Ligature bracket system is a popular way to create the perfect dentition. There is a classification according to the material used as the basis for the design, as well as a distinction according to the method of attachment. Ligature braces are the classic system preferred by most patients.
Features
The ligature system is one of the foundations of orthodontic therapy. Most of the deviations associated with malocclusion can be corrected thanks to its installation. The design is a clutch of braces on an arc using a ring made of metal, which is called a ligature. In some cases, wire is used instead. In general, it is a flexible mechanism that is able to stably maintain an arc in the element hole. The movement of the teeth, which are fixed with ligature braces, is rather slow due to overcoming the large friction force. To reduce it, elastic ligatures are often used.
The bracket system under consideration is:
- Color;
- Transparent;
- With decorative elements.
Metal ligature braces have a silver color system. With this type of braces, the fastening is reliable. However, if the structure is displaced, only a professional can make adjustments.
Existing types of ligature braces
The ligature bracket system is divided into types that differ in the material used. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages.
- Ceramic. A distinctive feature is that the design is almost invisible on the teeth, while the cost is several times higher than that of a competitor on a metal basis. Ceramic ligature braces can be polycrystalline, with excellent aesthetic performance, as well as monocrystalline. The latter are of high quality. The second name for braces is sapphire, each component of the structure is made of artificial sapphire, which visually very much resembles a natural tooth.
- Combined/Combined. Based on the name, it is clear that this is a combination of ceramic and metal elements.
Pros and cons of ceramics and metal as a base
Metal ligature bracket system is popular due to some parameters that distinguish it from other types:
- High strength
- Classic look.
- Optimal cost per install.
Disadvantages include visibility when smiling, as well asthe need for frequent examination of the dentist - at least 1 time in 30 days.
Ceramic as the basis of an orthodontic design is almost invisible on the teeth, it is of high quality material. However, the high cost and difficulty in removing braces affect the popularity of such systems. In addition, the material may stain from colored food.
The combination of ceramics + metal provides an aesthetic appearance of the structure, as well as quite affordable cost. "Minus" - with a wide smile, all metal fasteners become visible.
According to the data, today there are about 10 different systems based on the ligature. In demand:
- "Pilot";
- "Victory";
- "Tiger";
- "Master".
Materials: metal, plastic, sapphire
Metal ligature braces are made from high-strength titanium, its alloy, and nickel. This design has a low cost, contributes to the rapid treatment of malocclusion. Metal-based braces can help even with serious deviations.
Plastic-based systems are rarely used, despite the low cost of the material itself and the possibility of selecting a color that blends with the natural shade of the teeth. The reason for this is the short life of the structure due to its low strength and allergen content. Plus, such ligature braces easily change color when eating food with the addition of dyes. There is a risk of destruction duringtherapy.
Ste alth, strength, resistance to staining - all these are sapphire ligature braces. But many users note not only their positive, but also negative characteristics. Not everyone can afford to purchase a design based on artificial sapphires. In addition, dentists do not recommend using them for treating children due to strong adhesion to the teeth. During the removal process, the sensitive enamel of children's teeth can be easily damaged.
Gold and ceramics
Gold structures are a kind of metal systems. Braces are based on medical steel, which is covered with gold plating. There is an erroneous opinion that the installation of such an orthodontic structure is a sign of luxury. The main goal of the developers is aimed at the use of gold braces by patients suffering from abnormalities in the gastrointestinal tract.
Ceramic systems combine all the advantages of plastic and sapphire constructions. These ligature braces, reviews of which, in most cases, have only a positive connotation. These systems do not cause irritation during use and allergies. The cost of ceramic is much lower compared to sapphire designs.
When choosing braces, most patients are guided only by the financial side. However, only a specialist should make the final decision. In order to reduce the cost, you can combineexisting options. A ceramic structure is placed on the visible part, and metal on the visually removed part.
Contraindications
Ligature braces are strictly forbidden to put on small children or in the complete absence of teeth. In some cases, the dentist may advise postponing the procedure:
- When prone to allergies.
- If diagnosed with periodontitis.
- With insufficient oral hygiene.
- If the patient suffers from certain mental illnesses.
- If the patient is unwilling to follow the doctor's advice.
Dignity of the ligature system as a whole
Ligature braces are characterized by high functionality, the ability to restore bite even with serious initial deviations. When installing such structures, you can be sure of high results of therapy. It is noted the possibility of using braces that are hardly noticeable when smiling, made of ceramics or sapphires of artificial origin using transparent rubber bands. They have a lower cost compared to non-ligature systems.
Cons
The main disadvantages of bracket systems with a ligature include:
- Frequent replacement of elastic elements that lose elasticity over time.
- When installing braces with rigid ligatures, unpleasant pain occurs.
- Cumbersome design, which can make it difficult to implement hygienicprocedures.
- Possibility of coloring elements with natural and artificial dyes contained in food.
- The course of treatment lasts longer than with self-regulating systems.
In addition, it is worth considering that the installation of ligature braces involves regular visits to the doctor, about once a month. In any case, the choice of the type of orthodontic structures should be based on the recommendations of an experienced specialist, after a thorough examination and identification of the existing problem.
