Braces: what are they made of and which material is better?

Braces systems are designed to correct the position of teeth and jaw closure in adolescents and adults. Each age category has its own characteristics of the structure of the jaw bone and the time required to correct the position of the teeth. It is also important to consider the patient's psychological comfort. For some, the aesthetic qualities of systems are important, for others, the speed of achieving results or the material component.

The installation of various systems that correct the bite is carried out by our orthodontists. Doctors often improve their skills by attending training seminars and lectures. For successful work, the clinic has all the necessary high-tech equipment. We provide services at reasonable prices.

In this article you will learn when braces are installed and what types they are. Let's compare the characteristics of various braces systems and their costs. Let's determine what equipment is used for different ages.

When is it necessary to install braces?

A bracket system is an orthodontic device consisting of a bracket plate with a recess for an arch. The main tasks of the orthodontist are to make the physiological closure of the jaws, return the units to anatomical positions, and give the smile a natural and beautiful appearance.

Standard system includes:

• Bracket. A plate fixed to the coronal part of the unit with specialized material.
• Wings or castle. A recess is formed for the passage of the orthodontic arch.
• Arc. A horseshoe-shaped wire made of an alloy of various metals, along which the teeth are directed.
• Ligatures. Rubber bands or wire connecting the braces and the arch.

The purpose of this treatment is to straighten teeth and correct jaw abnormalities. An improvement in the bite can be noted after 6-8 months.

Indications for therapy with braces:

• malocclusion;
• violation of the symmetry of facial features;
• large gaps between units;
• lack of space in the dentition;
• injuries of the maxillofacial area or TMJ disease (pain, crunching when chewing or closing the jaws);

Restrictions on the use of equipment:

• many non-removable orthopedic structures;
• in women, pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• blood diseases;
• lung pathologies;
• immunodeficiency states;
• inflammatory diseases of the extremities (rickets, arthrosis, arthritis);
• cancer.

Which braces are best for different age categories? Teenagers and adults are fixed with equipment of different models. It is important to choose systems with the attending physician, taking into account age, the anomaly itself, etc.

E-arch: the first modern braces

The design looked like this: rings were attached to the chewing molars, and an arch was laid along the dentition. This system was made from a gold alloy and had sufficient rigidity to withstand increasing bending. At the ends of the arc there were threads for screwing on the nut, which made it possible to gradually expand it. With the help of the E-arch it was possible to correct only the inclination of the teeth vestibular, but it was impossible to influence the position of each of them. Experimenting, Engle placed rings on other teeth using vertical tubes. A pin was attached to the tube, soldered to the arch, with which it was possible to change the position of an individual tooth.

Regulating this device required considerable effort, and the inventor subsequently abandoned it. The E-arch remains only in memories as the first design in the modern history of braces. Completely correcting dentition braces appeared later.

Types of bracket systems

Before installing braces, it is important to understand which plates, taking into account their properties, are best to choose. Designs are distinguished according to certain criteria:

Material:

• metal;
• ceramics;
• sapphire;
• plastic;
• combination of materials.

Arc fixation method:

• ligatures;
• non-ligated.

Fixation:

• straight;
• indirect.

Tooth surface for installation:

• vestibular (visible when smiling);
• lingual (from the side of the tongue).

RUSSIA

If all braces, without exception, correct your bite at the same rate, why pay more? Among those who want to achieve a perfect smile, there will definitely be those who will like this logic. These undemanding patients can with a clear conscience recommend Russian braces - reliable metal structures that guarantee excellent results. So far in our country there is only one manufacturer of devices for bite correction, but it has already managed to win the favor of several hundred thousand patients.

Pilot

A domestic company that produces metal vestibular brace systems of ligature type. Their cost is several times lower than that of foreign manufacturers, so these braces are most often used in Russia to correct the bite, effectively coping with all the tasks of orthodontic treatment. However, a significant disadvantage of these designs is that the patient has to change the ligatures every month and periodically change the metal arches.

Our team of doctors

Maxillofacial surgeon, Implantologist

Bocharov Maxim Viktorovich

Experience: 11 years

Dental surgeon, Implantologist

Chernov Dmitry Anatolievich

Experience: 29 years

Orthopedist, Neuromuscular dentist

Stepanov Andrey Vasilievich

Experience: 22 years

Endodontist, Therapist

Skalet Yana Alexandrovna

Experience: 22 years

Orthopedic dentist

Tsoi Sergey Konstantinovich

Experience: 19 years

Dentist-orthodontist

Enikeeva Anna Stanislavovna

Experience: 3 years

Metal braces

Standard and reliable equipment for correcting jaw and dental disorders of any complexity. There is little aesthetics here because it stands out against the background of the teeth enamel. The lack of aesthetics of the design is compensated by the quick and high-quality achievement of the result. Implantmaster uses self-ligating metal plates from the Damon model range.

Pros:

• correct pathologies of varying severity;
• daily hygiene care is very simple;
• reasonable price;
• strength (the highest among orthodontic plates);
• the color of the equipment does not change under the influence of food;
• short treatment periods.

Minuses:

• Injury to the soft tissue structures of the oral cavity and tongue is possible.
• Noticeable when smiling or talking. Some patients refuse this model due to aesthetic discomfort.
• Allergies may occur.

Ceramic braces

The shade of such equipment matches the enamel of the teeth and is almost invisible during conversation. For the smile zone or for all units, taking into account the opinions of patients, Implantmaster specialists can offer a self-ligating system made of Damon Clear ceramics. She is in great demand.

Pros:

• Productivity. Installed to correct severe pathologies of jaw closure.
• Does not stain when worn for a long time, taking into account all the rules of hygienic cleaning.
• Few doctor visits are necessary.
• Resistant to loads.
• Aesthetics and comfort throughout the entire course of treatment.

Minuses:

• Therapy takes longer than with metal equipment.
• The cost of the system is several times higher than that of a metal structure.
• The need for thorough cleaning of equipment and the oral cavity. It is not advisable for children and adolescents to record.
• An allergic reaction may occur.

Sapphire braces

Which braces are better: sapphire or ceramic? When choosing between these two categories of wafers, sapphire wafers are the best option. They perfectly combine aesthetics and durability. The components of the bracket system are made of artificial sapphire - a very durable, non-toxic and biocompatible material. The plates do not change color when exposed to food or drinks, tobacco, coffee or wine.

Recommended for installation when there are wide gaps between units and lack of space in the dentition.

Pros:

• Highly aesthetic (matches the natural shade of enamel).
• Does not stain.
• Does not cause discomfort.
• Does not damage soft tissue structures of the oral cavity.
• The pronunciation of sounds is not affected.

Minuses:

• The material itself is durable, but the plates can break due to crackers or chewing gum.
• Unpleasant sensations may appear when the gums are sensitive.
• Effective only in simple deviations.
• The course of treatment lasts longer than usual.
• Need special care

Invisible (lingual) braces

Fixation is carried out on the enamel of the teeth from the oral cavity (lingual). It turns out that the main positive feature of such systems is their concealment from others. The plates are invisible when talking and smiling.

Additional positive characteristics:

• Small size. Throughout the course of therapy, the patient does not experience discomfort, because adaptation to the plates occurs quickly.
• Application of 3D technologies. When installing the system, it is more convenient for a specialist to fix the plates and control the movement of units, as well as the correction of general pathology. Already when planning a treatment regimen, a doctor with extensive experience can imagine the step-by-step movement of units along the jaw model.

Negative:

• Compared to other equipment, pain is higher when moving units.
• Problems arise when speaking and pronouncing sounds. Logoneurosis may develop due to worries about speech disorders.
• There is a high risk of injury to the soft tissue structures of the oral cavity and tongue.
• The treatment period is much longer than that of the vestibular systems.
• Expensive.

Ligature-free braces systems

What are the best braces? Most specialists and patients consider self-ligating systems to be the best choice, regardless of their high cost. They do not include additional fasteners, which makes them more discreet when talking. Self-ligating equipment is universal and suitable for all patients with clinical cases of varying complexity.

Pros:

• various plate materials (ceramics, metal, plastic, sapphire);
• quick addiction;
• effectiveness;
• comfortable course of treatment;
• smooth movement of units due to the use of small forces from the arc;
• resistance to color change;
• visit a specialist once every 2 months.

Minuses:

• lack of results in severe pathologies of the maxillofacial area and temporomandibular joint;
• high cost.

Edgewise technique

Continuing his research in search of the ideal design, Engle replaced the vertical grooves with horizontal ones and inserted wire turned at an angle of 90° into them. He reduced the size of the grooves slightly - now it is 0.022 x 0.028 inches. In orthodontics it is called groove 022. Such braces allowed for good control of the tooth root and crown in a three-dimensional plane. These braces were invented in 1928 and have since become the main device for correcting malocclusion and dentition.

Comparison of performance of different braces models

To make the right choice - which braces are best to install to straighten teeth - it is recommended to find out the characteristics of various systems and their varieties.

By type of fixation:

By comparing the characteristics of equipment made from different materials, you can understand which braces are better: ceramic or metal.

Metal plates start at a cost of 80 thousand rubles, show high results even with severe deformations, but they are difficult to clean. The main disadvantage is that they attract attention when communicating.

The cost of ceramic systems starts from 110 thousand rubles. Such plates are very fragile and require careful hygienic cleaning.

USA

Braces from American manufacturers deservedly inspire confidence among patients all over the world. This is explained simply. Braces in the form in which we are accustomed to them today were created in the USA, which means that many years of experience in their production with constant improvement of technology served as an invaluable basis for creating perfect devices - reliable, aesthetic and effective.

3M Unitek

The company has existed since 1948. She was the first to release stainless steel braces, thereby making a colossal breakthrough in orthodontics. Its developments also include self-ligating systems and brackets with pre-applied adhesive, which allows you to quickly and easily attach braces to your teeth.

3M Unitek is a manufacturer of bracket systems for every taste and budget, constantly using the latest techniques and technologies. Today, the list of products of this company includes several thousand brace systems, the most popular of which are ceramic and universal metal devices. The prices for these braces are quite high due to the use of the most modern equipment and innovative solutions in their production.

Ormco

The company, a recognized leader in the orthodontic structures market, was founded in the 60s of the last century. The devices of this brand have proven themselves only from the best side, guaranteeing the achievement of the desired treatment results in the shortest possible time. An important advantage of this manufacturer, in addition to the impeccable quality of the systems produced, is the presence of a wide dealer network, which allows quick delivery even to the most remote regions of Russia.

The company's product range includes non-ligature metal and ceramic braces, ligature titanium, steel and sapphire models, as well as mini-braces, which are one third smaller in size than standard braces. The cost of products from the manufacturer of Ormco brace systems can also be classified as high, but any design of this brand always justifies the cost, so the number of satisfied patients treated with Ormco orthodontic systems is increasing every day.

American Orthodontics

The company has existed for more than forty years. During this time, she managed to gain the position of the flagship of the global orthodontic industry. It should be noted that this manufacturer not only closely monitors the impeccable quality of the braces produced, but also pays special attention to training doctors to achieve the best treatment results using American Orthodontics devices. The company produces all possible types of bracket systems - ligature and non-ligature, metal, ceramic and sapphire. Prices for products of this brand are practically no different from the cost of products from previous American manufacturers.

Ortho Technology

The company was founded in 1991. In addition to braces, it produces wires, glue, laboratory instruments and dental care products while wearing braces. Ortho Technology offers only about ten models of various systems (ceramic, sapphire, plastic and metal), but their quality is highly appreciated by specialists around the world, and their affordable prices attract patients.

The Dentsply GAC

Dentsply has been producing dental materials for over a hundred years. Dentsply GAC is its division that specializes in the manufacture of braces and other orthodontic appliances. Among the models of this manufacturer of bracket systems there are ceramic, plastic and metal devices. The most expensive of them are lingual braces In-Ovation L and self-ligating structures In-Ovation R, which independently distribute the force of pressure on the teeth, based on how their position changes during the correction process.

Prices for braces

Consultation with an orthodontist

• X-ray panoramic image
• Oral examination
• Drawing up a treatment plan with costs

Price : 2,000 ₽
*if treatment continues in the clinic according to the plan, the consultation is not paid

Prices for system components vary and depend on a number of factors:

• plate material;
• fixation method;
• dental surfaces for attachment;
• dental clinic level;
• the tools used;
• having its own dental laboratory.

By comparing the characteristics , you can determine which braces are best for a particular clinical situation, and which ones are suitable for the patient. The most affordable models are metal ligature models; without ligatures they will be more expensive. The highest cost is for aesthetic systems made of ceramics, sapphire and internal (the most expensive).

The total cost is the fastening mechanism, installation and removal, corrective visits to a specialist, and fastening of retainers. At Implantmaster, the cost of installing the Damon Clear and Q systems, subsequent appointments and corrections will cost around 250 thousand rubles. When choosing orthodontic therapy with the help of aligners (transparent aligners for moving teeth), the price will start from 350 thousand rubles. Diagnostic x-rays, model calculations for the formation of a full course of correction, with further therapy with us, will amount to 2000 rubles, the consultation will be free.

Combined braces: metal and ceramic

To save on installing an aesthetic system, you can choose combined metal and ceramic braces. When a person smiles, the lower teeth are less visible, so to save money it is worth putting metal braces on the lower jaw and ceramic braces on the upper jaw. This is a worthy compromise between the cost of treatment and psychological comfort during it. Similarly, you can combine sapphire with metal.

Which braces are better for an adult and which for a child?

In “Implantmaster”, to clarify whether the system is suitable for age, Rg diagnostics are performed (panoramic image (OPTG) and teleroentgenogram (TRG)).

The following points will help determine which braces are best for a certain age.

• Convenience during the entire course of treatment, duration of adaptation, ease of cleaning. The faster the adaptation period passes, and the easier it is to clean the equipment, the easier and faster the therapy will be.
• Price. You can immediately ask the clinic to calculate the full cost of fixing the turnkey system. But you should understand that additional ones will appear. costs of hygiene products and concomitant therapy.
• Time costs and success of correction. Systems with metal ligatures most effectively and quickly achieve the final goal - straight teeth. When choosing more aesthetic systems, the treatment period increases to a year.
• External characteristics of braces. For some patients, it is important whether the system is noticeable when talking and smiling. Then the emphasis is on aesthetics, and not on the speed of achieving results.

An alternative to correcting malocclusion at Implantmaster is a replaceable system of invisible aligners. They are removed for eating and cleaning. 3Shape Trios scans the entire oral cavity (a modern version of taking impressions), and then the software displays a 3D model of all changes on the path to improving your smile. Such innovations are only for aligners.

Braces for adults

What braces are best for adults? The most effective and common design suitable for adult patients is a self-ligating metal system. Also, this course of orthodontic therapy is affordable for most.

But which braces will still be better? Plates made of ceramics or sapphire will look more aesthetically pleasing and solid, but you will have to reconsider your diet and exclude coloring products. A language system would be an ideal option, but it is not suitable for people who, due to the specifics of their work, talk a lot. Soft tissue injury may occur.

Braces for children and teenagers

The result and speed of correction of bite anomalies very much depends on the age category to which the patient belongs. The most suitable period for orthodontic therapy is the period of growth of the jaw bones and the formation of a permanent bite (from 12 to 14 years). If it is necessary to be treated with braces, it is important to figure out which plates are best for children, taking into account their growth characteristics . It is better to start orthodontic therapy at a young age, but plates are best used from 12 years of age. The units and jaw bone are affected, so it is worth waiting for its full formation and using gentle techniques.

The equipment is used in children for a shorter time than in adults. It can be different in type, material and method of fixation.

What braces are best for a teenager? Most often, the plates are fixed on the outside of the enamel of the units. Such systems are more convenient to install, adjust at the reception and carry out thorough hygienic cleaning. Lingual plates are much more expensive and have an impact on spoken speech. And for teenagers, the attractiveness of the equipment and the ability to pronounce words normally are very important. After all, various comments from peers about the structure in the oral cavity can influence the decision of a young patient to get a beautiful and healthy smile.

Which braces are better to choose: ceramic or metal? Modern orthodontics can provide equipment to suit every taste and budget. But it is also worth taking into account the clinical situation and recommendations of specialists.

Parents should help their child prepare psychologically for long-term treatment. Especially talk about all the points relating to external systems and the reactions of others. It is important to warn that the discomfort that arises in the first weeks will pass, and further treatment will be easier.

Is it possible to get metal braces inexpensively?

Undoubtedly. Installing regular staples is the cheapest. However, the price of metal braces can vary. Designs with ligatures will cost the least - from 25,000 rubles, a metal non-ligature bracket system starts at 35,000 rubles. Of course, we are talking about vestibular structures, since the price list for lingual systems starts from 100,000 rubles. Ceramic braces with a metal groove will be an order of magnitude more expensive than a conventional system. You also need to keep in mind that metal braces for the upper jaw are more expensive than for the lower jaw. Such designs are the most affordable, and this is also the difference between metal and ceramic braces. The table below will help you navigate the cost of metal structures, as well as a call to a clinic where you can install braces in Moscow.

How to choose the best braces?

Which braces are best for an adult, and which ones are more suitable for teenagers or young patients? All these nuances should be worked out together with a specialist, taking into account diagnostic calculations, the clinical situation itself, the individual characteristics of the body, concomitant diseases, financial capabilities, etc. It will take more than one year to walk with such a design, so it is worth thinking through all aspects of the course of treatment in advance.

At Implantmaster, our specialists will help you determine which bracket system best suits you and your clinical situation. Orthodontists have the skills to fix various systems, and services are provided at a reasonable price. Sign up using the phone number on the website, or leave a request for feedback.

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Composite (plastic) braces

Made from different types of composites (plastics). May have metal parts, usually the bracket groove. One of the cheapest types of braces. Due to cost, they may have serious geometric errors. Extremely fragile, usually marketed as braces for teenagers or for simple cases. Not used by most orthodontists. They are not recommended for use in any cases: the difference in cost is not that significant, and the orthodontist is unlikely to be able to adequately treat them with their help.

Pros and cons of composite braces.

Fact #9 - the wonders of time and pressure

Time and pressure work together to create the perfect smile! If you've ever wondered why you have to wear braces for a long time, you'll find this fact especially interesting.

Each tooth has a nerve ending inside it known as cellulose. If your teeth were to realign too quickly, the process would cut off the blood supply. Instead, we adjust your teeth with slow, steady pressure so that the pulp continues to move with the tooth, providing the dental tissue with the blood and nutrition it needs. Braces armatures are designed to apply the ideal amount of pressure to each tooth, moving it to the desired location as efficiently as possible!

Fact #3 - Braces are not just for straightening teeth.

While perfectly straight teeth are a wonderful aspect of braces, one of the main benefits is that braces secure the wearer's bite. If your upper front teeth overlap your lower teeth and the ridges of your molars do not touch, you have a perfect bite. Not many people can boast of this.

Braces are more than just cosmetic devices. Because they stabilize your bite, they also provide relief from a variety of health problems, including:

• Breathing problems;
• Problems with chewing and swallowing.

Fact #4 - Smile like the Egyptians

The desire for straight teeth can be traced back even further than the 18th century in France, all the way to Ancient Egypt! Who knows whether the ancient Egyptians were aware of the health benefits given in the previous fact, or whether they simply wanted straight teeth for cosmetic reasons, but some mummies have indeed been found with temporary "braces." Archaeologists believe that animal intestines wrapped around the mummies' teeth, similar to modern braces, were an attempt to straighten crooked teeth.

Fact #2 - The type of wire used for braces was invented by NASA.

One thing you might like is that the wire used for braces was created by none other than NASA!

Dr. Engle's vision was modern, but gold braces were also expensive. The field of orthodontics took a giant leap when NASA developed a metal alloy called nickel-titanium in 1959. While they created this heat-resistant metal for the space shuttle, it is also ideal for making thin, flexible wires that could maintain their shape after being bent and attached to a patient's teeth.

What are lingual braces

Lingual braces are a type of braces that are installed on the lingual side. They are completely invisible to others. One could conclude that lingual internal braces are better than external braces. In fact, in this situation it is difficult to advise what to put.

Lingual braces are actually installed only for certain pathologies . In most cases, it is recommended to install conventional braces.