Specifics of correcting defects with American Empower braces

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To straighten teeth, braces are used, which come in various types and models. The classic version of braces involves fixing the corrective arch using ligatures.

But recently, systems with a complete absence of ligatures – ligature-free – have become very popular. In terms of their efficiency, they do not differ from standard models, but at the same time they are much more comfortable to use.

One of the popular non-ligation systems are Empower braces.

Full overview of the system: types of braces, their features and the main models in the line

Modern orthodontics offers a wide variety of fixed corrective structures with different indicators of effectiveness, speed of correction of dental anomalies and aesthetics. In the classic version, the power arc is attached to the braces using elastic ligatures. The improved ligature-free design provides for fixation of the arc using small clip-locks on the plates. Sometimes this allows for a slight reduction in treatment time and generally provides more comfortable conditions for the patient. Empower braces are just such self-ligating systems and are distinguished by their high quality and efficiency. Read more about the models of this brand and their features further in the article.

A few words about the manufacturer

American Orthodontics was founded in the USA back in 1968. Today it is one of the largest manufacturers of modern orthodontic structures and components for them. The company's production facilities are located in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. This is where about 98% of all products are created. The company employs more than 600 employees who provide quality customer service in more than 100 countries.

Initially, American Ortodontics produced only classic metal braces. But over time, the model range has expanded, and by now the company’s assortment includes many different models made from various materials. There are both classic metal braces and aesthetic ceramic ones. Empower systems are durable, modern in design and efficient.

Materials

Metal

This material is the most durable and widespread. It is characterized by high reliability and low cost. The client can also choose non-ferrous metal. The most common choice is silver.

Advantages:

low price compared to other types;
greater efficiency;
reliability;
the metal structure does not lose color during the entire course of therapy;
shorter course of treatment.

Flaws:

not aesthetically pleasing;
Irritation and ulcers on the gums and lips may occur.

Ceramics

For the manufacture of the structure, special durable glass is used. Most often, ceramics are used by adults, since its color is invisible on the teeth.

Advantages:

attractive appearance;
small size, comfortable to wear;
staples do not stain when eating;
high structural strength, there is no risk of tearing off the teeth.

Flaws:

ceramic staples cannot be painted, and ligatures change color over time, so they need to be changed every month;
long duration of treatment;
Use only to fix minor problems.

Sapphire

For the manufacture of braces, not a natural gemstone is used, but an artificial sapphire. This is a special type of ceramic, which is also called a single crystal.

Pros:

spectacular shine and overall transparency;
high strength;
do not stain and do not fall out;
Possibility of ultra-reliable fixation to the teeth.

Minuses:

longer course of treatment;
wearing such designs leads to a serious allergic reaction;
The sapphire brace system cannot cope with serious bite problems.

Plastic

This is a modern analogue to sapphire and ceramic designs.

Advantages:

colorless, invisible on the teeth;
not as expensive as sapphire and ceramic;
plastic is safe as it does not cause allergies.

Flaws:

change color when eating;
Plastic is a weak material, so braces can break easily.

Ligature and self-ligating braces are made from various materials. They can be metal, ceramic, sapphire and plastic. Each type has its own characteristics, pros and cons.

Metal ones are a classic, reliable treatment option. They are inexpensive and are used for any malocclusion. Over time, they improve more and more. Today, there are metal braces of various sizes: from standard to miniature.

Sapphire braces are considered the most aesthetic and no less durable than metal ones. They are made from artificially grown sapphire, and therefore have a high cost. On the teeth they look transparent and almost invisible.

Ceramic braces are the best option in the price-quality category and are average in terms of quality. They are slightly less aesthetic than sapphire, but still look very good on the teeth. But ceramics is a less durable material and can chip under significant chewing loads.

Plastic systems are the cheapest and most fragile. The plastic is not resistant to chewing pressure and may break. Therefore, when installing such braces, you need to adhere to a diet. Do not consume hard or coloring foods. They are white and hardly noticeable on the teeth, but over time they can become saturated with pigments and change color (most often turn yellow).

Ligature braces are made from various materials. It could be a noticeable metal, expensive sapphire, cheap plastic, ceramic or even gold. The selected material for creating ligature bracket systems will depend on their features, as well as advantages and visible disadvantages.

Types of materials:

Metal ligature braces are the simplest and most classic solution. They are considered a reliable treatment option. They are low cost and can be used for any malocclusion. Every year such systems become more and more sophisticated and now you can purchase braces of different sizes from large to small. Such braces are in great demand among the younger generation and teenagers. Most often, young people use systems with a colored ligature.
Ceramic braces are a good option in the mid-price category. Ceramics can chip under significant load. But ceramic ligature braces have an aesthetic appearance and are practically invisible on the teeth.
Sapphire. This system is expensive and requires longer wearing. Due to the fact that sapphire braces are transparent, they are practically invisible. Another undoubted advantage is that food and drinks do not stain such a structure.
Plastic. Such systems are quite fragile, but the cheapest and most transparent. When installing this type of braces, you must adhere to a certain diet. Treatment with such structures takes a little longer.
Combined bracket systems. These are products that simultaneously use metal and ceramics. In general, patients prefer to have ceramics placed on their front teeth and metal on their back teeth. This will help reduce costs and improve treatment outcomes.

DETAILS: How long do you need to wear braces to straighten your teeth?

What is the Empower system?

One of the main distinguishing characteristics of Empower braces is their expanded range of capabilities. Self-ligating systems, in which you can change active and passive ligation modes as needed, successfully correct even the most complex occlusion pathologies and anomalies in the structure of the dentition. The design of the braces involves a low profile of the plates and reduced size of the locks, which facilitates the process of adaptation to the device and reduces the degree of discomfort during treatment.

Self-ligating systems are active and passive

Design features

As mentioned above, the design involves fastening the power arc using special locks located on the plates. In the classic ligature design, the arch is held in the grooves by attaching elastic elastic bands, but they quickly stretch and require timely replacement. In the Empower bracket system, ligatures are also used, but only as auxiliary elements, in order to enhance the impact on individual fragments of the dentition. The following are the main design features of Empower:

each plate is made in the shape of a rectangle, accurately repeating the anatomical shape of the tooth,
each bracket has a small flat lock for attaching the arch,
the arc is fixed using a special clip with a locking mechanism, which prevents accidental opening of the lock,
a semicircular groove eliminates excessive friction on the arc and leaves it more room to maneuver,
the walls of the grooves are treated with liquid glass to give them absolute smoothness1,
the system allows you to change or combine passive and active ligation modes to achieve the most accurate result.

Each plate of the system is made in the shape of a rectangle.
All models presented in the Empower line are distinguished by high patient comfort and effectiveness. The choice of a specific option must be discussed in detail with the attending physician and is largely based on the individual characteristics of the clinical picture.

Types of systems - model range

The Empower line includes several models that differ from each other in functionality. All types of structures can effectively correct both minor and serious anomalies - let's look at them in a little more detail.

Empower DS – passive

This model assumes a passive ligation mode. Its essence is that the arc moves freely inside the grooves and creates minimal pressure on their walls. This allows you to reduce the excessive load on the dentition, while the correction of defects occurs due to the muscular system of the jaw. The system has a mild effect, but is no less effective than other devices with active ligation.

After installing such braces, adaptation is much easier and faster, with virtually no discomfort or pain. This is a suitable option for starting orthodontic correction in early adolescence. Sometimes this model is used as a preparatory stage before full treatment - it makes the periodontal tissues more elastic and pliable, preparing them for further changes.

Empower Interactive – interactive

Correction using the interactive type of ligation begins in the same way as using the passive version. Initially, the arc moves freely in the grooves and does not create excessive pressure on their walls. Later, the doctor replaces it with a thicker one, which is in close contact with the internal surfaces of the grooves, thereby increasing the effect on the dentition.

At the beginning of treatment, the arc moves freely in the grooves, and at the end it creates pressure

At the last stage of correction, the stiffest and thickest arch is fixed, which creates a fairly strong but constant impact. This system ensures a smooth transition from light to heavy pressure. A gradual increase in load gives a more predictable result.

Combined

This model combines passive and interactive modes. The design is made individually for each individual patient. It is literally assembled from different braces from the two previous models. As a rule, the active type of ligation is used to correct the anterior incisors, and passive braces are placed on premolars and canines. This approach makes it possible to use different systems for different groups of teeth. This allows you to speed up treatment and achieve better results without pain and discomfort for the patient.

The photo shows the passive and interactive mode plates

Benefits of Empower

Orthodontists can recommend these orthodontic devices to you because they have a number of undeniable advantages.

A wide variety of and complex malocclusion pathologies can be treated thanks to a wide selection of models.
To achieve the desired result, you can combine passive and active ligation.
All materials used for the production of systems are environmentally friendly.
Each specific product is manufactured with extreme precision.
The color of the ceramics can be adjusted as closely as possible to the natural shade of the enamel.
The patient does not experience discomfort during treatment due to a special system of distribution and creation of load. Bone tissue is subjected to soft, differentiated effects.
The system has a completely affordable cost.
The brackets have a low profile, so the braces do not interfere with eating or talking.
The low weight of the structure is practically not felt by a person, so the period of adaptation is reduced to a minimum.
Installation of the structure takes a minimum amount of time.

Braces from American Orthodontics embody high quality, practicality, versatility, aesthetics and convenience. The coating of each brace with liquid glass makes it perfectly smooth, so during the correction process the soft tissues of the oral cavity are not injured, and the treatment proceeds as unnoticed as possible for the patient.

The beauty of this system is that it has far fewer contraindications than many orthodontic structures due to its gentle but targeted action. We invite you to watch an interesting and visual video in which you will find different types of Empower braces and a demonstration of the principle of their operation. After watching, you will understand the peculiarity of the locks and the secret of the gentle action of the correction.

What are the advantages?

American Ortodontics products have always been distinguished by high quality and advanced technologies at their core. Among the obvious advantages of Empower braces are the following features:

ample opportunities for correcting anomalies of varying degrees of complexity,
unique coating that protects against plaque,
markings on each plate, which facilitates and speeds up the work of the specialist,
a gentle effect on the periodontal tissues and stimulation of the muscular system makes the correction more gentle and natural, but without compromising effectiveness,
quick and painless adaptation,
accidental opening of the locking mechanism is excluded, since the clip has a special locking system,
the design allows you to combine different types of ligation for a more predictable and high-quality result.

American Orthodontics products have always been of high quality

“A year and a half ago I wore Empower metal braces. Personally, I found the treatment quite simple; I adapted to the plates on my teeth almost immediately. I don’t know, I’ve never felt any embarrassment about having a piece of iron on my teeth. Perhaps it’s all about inner self-confidence, think about it. I believe that health is always more important. I had braces for about a year and the results were completely worth it! I have never regretted that I completed the course as expected. In general, I don’t understand how anyone can regret this, if the teeth are all corrected, the smile has become even and beautiful.”
Irishka86, from correspondence on the woman.ru forum

The manufacturer uses high quality materials, reliable and completely safe. The vast majority of products are manufactured in the USA on the territory of our own enterprise.

Advantages

Empower designs have gained international recognition due to the following undeniable advantages, which make it possible to distinguish the models of this manufacturer from analogue products of other brands:

a unique coating that minimizes the accumulation of bacterial plaque on the surface of the braces;
a quick method of fastening that does not require lengthy activation of the structure. For ease of installation, the manufacturer has marked the brackets, which provides additional convenience and reduces the period of getting used to using the model;
simplicity and versatility of the locking fragments - the patient can do it himself at home without the help of a specialist, if the situation requires it;
the system has minimal impact on the oral cavity , which eliminates a number of contraindications to installation, one of which is periodontal disease;
the small size of the clasp and its streamlined shape do not injure soft tissues and reduces the adaptation process;
product quality - the entire product range is certified according to the international conformity system, and technical indicators and characteristics fully meet the standards declared by the manufacturer;
external design - braces are aesthetic, which is especially important, since it is visual unattractiveness that often forces patients to refuse the procedure for correcting malocclusions.

Material for plates – metal or ceramics

The Empower line includes models not only with different types of ligation, but also made from different materials. The manufacturer's assortment includes both standard metal structures and aesthetic ceramic ones.

All metal models

Metallic systems are more suitable for correcting severe and complex anomalies. Due to their durable design, they often allow the correction of borderline malocclusions, which otherwise require surgical intervention. This is largely due to the fact that the correction process involves the muscular apparatus, which contributes to the distal displacement of the lateral teeth.

The photo shows metal braces

Other undoubted advantages of all-metal Empower braces, experts in the field of orthodontics include the following points:

the ability to predict the result as accurately as possible, use various types of ligation for a more targeted effect on problem areas,
the system is characterized by increased strength, it is more protected from breakdowns,
durable medical alloy based on cobalt and chromium practically does not cause allergic reactions. There is also the option to create a structure made of titanium or steel,
the correction process takes less time than with aesthetic models, and the self-ligating type of device allows you to avoid too frequent visits to the doctor - you will have to visit the orthodontist only once every 2-3 months.

As for the shortcomings, we cannot ignore the issue of aesthetics. Metal structural elements will inevitably stand out against the background of the enamel.

Ceramic plates for enhanced aesthetics

The Empower Clear ceramic model is an excellent option for those who prioritize smile aesthetics during treatment. The system successfully copes with tooth curvature and disturbances in the development of bites of I and II degrees. Clips made of silver-rhodium alloy have a special design, which allows you to immediately begin to control the correction process, immediately after installing the plates.

The photo shows ceramic systems

Compared to an all-metal system, a ceramic design has the following advantages:

high aesthetics - translucent material literally merges with the color of the enamel and remains almost invisible on the teeth,
smoothed edges and increased cushioning of the material minimize the risk of rubbing and injury to the mucous membrane,
ceramics cannot be painted and does not change its original color when exposed to light or temperature,
the special structure of the grooves allows the use of an interactive type of ligation.

On the other hand, ceramics are not particularly durable, so plates on teeth must be treated with care. In addition, ceramic braces are not able to cope with truly complex pathologies, and in such cases, experts prefer durable metal systems. They are more expensive and require more frequent visits to a specialist.

Disadvantages of braces systems

The following advantages of braces systems can be highlighted:

You can use colored rubber bands, making the correction process fun for children and teenagers.
Due to the elasticity of the ligatures, you can reduce the discomfort when straightening your teeth.
Affordable price.
Efficiency and reliability.

Design disadvantages:

Since the rings are in a state of constant tension, they lose their elasticity. For this reason, the elastic elements must be changed regularly.
The correction process is carried out more slowly than with self-ligating braces, because when the teeth move, the arch overcomes friction.
The arc is fixed motionless, which causes discomfort in the patient.
Rubber bands may become stained by food coloring.
The design is bulky, so it is difficult to care for.

Ligature and non-ligature braces have a number of differences:
Visits to a specialist – ligature – monthly, non-ligature – once every 2-3 months.
The friction force indicators when moving teeth are high for ligature structures, while those without ligatures are minimal.
Ligature structures are not installed for periodontal disease and periodontitis, which cannot be said about self-ligating ones.
When installing ligature braces, it is necessary to remove healthy teeth, but non-ligature braces do not need this.
The cost of ligature braces is lower (20-35 thousand rubles) than that of products without ligatures (35-45 thousand rubles.)

The effectiveness of therapy in most cases depends on the psychological mood of the patient and on proper care of the structure, which consists of the following:

The use of a special paste that serves to clean the system.
Flossing after every meal.
Regular visits to the dentist for preventive examinations.

Ligature braces are a modern approach to the treatment of malocclusion in children and adults. They are highly effective, have no side effects and are not expensive. In addition, various materials are used for their manufacture, so that each patient can choose the best option.

Installation of a ligature bracket system takes about 2 hours, self-ligating - 1.5 hours. To do this, the doctor prepares the mouth and teeth. Treats all diseases and provides professional hygienic cleaning. During installation, the doctor prepares the required tooth surface: cleans, dries and applies special glue. Next, the brackets are placed on the teeth in a certain position. To make the glue harden, illuminate it with an ultraviolet lamp.

After fixing the braces, a power arch is installed. To do this, it is placed in a special groove in the lock and secured with a ligature around the perimeter of the bracket. This manipulation is performed on each tooth. When installing a self-ligating system, fixation of braces is carried out in the same way. But the installation of the arc is different; it is simply placed in a special part of the lock, where it is fixed. After installation, the doctor gives advice and recommendations about treatment.

Treatment with braces requires careful dental care and an expensive brace system. To do this, the hygienist must select the necessary hygiene products. It is necessary to brush your teeth regularly.

To protect the orthodontic structure from damage and changes, it is recommended to follow a diet. It is better to exclude from the diet hard, rough foods and foods that can stain the system (when treated with plastic or ceramic braces).

possibility of use for the most complex clinical cases: in completely self-ligating braces, the action is carried out “automatically”, so they are designed for a certain average case. The ability to combine active and passive ligation systems allows you to work with the most complex patient problems. In addition, at any time the doctor can switch from a self-ligating to a passive system in order to manually regulate the course of treatment and thereby significantly improve the treatment outcome,
low profile braces: they are thin, so they practically do not stand out above the surface of the enamel. Due to this, they are almost invisible to the patient - they do not give the sensation of a foreign body in the mouth, do not distort diction, do not increase salivation,
no pain when wearing: the interactive mechanism and the ability to combine different types of braces allow you to optimally distribute the load, eliminating irrational arch pressure. This allows you to relieve the patient from pain during the next activation of the brace system,
wide possibilities of use: braces of the Empower line are created from various materials: with Metal braces, work on bite correction goes faster, and Clear ceramic braces allow you to achieve better aesthetics,
maximum comfort when choosing ceramic systems: braces made of ceramic have a smooth surface and smoothed corners, so the patient quickly gets used to the system, since it does not rub the oral mucosa,
the ability to achieve the highest aesthetics: the Empower Clear model is created from durable new generation ceramics. It is distinguished by high quality, maximum strength and a natural snow-white shade. The clip on the bracket has a silver-rhodium coating, so it is almost invisible against the background of light plates.

DETAILS: Sapphire braces - features, review of models and prices

Duration of treatment

When considering a construction of this type, one should highlight its main element, the ligature. Its main task is to hold the bracket system in a certain place. It is used to attach the bracket with the arch. It is thanks to the ligature that the system holds well in the grooves, thereby correcting problem areas of the dentition. The arc is drawn through slots in each plate.

The braces are the plates themselves with the locks. They are located on each tooth and are attached using a special compound.

In addition to ligatures, arches and braces, additional elements can be used in the design, such as springs, rings, elastic chains.

Vestibular braces. It is considered one of the popular and classic options. Here all the plates and arches are attached to the outside of the teeth.
Lingual braces. This system is installed next to the tongue, on the inside of the teeth. Designed for those patients for whom it is important that others do not see signs of orthodontic treatment.

There are many companies that create braces. Today, the most widely used ligature braces in their range are “Pilot”, “Master”, “Sprint”, “Tiger”. ORMKO is one of the modern companies that produces many bracket systems.

Installation of this design takes about 2 hours. But first, before installation, a specialist must conduct an examination and x-ray examination. The patient himself can choose the material to create the system, but the type of braces must be determined by the doctor.

The next step will be preparation for installation. Treatment of all teeth affected by caries and their hygienic, high-quality cleaning by a specialist.

During installation of the structure, the orthodontist cleans and dries the surface of the tooth, then uses a special compound to attach the brackets. After fixing the braces, a power arc is installed.

After the procedure is completed, the doctor gives advice and recommendations on how to care for the system and schedules a scheduled appointment to examine and replace the ligatures.

In order to protect the structure from damage, the doctor gives recommendations on diet. It is necessary to exclude solid foods, very cold or very hot. And when treating with inexpensive, plastic or ceramic braces, also avoid foods that can stain the braces.

Contraindications

These corrective systems should not be installed by small children. Also, the presence of allergic reactions, periodontal disease, and mental disorders are contraindications for installing such a system. For patients who are not ready to follow the specialist’s recommendations, there is also no point in undergoing installation.

Today, quite a lot of different options for non-ligature structures have been proposed. But doctors still do not refuse systems with ligatures due to a number of their advantages:

Such systems can be used for various malocclusions.
Effectiveness of correcting misaligned teeth.
Lower cost compared to non-ligature designs.
High functionality and reliable fixation.
Possibility of using unobtrusive materials to create braces and colored ligatures.

Flaws

Naturally, like all brace systems, ligature ones have their drawbacks.

The need to replace ligatures that lose their elasticity over time.
The presence of ligatures makes the structure more visible on the teeth.
Damage and wounds to the oral cavity are possible.
The presence of a longer period of adaptation to the system.
Longer treatment period.
The need for frequent visits to the doctor.

How to properly care for Empower braces

During the course, it is important to carefully monitor the condition of your teeth and gums, maintain hygiene and not miss visits to the orthodontist for timely correction of the device. Remember to brush your teeth twice a day, including using special orthodontic brushes. Remember that every time after eating you need to thoroughly rinse your mouth with water or a special antimicrobial rinse.

Avoid any traumatic factors - you will have to give up seeds, nuts, and sticky foods. Do not bite fresh fruits and vegetables with your teeth - it is better to cut them into small pieces in advance. To strengthen hygiene and ensure complete prevention of any dental diseases, experts recommend purchasing an irrigator - with its help you can better clean hard-to-reach places.

It is important to maintain oral hygiene during treatment

Approximate treatment time

Empower metal braces occupy one of the leading positions in terms of treatment time. With such a system, correction occurs as quickly and comfortably as possible for the patient, and such a combination is very rare. The duration of the course starts from six months to correct minor defects and can reach one and a half years if major changes are to be made.

The Clear ceramic model solves the problem of aesthetics, but requires a little more time for correction. It must be said that due to the metal grooves this difference is insignificant. The course can take from 1 to 2 years.

How much does installation cost?

Empower braces are more expensive than many similar designs. They are based on a modern self-ligating mechanism. In addition, many models from the line allow you to adjust the ligation mode to enhance the impact on specific problem areas. All of this explains the increased cost of installation and treatment with Empower systems. Thus, a metal apparatus for one jaw will cost about 45 thousand rubles. Ceramic braces will cost about 65 thousand rubles for installation on one row of teeth. Please keep in mind that the price may vary depending on the pricing policy of the dental center.

According to the official website of the manufacturer: americanorthodontics.ru.

Disadvantages of braces systems

A ligature bracket system is a product consisting of ordinary elements.
Serves to treat malocclusion and uneven teeth. A distinctive design detail is the ligatures - fastening the arch to the plates on the tooth. The entire system consists of the following elements:

Braces are plates with clasps placed on each individual tooth. Dental glue is used to fix them. They are characterized by a special design. Their shape, size and location are thought out specifically according to the drawn up therapy plan and are marked in a special way so as not to be confused during the installation process.
An arc is a wire that is pulled through the grooves in each of the plates. Since it strives to straighten, the teeth are pulled to the required place. To ease the patient's sensations, arches can be made from elastic materials. As treatment progresses, they are tightened or replaced with others each time.
Ligatures are a fastening element presented in the form of miniature wire or elastic rings. Their main task is to connect the two previous structural elements - arcs and plates.

Non-ligating braces (self-ligating) are a modern invention that can significantly reduce the duration of malocclusion correction. The design features unique sliding clamps, with the help of which the arch is replaced quickly, with minimal pain and discomfort for the patient.

In a self-ligating system, the archwire is secured without blocking, resulting in the teeth moving with little force. Using the classical system, teeth are able to overcome the high frictional force during movement, which is formed due to ligatures. But in a self-ligating design, this process is much more comfortable for the client, since there is no blocking of the arch, because it is only fixed.

The process of installing a brace system to correct pathologies in the bite is carried out in several stages:

An orthodontist evaluates the general condition of the dentition. If the doctor decides that braces can be used to solve the problem, he will refer the patient for orthodontic examination. It involves making an impression of the teeth, taking panoramic photographs and x-rays of the skull. Thanks to the results obtained, it will be possible to accurately determine the treatment procedure and its timing.
When all the preparations are over, the orthodontist proceeds directly to installing the structure. Correction of the bite began from the period when the first arch was fixed.
Taking into account the selected type of brace system, the specialist prescribes the next appointment to replace the ligatures and arches, and also notifies the patient about proper care of the teeth and oral cavity.
If the treatment is successful and the teeth are completely straightened, then the braces can be removed. But this is not the end of treatment. Instead of the previous design, the patient is given retainers. These are transparent plates made of plastic. Thanks to them, the teeth are perfectly fixed in the new position and do not return to their previous state.

These are traditional braces that can be used to correct even the most difficult tooth positions. When installing the system, the arch is fixed using a ligature. After several months of treatment, rubber bands are installed instead of the ligature, which are changed every month.

The most popular metal ligature systems are American Orthodontics systems. They produce braces that are small in size and have a comfortable shape. They also have a good price.

Some of the best ceramic systems are produced by 3M - Clarity and Clarity Advanced. The braces are small, durable and transparent. Clarity has become classic, and Clarity Advanced is more advanced (smaller size). Like other systems, 3M braces have technology to protect against caries during treatment.

Ormco makes one of the best sapphire ligature brackets, Inspire Ice. They have many advantages: high strength, high aesthetics, do not change color, comfortable and easy to care for. The downside is the rather high, but justifiable cost.

By location

vestibular: located on the outside of the teeth - the cheapest and most common option,
lingual: located on the inner surface, on the side of the tongue. The option is more expensive, but also the most aesthetically pleasing - the systems are completely invisible. Read our article for a review of popular brands of lingual systems.

By type of work

Braces systems consist of three parts: the metal plates themselves and the metal arch that connects and tightens them. The third element is the elastic bands or locking fasteners that ensure the connection of these two parts. Hence, it is customary to distinguish two types of construction:

ligature: the arch and plates are connected using ligatures. These can be transparent, white or colored elastic bands, or metal rings - depending on the type of design and the need to achieve a certain effect. Ligatures change on average every month,
non-ligature: in such systems there are no elastic bands. But the plates are equipped with latches or locks that ensure the retention of the arc and control the force of its tension. Such systems are called self-ligating. They are more effective and do not require as frequent visits to the doctor as regular ligature braces.

Damon
Alexander
In-Ovation
Insignia
Empower
Marquis
Master and Mini Master
Sprint
Orthos
Victory

Important! If you have possible allergic reactions to metals, the following designs are definitely suitable for you: titanium Orthos, as well as nickel-free Quick and Sprint.

When compiling this rating, we took into account efficiency, price, prevalence in the Russian market, degree of fixation on the teeth (use of a mesh or porous base to use more adhesive glue), and the presence of low-profile and highly polished plates.

Next, we’ll look at why exactly these bracket systems were included in the rating of the best.

Classic ligature braces of a single design. They are very narrow, so their installation is possible on small crowns and with increased crowding of teeth. Due to its small size, the tension of the arc decreases and becomes more physiological. For the patient, this means no pain or discomfort when teeth shift. The cost of these brands is from 15 thousand rubles for installation on one jaw.

Damon (Ormco, USA)

One of the most popular systems on the Russian market. They are represented by models 3MX (classic braces of the old generation) and Q (featuring smaller sizes and an innovative latch). Compared to the previous model, Q braces are more comfortable and reliable. Both systems are of the self-ligating type.

The Empower Metal model is a self-ligating combined type system. It combines the possibility of using different forces: active and passive arrangement of the arc in metal plates. Due to this, the doctor can fully control the tension force of the connecting arch and the degree of impact on the teeth. Empower braces are one of the most effective self-ligating systems. Their cost is from 30 thousand rubles.

Inexpensive braces made in Italy (from 20 thousand rubles for installation on one row of teeth). They are not very common in Russia, but they are quite effective. They have a low profile and a special mesh base, which ensures better fixation of the plates on the teeth. In addition, the designs provide a beveled base of the groove, due to which the arcs are changed very simply and quickly, without the risk of damaging the plates.

DETAILS: Self-ligating bracket system damon clear

Available in two versions: classic metal systems and with a low profile - the “mini metal” model. Both designs are of the self-ligating type. They are distinguished by the presence of a lock clip made of rhodium - a metal that is very hard, does not oxidize and has a steel tint without shine. Thanks to its use, the systems become more durable - the risk of lock breakage is reduced, even if it is opened frequently. The cost of such braces is low - from 25 thousand rubles.

Classic braces made of medical steel. The arches and plates are connected using ligatures. They have a cellular base, which consists of many pores. The plates are low profile, which makes wearing braces more comfortable. Unfortunately, they are not as widespread on the Russian market as other systems of this company. The cost of braces for installation on one jaw is from 25 thousand rubles.

One of the most inexpensive braces systems. Their price starts from 12 thousand rubles for installation on one jaw. The systems are available in a ligature type, and you can even choose the color of the rubber bands. Made from steel, they have a mesh base and smooth edges. In general, these are ordinary economy-class systems, which at the same time effectively cope with their purpose.

HC (South Korea)

The systems of the South Korean brand belong to the economy class. These are inexpensive, high quality braces. They are created according to classical canons without the use of modern technological solutions, which will significantly reduce the price. The cost of installation per jaw is about 15 thousand rubles.

Metal braces “In-Ovation R” and the miniature version “Ovation mini” are of the self-ligating type. One of the most effective braces, the development of which uses innovative approaches: the plates are equipped with a patented base in the form of a three-dimensional mesh and have a very strong clip that holds the arch.

In addition, the designs allow you to easily switch from a self-ligating system to a classic ligature system, which makes them more effective, especially at the last, final stage of orthodontic treatment. In addition, braces use both active and passive technologies. The systems are quite expensive. The installation price for one jaw is from 45 thousand rubles.

poor aesthetics when choosing a metal system: the shade of the plates does not match the color of the enamel, so they are noticeable on the teeth - this often causes discomfort in patients,
low comfort of metal systems: metal braces have rather sharp corners - their presence can injure the mucous membranes and cause inflammatory processes, which significantly reduces the speed of getting used to the structures,
relatively high price: the cost is affected by foreign production, the company’s expenses on scientific development and advanced materials. In addition, the systems are self-ligating, their price is traditionally an order of magnitude higher than the cost of conventional ligature braces.