Many patients faced with problems such as malocclusion or crooked teeth are wondering whether to get braces or prefer temporary structures. Like any other product, braces have their pros and cons, which you should familiarize yourself with before starting orthodontic treatment. Braces systems are modern metal, ceramic, and plastic products for permanent wear that allow you to correct your bite and/or cope with crooked teeth in patients of any age.

General pros and cons of designs

The list of benefits of braces includes:

• Possibility of installation for both children and adult patients;
• a wide list of indications for use (orthodontic defects);
• painlessness and relative ease of fixation;
• high efficiency of treatment;
• wide choice of designs (materials, design, cost);
• Wearing such products does not affect the condition of healthy teeth.

Disadvantages of orthodontic appliances:

• impossibility of use in case of a large number of carious lesions and active inflammatory processes in the oral cavity;
• the need for more careful hygienic care not only for the braces themselves, but also for the teeth and gums;
• duration of treatment - thus, bite correction in adults and children can take from several months to 1-2 years (depending on the severity of the problem);
• high cost (the total amount is determined by the material from which the structures are made and the price of orthodontic services).

Sapphire designs look as aesthetically pleasing as possible, but at the same time they are expensive and extremely demanding in hygienic care

Important: reviews from a number of experts indicate that the harm of braces may lie in the constant mechanical impact on tooth enamel - which, in turn, is injured, becomes thinner, and the risk of caries formation increases. Despite the obvious benefits of orthodontic treatment, many patients experience pain and discomfort while wearing braces, so they often refuse them and prefer temporary (removable) products.

Advantages and disadvantages of various types of braces

There are non-ligature (the bite-correcting arch is inserted into a special clip) and ligature (equipped with fastening clasps) designs. The main advantage of the former is simplified oral care, the disadvantage is the high price.

Ligature braces are elastic, comfortable to wear, and inexpensive, but the ligatures themselves require periodic replacement. In addition, this type of product requires constant careful hygienic care.

To correct the bite and shape of teeth, metal, ceramic or sapphire structures can be installed. Each of them has its pros and cons. Thus, metal products are reliable and inexpensive, but at the same time, in the opinion of most patients, they are “conspicuous” to others and look extremely unaesthetic. Ceramic structures look better, cost more, and give teeth a yellowish tint.

Sapphire bracket systems are almost invisible (transparent), but at the same time they are not as reliable and durable as the products described above. Based on which side the braces are fixed on, they are vestibular (external) and lingual (internal). The latter are invisible when smiling and during communication, durable, but at the same time expensive. Vestibular braces are difficult to care for, they are “conspicuous”, affect diction, but are cheaper than their lingual counterparts.

Important! Modern orthodontics has a wide range of brace systems with different designs.

So, if a child with one or another malocclusion refuses to wear orthodontic structures, you can choose models with curly clasps and other decorative elements. This allows you to turn ordinary braces into a real decoration.

Thus, lingual structures have the best aesthetic properties, and when it comes to the material of manufacture, sapphire products (they are, however, also the most expensive). Nevertheless, due to their availability and low cost, metal vestibular systems are most popular among patients.

Bracket systems with ligatures look bulky, but are more reliable and resistant to mechanical damage

Reviews

Irina, 29 years old, Moscow:
An orthodontist recommended installing braces for my 9-year-old son. We opted for metal vestibular products - they are reliable, effective and inexpensive. Correction of malocclusion continued for a year; the child did not experience any particular discomfort during treatment. The only difficulty is the need for constant cleaning of the structures themselves and more careful care of teeth and gums.

Igor, 40 years old, St. Petersburg, dentist:
Braces can harm the patient in several cases: they were installed incorrectly (adjusted to size), made from low-quality materials, and also when a child or adult does not follow the recommendations for hygiene and care of the structures given by the orthodontist after fixing them on the teeth. Otherwise, the choice of braces is made according to the indications for the installation of orthodontic products, taking into account the aesthetic preferences and financial capabilities of each patient.

Stanislav, 36 years old, Ufa:
I thought for a long time whether it was worth getting braces at such a late age, whether they would be harmful to the enamel. Nevertheless, the protruding one spoiled the impression of my smile so much that I decided to visit the orthodontist. There were no contraindications against braces, so I chose, although expensive, almost invisible (transparent) sapphire structures. I wore them for almost six months, I’m happy with the result - my tooth “fell into place”, and the enamel remained intact.

Maria, 42 years old, dentist, Perm:
Braces are perhaps the best existing method for correcting malocclusion and improving the shape of teeth. Such structures (regardless of what they are made of) are reliable, effective and allow you to correct any orthodontic defects in a period from 2-3 months to several years. Personally, I always recommend that my patients install braces as early as possible - in this case, the maximum therapeutic effect can be achieved in the shortest possible time.

Konstantin, 26 years old, Ekaterinburg:
I wore braces for a long time, almost 3 years - the upper front teeth were almost perpendicular to the skull. My parents didn’t take me to the doctor on time; at a conscious age I had to get treatment myself. I chose sapphire designs - transparent ones are almost invisible on the teeth. The installation was painless, but when wearing it, my jaw ached from time to time, which was unpleasant. Fortunately, the result of the treatment was worth it - now I am the happy owner of a beautiful and healthy smile.

So, modern braces allow you to correct any, even the most serious orthodontic defects. The choice of certain designs depends on the nature of the problem, the presence (absence) of concomitant dental diseases and the personal preferences of the patient. A wide selection of manufacturing materials, shapes, and designs allows you to select products for bite correction to suit every taste and budget.

We recently talked about what ways to correct a bite exist. The decision about whether you should correct your bite and which correction method to choose should be made only after consultation with a specialist. If you wait too long before going to the doctor or already know that you need to correct your bite, but just don’t dare, you may find someone else’s experience useful. We asked girls and young people who got braces as adults to tell us how easy it was for them to take the step, how braces changed their lifestyle, what challenges they faced and what they learned from the experience.

Yulia Eltsova

editor of The Village

I got braces at the age of 29, almost 30. My husband had been trying to persuade me to do it for a couple of years by that time. It seemed to me that my teeth were not so uneven. Just think, one front upper tooth sticks out a little. It was hard to decide, because this is always the case with everything new and not too pleasant. Moreover, this is not cheap entertainment. When I went to the doctor, it turned out that I hadn’t diagnosed myself very correctly. There were enough problems: in addition to straightening my teeth, I had to correct my bite.

I wore braces for a little over a year. I had ceramic ones - they are less noticeable than metal ones. I felt uncomfortable for the first few days. And even then I wasn’t shy, but rather getting used to the new sensations. I see no reason to feel uncomfortable with braces. This is something unusual that not everyone has, almost like a tattoo on the face, only for a while. I even asked to put multi-colored rubber bands on my braces. They are usually given to children, but they were such beautiful colors that I decided to do the same.

With braces it is difficult to bite, especially on something hard like apples. Firstly, the brace may fall off, and secondly, it causes, if not pain, then certainly discomfort. So I gave up fast food and apples - it’s impossible to eat on the go if you can’t bite. It was uncomfortable when something went wrong: a bracket fell off or the arch moved and pierced the cheek. But in fact, now I understand that it was worth the patience. Not only did my teeth become straighter, but the oval of my face even changed a little and cheekbones appeared.

Anton Ganyushkin

system analyst "Tutu.ru"

I have had crooked teeth for as long as I can remember. As a child, I went to the doctor, and he said that I needed to get braces, but time passed, and they were still on the orthodontist’s table, and not in my mouth. Over time, the situation worsened. At some point, when my wisdom teeth began to grow, I began to feel discomfort. I was already 23 years old. A second visit to the doctor - and the diagnosis is clear as day: let’s say “yes” to braces. But before that, it was necessary to heal all the teeth and remove the wisdom teeth. It’s easy to put fillings on your teeth, but extracting wisdom teeth is, let’s say, a dubious pleasure. And this is just the preparatory work, which lasted a little more than six months.

Then you go to the doctor, he sets an appointment, makes impressions, and voila - braces on your teeth! A day after installation, you realize that you can’t live like this: your teeth start to hurt and itch, and it’s almost impossible to eat anything harder than semolina. At the same time, my mouth was extremely chafed by these damned braces, and the wire tore my cheek at the base of my jaw. But, as they say, it’s only scary the first time - subsequent wire changes, of course, cause discomfort, but half as much as the first time.

The doctor laughed that my girlfriend would leave me after installing braces, but she is still with me. In general, I’m not a supermodel and before this I didn’t look much better than with braces. Therefore, my self-confidence cannot be shaken! Seven months have already passed. The only bad thing is that I’m starting to forget the taste of nuts and Orbit without sugar, but after removing my braces, I’ll definitely have a party-hard with apples and crackers.

Katya Baklushina

senior designer at Wonderzine

I got braces at the age of 19, when it became obvious that a bad bite greatly affects the health of the teeth, they won’t last long and something needs to be done. An example was my older brother, who himself got braces at 25. Six months after that, I went to my first appointment with his doctor. Therefore, it was not difficult to decide, I knew what awaited me. The most unpleasant moment was the need to remove four healthy teeth to free up space for maneuver. This causes some psychological discomfort in addition to physical discomfort.

I wore them for a relatively long time (four years) and difficultly: with additions in the form of a palatal clasp (this is a metal spacer under the palate to move the molars apart) and elastic bands that move the upper and lower jaws relative to each other. At the same time, I don’t remember that I was embarrassed about my appearance at that time. Perhaps because we chose clear sapphire braces, which are not as noticeable as metal ones. And on the contrary, almost immediately after installation I began to smile more openly. For a person who had been embarrassed all his life about his smile, when you reflexively cover your mouth with your hand, this was a big breakthrough in the fight against complexes. I even got married with braces: I simply asked the doctor to install a white arch instead of a metal one. She, of course, reacted with understanding to such a request and congratulated him on the event. And now, when I look at photos from the wedding, the presence of braces seems just a nice detail.

Naturally, they greatly influence everyday life, because you have to go often and regularly for examinations, pay much more attention to hygiene and get used to the “pieces” in your mouth. At such moments, you especially appreciate that the oral mucosa quickly heals and adapts to innovations. But, firstly, all this is temporary, and secondly, if the difference is as outstanding as mine was, this is exactly the decision that will positively affect the rest of my life, both in terms of health and self-esteem.

I got braces a year and a half ago, when I was 32 years old. The dentist recommended doing this, just so that the bite is correct and the teeth do not wear down and there are no chips. The decision was easy, since no one knows how the braces will actually feel. You realize this later, when the job is done and the money is paid. I received lingual braces, which are placed on the back of my teeth. I wore them for about nine months.

Lingual braces greatly affect diction and at first distort the voice. The mucous membranes are severely rubbed. In general, it’s blood and tears for sure for the first month, and then you get used to it. The oral cavity adapts, and all this is already tolerated calmly, speech is also gradually restored. I didn’t lose self-confidence, I just constantly experienced a feeling of discomfort and pain at first. Those who have visible braces probably lose confidence. But braces have changed my daily life. They need additional care, constantly cleaned, and rinsed off food residues with an irrigator after eating. Do not bite apples or chew gum.

It was a wonderful experience. My teeth are now straight, and I didn’t have to wear braces for three years - everything happened quite quickly compared to many of my friends. Of course, you need to go through all this in childhood, but in my childhood there were no such systems even close. Therefore, you have to do this as an adult.

Andrey Orekhov

event manager

When I was almost 23, I got braces. It’s not that I was very worried about my smile, but the problem was still evident: one of the lower teeth was squeezed by neighboring teeth and it ended up behind, at an inclination of about 25 degrees. Accordingly, it was not possible to really clean it, it darkened and soon ceased to be noticeable. When I smiled, it felt like I didn’t have a tooth at all. I like to smile, but misleading people - not so much. We had to do something about it.

My parents, especially my mother, pushed me to the decision to get braces. I thought that my mother would not give bad advice, especially since I understood that the sooner I started correcting my bite, the sooner it would all be over. I had several worries about this: I was afraid that my girlfriend would leave me, that I wouldn’t be able to eat, smile, live life to the fullest, and that I would generally be such an overripe teenager a la Butt-head.

In reality, everything turned out to be somewhat simpler. Although the first day turned out to be the peak of despair and frustration and it was really difficult to eat for a while, then it became easier and easier. You get used to everything, and sometimes you find advantages. The initial misunderstanding of how one could live like this soon disappeared, and then even a confident feeling appeared that braces had become a part of me and my style. It's funny that I started smiling even more than before. Maybe based on the comments of friends and acquaintances, or as a result of ordinary self-deception, I became sure that braces are a thrill, and I am handsome. Be that as it may, I realized that braces are certainly not a repulsive factor. Quite the opposite.

The entire process of correcting the bite took only a year. They say it's very fast. However, it was enough for me. No matter how much I sometimes miss having braces, I have to admit that life is much freer without them. I am sincerely glad that one fine day I finally got to the clinic and took this step. In the past I would have given myself a slap on the head for not making up my mind for so long. Now I wear plastic trays made from an impression of my teeth immediately after braces to consolidate the results. By the way, they turned out to be even worse at first. But that's another story.

Diana Kostina

I decided to get braces at the age of 22, in the spring of this year, after a preventive examination with a general dentist. Outwardly, my imperfections were almost not noticeable, the non-specialized doctor did not have strict recommendations, but I suddenly realized that I wanted (and could!) one day see perfectly straight teeth in the mirror. I thought for a few days and signed up for wisdom teeth removal - this is preparatory work before braces. Removal is the most unpleasant part, but the main thing is to get to the dentist-surgeon’s chair (I got a great one!) and endure the anesthetic injection. After the extraction, the doctor describes in detail what can go wrong, but everything can turn out even better than average: immediately after the removal of the first two teeth, I even went to a party - and the party was great.

In parallel with the extractions, I was looking for an orthodontist. Braces are a long-term treatment, so it is important not to make mistakes with your doctor. As a result, the method of “asking good doctors about other good doctors” helped: I chose an orthodontist on the recommendation of a dental surgeon. It’s funny that after frequent visits to dentists, my “third eye” opened, distinguishing between people with imperfect occlusion. Alas, perfectly straight teeth are almost always the result of correction. Sharply noticing the details around is a so-so superpower, the world has turned into a kind of perfectionist hell, but it seems that this period has passed.

I have noticeable metal braces on my teeth. Firstly, the doctor said that they are effective and unpretentious - transparent mouth guards, for example, need to be worn 22 hours a day, they should be removed while eating, that is, after dinner or lunch out of the house, you need to look for a washbasin and put your jaws in order so that put on a mouthguard. Secondly, truly invisible braces cost several hundred thousand rubles; such an investment in my situation does not seem reasonable.

I hardly feel any everyday inconveniences with braces. Teeth usually do not hurt, but it is better to avoid radishes and whole apples. Braces require careful care of the oral cavity with all sorts of devices, but this is generally useful for everyone, a good habit. I was a little worried about braces due to my profession, since sometimes there are important meetings at work. However, in vain: no one attaches any importance to this, and besides, braces hardly worsen diction (these are not children’s records); on the contrary, they can even improve it. I was pleased with the reaction of my loved ones. A loved one said that braces suit me very well (a dubious, but actually a very nice compliment). Friends praised him for his fortitude. Braces have truly added a healthy amount of self-confidence as a conscious and balanced life choice, I'm very glad I went for it.

Rationally, braces mean straight teeth and health benefits at the cost of certain organizational efforts and time constraints. But when making a decision on an installation, many are confused by irrational things, reinforced by stereotypes in popular culture: “I’m not a teenager, it’s late, I’ll be like Katya Pushkareva, and everyone will point the finger at me, oh, wasted time...” The strangest thing is, what I heard from this episode: “I would like to get braces... but I can’t, I’m afraid that the lower jaw will change and become too masculine, ugly, oh, I should have done it earlier.” The truth is that you don't wake up a new person after getting braces. Passers-by do not hide their children when they see you on the street, flowers do not wither from your smile, a “crown of celibacy” does not suddenly grow on your head. There are reasonable difficulties in installing braces, it is a serious decision, but prejudices here will not help you make a choice.

A beautiful smile is the key to success and good luck for every person. However, not everyone can boast of straight teeth and a correct bite. But, thanks to modern orthodontic methods, namely the braces system, everyone can achieve a great smile.

What are braces and what are they for?

A braces system, or simply braces, is a non-removable structure that allows you to straighten your teeth or correct your bite, regardless of age. The system consists of an arch and clasps, which, thanks to a special glue, are attached to the teeth. Braces are made from different metals or alloys, are characterized by several types of fastening, and also oblige the patient to observe special rules of oral hygiene.

Young girl with braces

Indications and contraindications for installing braces

Indications

• Various degrees of bite deformation;
• Crowding of teeth;
• Excessive development of one jaw relative to the other;
• Dystopia – incorrect position of one or more teeth;
• Eliminating gaps between teeth.

Contraindications

• Absence of a large number of teeth;
• Weak teeth;
• Periodontitis;
• Bruxism (teeth grinding);
• Immune system diseases;
• Oncology;
• Disease of the skeletal system, in which there is a low level of its healing;
• Tuberculosis, HIV, sexually transmitted diseases;
• Allergy to any materials.

When is the best time to start wearing braces?

It is impossible to answer the question posed unambiguously. Each case is individual. Usually the most suitable age is 10-12 years. It is at this time that the child’s active growth occurs, as well as the completion of the formation of the bite. Thus, wearing a brace system will give a good and quick effect.

Depending on the case, the doctor may prescribe treatment at an earlier age, and sometimes at 17-18 years of age. Everything is quite individual.

Photos before and after braces

When choosing the optimal age for installing and wearing braces, it is worth considering:

• The degree of malocclusion;
• Condition of tooth enamel;
• General development of the patient;
• Willingness/unwillingness to wear braces;
• Level of oral hygiene.

It would be a good idea to visit an orthodontist at the age of 3-4 years, when the primary dentition is fully formed. This will allow you to determine in advance whether the child has any problems and how to solve them.

There are three main periods for orthodontic treatment:

Early treatment

Between the ages of 5 and 10 years. During this period, to change the bite or straighten the teeth, removable “plates” structures and elastic mouthguards – trainers – are installed. In special cases, “partial braces” are used.

However, it is worth noting that treatment is considered complete only after all permanent teeth have erupted. Thus, treatment can last from 5-6 years to 14-15, which can lead to unpleasant consequences (the child will get tired of wearing braces for so long). Therefore, starting early treatment should only be done if absolutely necessary.

Treatment during adolescence

11-12 years old. This age is the most favorable for orthodontic treatment. Because This is a time of active growth for the child, solving bite problems and straightening teeth occurs faster and better. Usually at this age a brace system is installed.

Since this orthodontic structure is non-removable, great attention should be paid to oral hygiene.

Treatment for adults

Over 18 years old. Treatment with braces is effective regardless of the patient’s age. However, there are still some differences in teeth alignment and bite correction.

Braces for an adult

Unfortunately, with age, the general condition of teeth worsens. The patient faces problems such as fillings in teeth (some teeth are pulpless), tooth extraction, chronic gum disease - periodontitis. The condition of the body as a whole may also deteriorate. All this can lead to lengthy and not always high-quality treatment.

The basis of treatment is also braces.

Pros and cons of braces

• The main benefit is the ability to correct any pathology associated with the position of the teeth, regardless of age;
• Achieving a beautiful, and most importantly healthy smile. Thanks to the braces system, after 2-3 weeks of treatment, positive changes in the position of the teeth are visible.
• Absolute absence of any age restrictions. The only limitation may be the poor condition of the teeth and gums.

• Oral hygiene becomes more difficult. The patient should brush his teeth more thoroughly. If hygiene is not taken seriously, the accumulation of plaque can lead to caries, gingivitis and other diseases of the teeth and gums.
• Most patients are put off by the length of time they wear braces. Treatment can last from several months to 3 years. Not everyone will agree.
• High cost of braces. Basically, the price depends on the material from which the clasps and arches are made, the duration of treatment, as well as the qualifications of the orthodontist.
• The harm from braces may include increased vulnerability of tooth enamel to the threat of caries.

Lingual brace system

This is a type of orthodontic structures (they are also called invisible) that are attached to the inside of the teeth. This type of braces is popular among movie and pop stars.

How are lingual braces positioned?

Advantages:

• Absolutely invisible, because attached to the inside of the teeth;
• Do not injure the tissues of the oral cavity, namely: cheeks, gums and lips;
• With their help it is possible to correct a deep bite;
• Virtually eliminate the possibility of damage to tooth enamel;
• Allergy sufferers can also wear them, because... Gold may be used in the manufacture of lingual structures.

Flaws:

• May affect diction in the first 2-3 weeks of wearing;
• Possible injury to the tongue and excessive salivation;
• Production time is about 2 months;
• Compared to labial (those that are attached to the front of the teeth) braces, lingual braces are difficult to care for;
• The duration of treatment increases by 3-4 months;
• Quite a high price;
• There are more contraindications than for regular ones.

Ceramic bracket system

Consists of the same elements as regular metal. The material for the manufacture of this type of braces is polycrystalline or monocrystalline ceramics.

ADVANTAGES:

• Aesthetics. The color of the ceramics is similar to the enamel of teeth, which ensures that the system is invisible.
• Hypoallergenic. Ceramic braces can be installed in patients with hypersensitivity to metals;
• Thanks to the smooth surface and rounded shape, the possibility of injury to the cheeks, gums and lips is eliminated.
• High strength;
• resistance to coloring substances contained in food; do not turn yellow over time.

Sapphire and ceramic braces

FLAWS:

• Quite a high cost;
• The duration of treatment increases by 3-4 months;
• Due to the tight fit of the bracket to the tooth enamel, demineralization and destruction are possible.

Are braces harmful to teeth?

For 20 years, clinical research and technological capabilities have improved orthodontic treatment. Thanks to this, wearing modern braces is absolutely safe.

However, patients may encounter certain difficulties:

• Discomfort. After installing the braces, the patient will feel discomfort. The degree of discomfort directly depends on the pain threshold. Usually the patient feels a slight pain in the teeth and gums.
• Poor oral hygiene can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. People often assume that braces leave stains on the teeth or damage the enamel, and also lead to swelling of the gums. This is a myth. The patient should remember to brush his teeth thoroughly, use dental floss and a brush to clean the system. In this case, there will be no problems with your teeth.
• Root resorption is the reduction of tooth roots. It is difficult to determine whether braces had an effect in one case or another, because... Root resorption can occur without orthodontic treatment. Some people are predisposed to this.

Consequences of wearing braces

After completing treatment with braces, the patient may experience complications. If during the treatment the teeth did not have enough calcium, after removing the system, stains may appear on the teeth, i.e. foci of demineralization. Following this, caries appears. A gum pocket may also appear.

You need to understand that the condition of the teeth after removing braces depends entirely on the level of oral hygiene during the treatment itself.

In addition, an experienced orthodontist must not only select the right material and design, but also carefully examine the patient’s oral cavity during each visit. This way you can avoid complications.

Based on the foregoing, it should be noted that braces are the best treatment method in orthodontics. Of course, there are disadvantages. However, the result is worth it. Treatment with braces gives effective results. Even the most complex problems of bite and crooked teeth can be corrected thanks to modern orthodontic structures.

The pros and cons of braces will help determine in which cases it is beneficial to use them. Modern devices are distinguished by high quality and aesthetics. In a short time they help correct malocclusion, the position of teeth, and stretch them when teething is difficult.

Braces are installed separately on each tooth. Fastened with a metal arc. It is easy to adjust to normalize the load on the teeth. The duration of treatment depends on the individual case of each patient. At this time, routine examinations by the orthodontist are carried out. Braces systems are divided into the following types:

• metal;
• ceramic;
• plastic;
• sapphire.

In addition to the bracket itself, an additional elastic band can be installed on it. This helps establish the correct position of the tooth. Pulls that look like small rings that have good elasticity. This is why they are called elastics.

The rubber bands are attached to the braces using special locks. This does not affect the location of the arc and its functionality. Elastic bands exert stress on one, several or all braces. Thus, the teeth begin to move into the correct position. The disadvantages of braces are very minor. Such devices are installed exclusively by a doctor. He determines which brackets they need to be placed on and tightened correctly.

It is worth noting that elastic bands help speed up the healing process. If they are installed correctly, the patient does not feel discomfort during chewing and opening the mouth. Otherwise, you need to see a doctor again to reset the traction.

In addition to elastics, the patient can have springs and mouth guards installed.. They improve the bite in a short time. After installation, pain may occur for several days. This is normal because the teeth are subject to stress. Soon they will get used to the new position and the pain will go away.

Benefits and Features

The main advantage of braces is the fastening in the form of sliding clamps. They come in the form of locks and latches. In this case, replacing the arch and adjusting a separate bracket is carried out effortlessly.

The orthodontist does not apply physical force during the establishment of this system. That's why the patient does not experience severe pain at the first stage of treatment in the jaw area. The first changes are observed after 2-3 months. Therefore, braces have practically no disadvantages.

It is worth noting that the treatment is painless and does not last long. The patient visits the doctor approximately once every 8 weeks. The archwires are changed quickly enough, so a person does not spend a lot of time visiting the orthodontist.

The bracket system moves correctly during the treatment process. The big advantage is that various pathologies can be eliminated without removing teeth. Previously this was problematic. Modern products effectively expand the dentition, if necessary. Dentists are now offering a discreet, non-ligature appearance. Suitable for patients who have complexes about installing such systems. Before installation, you should study the pros and cons of braces.

It is worth noting that non-ligature braces have the ability to install arches of a particularly small diameter. In this way, you can achieve treatment results faster. The bracket system allows you to correct not only the location, but also the incorrect bite.

Traditional systems have an arc. For fastening, the doctor has to spend a lot of time and effort. During the treatment period, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the system, periodically tighten the arc and change it. This is very inconvenient. The patient visits the orthodontist once every 2 weeks. The appointment lasts from 30 to 40 minutes.

The advantage of such devices is that the arc does not need to be blocked. This allows the doctor to move the teeth without much effort. Therefore, you can significantly speed up the process of treatment and correction of the bite. Now Doctors use high-tech power arcs. They are more sophisticated and easy to use.

Installation

Before installing elastic bands on braces, the doctor must examine the condition of the brackets and arches. Additional load is needed if it is necessary to speed up the process of correcting the bite. Often used in cases of significant curvature of teeth. It must be taken very seriously. An incorrectly fixed rod will cause the tooth to grow in the wrong direction. In this case, treatment with braces will become useless.

Rules for securing rubber bands:

• They are attached to special hooks. Placed on the upper and lower jaw simultaneously. This is a very important point.
• The doctor must distribute the load of pulling the elastic bands. It is important to fix the elastic correctly so that the tooth changes in the desired direction.
• Place evenly on both jaws for symmetry. This promotes proper jaw movement.
• The presence of traction on braces should not cause discomfort to the patient.
• The patient himself can choose the color of the elastic bands for installation.

The bracket elastic is secured with special hook-tools. Correctly fixed rubber bands are practically not felt in the oral cavity. The doctor should make sure that the patient does not experience severe discomfort and, if necessary, loosen the tension. The duration of treatment depends on the complexity of the malocclusion and the curvature of the teeth.

Indications for establishment

Children do not have a formed dental system, so they are prohibited from having braces.

In adulthood, this treatment allows you to establish the correct position of the teeth and, if necessary, correct the bite. The optimal age for therapy is 10-12 years. Any braces have a small number of disadvantages.

Older people have no restrictions on treatment. Such systems help eliminate wide tooth gaps. Useful for correcting misaligned teeth. They also effectively help to stretch them out during difficult teething.

Braces for changing the bite

Modern dental clinics can provide patients with braces of any type. Vestibular ones are considered the simplest, and gold ones are considered the most expensive and high-quality.. Mostly, patients want the staples to be invisible. To do this, doctors can suggest ceramics, which are hardly noticeable on the teeth.

There are the most expensive brace systems that are installed on the inside. These are the most invisible staples. The process of installing them is very complex and requires highly qualified doctors. The cost of such an orthodontic device is high.

The sapphire type is considered cheaper. These vestibular braces are made from artificial sapphires. The main difference is that they are hypoallergenic and do not irritate the mucous membranes. Less noticeable are systems that are held together with a colorless arc. Treatment with damon braces is very effective. The difference is that drug therapy is carried out over a short period of time. Such systems do not contain ligatures.

Correcting a malocclusion is very difficult. Before installing braces, the patient must be aware of the complexity of the treatment and responsibility. The main advantages of installing braces include:

• Possibility of correcting any dental pathology. Modern orthodontic devices can correct bite and other problems that spoil a person’s appearance and smile. The list of contraindications is not long.
• Aesthetic smile. With the help of such systems you can achieve remarkable results. Braces provide an opportunity to notice changes initially after installation of the system. This affects overall health
• No age restrictions. Orthodontic appliances are placed on the formed permanent teeth. Cannot be used to treat children under 11 years of age. They help get rid of complexes, increase self-esteem and self-confidence.

Despite the advantages, before installation, the patient should find out what the pros and cons of braces are.

Correcting your bite with braces is not always an advantage. None of the species can cause harm to health. Any braces have few disadvantages. The main disadvantages include:

Difficulty in performing high-quality oral hygiene

In order for the benefits of correcting the bite to occur in a short time, it is necessary to take oral hygiene seriously, since if teeth are not cleaned properly, caries and gingivitis may occur and other pathologies and diseases. It is not difficult to prevent such problems: for this you need to use special brushes and brushes for braces, as well as threads, rinses and an irrigator.

If you monitor your oral health after every meal, you can prevent any harm to your teeth and gums.

Long process of wearing orthodontic systems and retention

Many people are put off by the need to use braces for many months, or to be more precise, from 1 to 3 years. Indeed, the period is impressive, but it seems so only at the very beginning of the system installation. The first changes appear within a few weeks, which allows you to remain inspired.

High cost of orthodontic systems

Any dental equipment is expensive, but braces are especially expensive. The total cost of braces varies on average from 50 to 300 thousand rubles. The cost largely depends on the dental clinic, the type of orthodontic device and the duration of the chosen program.

Initially, it seems that braces are very expensive, but in the end, every expense will pay off, since correcting the bite allows you to prevent the development of a huge number of diseases, especially the digestive and respiratory systems.

Braces require not only patience and investment from orthodontic patients, but also determination.

After all, many people’s idea of ​​designs remains from the past, when systems were quite cumbersome and significantly affected the quality of life.

Modern orthodontics offers you a choice of many types of braces, before installing which you can carefully weigh all their positive and negative qualities.

General advantages of the systems

Modern brace systems have a high level of popularity due to many definitely positive aspects.

Among them are:

• installation during which the patient does not feel pain;
• minimizing the likelihood of developing caries in the oral cavity during the operation of the structure;
• absence of violations in facial aesthetics;
• the ability to create a smile as close to ideal as possible;
• reliability of installation, which makes it impossible for children to remove braces;
• no need for surgical intervention;
• the ability to create all conditions for high-quality hygiene and, if necessary, treatment;
• a wide range of pricing policies allows the majority of orthodontic patients to correct their bite;
• the ability to hide the presence of a structure in the oral cavity from others.

Disadvantages of all designs

There is nothing perfect in this world. Modern braces are no exception. The designs also have disadvantages. Users and experts highlight some inconveniences:

• creating difficulties in caring for the oral cavity when wearing most systems;
• metal braces significantly reduce the aesthetics of a smile;
• speech impairment during the adaptation period of wearing the system;
• the likelihood of injury to the oral mucosa;
• the need to exclude certain foods during treatment;
• construction maintenance costs.

Despite all the listed disadvantages, the final result of wearing braces exceeds all expectations. Otherwise they wouldn't be so popular.

By type of fastening

According to the classification of systems according to the type of fixation, braces are ligature or self-ligating (ligature-free).

Ligature

The design consisting of an arch (ligature) of braces and fastening elements attracts patients due to the following advantages:

• the ability to correct the most complex dental defects;
• absence of pain while wearing the structure, due to the elasticity of the arches;
• the ability to create fastening rubber bands in different colors, which attracts children;
• time-tested reliability;
• availability.

Among the shortcomings of the creators of ligature constructions are:

• tight fixation of the arch often causes a feeling of discomfort during the adaptation period;
• the system creates difficulties when brushing your teeth;
• fastening rings must be changed periodically, since the elastic elements do not withstand the entire service life;
• the material from which the elastic bands are made is prone to staining by food products;
• The duration of treatment is slightly longer than when wearing non-ligature structures.

Self-ligating

The difference between systems of this type is not only the absence of an arc, but also the presence of clamps, due to the sliding of which a specialist can periodically correct the treatment.

Among their main advantages are:

• relatively high level of aesthetics;
• the possibility of bite correction in patients suffering from periodontal disease;
• the compactness of the design creates minimal difficulties during the adaptation period and during brushing;
• participation of the muscles of the lips, cheeks and tongue in the process of correcting the bite, which significantly reduces the service life of braces;
• elimination of the defect occurs due to individual action on each tooth.

Among the disadvantages of orthodontic appliances, patients highlight only the relatively high cost.

According to the material of manufacture

The use of various materials in the manufacture of a structure creates certain positive and negative aspects.

Metal

The classic material creates the following advantages for systems:

• accessibility;
• high strength characteristics and level of resistance to excessive mechanical loads;
• the design is resistant to food coloring;
• does not create a feeling of discomfort during the adaptation period;
• reduces the period of orthodontic treatment.

Despite a number of advantages, there are also disadvantages to metal braces. The most significant include:

• low level of aesthetics;
• the likelihood of gum injury.

Plastic

Plastic for making braces is becoming more and more a thing of the past every year, because orthodontists recommend more advanced devices.

But at one time this type of design proved itself on the positive side:

1. High level of aesthetics. According to this characteristic, the product is not inferior to ceramic and sapphire braces. With professional color selection, the plastic will not differ from the tone of your enamel, and transparent ligatures will completely hide the system on the teeth.
2. Security level. In rare cases, the material injures the mucous membrane and causes irritation on the mucous membrane. In addition, the plastic used to make the structure is hypoallergenic.
3. Unique design. The material allows manufacturers to create not only multi-colored orthodontic devices, but also to decorate them with drawings, which eliminates many problems when installing the device for a child.
4. Availability. Compared to other types of braces, plastic systems can be afforded by the majority of patients in orthodontic clinics.

Experts, as a rule, before installing a structure made of aesthetically valuable material, invite patients to familiarize themselves with its shortcomings.

Among them:

1. Tendency to pigmentation. You can enjoy a high level of aesthetics only for the first few months. Afterwards, under the influence of food coloring, the plastic will change color.
2. Low strength characteristics. Plastic cannot withstand significant mechanical loads. It is easily erased and can peel off from the system, which negatively affects the duration of treatment.
3. Slow bite correction process. Due to the low level of friction of plastic, patients wear systems based on it much longer.
4. Availability of additional investments. When structural elements come loose or break, systems must be replaced, which incurs unexpected costs.

Ceramic

Some of the most expensive designs for correcting malocclusion differ due to certain advantages:

• have a high level of aesthetics;
• practically do not cause difficulties during the adaptation period;
• have excellent strength characteristics and adhere securely to the teeth;
• do not injure the oral mucosa.

Aesthetically attractive devices also have a number of disadvantages:

• Ligatures must be changed monthly. In addition, they are not resistant to food coloring;
• the design is not compact; the parameters of ceramic systems are inferior to metal ones;
• the need for constant change of ligatures increases the duration of treatment;
• ceramics are unable to cope with severe forms of defects;
• Due to the high cost, few can afford to install this type of structure.

Sapphire

This type of orthodontic structures stands out from others with the following positive aspects:

• high level of aesthetics, due to its compactness and resistance to coloring pigments. Therefore, owners of the design are confident that the surface of the product will not change color throughout its entire service life;
• minimal adaptation period;
• lack of influence on diction;
• smooth surface, which ensures safety of wearing the system and prevents damage to the mucous membrane of the gums or tongue;
• minimal likelihood of developing caries in the oral cavity with appropriate care.

Despite such ideal characteristics, the sapphire orthodontic device also has a number of disadvantages:

• compared to metal systems, they are more fragile and require careful handling;
• create certain conditions for carrying out hygiene procedures. Products should be cleaned after each meal, and morning and evening manipulations should be carried out with a special brush and paste;
• wearing a fragile structure increases the duration of treatment;
• sapphire systems are much more expensive than hard-to-find ceramic ones.

By location

In addition to the fact that braces are made from different materials and are fixed in different ways, they may also differ in their location in the oral cavity.

Vestibular

Systems installed on the front areas of the teeth still have certain advantages:

• the design can be selected to suit any budget, because all the materials listed above are used for this type of fastening;
• installation of such braces is carried out in all orthodontic clinics;
• can correct bites of any complexity.

Disadvantages of the vestibular apparatus:

• the need to use additional tools for oral care - brushes, dental floss, irrigators, etc.;
• low level of aesthetics, especially when it comes to metal systems;
• the likelihood of stains forming on the enamel during operation.

Lingual

The main advantage of this type of braces is that they are invisible to prying eyes, since the systems are fixed on the inside of the teeth.

But the advantages of lingual systems do not end there:

• do not injure the mucous membranes of the cheeks, gums and lips;
• able to cope with deep bite problems;
• do not damage the enamel structure;
• make it possible to make a design even for allergy sufferers.

However, lingual braces also have a significant list of disadvantages that overshadow all the advantages described:

• internal systems distort diction, the correction of which requires diligent special training;
• the design can damage the mucous membrane of the tongue and create the sensation of a foreign body in the mouth;
• installation of the device requires a lot of time;
• one of the systems that has the largest number of contraindications;
• internal localization increases the treatment period;
• for a high level of aesthetics you will have to pay a considerable amount.

You will learn the opinions of orthodontic patients about the pros and cons of various braces from the video.

Popular myths

On many forums on the global Internet, and in life, people discuss many myths and legends about installing and wearing braces.

Orthodontics is not for adults!

Modern braces have no age restrictions. If the condition of the oral cavity allows, why not correct the malocclusion.

Of course, with age, teeth misalignment only gets worse. However, this is not a contraindication to the installation of an orthodontic apparatus; it will simply require products with the highest impact indicators.

In addition, to prevent the teeth from returning to their usual place, the treatment includes a retention period - wearing special retainer products to consolidate the result.

For some adults, the retention period can last for the rest of their lives.

Impact on dental health

The design itself does not provoke the development of caries in the oral cavity. Disease and destruction of enamel is a consequence of lack of quality oral care.

Braces that are glued to the teeth can also affect the structure of hard tissues. Therefore, when correcting a bite, you should not skimp on hygiene products and give preference to systems that closely interact with the enamel.

Malocclusion is just an aesthetic defect

In addition to correcting aesthetic defects, braces perform a preventive function for many problems in the body. After all, uneven distribution of the load due to malocclusion will eventually lead to the loss of teeth, which are most involved in the chewing process.

In addition, pathology sometimes significantly affects the quality of grinding of products, which leads to malfunctions of the gastrointestinal tract.

Incorrectly positioned teeth complicate dental treatment and hygiene procedures, cause inflammatory processes and can lead to dysfunction of the mandibular joint.

Allergy sufferers are not allowed

Today, when studying the condition of the patient’s oral cavity, specialists are interested in the presence of allergies to certain types of materials that are used for the manufacture of structures, in the last place.

After all, modern orthodontics allows you to choose braces that will not cause rejection. The only question remains is the price.

The video provides more information about the pros and cons of leveling devices.