Metal braces are an all-time classic in orthodontic treatment. They are affordable, reliable and versatile. In addition, this “accessory” has ceased to be associated with something terrible and even evokes respect for its owner. Vestibular metal braces are installed on the outside of the teeth. The complex apparatus consists of grooves (locks), the shape and size of which are selected depending on the location of the tooth, as well as a special power arc and fasteners.

Reasons for metal braces

Thanks to the use of medical stainless steel and increased elasticity of the arc, the system is able to withstand any load, and therefore straighten even the most crooked teeth.

Other advantages of iron braces:

• low friction between the elements of the device reduces the correction time;
• low probability of breakdowns;
• ease of installation;
• the ability to use different types of metal;
• lowest price.

The main disadvantage is the visibility on the teeth. Unfortunately, metal cannot be made invisible. However, you should not treat braces as an object that spoils your appearance. On the contrary, it is an indicator of caring about your health and beauty.

How do metal braces work?

Metal braces consist of separate bases that are fixed to the tooth surface using a special dental adhesive - cement. It contains fluoride and protects the enamel from the loss of essential minerals.

On the surface of the metal braces, facing the lips, there are grooves into which the metal arch is inserted. It is she who forces the teeth into the correct position by putting pressure on them.

The arch is fixed to the base of the bracket using ligatures - metal or plastic (they look like ordinary rubber bands).

The entire structure is held on the jaw using orthodontic rings: they are put on the sixth, seventh or eighth teeth. Like braces, rings are attached to the teeth using fluoride cement.

Types of metal systems

The most popular are iron braces of various types from the American manufacturer Ormco. The products of this company have been thoroughly tested and recognized by orthodontists around the world.

• classic ligature - grooves are attached to the arch using ligatures in the form of rings or wire;
• non-ligating (self-ligating) - fastening is carried out using special clips that open and release the arch at the right moment, due to this the treatment becomes more comfortable and painless;
• mini - the smaller size of the elements simplifies hygienic care, improves aesthetics, and reduces the risk of developing caries;
• damon q - non-ligature system, the grooves have smoothed edges and are approximately 2 times smaller than the classic ones;
• sprint is a monolithic system, does not contain nickel compounds, ideal for patients with allergies;
• roth - have a diamond-shaped design, which gives greater comfort during positioning, 30% less than conventional designs.

Comparison with ceramic braces

Metal braces have several advantages over ceramic braces: they are cheaper, stronger, and, most importantly, they correct the bite faster. At the same time, metal is unconditionally inferior to ceramics in aesthetic terms.

Ceramic braces are matched to the color of the tooth enamel and are practically invisible when worn, while metal structures are very noticeable.

It should also be noted that ceramics do not irritate the gums and mucous membranes as much as metal.

Photos "before" and "after"

Cost and effectiveness of treatment with iron braces

The average cost of orthodontic treatment with metal braces is 20,000 rubles. This amount includes:

• orthopantomographic image of the jaws with interpretation (from 2,000 rubles);
• cast (about 1,000 rubles);
• production of a diagnostic model for the manufacture of a structure (from 1,000 rubles);
• bracket system (from 8,000 rubles);
• fixation of the system (from 8,000 rubles).

If treatment with metal braces is what you need, below the text there is a list of recommended dentists where they are installed.

Knowing what your braces will be made of is, at the very least, simply interesting: what will end up “at its permanent place of residence” in your mouth? But there is also practical benefit in such knowledge. The range of materials for making braces today is very wide, and they all have their pros and cons that may influence your choice.

First you need to define the terms. The fact is that in colloquial speech today it is customary to call the whole thing braces. But in the narrow, professional meaning of the word, a brace is just a small lock, a bracket that fits tightly to the tooth. In most cases, 20 such brackets are installed, and in addition to them, the system contains an arch, ligatures and rods. All these elements can be made from different materials, so we will consider them separately.

What materials are locks made from?

Braces (brackets, locks) are:

• Metal. Stainless steel is most often used, sometimes with an admixture of nickel. The advantages of metal braces are their relative simplicity (including maintenance), reliability and cost-effectiveness. It is believed that metal braces solve problems with malocclusion as quickly as possible. Their significant disadvantages include the fact that they are very noticeable on the teeth and, in addition, can cause an allergic reaction. In this case, titanium becomes the material of choice. In addition, even the simplest ones can be coated with gold plating, and then the braces from a medical device will turn into a real decoration, and a hypoallergenic one at that. Naturally, this will affect their cost - they will become much more expensive.
• Plastic. The main advantage of such braces will be their color - it can completely match the tone of the enamel of your teeth. But there are also disadvantages: such braces are more fragile and require more careful care - the plastic can darken from contact with food coloring. This will negate all of its “invisibility”, for which, by the way, you will have to pay extra.
• Sapphire. Despite the loud name, they are still made not from a natural gemstone, but from artificial sapphire. This is a special type of ceramic, also called single crystal. Their disadvantages are similar to those that plastic braces have - they are fragility and the ability to absorb dyes. There are also undoubted ones: this is a spectacular shine and special transparency (after all, it’s not for nothing that they are called sapphire!) and the possibility of ultra-reliable attachment to the teeth.

These are the main, most common materials used to make braces.

What materials are arcs made from?

But the arches of the orthodontic system are almost always made of metal - only it is strong enough to move the teeth to the right place! These can be different alloys:

• High quality stainless steel (SS)
• Titanium+molybdenum (TMA)
• Nitinol (nickel+titanium, Ni-Ti)
• Copper+nickel+titanium (Cu Ni-Ti).

The choice of archwire material is determined to a much lesser extent by the patient’s wishes - it depends on how serious the bite defects that need to be corrected are, because each alloy has special flexible properties. Another thing is that the arc can be coated with a special coating - in order to make it less noticeable (ceramic coating) or, on the contrary, more striking (gold coating). This measure will also protect those who suffer from metal allergies.

What materials are ligatures and rods made of?

It remains to consider two components of brace systems - ligatures and traction. With the latter, everything is quite simple: these are special rubber bands that create additional tension, and there is not much to choose from. The ligatures that secure the arches in the grooves of the brackets are also rubber. Their disadvantages will be low hygiene and weak strength, that is, they will need to be frequently visited at the clinic to replace them. If they are made of metal (steel alloy, silver, aluminum), then the same rules for choosing a material apply to them as in the case of arcs.

Expert opinion

The state of modern orthodontics is such that the patient today always has a choice. It all depends on your priorities. Do you want treatment to be relatively cheap and as fast as possible? Choose metal braces. Do you dream that your braces will not be noticeable to others? Plastic or . Or maybe you want to be proud of your orthopedic system and wear it as a kind of “necklace” for your teeth? Sapphire braces and a gold-plated archwire are very beautiful! Of course, it is necessary to take into account existing medical indications: the degree of deformation of the patient’s bite, the complexity of the problems to be corrected, the presence of an individual reaction of the body to metals, etc. Listen to the opinion of your doctor, soberly assess your financial capabilities and trust your aesthetic taste - and your choice of braces will be optimal!

Metal braces are used to correct incorrect bite or tooth position. This is a complex non-removable structure that is fixed with orthodontic glue to the inner or outer tooth surface. Braces consist of grooves into which an arch is placed, the pressure of which gradually aligns the teeth.

For a week after the installation of metal braces, a person feels discomfort, expressed in pain when chewing food, pressing, and talking. The inconvenience will disappear when the system ceases to be a foreign body for the body. When rubbing the mucous membranes, lips, cheeks or tongue, you need to take medications that can relieve pain.

Metal braces require correction once every 30 days. This is necessary in order to increase the efficiency of the installation. When visiting a doctor, the patient's arch is changed and the integrity of the metal locks is checked. The orthodontist will determine how long to wear metal braces. This depends on the degree of unevenness of the molars and age. The average correction rate is two years.

Rapidly moving teeth will have an impact on the bone. With strong pressure on the bone tissue, inflammation may occur, it will become less durable, and lose the ability to hold the molar in the socket. The result will not be normalization of the bite, but loosening of the teeth. The doctor monitors how they move. Based on observations, the pressure on the tooth increases or decreases.

Dmitry Sidorov

Orthopedic dentist

Important! Metal braces installed in adolescence straighten teeth faster than in an adult, since the tissue is just forming

Types of metal braces

Metal teeth straightening units are divided into several types. The types of metal braces depend on the place of attachment: and vestibular installation. Other types depend on the presence or absence of an auxiliary element that facilitates the connection of the arc and locks. Such elements are presented in the form of an elastic band or thin wire.

The vestibular metal brace system is attached to the outer surface of the dentition, is not capable of distorting diction, and adaptation takes less time. Vestibular installation will quickly correct malocclusion or uneven teeth. The disadvantage is visibility to others and violation of the integrity of soft tissues.

They are attached to the inside of the dentition, making it invisible. The duration of adaptation and the cost are increased compared to other installations, but the result appears 3-4 weeks after installation.

Metal braces, which do not have an auxiliary element, are fixed with latches or clamps. The arc is blocked, the friction force is close to the maximum, due to which the person does not experience discomfort, and the duration of correction of irregularities is reduced.

Orthodontic appliances, which straighten teeth using a ligature, or metal wire, are used for severe dental deformities. They are in demand and have an effect two to three months after installation.

When is it prescribed?

There are indications when it is necessary to install metal braces. These include:

1. Disturbed. The problem is characterized by improper closure of the teeth, resulting in uneven wear. Periodontal disease appears and develops, respiratory activity is disrupted, and it is difficult to chew food. Jaws grow incorrectly. The installation of orthodontic appliances is necessary and not an aesthetic correction of teeth.
2. If there is an indication to correct the bite after molar removal. The lack of a tooth in a row provokes the displacement of neighboring teeth into the empty area that was formed after the removed element.
3. If it is necessary to prepare the oral cavity for prosthetics or implantation.
4. If necessary, correct the dental arch. If the teeth are tilted, there is crowding, they move forward or have not fully erupted, install the required type of metal braces.

In the absence of correction of malocclusion, the risk of impaired diction, abrasion of enamel, and the appearance of microcracks increases. It appears that a person suffers from migraines and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract due to poor quality of chewing food. In addition, there is the emergence of uncertainty and low self-esteem.

Pros and cons

The structures used to straighten the dentition have some advantages and disadvantages, presented in the table:

Advantages	Flaws
With the help of steel braces, severe malocclusion is eliminated.	They are noticeable to people around them, which reduces the level of aesthetics.
The design with ligatures is durable, which prevents breakage.	The mucous membrane is injured due to the wings and their areas.
The maximum effect from the metal structure, the duration of wear is reduced to one to two years.	After installation of the corrective structure, it is necessary to take an anesthetic and a sedative, which will alleviate the condition during the period of adaptation.
The correction, which is carried out once every thirty days, is painless for humans.	There is a high probability that it occurs under braces due to demineralization of the enamel.
The cost of metal braces is lower than other designs.	Maintain regular doctor visits.
Not able to change color when exposed to dyes in food or drinks.	Maintain increased oral hygiene to prevent gum inflammation and tooth decay.

Installation of metal braces is allowed for adults and children. Ligature constructions are indicated for adolescents. To eliminate complexes, the doctor is able to install multi-colored rubber bands. After the age of thirty, it is necessary to install a non-ligation corrective system. They have a more aesthetic appearance and are invisible to strangers.

Installation steps

To install a metal braces system, the doctor will need an hour or an hour and a half. The exception is lingual constructions, which require 3-4 hours. To install, you must go through several steps:

1. Initially, the doctor collects information about the person, studies the malocclusion, and as a result, prohibitions on the use of the metal system and allergic reactions are identified.
2. Oral cavity treatment and caries removal are prescribed.
3. The surface of the teeth is cleaned and polished.
4. Etching molars using a special paste is carried out in several stages.
5. Teeth dry out.
6. After preparing the enamel, the doctor applies orthodontic glue. Some modern braces are lubricated with this glue.
7. After the glue is applied, the bracket system is firmly bonded.
8. The doctor removes excess glue so that there is no void under the structure.
9. The glue is exposed to light, causing it to become hard.
10. The surface is polished.
11. The doctor threads the arc into the locks. Threading occurs using ligatures or snapping fasteners.

After the above measures, the patient is sent home and a visit is scheduled in one and a half to two months.

Are there any contraindications?

Installation of a metal system is a serious medical procedure, therefore, in addition to the indications, there are contraindications that require compliance. Braces cannot be installed if a significant number of molars, which serve as the basis for fixation, have been lost.

Metal structures should not be used if you have diseases of the cardiovascular system, reduced immunity, or a viral or infectious disease. The prohibition includes the presence of cancer, which has a severe form, or blood disease. A doctor will not install braces if a person has been diagnosed with a joint or bone disease or frequent epileptic seizures

Nuances of care

After a metal system has been installed to correct the bite and straighten the teeth, the doctor will advise you on how to properly care for the oral cavity. The duration and effectiveness of treatment, as well as the condition of the teeth after the structure is removed, will depend on compliance with the rules of care. Basic care rules include:

1. It is necessary to thoroughly brush your teeth in the morning and evening.
2. For cleaning, you should purchase a special orthodontic brush that can more effectively clean the enamel and metal system. In the first few days, the duration of the cleansing procedure may take half an hour. Then the person gets used to it, and the cleaning time will decrease.
3. Purchase a specialized brush that can be used to clean the space between the molars and under the structure.
4. It is necessary to give up chewing gum and sticky sweets.
5. You must have an irrigator, which is a device for cleaning the teeth and gums. Cleaning is carried out using a water jet supplied under pressure. Thanks to the irrigator, you can get rid of plaque in hard-to-reach places and massage the gums.
6. While wearing metal structures, refrain from eating solid food so as not to damage the integrity of the braces.
7. Use professional removal of plaque and tartar, which results in maintaining molars and gums in a healthy condition. Plaque and stone can be removed during adjustments, which involve replacing the arch.

Price

In addition to the cost of a metal installation, you need to remember about additional costs, which include additional tests, a doctor’s examination, regular corrections that should be done once a month, and cleaning. After a person has their braces removed, the results need to be secured by wearing a retainer. Its cost can reach 5000-6000 rubles. The price differs depending on the variety.

The cost of a vestibular orthodontic system varies from 50 thousand rubles to 55 thousand. If installation of lingual braces is indicated, a person should have an amount from 100 to 125 thousand. Using a ligature system will cost a person 25,000-35,000 rubles. The non-ligature design reaches 40,000 rubles. If you need to install mini braces, you should have an amount from 25,000 to 33,000 rubles.

From the above it follows that malocclusion should be treated as early as possible. To eliminate the problem, there are metal brace systems, which differ from other installations in cost and reliability. By installing such systems, it is possible to hide the use of dental correction. It is enough to install brackets on the inside of the teeth. Shown for both adults and children. The leveling period, if you follow the doctor’s recommendations, will not take much time.

Perfectly straight teeth and a beautiful smile - these days anyone can get them, just use the services of aesthetic dentistry, which offers patients various methods for correcting defects in the dentition and tooth surfaces. One of these methods is the installation of metal braces, and we will talk about it in detail in this article.

After reading the material, you will learn all the features of orthodontic brace systems made of metal, indications and contraindications for their use, and get acquainted with the main types of design. The article will also tell you about the procedure for correcting the bite using metal braces, and the prices for the service in Moscow dentists.

Design features of metal brace systems

Metal braces are an orthodontic design that appeared in dentistry at the end of the 19th century and have been successfully used since then to correct all kinds of bite and dentition defects. Of course, since the beginning of the 19th century, the appearance of the products has changed significantly - at the dawn of its appearance, the design looked simply terrifying!

Modern models are not so bulky, they do not cause physical discomfort to their owner and do not interfere with normal diction. Look at the photo of metal braces below and you will see for yourself – these days the design looks quite neat!

With minimal plate sizes, the orthodontic metal bracket system is effective even in the most advanced cases, and at the same time its cost is quite budgetary and accessible to a wide range of patients.

Installation of metal brace systems

Structurally, the structure of metal braces looks like this:

1. The system can be equipped with both brackets and special clasps, fixed directly to the surface of the teeth using a special adhesive composition.

2. The structure is connected into a single whole by a wire arch, which also performs another key function: it is this arch element that will align the teeth, creating the required degree of tension and bringing them to the correct position in the row.

Metal braces are also provided with additional ligature fastenings, which provide the most durable fastening of the arch and locking elements.

Advantages and disadvantages of metal orthodontic systems

Metal braces have both advantages and disadvantages, which it is advisable to study before visiting the doctor in order to understand whether you should opt for this type of orthodontic system. The advantages of metal braces include the following qualities:

1. Increased strength and reliability characteristics that the system has due to the production material - various metal alloys. It is almost impossible to break metal braces, unlike ceramic ones.

2. Correction of the bite and abnormal position of the teeth when using this type of construction occurs at an accelerated pace, since the metal creates the strongest possible load on the teeth, which gives the desired positive result in a short time.

3. Wearing metal braces can help correct even the most significant aesthetic defects, for example, get rid of crowded teeth or pronounced interdental spaces.

4. The material used to make the structures is not stained by food and drinks.

5. The system installation procedure takes place with a minimum of discomfort for the patient.

6. The patient can choose the color and shape of the correction plates, including the most extravagant variations.

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Metal braces before and after photos of our patients

Also, the advantages of metal braces definitely include their budget cost.

The disadvantages of metal braces should also be known in advance. The systems have fewer disadvantages than advantages, but it is important to take them into account when choosing a bite correction method. It's worth knowing that:

1. Metal braces will be clearly visible on the tooth surface.

2. Metal alloys can provoke allergic reactions in the patient.

3. The material used to make the structure is durable and hard, and therefore wearing the structure can cause irritation to sensitive mucous membranes or cause microtrauma in the oral cavity.

During the treatment process when using metal orthodontic systems, the patient may experience pain and discomfort.

After evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of the systems, you can decide for yourself which type you should choose - ceramic or metal braces.

Main types of orthodontic metal structures

Metal braces are graded into separate types both according to the location of the fixing fasteners (locks) and according to the method of fixation. It is worth talking about each type of structure in more detail.

Based on the location of the fastenings, structures are divided into the following subtypes:

• Vestibular metal braces. They are attached to the front of the teeth and are clearly visible when worn, and therefore the plates of the system in this version are made miniature in size and painted in the most discreet and inconspicuous colors;
• Lingual systems. The locks of braces in this design will be attached to the inner surface of the teeth. However, keep in mind that installing them is a complex process, and getting used to them will take as long as possible.

According to the method of fixation, metal braces are divided into:

• Ligature systems. To ensure a strong fixation of the structure, special rings made of rubber or metal are used to secure it;
• Ligature-free braces. The system is attached without additional elements and therefore its installation procedure will be both quick and simple.

Which metal braces are better? A specialist from our dentistry in Moscow, Vanstom, can answer this question in detail, thoroughly and competently!

You need to choose metal braces not only based on the type and method of fastening the system. It is extremely important to choose a design made by a reputable manufacturer, reliable and of high quality. An orthodontist will also help you choose the best metal braces: Vanstom dental specialists work exclusively with trusted manufacturers of braces that supply the market with products of impeccable quality!

Indications for installation of metal braces

Installation of metal braces is indicated in the following cases:

• Curvature of individual teeth in a row. Wearing braces can quickly save a patient from such a noticeable and unpleasant defect;
• Abnormal position of the entire dentition at the stage of its formation;
• Bite pathologies;
• Preparation of the oral cavity and teeth for prosthetic or implantation procedures.

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Braces are also installed to speed up the eruption of impacted teeth in cases of small jaw size or excessively close placement of teeth in a row.

Reviews of metal braces from doctors and patients confirm the high efficiency and safety of the structures in solving various aesthetic problems.

Contraindications to metal braces

Installation of metal braces is a serious medical procedure and therefore it is quite natural that in addition to the indications for it, there are also contraindications that must be taken into account.

You will have to refuse to use orthodontic systems if the following circumstances exist:

• Loss of a significant number of teeth, the surface of which serves as the basis for fixing the bracket system;
• Heart pathologies, immune, viral and infectious diseases;
• Severe cancer;
• Blood diseases;
• Diseases of bones and joints;
• Epilepsy.

Relative contraindications to the correction of occlusion and aesthetic defects of the dentition with metal braces are untreated dental diseases, abnormalities in the development of the jaw, as well as an allergic reaction to the materials used for the manufacture of the structure and in therapeutic procedures.

If the patient has relative contraindications, they are either eliminated before installing the braces system, or the orthodontist chooses a treatment method that will not cause negative consequences and is not fraught with complications.

Procedure for installing metal braces

The duration of the procedure for installing metal braces depends on the type of system. If a lingual construction is chosen, its fixation will take several hours; the process of fixing a non-ligated product will be faster and easier.

The procedure is performed by a specialist in several stages:

1. The patient undergoes an initial examination by an orthodontist, during which the specialist excludes possible contraindications to wearing braces and makes a decision on the type and material of the structure. To get a complete picture of a particular case, the dentist may prescribe additional tests for the patient.

2. At the stage of preparation for the installation of metal braces, a thorough sanitation of the oral cavity is carried out, during which the dental surfaces are cleaned of deposits. If necessary, medical measures are taken to eliminate caries and other dental diseases.

3. An impression is taken from the patient’s teeth, according to which the structure will be made.

4. Before the installation process itself, the tooth enamel is polished and treated with a special protective and strengthening solution.

5. The dental surfaces on which the plates will be fixed are covered with an adhesive composition, after which the structure is carefully fixed. A specialist must check the reliability of each fastening and the correct position of the locks.

The fixation process is completed by applying a special cement dental solution to the elements. To make the composition harden faster, immediately after application it is exposed to ultraviolet radiation.