Braces

WHAT IS A BRACE SYSTEM?

A brace system is a fixed device that consists of locks (braces), tubes or rings on the molars, and arches, tied with elastic or metal ligatures or locked in a brace.

It is traditionally fixed on both jaws, in some cases on one jaw or locally. They also use elastic chains, intermaxillary elastic traction, various bends on the arches (if necessary).

Case №1

Anterior crossbite (negative over-jet), teeth crowding, pathological abrasion, gum recession.

The patient was concerned about the aesthetic appearance of his teeth, specifically, crowding and abrasion.

Our specialists suggested two-phase orthodontic treatment. Since the patient is already an adult, it was decided to stretch the palatine suture. For this purpose, orthodontic device Hyrax was used. After 4 months of using the device, self-ligating braces were fixed on the upper and lower jaws. The adjustment was conducted once every 6-8 weeks. During the last phase of orthodontic treatment, the patient had an implant placed in the area of the 36th tooth.

After removing the braces, a zirconia crown was placed in the area of the 36th tooth implant. A metal retainer was fixed on the lower jaw. The patient was recommended wearing a plastic retainer for the next six months to keep the result.

INDICATIONS FOR BRACE SYSTEM INSTALLATION

Various abnormalities:

• dentoalveolar – crowding of teeth, the vestibular, palatal position of individual teeth, dystopia, etc.;
• skeletal defects (distal, mesial, open, closed, crossbite);

• combined pathologies – skeletal with dentoalveolar;
• creating a site for the implant;
• impacted teeth;
• tooth abrasion;
• traumatic occlusion.

TYPES OF BRACE SYSTEMS

Braces can be:

• classic vestibular;
• self-ligating;
• lingual.

Previous generation braces (classic ones) have wire or elastic ligatures. The arch is tightly attached by the ligatures, so they do not slide during the movement. Alignment and movement result from intense pressure. Bite correction is a long-term process and can cause temporary aesthetic inconveniences to the patient. Therefore, the new generation of ligatureless braces appeared. They are also external, but the difference is that the arch is passively attached, which is locked. She slides, acts selectively, with small but constant forces.

The lingual or internal brace system differs by its position, closer to the tongue, on the inside of the teeth. The advantage is its invisibility.

Classic vestibular braces and self-ligating braces can be made of different types of materials.

Metal braces – are the most popular option, they have been used for a very long time, so there is no doubt about their effectiveness in correcting the bite. Metal alloys are hypoallergenic.

Ceramic braces are small and smooth. Ceramics have an enamel tint so that they will be almost invisible.

Sapphire braces are only classic. They don’t differ much from the ceramic ones, but they are more transparent. This type of braces is made of artificially grown sapphire.

Lingual braces. A special dore gold is used for their manufacture. They are hypoallergenic, do not cause any local reactions or damage to the tongue. Their advantage is invisibility; they don’t change articulation and voice patterns.

There are also metal lingual braces. They guarantee invisibility but can strongly affect the pronunciation of fricatives due to the structure’s thickness interfering with the tongue movement.

Case №2

The patient is 52 years old, suffering from a second degree periodontal disease, distal deep bite, crowding of teeth.

Self-ligating braces were fixed in the upper jaw.

The final stage of the treatment of upper and lower jaws.

The treatment process took 12 months.

STAGES BRACE SYSTEM PLACEMENT

1. Preliminary treatment of cavities and hygiene services the day the braces are placed or the day before.

2. Installing the expander in the oral cavity.

3. Applying the etching gel to the teeth.

4. Washing and drying the surface of the teeth.

5. Applying adhesive (bond) to the etched areas. Photopolymerization.

6. A small particle of the composite is applied to the bracket platform and pressed against the planned tooth site. A particular lamp is used for polymerization.

7. The arch is inserted into a bracket slot, fixed in the tubes on the molars, tied with ligatures, or sealed in particular brace devices if the braces are self-ligating.

The correction is performed:
• once every 3-4 weeks for classic vestibular braces;
• once every 6-8 weeks for self-ligating (non-ligating) braces.

Online record

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

VESTIBULAR CLASSIC BRACES:

Due to intense pressure at the beginning of treatment, the patient feels tension, pain when biting, rubbing in certain places. After a week, the discomfort disappears. Correction is needed once every 3-4 weeks.

METAL BRACES

The advantage of metal braces is their relatively low cost, making them affordable for all categories of patients.

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The disadvantage of ligature braces is the difficulty in cleaning and the fact that the material of the elastic bands can be stained with food. The treatment period is more extended than with self-ligating braces.

CERAMIC BRACES

The material is reliable and durable, hardly noticeable; it takes the color of the enamel.

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The ligatures can get stained, not compact.

SAPPHIRE BRACES

They are made of transparent artificial sapphire, less durable than ceramic ones, glitter in the light, suitable for snow-white teeth. The pressure on the teeth is lower.

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They can crumble, so you will have to replace them, re-paying the cost.

LINGUAL BRACES:

They are made of a special dore gold and have a base platform where the plaque collects and does not allow cavities to develop due to insufficient hygiene. They are invisible.

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Contraindications: small teeth height, very crowded teeth, too narrow jaw, teeth grinding, mental disorders.

SELF-LIGATING BRACES:

A checkup once every 6-8 weeks. They can be ceramic and metal.

The adaptation period is shorter than that of conventional braces; the pressure is much lower, the result is achieved faster by 3-4 months. After the first correction, the patient notices changes. Easy to clean.

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Chips are possible in ceramic self-ligating braces.

Cost of braces

Metal braces (one jaw), the entire treatment course

From ₴18,000 to ₴23,000

SmartClip Self-Ligating Braces (one jaw), the entire treatment course

From ₴24,000 to ₴29,000

Clarity Advanced Ceramic Braces (one jaw), the entire treatment course

From ₴29,000 to ₴33,000

Aesthetic Clarity SL Self-Ligating Braces (one jaw), the entire treatment course

From ₴30,000 to ₴35,000

1. At what age can you get braces?

It is possible to start the orthodontic treatment with braces at the age of 12-13 after the root ends of permanent teeth have formed.

2. Do you need to extract teeth before getting braces?

It all depends on the pathology, which your doctor determines.

3. Do braces damage teeth?

If the patient has excellent hygiene, then the enamel traces are minimal. Still, there is remineralization therapy (saturation of the tooth tissues with minerals to strengthen the enamel and prevent cavities) according to the indications for those who have problems. This process is reduced when the lingual technique is applied.

4. What should be done after removing the bracket system?

After the end of orthodontic treatment, a retention period begins. During this period, it is essential to make a retention device (for example, a retainer, splint, or plate), which will fix and maintain the result.

5. Can see the result after treatment with a bracket system?

Yes, there is. After taking impressions, your expected result after treatment is simulated.