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Pathological bite today is considered one of the most common dental problems. This defect affects approximately 10% of the population. The danger is that such a violation not only causes a cosmetic defect on the face, but also leads to early tooth loss and the possibility of various diseases of the digestive tract. In this case, poorly ground food penetrates into the stomach cavity, which leads to the fact that the digestive organs receive a double load, associated with the need for additional processing of the incoming food substance. Over time, an inflammatory reaction begins in organ tissues.

The most suitable method is considered to be the installation of a special corrective structure (braces) on the teeth. It is fixed on the dentition, which is subject to alignment. With the help of braces, you can correct your bite at almost any age. It is most rational to do this in childhood, when the final ossification of the jaws has not yet occurred and it is much easier to move dental units in the required direction.

Modern orthodontics allows for the correction of teeth that did not undergo treatment at a young age. In addition, there are situations when dental problems occur in adulthood:

• during the period of appearance of “wisdom” teeth, displacing the dental row;
• after resection of unhealthy dental units, when neighboring teeth move into the free space.

Orthodontic therapy in such cases is the optimal way to eliminate the anomaly that has arisen.

The questions “How do braces work?”, “Which ones are better to choose?” every person who has encountered and wants to correct a defect is interested. In short, the corrective effect is achieved through prolonged, precisely thought-out pressure on the teeth with orthodontic arches. Thanks to the targeted effect of traction, crooked teeth are gradually “stretched” in the right direction and take the correct position.

Plastic braces

These systems are considered a worthy alternative to metal structures, but, unlike the latter, they are characterized by an aesthetic appearance. Plastic braces are more similar to ceramic or sapphire structures than to metal systems.

It is quite simple to choose the color of plastic to match the enamel of the patient’s teeth. Plastic structures compare favorably with others due to their affordable cost, as well as wide possibilities in terms of color choice. The disadvantages include fragility, dietary restrictions (very strict requirements are imposed on the consumption of solid food) and a long correction period.

In addition, these braces often have to be changed, which does not have the best effect on the cost of treatment.

The best brands of plastic braces

1. Spirit Alexander. Made of transparent plastic and have a metal groove for the arc. These are the only aesthetic braces that have wings to correct rotations. The rotary wings are made of stainless steel, but when installing the braces system, they are hidden behind the wire arch, which allows you to maintain the aesthetics of the overall appearance of the braces.
   Spirit Alexander braces have rightfully gained well-deserved popularity among practicing orthodontists around the world. Comparable in aesthetic qualities to ceramic braces, plastic braces have a number of undeniable advantages: ease of installation, safety of removal from the enamel surface, adequate friction force.
2. Spirit MB. Spirit MB plastic braces developed by ORMCO combine the excellent aesthetic characteristics and biomechanics of metal braces. Adhesion (sticking) to the enamel surface is achieved through mushroom-shaped undercuts on the base of the bracket, which create mechanical fixation comparable in reliability to metal braces. Spirit MB braces (Spirit) can be installed on any orthodontic adhesive.
   The use of a metal groove makes it possible to improve the sliding of the arc and more accurately implement the angular and torque characteristics inherent in the braces.
   It is not recommended for use on the lower jaw in cases of deep bite (braces can be worn out due to occlusal interference).
3. Elegance. The amazing bonding characteristics of Elegance SL (Super Lock) provide excellent adhesion to tooth enamel. Features include: Fiberglass reinforced composite, High break resistance, Computer generated design, Minimum size with maximum strength, Optimal sliding mechanism, Special metal slot design, One piece single groove and hook design, Maximum strength without cracking, Clear color marking system .

Frequently asked questions

First of all, one that does not injure the gums during use. At the same time, the quality of oral hygiene depends more on whether the teeth are brushed correctly than on the shape or type of toothbrush. As for electric brushes, for uninformed people they are a more preferable option; although you can clean your teeth efficiently with a simple (manual) brush. In addition, a toothbrush alone is often not enough - floss (special dental floss) must be used to clean between the teeth.

Mouthwashes are additional hygiene products that effectively cleanse the entire oral cavity of harmful bacteria. All these products can be divided into two large groups - therapeutic and preventive and hygienic.

The latter include mouthwashes that eliminate unpleasant odors and promote fresh breath.

As for therapeutic and prophylactic ones, these include rinses that have anti-plaque/anti-inflammatory/anti-carious effects and help reduce the sensitivity of hard dental tissues. This is achieved due to the presence of various biologically active components in the composition. Therefore, the mouthwash must be selected individually for each individual, as well as toothpaste. And since the product is not washed off with water, it only consolidates the effect of the active ingredients of the paste.

This type of cleaning is completely safe for dental tissues and causes less damage to the soft tissues of the oral cavity. The fact is that in dental clinics a special level of ultrasonic vibrations is selected, which affects the density of the stone, disrupts its structure and separates it from the enamel. In addition, in places where tissues are treated with an ultrasonic scaler (this is the name of the device for cleaning teeth), a special cavitation effect occurs (after all, oxygen molecules are released from water droplets, which enter the treatment area and cool the tip of the instrument). The cell membranes of pathogenic microorganisms are ruptured by these molecules, causing the microbes to die.

It turns out that ultrasonic cleaning has a comprehensive effect (provided that really high-quality equipment is used) both on the stone and on the microflora as a whole, cleansing it. But the same cannot be said about mechanical cleaning. Moreover, ultrasonic cleaning is more pleasant for the patient and takes less time.

According to dentists, dental treatment should be carried out regardless of your situation. Moreover, a pregnant woman is recommended to visit the dentist every one to two months, because, as you know, when carrying a baby, the teeth are significantly weakened, suffer from a deficiency of phosphorus and calcium, and therefore the risk of developing caries or even tooth loss increases significantly. To treat pregnant women, it is necessary to use harmless anesthetics. The most appropriate course of treatment should be selected exclusively by a qualified dentist, who will also prescribe the required medications that strengthen tooth enamel.

It is quite difficult to treat wisdom teeth due to their anatomical structure. However, qualified specialists successfully treat them. Wisdom teeth prosthetics are recommended when one (or several) adjacent teeth are missing or need to be removed (if you also remove a wisdom tooth, there will simply be nothing to chew). In addition, removal of a wisdom tooth is undesirable if it is located in the correct place in the jaw, has its own antagonist tooth and takes part in the chewing process. You should also take into account the fact that poor quality treatment can lead to the most serious complications.

Here, of course, a lot depends on a person’s taste. So, there are absolutely invisible systems attached to the inside of the teeth (known as lingual), and there are also transparent ones. But the most popular are still metal bracket systems with colored metal/elastic ligatures. It's really fashionable!

To begin with, it is simply unattractive. If this is not enough for you, we present the following argument - tartar and plaque on the teeth often provoke bad breath. Is this not enough for you? In this case, we move on: if tartar “grows”, this will inevitably lead to irritation and inflammation of the gums, that is, it will create favorable conditions for periodontitis (a disease in which periodontal pockets form, pus constantly flows out of them, and the teeth themselves become mobile ). And this is a direct path to the loss of healthy teeth. Moreover, the number of harmful bacteria increases, which causes increased dental caries.

The service life of a well-established implant will be tens of years. According to statistics, at least 90 percent of implants function perfectly 10 years after installation, while the service life is on average 40 years. Typically, this period will depend both on the design of the product and on how carefully the patient cares for it. That is why it is imperative to use an irrigator during cleaning. In addition, it is necessary to visit the dentist at least once a year. All these measures will significantly reduce the risk of implant loss.

Removal of a dental cyst can be done therapeutically or surgically. In the second case, we are talking about tooth extraction with further cleaning of the gums. In addition, there are modern methods that allow you to save the tooth. This is, first of all, cystectomy - a rather complex operation that involves removing the cyst and the affected root tip. Another method is hemisection, in which the root and a fragment of the tooth above it are removed, after which it (the part) is restored with a crown.

As for therapeutic treatment, it consists of cleaning out the cyst through a root canal. This is also a difficult option, especially not always effective. Which method should you choose? This will be decided by the doctor together with the patient.

In the first case, professional systems based on carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide are used to change the color of teeth. Obviously, it is better to give preference to professional whitening.

), Candidate of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery and Surgical Dentistry of KSMA, Assistant Head. Department of Academic Affairs. Awarded the medal "Excellence in Dentistry" in 2016.

Wearing braces in the modern world has become commonplace and even fashionable. The mere fact of their presence indicates that a person takes his image and his own health seriously. In this article we will look at the positioning and rating of braces.

Braces are used to correct malocclusion. These designs are represented by special orthodontic devices of a removable or non-removable type. Braces are installed on one of the jaws (upper or lower), or on both at once. These plates apply pressure to the teeth in a chosen direction to move and return the teeth to their normal position.

With the help of braces, you can solve various problems to correct your bite. Such designs help to form the desired position of the dentition, create the necessary space between the teeth, and expand the palate or jaw.

Depending on the complexity of the pathology and the type of devices used, the course of treatment with braces usually ranges from six months to three years.

Types of braces

Braces systems are very diverse. They are divided according to the methods of attachment to the teeth and the material from which the plates are made.

Braces can be described as a kind of micro-locks that are attached to each tooth individually, joining a special arch. The arch is made of metal and is pulled through the grooves of the braces.

Methods for fixing the arch of dental structures can be done using removable rings or ligatures (elastic or metal), as well as using special “lids”.

In this regard, bracket systems are divided into non-ligature (or).

Also, these types of corrective plates are divided into vestibular (located on the outside of the dentition) and lingual (located on the side of the tongue) structures.

In addition, bracket systems are divided depending on the material used for their manufacture: ceramic, composite, combined, etc. We will also try to understand the sea of ​​different braces models.

The best braces

It is impossible to say what the best braces are. For each patient, the characteristics of his malocclusion, financial capabilities, skill of the orthodontist, etc. are important. At the present stage, braces can be standard (vestibular or external) or made individually (lingual or internal).
The selection of the type of corrective structures is determined by a specialist. A good result in correcting any type of malocclusion largely depends on the skill of your orthodontist. We will present the rating of different types of braces below.

Metal bracket systems

Metal structures are considered the most reliable. Made from durable medical steel, they do not corrode and are effective for many malocclusion pathologies. Metal structures are affordable, and modern technologies make it possible not to create any (physical or psychological) discomfort for patients.

Metal braces have the following advantages:

• high-strength, minimally susceptible to fractures and deformations;
• used for serious malocclusion pathologies;
• Patients experience minimal discomfort or pain at all stages of treatment;
• highly effective with minimal treatment time (20% less than braces made from other materials);
• do not change color until the end of treatment;
• do not stain tooth enamel.

Metal braces have the following disadvantages:

• not aesthetic;
• impossibility of individual production;
• high price;
• the possibility of allergic reactions in the oral cavity (more expensive structures are made of gold or titanium).

Rating of metal braces

Let's take a look at several of the best types of metal braces:

1. Damon – This is a self-ligating system with minimal treatment time. It has comfortable locks and a sliding system, low friction. These qualities determine the accuracy of installation and the effectiveness of treatment.
2. Alexander– made of a unique alloy of hypoallergenic medical steel. Installed without ligatures. The materials are particularly durable and resistant to various deformations. The system is small in size and has “wings” that allow control of their movement. The price for these types of structures is affordable: from 9 to 12 thousand rubles.
3. Ormco – These are classic ligature systems with a small thickness. This ensures high comfort for patients. It has three varieties, which are made of titanium, an alloy coated with gold or nickel. The system provides patients with excellent closure of all teeth. It can be attached even with incomplete teething. The price varies depending on the type of alloy: from 9 thousand rubles (nickel-titanium) to 25 thousand rubles (gold).

Ceramic braces

Ceramic braces are the best in terms of aesthetics. These include ligature and self-ligating systems. The color of the structures is as close as possible to the shade of the patient’s tooth enamel.

Ceramic plates are very comfortable for patients. Photopolymers or chemical materials are used for their manufacture.

The advantages of this type of braces are:

• sufficient strength of structures;
• hypoallergenic;
• minimal discomfort;
• resistance to coloring when consuming products;
• high aesthetics and absence of psychological complexes when using;
• no yellowing when worn;
• minimal degree of injury to soft tissues due to the absence of sharp parts and increased surface smoothness.

Ceramic braces also have a number of disadvantages:

• high cost of systems;
• possible demineralization of enamel due to the tight fit of the plates to the teeth;
• increasing the correction period by several months;
• the unpleasant process of removing them at the end of treatment.

The best ceramic braces systems

The most popular models of ceramic braces are:

1. Reflections – are relatively inexpensive. They are made using aluminum oxide. For these structures, original fastenings called “swallow tail” are used, which ensures ideal fastening of the system to the teeth. Their cost is about 42 thousand rubles ().
2. Aspire – These are plates made of almost completely transparent ceramics and have metal grooves with gold plating. Such structures are invisible on the teeth. The disadvantage of this type of plate is its price. – from 50 thousand rubles per jaw.
3. – are presented by designs made of high-strength ceramics. The plates are made strictly to match the patient’s enamel shade. The price is about 85 thousand rubles (for two jaws).

Sapphire braces

Sapphire designs are the most transparent of all other types. These are the most aesthetic types of records for people whose status forces them to take special care of their appearance. These are the most expensive braces. Such plates are made from single-crystal sapphires. Most often, these types of braces are used for patients with minor malocclusions.

Sapphire braces are valued for the following features:

• invisible on the teeth;
• constancy of the color of the structures throughout the entire correction stage;
• absence of discomfort and excellent patient adaptation;
• avoiding trauma to mucous membranes due to smooth polishing of the plates;
• optimal grip for reliable fixation and ease of removal;
• avoiding injury to tooth enamel;
• the most precise positioning to achieve the ideal smile shape;
• indispensable for visitors to nightlife establishments, since such structures do not glow in neon lights.

The main disadvantages of such systems include

• high cost of structures;
• long wearing period;
• the need for special care due to the fragility of these structures;
• especially careful oral hygiene;
• the impossibility of using the method for serious bite problems.

Rating of sapphire braces

Sapphire braces are considered to be a new generation of innovations in the field of orthodontics. The most commonly used of them are the models:

1. Ormco (Inspire ICE) – This is an American braces system that offers maximum transparency in the dental market. This type of plate is characterized by the highest degree of polishing.
2. American Orthodontics (Radiance) – plate system with particular strength. These structures have reinforcement in the center with edges that are fluffed, which facilitates the process of installation and removal.
3. Ortho Technology (Pure) – look especially neat and aesthetically pleasing. They have a special coating with zirconium dioxide powder, which greatly facilitates the removal of these plates.

Sapphire bracket systems are the most expensive compared to other types. These designs are divided into 2 categories depending on cost. The economy option category is characterized by a price from 90 to 120 thousand rubles. For the business option, the cost of the plates ranges from 120 to 200 thousand rubles.

The cost of sapphire braces includes the following treatment stages:

• cost of manufacturing plates for both jaws;
• teeth polishing;
• servicing patients with insertion and removal of plates;
• production of a non-removable retainer to consolidate the treatment result.

Plastic bracket systems

Plastic braces appeared as an alternative to metal plates. Such designs made it possible to make correction devices more aesthetically pleasing. The appearance of these braces can be compared to structures made of sapphire and ceramics. Currently, the color of the plastic is also matched to the color of the patients' enamel. These braces are not lingual.

Plastic structures have the following characteristics:

• low cost of structures (lower than all other types of systems);
• the ability to select the color of the plastic to match the color of the teeth;
• use of color plates in pediatrics to attract patients.

The negative features of plastic braces include:

• Due to the fragility of the material, the plates can break easily. Therefore, many patients have to frequently order new plates.
• Do not eat solid food while using the plates.
• A high degree of friction makes it difficult to move teeth, which increases the correction time.
• Plastic easily stains when consumed by many products (tea, coffee, chocolate, berries, soda, etc.), or when smoking.
• Frequent replacement of plastic plates increases the cost of malocclusion treatment.

Rating of plastic braces

In the modern market of orthodontic services, the best and most reliable braces made from plastic systems are:

1. Silkon– due to the manufacture of non-porous material, friction is reduced at the moment of arc movement. The system is perfectly fixed to the dentition.
2. – have metal grooves, which improves sliding and has increased resistance to abrasion.
3. Elan– have special relief bases to duplicate uneven dental surfaces and improve fixation. The metal frame increases the strength of these structures.

The pricing policy for this type of plate (excluding the cost of maintenance and installation) varies:

• for economy option – from 20 thousand rubles;
• for business option – from 30 thousand rubles;
• for VIP class – from 50 thousand rubles.

It is difficult for any patient to independently decide on the choice of the best type of braces for him. Leave this choice to a competent and experienced orthodontist. And then your health and your beauty will be in good hands.

Sources used:

• “Fixed technique in orthodontics” (Tokarevich N.A.)
• Goldstein, Ronald Cosmetic Dentistry. In 3 volumes. Volume 1. Theoretical foundations. Principles of communication. Treatment methods / Ronald Goldstein. - M.: STBOOK, 2003. - 496 p.

Not all people naturally have beautiful, straight teeth. Many people have crooked growth of one or more teeth.

There are several reasons for the anomaly. But dentists have developed a trouble-free and effective method for correcting it. By fixing special structures on the teeth, they gradually lead to alignment of the dentition. But which braces are best?

Ligature and non-ligature bracket systems are used. They differ in the way they are attached to the teeth. Depending on their location, they are vestibular and lingual. The first type is traditional, when the structure is installed on the outer surface of the tooth.

Lingual systems are located on the inside of the front row of teeth and are almost invisible. They are more difficult to manufacture and more expensive than traditional devices. To install lingual braces, a base is made that follows the anatomical structure of the client’s teeth.

Ligature

Often used to create an ideal dentition. They are made from various materials and have several methods of fastening. Many patients choose just such orthodontic systems.

Nice bracket system with colored ligatures

Their peculiarity lies in ease of use and high efficiency. The ligature system corrects malocclusion well. This design is a connection of braces with an arc using a ring

Peculiarities

The ligature system is one of the foundations of orthodontic therapy.

Most of the deviations associated with malocclusion can be corrected precisely thanks to its installation.

The design consists of connecting braces to an arch using a metal ring, which, in fact, is called a ligature.

Sometimes it is replaced with metal wire. Correction of the position of the teeth is carried out slowly. To overcome the friction force, elastic ligatures are used.

What braces are best for a teenager (reviews on this point can be found at the end of the material)? Patients are given a choice of colored ligature system, transparent and decorated. more reliable. They look silver and chrome plated. Only a dentist can make a correction if the structure is displaced.

Species

Types of ligature braces according to the type of material used:

• . A system made of this material is almost invisible on the teeth. Its disadvantage is its high cost. This is explained by the fact that each element consists of artificial sapphire, which in appearance is very similar to a natural tooth. Single crystals are of high quality:
• . When worn, they stick strongly to the teeth. For this reason, they are not recommended for use by children. The sensitive thin enamel of children's teeth can be damaged when the structure is removed;
• . Consist of metal and ceramics. This bracket system is durable, has a familiar appearance, and costs much less than its sapphire counterpart. When smiling, she is visually more noticeable than him, which is a significant drawback. You should visit your dentist every month for adjustments.

What braces are best for adults? Many patients feel embarrassed about wearing a metal structure on their teeth and try to choose a less noticeable option. Ceramics have good strength indicators, but such a system is difficult to remove. The most popular models of ligature systems are “Master”, “Victory”, “Tiger”, “Pilot”.

Metal model "Pilot"

Or maybe choose plastic?

Let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of the most popular braces systems:

They combine the advantages of sapphire and plastic systems, are invisible on the teeth, do not cause inflammation of the oral cavity, and do not spoil the coating of the teeth.

When choosing a material, you should be guided not only by the cost and appearance of the device.

You should listen to the opinion of your dentist and choose the system for correcting malocclusion that he recommends. Sometimes, in particularly difficult cases, the doctor recommends a durable metal structure. She copes with the task faster and can even out any uneven teeth.

To reduce the cost of the device, you can put ceramics on the visible part of the dentition, and metal elements on the remote part.

Contraindications

Who should not wear ligature braces:

• small children;
• allergy patients;
• if available;
• with poor oral care;
• in case of mental disorders in the patient.

At what age is it best to get braces for a child? Experts recommend starting bite correction at the age of 11-12 years. By the way, correcting a bite in adolescence is much easier than in adults.

Advantages

Ligature braces are highly effective and cope well with the assigned tasks. Therapeutic actions in this case bring good results. Due to the long-term wearing of the structure, the complexes are partially removed when using ceramic and sapphire systems.

Compared to non-ligature constructions, ligature ones are cheaper.

Flaws

Ligature correction systems also have disadvantages:

• plastic elements have to be replaced frequently, as they wear out and lose their qualities;
• installation of rigid metal ligatures causes significant pain;
• difficulties in oral hygiene;
• sensitivity to food dyes;
• monthly adjustments from a specialist;
• longer treatment period than with self-regulating systems.

Unligated

They are based on a metal arc, which is fixed with a tiny lock with a lid, which makes up one of the structural elements. The position of the arch should be corrected much less frequently than when wearing ligature structures. You should visit a specialist once every 2-3 months.

Metal self-ligating braces

This type of bite correction system attracts many patients with promises to speed up the treatment process by a third. But the practical application of non-ligature braces shows. That the period of their influence is no shorter than other systems, and doctors advise adjusting the position of the metal arc more often than the stated period - every month. This increases the effectiveness of treatment.

Pain can be felt while wearing any type of braces. It depends on the degree of unevenness and on the individual characteristics of the patient.

Installation and wearing of non-ligature structures is less painful. The force pressure on the teeth is reduced, the jaws do not experience additional stress.

Material of manufacture

To find the answer to the question of which braces are the best, a review of the materials from which they are made will help:

• metal– a compound of titanium and nickel. If you are allergic to nickel, the elements are made exclusively from titanium. This is a budget, effective, durable material;
• gold– medical steel is coated with a thin gold coating. This is a more expensive material than nickel, but it is chosen by the doctor and the patient for medical reasons for gastrointestinal problems;
• plastic– this material has great possibilities for choosing a color to match the teeth. This is the cheapest design option. Despite not all the advantages, it is extremely rarely used, as it often breaks and can cause inflammation of the mucous membrane. Plastic absorbs food coloring;
• artificial sapphires– transparent sapphire braces look very neat, they are almost invisible on the teeth. Which braces are better – sapphire or ceramic? In terms of efficiency and aesthetics, they are almost the same, but sapphire systems are much more expensive.
• ceramics– the most optimal and popular option. Ceramic braces are not painted, you can choose a color close to your native one, and most importantly, they are easy to attach and remove. And one more important advantage - having a presentable appearance, they are much cheaper than sapphires.

What braces are best?

The doctor must decide which braces to install. It is based on an examination of the dentition, features, and degree of curvature of the teeth. For severe curvature, metal braces are suitable, which are not very beautiful, but are durable.

To answer the question of which brace system is better, let’s once again look at comparing their parameters:

• mounting method: ligatures are flat, 1-1.5 mm smaller than non-ligature elements, which use more massive clasps;
• efficiency of application: complex curvatures are better treated with ligatures, classic malocclusions are successfully corrected with self-regulating ones;
• correction procedure: changing the position of the metal arc passing through the ligatures takes longer. Ligature-free systems require less attention during operation.

The hygienic treatment procedure takes longer for structures equipped with plastic elements - rubber bands. Braces with micro-locks cost more.