the patient’s diction;
low aesthetic properties;
Not suitable for people with individual metal intolerance.

Often such braces are rejected because they are unsightly. However, in the absence of contraindications, they can be placed on the back side of the dentition.

Metal braces are not only steel, but also titanium. The latter are lighter and more durable, and also have high functionality. In addition, they are biocompatible and therefore do not cause allergies. They are installed for allergy sufferers and patients with gastrointestinal problems. Prices for titanium bracket systems are slightly higher than for steel structures.

The result of orthodontic treatment

The goal of treatment with braces is to form the correct closure of teeth in the sagittal, vertical and transversal planes. In 1972, physician Lawrence Andrews formulated six keys to optimal occlusion in the permanent dentition. When correcting incorrect position of teeth and correcting the relationship between the upper and lower jaw, orthodontists of the 21st century are guided by the signs identified by the researcher:

fissure-tubercle contact of the molars of the upper and lower jaws;
crown angulation;
crown inclination;
lack of tooth rotation;
tight approximal contacts;
parallelism of the occlusal plane of the upper and lower jaw to the true horizontal.

The orthodontist forms the correct occlusion, improves the torque of the teeth and the exposure of the incisors. As a result of treatment, the doctor expands the dentition and creates an ideal smile.

What is an ideal smile? When a person smiles, the anterior teeth, premolars, and mesial surfaces of the first molars are visible. The cutting edges of the incisors and canines of the upper jaw follow the contours of the lower lip and form the arch of the smile.

result of bite correction

Plastic braces

All types of braces are connected by a metal arch, due to which the correction is carried out. The design may have plastic locks, screws and other parts, but the arc will still be made of metal. Plastic braces are a good alternative to steel and titanium braces when it comes to aesthetics. However, in terms of efficiency, plastic products are much inferior to metal ones. We list the main advantages of plastic braces:

low cost;
stealth;
short period of adaptation.

Typically, such systems are installed on children or patients with minor defects. However, plastic braces are not suitable for people who play sports or have severe occlusion diseases. This is due to the following disadvantages of plastic braces:

have low strength;
are not able to create strong pressure;
are installed only on the outside of the teeth;
quickly stain and darken due to eating and smoking.

Plastic braces can be single-colored or multi-colored. If desired, the orthodontist can prepare a design with locks of different colors: blue, red, purple, yellow, etc. Such brackets look unusual. As some people believe, if there is no way to hide your braces from others, make them original.

When you can and cannot wear braces

The use of the system is indicated for malocclusion, crowding, and diastema. People of any age can be treated in this way. There are some restrictions for pregnant women, patients with implants, etc.

Who is contraindicated for installing arches:

persons with acute immunological and neuropsychiatric diseases;
patients with diseases associated with blood clotting;
people with bruxism, serious gum pathologies;
if you are allergic to metal or other materials used.

Ceramic braces

Braces are also more invisible and aesthetically pleasing if they are made of ceramic. There are many varieties of ceramic materials that differ from each other in shades. The doctor can choose a design that will completely match the natural shade of the teeth. Ceramic braces can only be noticed at close range. If you paint the metal arch white, the staples will become even less noticeable.

The main advantages of braces made from ceramics:

high aesthetics;
short adaptation period;
do not injure the buccal mucosa;
strength is higher than that of plastic.

The disadvantages of such systems include:

difficulty in dismantling (may crack);
darken from tobacco smoke and dyes;
are not installed on the inside of the teeth;
high price.

Typically, ceramic braces are chosen by people for whom it is important to hide orthodontic treatment from others.

Prices for braces in our clinic

The price of a braces system consists of several components:

type of orthodontic structure
material from which the braces are made (metal, ceramic, sapphire)
manufacturing company

INTAN Implantation and Dentistry Centers offer an objective price/quality ratio for dental correction in St. Petersburg. Our policy is honest, low prices , which means you won’t find hidden fees or fine print in the contract.

In addition to the above factors that influence the final cost of orthodontic treatment, the price formation is influenced by the initial condition of the patient’s oral cavity, the need for preliminary preparation, and the frequency of correction during treatment.

You can consult a dentist about the details of installing a braces system, who will offer several options that are suitable specifically for your situation. To avoid problems, it is better to make the final choice together with your doctor.

Sapphire braces

The sapphire bracket system is the most expensive, as it is made from artificial sapphire. This material has the highest strength. It makes it possible to produce a structure for the treatment of severe pathologies. But the main advantage of sapphire staples is invisibility. They are completely transparent, so they are practically invisible to others. If a patient orders a white arch, few will realize that he is undergoing treatment from an orthodontist. There are other advantages to such bracket systems:

have hypoallergenic properties;
allow you to quickly adapt;
do not cause problems with diction;
more resistant to dyes.

The main disadvantage of the sapphire system is its high cost. It is also impossible to install it on the inside of the dentition.

Often the patient has to choose between metal and plastic structures, which are not as expensive as ceramic and sapphire. However, the material of the staples is not the only basis on which they are classified. Let's find out what other types of braces exist.

Let's sum it up

The question of why adults need to get braces on their teeth disappears when the patient becomes familiar with the possible consequences of malocclusion. There are many designs that differ in appearance, material of manufacture, visibility to others, cost and other characteristics. Before settling on a specific option, it is necessary to undergo diagnostic tests and consult with an orthodontist. It is likely that wearing the system in a particular case may be contraindicated, so you need to carefully consider the preparatory measures and listen to the opinions of various highly qualified specialists.

Types of bracket systems according to the method of fixation

Depending on the type of fixation, braces can be ligature or non-ligature. Ligatures are small elastic bands with which the arch is fixed to the braces. Instead of rubber bands, the orthodontist may use thin wire made of aluminum, steel or silver. Systems that use ligatures are called ligature systems.

Non-ligature or self-ligating braces are not much different from ligature braces, they just do not use this elastic band. In the groove of the structure itself there is a cover or lock, which allows you to fix the arc on the system.

Which braces are best to choose for correction? There is not much difference between them. They cope with any bite pathologies with equal efficiency. However, there are still minor differences. Ligature systems need to be tightened approximately once a month, and non-ligature systems - once every 2-3 months. If a person lives far from a dental clinic, it is better for him to install self-ligating structures. They are also suitable for those people who travel frequently and cannot come to the dentist every month.

Ligature and non-ligature braces can be plastic, metal, ceramic and sapphire. If you want to save money, but not at the expense of treatment and aesthetics, you can choose plastic ligature staples with multi-colored ligatures. Sapphire self-ligating systems will look most aesthetically pleasing.

Final tables comparing types of structures

To understand which braces are best to install for defects in the dental system, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the summary information presented below:

Sign	Vestibular braces	Lingual braces
Efficacy of therapy	High	Sometimes it works more effectively, in other clinical cases it does not have a sufficient effect
Duration of treatment, years	1,5-2	2-3
Design reliability	Excellent durability	Sensitivity to external influences
Popularity	Very popular	Installed less frequently due to unattractive cost
Aesthetic component	Low or medium	Invisible to others even with a wide smile
Difficulty of fixation	Not difficult	Quite difficult to attach
Hygienic care	Standard Procedures	Very difficult to care for
Adaptation period	Just a few weeks	Long, up to 3 months or more, sometimes patients never get used to the accessory
Wearing comfort	Doesn't cause discomfort	Inconvenient
Presence of pain	Minor soreness	Hurt

Comparative analysis of accessories made from various materials:

Characteristic	Metal braces		Ceramic systems
	Classic	Self-ligating	Classic	Self-ligating
Visibility	Visible due to contrast with enamel	Hidden	Barely distinguishable	Hidden behind teeth
Cost, thousand rubles*	from 80 000		from 110 000
Result in severe cases	Highly effective for seemingly hopeless deformities		Effective for most problems	Coping with advanced pathologies
Convenience	Affects soft tissues	Injures the mucous membranes and tongue, causing diction problems	Rub during the first week of wearing	After the adaptation period, wounds can be avoided if you are careful
Hygiene	Difficult to clean		Cleans quickly, but is fragile and requires careful handling
Main disadvantage	Noticeable when communicating		Expensive

*To get accurate prices for different types of turnkey correction, go to the Dentics website, or better yet, make an appointment and find out from the orthodontist personally which option is right for you.

Types of braces according to the location of fixation

Depending on the place of installation, braces are divided into vestibular and lingual. The first ones are installed on the outside of the teeth, and the second ones on the inside. Which of these two designs is better? Each system has its pros and cons.

Vestibular or external braces are inferior to lingual braces in aesthetics. But they are suitable for any malocclusion diseases. In addition, they come in metal, sapphire, plastic and ceramic, while lingual structures are made only from metal. Other advantages of external braces:

easier to care for;
defects are corrected faster;
less rubbing of the oral mucosa.

The main advantage of lingual braces is their invisibility. They are chosen by people who have to constantly negotiate, speak in public, etc. They are also often played for children. The disadvantages of such systems are as follows:

difficult to care for;
rub the tongue;
greatly affect diction.

Many people never get used to the fact that their tongue is constantly in contact with metal. Ulcers and wounds often appear on it, which hurt and bleed. Also, a person with lingual braces has a lisp throughout orthodontic treatment. Not everyone can cope with these problems psychologically.

If we talk about effectiveness, then with the help of lingual and vestibular braces you can achieve the same result if the treatment is modeled correctly. Installation of internal structures is a more labor-intensive process, but an experienced orthodontist will cope with this task without any complications.

How safe are braces for teeth?

Generally, wearing braces is a safe procedure. However, wearing them complicates oral hygiene, which can lead to the accumulation of plaque and hard tartar. If plaque and tartar are not removed in time, this will lead to the development of caries and gum inflammation.

Secondly, the process of moving teeth leads to the fact that the roots of the teeth become a little shorter (the tops of the roots are partially “dissolved”, which is associated with the movement of the teeth). Loss of root length can result in less stable teeth, especially in people who have short physiological root lengths to begin with.

Read also: What are “tooth surfaces”?

Thirdly, you shouldn’t get braces if problems with your bite and teeth position are minimal (especially if you don’t like brushing your teeth). Often, after removing braces, “discoloration of tooth enamel” may be observed on the front surface of the teeth, i.e. the enamel will be spotty. This is especially true for people with weakly mineralized tooth enamel (with low resistance of tooth enamel to caries), and for people with insufficient oral hygiene. And it may turn out that you will have straight teeth, but with an aesthetically unsatisfactory appearance of the tooth enamel.

Other types of braces

There are so-called hybrid or combined designs that combine the features of different types of braces. Examples of such systems are:

lingual-vestibular;
metal-ceramic;
metal-sapphire;
ligature-self-ligating.

By combining the properties of different types of braces, it is possible to reduce the cost of the structure, improve its aesthetics, increase functionality, etc. This depends on the needs of the patient. These staples are more difficult to make and may take longer to prepare.

Which braces to choose

The choice of braces is determined primarily by medical indications. The financial issue is also important, but not decisive. A person must take into account various factors, including his profession and lifestyle. People who lead an active lifestyle and play sports are more suitable for ceramic and metal products, while for children and public figures - lingual ones. Sapphire structures are considered an ideal option for everyone, which is why they are more expensive than other types of braces.

However, it is worth understanding that the effectiveness of treatment depends not only on the type of staples. It is important how accurately the patient follows the dentist’s recommendations. If you do not adhere to a diet and neglect hygiene rules, caries, gingivitis and other oral diseases may develop. Sometimes you have to remove braces to cure these ailments and begin to correct your bite again.

It is not difficult to prevent such complications. Carefully care for your teeth and orthodontic structures, using special brushes, brushes, dental floss and rinses. Orthodontists also recommend using irrigators for additional cleaning of the oral cavity. Choose models with braces care attachments, such as Revyline RL 100 or Donfeel OR-800.

Don't forget about scheduled visits to your doctor. Purchase hygiene products after consulting a specialist.

What do you need to get braces?

First of all, a visual examination is prescribed and diagnostic methods are determined. A treatment plan is then developed. Before installation, oral cavity sanitation, professional reading and other hygienic procedures are carried out. After which the structure is fixed.

How much does it cost

The cost may vary significantly. It depends on the type of system, material, as well as the severity of the pathology. For detailed information, we recommend contacting the dentist by phone listed on the website or leaving a request.

How to install braces if you have implants and crowns

Most patients who turn to orthodontists are adults between 25 and 45 years old. In addition to dental problems, they may have individual units removed and restoration elements may be present. The possibility of installing staples depends on the clinical picture in a particular case.

Inlays and veneers are not a contraindication. However, it is sometimes quite difficult to attach corrective parts to them, so therapy may not give much results.

Locks are also fixed onto artificial crown parts when only the root remains of the unit. If major correction is not required, the restored incisor, canine or molar may not be connected to the system. Experts recommend installing temporary plastic or composite crowns before treatment. They are inexpensive and can be removed if necessary.

If there is an implant, installation of brackets is either undesirable or completely contraindicated. The pin cannot be moved, otherwise it will be rejected by soft tissues. If you leave it in a static position, the remaining units will not be able to move. Thus, therapy is permissible in rare cases when the implanted element does not interfere with the correction of the bite.

Braces and pregnancy - compatible or not

While carrying a child, planning such treatment is strictly not recommended. This is primarily due to the need to undergo X-ray examination (CT, etc.), which is contraindicated in an “interesting position.” In addition, in the first days after installation, to speed up the adaptation process, it is recommended to take painkillers, which is unacceptable for pregnant women.

If therapy has begun and the woman sees two lines on the test, there is no need to remove the staples. However, in this case, you must adhere to the following rules:

take good care of the oral cavity;
undergo regular preventive cleaning with a doctor;
carry out sanitation (preferably before installing braces and pregnancy);
have the latest X-ray images available to track the dynamics of the correction.

Despite the limitations and undesirability of therapy during gestation, there are obvious advantages of such an intervention:

in a woman, the structure of the bone tissue changes, and the units shift quickly;
there is enough time for hygiene procedures;
you can choose unaesthetic, but the most effective metal accessories, since for a long time you will not have to speak in public and be embarrassed.

How long should you wear braces?

The duration of treatment is determined by the doctor based on the diagnostic results, depending on the severity of the pathology and the selected type of structure. Each case is considered individually; there are no general recommendations.

It is important to remember that before installation it is necessary to get rid of gingivitis, caries, stomatitis and other problems. Therapy lasts at least a year; a shorter period is not enough. There is no maximum limit; some will have to wear braces for several years.