Modern manufacturers of bracket systems offer a solution for almost any patient request. Braces can be tailored to individual requirements for comfort, speed, aesthetics and cost of treatment, and even combine several systems in one case. In this article, we briefly analyze the main types of braces by type of construction and fixation.
Braces by type of construction
The braces system consists of two main parts: braces, which are directly attached to the teeth, and an orthodontic arch, which is fixed to the clasps. It is a metal arc that extends the teeth in the right direction. The arc can be attached to braces in two ways: ligatures (elastic or wire rings) or lids in the castle structure itself.
Ligature
The design of ligature braces in addition to locks and arcs includes additional elements – ligatures. They hold the arc in the grooves of the brackets and change with each replacement of the arc, that is, approximately every month. The disadvantage of this design is that the elastic ligatures tend to stretch and lose their fixing properties before the activation of the bracket on the reception of the orthodontist passes. In general, the treatment on such a system lasts a little longer, because the ligatures restrict the movement of the arc in the braces.
Who should use ligature braces?
- Patients with uncomplicated occlusion pathologies. Complex cases of ligature braces can be fixed, but the treatment may be very long.
- Patients with thorough oral hygiene. Additional structural elements are more difficult to clean.
- Patients with a limited budget. Ligature systems, as a rule, are cheaper compared to self-ligating ones (does not apply to lingual ligature braces, since the linguistic design itself is more expensive than conventional braces).
Self-ligating
Braces with lids for fixing the arc is a more modern and technological design for the treatment of occlusion. The arc moves freely in the grooves of the braces and evens out even difficult cases of malocclusion in 1.5-3 years without tooth extraction. The locks themselves have a comfortable small size and smooth edges – they are convenient to wear and clean.
Damon self-latching braces can be enhanced with the Insignia digital system. Braces are individualized for the patient, and the program calculates the course of treatment to the final result, which minimizes the likelihood of errors during treatment.
Who should use self-ligating braces?
- Self-ligating designs are universal and suitable for almost all patients with the wrong bite.
Ligature (left) and self-ligating (right) braces
Fixation braces
Bracket systems are installed not only in the usual way – on the outside of the teeth. Those who want to hide orthodontic treatment choose lingual or internal braces. These types of structures differ significantly from each other in speed of treatment, comfort and, of course, aesthetics.
Vestibular (external)
Classic braces that are attached to the front are called vestibular. They may differ in material and in the type of arc fixation in braces. They, even transparent, are visible to others, but unlike lingual ¬— they are more universal and correct most clinical cases.
Complete case on vestibular braces
Who should use vestibular braces?
- Patients who do not need a completely inconspicuous treatment.
- Patients with small teeth, on which it is impossible to install lingual braces.
- Patients with a narrow or small jaw (lingual braces may require expansion).
Lingual (internal)
Lingual braces are installed on the inner surface of the teeth. They are only ligature, and locks are made individually and accurately repeat the relief of the inner surface of the teeth. The lingual construction is not suitable for every clinical case, but the treatment itself is relatively longer than on vestibular braces due to the manufacturing time and the treatment itself.
Who should use lingual braces?
- Patients wishing to hide orthodontic treatment. Representatives of professions related to public speaking.
- Patients involved in sports with the risk of facial injuries.
- Patients with large teeth, so that there is an opportunity to fix the lock.