Now a perfect smile and straight teeth are a very real desire. Modern technologies allow you to put in order the state of the oral cavity in a short time and at an affordable price. There are many varieties of braces, but in this article we will look at metal braces. We will also carry out a comparative characteristic between ceramic and metal products and try to find out what is worth choosing.
Design
Before you put yourself metal braces, you need to know their design. The first orthodontic construction of this type appeared only at the end of the nineteenth century. And from the first moment of their appearance, these systems have been successfully used not only for straightening teeth, but also for correcting bite and other defects in the oral cavity. Of course, since that time, the appearance of these structures has changed significantly. Since the first braces were completelydevoid of aesthetic appearance, their attachments went far beyond the mouth.
The modern bracket system is almost invisible to others and does not cause any discomfort to the one who wears it. It is convenient to eat with it, it does not distort a person's speech and is not noticeable at all when worn.
Device
If we consider in detail the design of the bracket device, we can distinguish the following details:
- For attaching metal braces, special hooks are more often used. They are attached directly to existing teeth or implants. Also, systems can be fixed using various suction cups or brackets. All of these mounts are absolutely secure and comfortable.
- The whole structure is connected by a wire arc, which has a very big responsibility. Because it is thanks to her that the dentition is aligned. This is ensured by the fact that the wire is pulled with a certain force, which brings the teeth into the correct position.
In metal braces there are also ligature attachments, which are considered additional. They provide an even stronger bond between the wire arc and the lock elements.
Pros and cons
Metal braces have their pros and cons, which you should know about before you install it on your teeth. After all, you don’t really want to realize that such a system is not suitable for you, after you have spent time and money on installing it.
Benefits of the orthodontic system
- Since such braces are made of special metal alloys, they are very strong and reliable. Breaking such braces, even if you eat solid food, is almost impossible.
- If you have an incorrect bite or have problems with the dentition itself, then by installing a metal structure, you can get rid of these shortcomings as soon as possible. After all, metal is a fairly strong substance and can have a strong effect on teeth.
- Some systems, such as plastic ones, can become stained by drinking drinks or eating foods that contain dyes. This will never happen with metal structures.
- During the installation of a metal bracket system, the patient feels quite comfortable and almost does not feel anything.
- Modern technology allows you to choose a special color and even shape for your braces, so your teeth can be the most fashionable of the season.
- And the indisputable advantage of this system is the cost of metal braces, which is much lower than that of all other types.
Flaws
- Metal structures are very visible on the white surface of the teeth.
- If the patient suffers from allergies, the metal alloy of which the system is made can be the cause.
- Due to the fact that the material for manufacturing is chosen quite hard, there is a risk that the sensitive mucoussome people will have irritation or small sores in the mouth.
- It is possible that during treatment with metal braces the patient will experience some discomfort, even pain is possible.
Varieties
It is worth noting that there is a certain classification in which metal braces are divided depending on their location, as well as the method of fixation.
According to the location, there are vestibular and lingual systems. The first orthodontist attaches to the front of the tooth, and because of this they are very clearly visible on its surface. That is why manufacturers are trying to make these systems very small and paint them in colors that will not immediately catch the eye.
The second systems are located on the inside of the dentition. As a result, they become almost invisible. But if you listen to reviews about this type of metal braces, then patients say that it takes quite a long time to get used to them. At first, they cause great discomfort. And the installation itself is a complex and lengthy process.
As for the methods of fixation, here the braces are divided into ligature and non-ligature. Metal ligature braces have special rings as part of their design, which are made from the same metal or rubber. Such structures are very firmly attached to the teeth, and it is quite difficult to remove them without the help of a specialist. The second type is non-ligature metal braces that do not have any additional fasteners,therefore, the process of their installation is much faster than ligature, and easier.
You can't rely on your own intuition when choosing systems. Therefore, it is better to come for an examination to a specialist who, having assessed the condition of your oral cavity and the characteristics of your body, will be able to say exactly which bracket system is best for you.
Ormco Views
Ormco is an American company that manufactures braces. It is she who is trusted by most orthodontists from around the world. Her products have a wide range worth mentioning:
- Classic ligatures - these systems have already been mentioned. There is an arc to which grooves are attached using ligatures made in the form of wire or rings.
- Ligatureless - here special clips are used as fasteners. At a certain moment, they open, thereby releasing the arc. This greatly facilitates the treatment process. It does not cause discomfort to the patient, and the installation process is significantly reduced.
- Mini braces are significantly reduced in size. They are easier to install and wear, and also greatly simplified maintenance. And another definite plus is that the possibility of caries is practically excluded.
- Damon Q metal braces - they are almost half the size of classic braces, and their grooves have smoothed edges, which makes it easier to get used to and wear.
- Sprint - this bracket system is suitable for those patients who have been diagnosed with allergicreaction to the metal, since nickel is not included in the composition of the alloy. It is a monolithic system.
- Roth braces have a special diamond design. Their size is reduced by thirty percent, and this shape is more comfortable for positioning.
Metal and ceramics
There are a number of advantages of metal braces over ceramic braces. First of all, they are much cheaper and have high strength, and they can correct the bite much better and faster. But ceramics also have one advantage - its aesthetic appearance significantly exceeds metal. That is why many people opt for ceramics. And also it does not cause allergic reactions, which are not uncommon in patients. Now you can choose the color of ceramics, which will almost completely match the shade of enamel. In addition, ceramics very rarely cause irritation of the mucous membrane, and it does not cause wounds in the oral cavity.
Indications for installation
There are a number of cases where an orthodontist informs a patient that an orthodontic system is needed. Here you will be informed which is better - ceramic or metal - braces to choose. After all, if you are allergic to metal, then the installation of a structure made of this material is simply contraindicated for you.
So, braces are needed in the following cases:
- The specialist found that there are several teeth with a curvature in the row. With the help of a metal structure, you can quickly and inexpensively get rid of this defect, which gives you some aesthetic inconvenience.
- Already onAt the stage of formation of the dentition, an experienced specialist may notice serious anomalies that require correction.
- It is possible that a person has some bite pathologies that can also be easily corrected by installing an orthodontic system.
- If you are planning to have dentures or implants, you may need to walk around with braces for a while while preparing your mouth.
There are also cases that are extremely rare, but they should also be taken into account. For example, if the jaw is too small, braces are needed in order to speed up the eruption of impacted teeth.
Reviews about metal braces that doctors and patients leave indicate that these are very reliable and effective designs that can quickly fix your bite.
Contraindications
It is not so easy to install this type of braces, and before prescribing such a procedure, the doctor must conduct several studies to determine the individual characteristics of the patient's body. So, there are a number of contraindications, in the presence of at least one of them, the installation of a metal bracket system is prohibited:
- If the patient had lost a large number of teeth by the time the system was installed, on which the structure could be attached.
- Various pathologies of the cardiovascular, immune systems, the presence of any viral or infectious diseases.
- If the patient has severe forms of cancerdiseases.
- Blood diseases are a good reason to stop getting braces.
- Various diseases of the joints and bones are another obstacle for the metal system.
- Epilepsy. When diagnosing such a disease, any serious procedures with teeth and oral cavity are generally prohibited.
In addition to all this, the presence of teeth that require immediate treatment can prevent the installation of such a system, this also includes various anomalies in the development of the jaw and, of course, allergic reactions to metal. The last contraindications can be easily eliminated or a good alternative to a metal structure can be found.
Installation procedure
The fastest and easiest way to put metal braces without ligatures, but their fastening is not very strong. If you want to be sure of the reliability of the fasteners, then it is better to choose a lingual system, but be prepared for the fact that this will take several hours.
- It all starts with the fact that the patient simply comes to the orthodontist, where the specialist, after a preliminary examination, can tell about possible contraindications, give his recommendations on which system is better to choose and from what material. If he needs any additional information, the doctor will conduct several tests, thanks to which the full picture will be visible.
- Next comes the preparation stage. Here the doctor performs a sanitation of the oral cavity, or, in simpler terms, he cleans the teeth frompossible deposits. There is a need, then the teeth are cleaned from caries or other diseases from the field of dentistry are eliminated.
- It is necessary to take an impression from each patient's tooth, according to which specialists will then make a design. After all, each system is created individually.
- Already before the start of the procedure, a special protective and strengthening solution is applied to the enamel, and the dentition is completely polished.
- Each dental plate, on which the system will be attached, is covered with a special adhesive, and then the braces are finally attached. Further, the main task of the specialist is to check whether the fasteners are securely planted and whether the locks are installed correctly.
It all ends with the fact that the already installed structure is covered with a special cement dental mortar, which must dry completely on the teeth. To speed up this process a little, doctors use ultraviolet lamps.
Rules of care
If you have metal braces installed, then be prepared for the fact that they need special care. But it's not just the system that needs attention, it's your mouth as well.
Following the following recommendations, you can not only avoid negative consequences after the installation process, but also increase the effectiveness of the treatment process:
- You need to brush your teeth regularly and do it very carefully so that even the smallest food debris does not linger in the oral cavity. To do this, it is recommended to use not only the usual dentalbrush, but also purchase dental floss, as well as a special brush designed specifically for caring for braces.
- Every month, the patient must come for a check-up at the clinic to monitor the recovery process, and the doctor must also sanitize the oral cavity.
- At first, it is better not to eat sweets, food that stretches, and solid foods. Chewing gum should be completely avoided.
The cost of metal braces is approximately fifty thousand rubles, however, the price may vary depending on the clinic, the materials used for manufacturing, and the problems that were found in your oral cavity.
Conclusion
If you still doubt whether to install an orthodontic system, then take a look at the before and after photos. Metal braces help make your smile perfect. This is a great opportunity to tidy up your dentition or correct malocclusion. Moreover, the price of installing metal braces is affordable for almost anyone.