Plastic braces - plastic dental structures

If visible dental defects spoil your mood and prevent you from smiling widely, then you need to contact an experienced specialist who will recommend installing vestibular braces. Thanks to this system, the bite will improve and the teeth will “fall into place.” Today, the technique is available to almost every person. You just need to decide which braces you like. The editors of the YaNashla website bring to your attention a review of the best transparent vestibular braces for 2020.

Description of braces

Braces are a system designed to correct crooked teeth. The design of the system consists of so-called locks, a metal arc and ligatures.

The operating principle is as follows: if you constantly press on a crooked tooth in the right direction, then after a while it will move to the right place. The wire connecting the brackets passes through the lock and is installed in a certain position. With the help of this arc, a compressive movement is created on the organs. And gradually, after some time, the entire dentition is corrected.

An orthodontist specializes in restoring bites and extracting teeth using various methods.

What are the benefits of using lingual braces?

Aesthetic aspect: invisibility of the orthodontic correction performed.
The mucous membranes of the cheeks, lips, and outer surface of the gums are practically not injured, and at the same time, lingual braces are often washed with saliva, which reduces the risk of developing caries.
High functionality that allows you to effectively correct your bite.
No damage to tooth enamel (with prolonged wearing of vestibular braces, demineralization may develop). This is also facilitated by the large thickness of tooth enamel on the inner (lingual) surface.
Lingual braces are thinner, so when chewing they experience less mechanical stress and are less likely to peel off from the tooth surface, and are re-fixed accurately and easily, which does not affect the effect of orthopedic treatment.
With the help of lingual braces, it is possible to correct deep bites much more effectively. In cases where it is necessary to expand the dentition, the internal brace system has greater advantages than the vestibular one.
In addition, in some bracket systems of some designs, the power arc has a more intense effect, which sometimes reduces the time of orthopedic treatment.

We invite you to familiarize yourself with 6 important facts you need to know about exposure of the neck of a tooth.

What types of braces are there?

There are many types of braces. The systems differ in the following parameters:

installation method;
shape of brackets;
materials from which braces are made.

Depending on the method of installation, bracket systems can be of the following types:

Vestibular is a method in which brackets are installed on the front wall of the teeth. A popular classic technique that is being improved thanks to the latest technologies and materials;
Lingual - a method in which locking fasteners are installed on the inner surface of the tooth facing the tongue. Such brackets are not noticeable to other people. Only the attending physician and the patient himself will know about them.

However, the vestibular method also has a significant advantage: the cost of treatment is half that of a lingual installation. In addition, the second type of braces greatly affects the correct pronunciation of speech.

According to the type of fastening, the mechanisms are:

Ligature or classic - these are special connections in the form of a ring installed in the bracket. The main arc passes through them, which controls the movement of the tooth in the desired direction. The ligature can be rubber or metal. The first option is presented in transparent or multi-colored form. Due to rapid wear, rubber ligatures have to be changed almost every month.
Self-adjusting braces with a lock that secures the metal arch. The system is characterized by a rapid therapeutic effect and minimal pain from the wearing procedure.

To understand how to choose the best braces from this range, you need to undergo an examination and get advice from a dentist.

Lingual invisible braces

Lingual invisible braces (translated from Latin as “lingua” - tongue) are one of the types of orthopedic systems that differ from corrective devices in that they are installed on the inside of the dentition, making them completely invisible to others. This system helps to correct occlusion disorders, as well as correct the curvature of dental units. In addition to its healing properties, the invisible brace system is good because it is hardly noticeable from the outside. So what is special about this system?

The main positive qualities of lingual invisible braces are, firstly, its complete invisibility; upon completion of treatment, there are no traces of its use; it is absolutely hypoallergenic, which allows it to be used by all patients; Hidden braces will help correct deep bite defects as effectively as ligature ones.

But, like any other treatment, invisible braces have some disadvantages: at first, after installation, there may be a problem with diction, however, this will disappear soon; The installation system for these braces is not simple, so the competence and experience of the doctor installing the system is required; Also, the disadvantage of invisible braces is their high cost.

Materials from which braces are made

Modern braces are made from a variety of materials, including:

Metal: steel, titanium, nickel.

Metal braces are durable. The treatment procedure is accessible, since metal is the most inexpensive raw material. However, such braces do not have any special aesthetics, and they will be visible to others.

Currently, transparent models of braces are becoming increasingly popular, which have a certain advantage over metal systems. They are practically invisible and look aesthetically pleasing.

Models of transparent brackets are made from materials such as:

Plastic is the most budget-friendly invisible option. They are commonly used to correct dental imperfections in children. They are not particularly durable and tend to darken during use;
Ceramics, which is the optimal solution for not highlighting teeth “decorated” with braces. The color can be selected as natural as possible according to the shade of the teeth. Such accessories must be handled delicately, as they can be accidentally damaged;
Sapphire is an artificially grown metal that is distinguished by its durability and high price. Features of sapphire devices are durability and aesthetics.

In terms of beauty and invisibility, transparent vestibular braces, of course, win. They are made from different materials, have a minimum of contraindications, quickly correct the bite, but are more expensive.

Features of plastic braces

A characteristic feature, as already mentioned, is its moderate cost . One of the main goals of the developers was to ensure wide availability of devices for consumers. It should be noted that the attempt was successful.

Modern devices made of plastic are practically no different in appearance from their ceramic counterparts. Special computer programs allow you to most accurately select the shade of plastic to match the color of your tooth enamel. To enhance the effect of invisibility, orthodontists recommend installing a power arch with white coating. The photographs below of a plastic product equipped with such a spring prove that the system completely matches the color of the dentition. The naked human eye can only detect the device upon close inspection.

The structures are made from high-quality polymer material. The finished devices are characterized by excellent performance properties, somewhat inferior to those of similar ceramic systems. It is noticeable in the photo that the mechanism does not differ significantly from the metal products tested by experience. It also has:

base with special notches;
smoothed body;
grooves and protrusions for fastening ligatures of various types.

Installation method

Dental treatment with braces occurs in several stages:

Diagnostics.

At this stage, the severity of the disease is determined. X-rays are taken and impressions are taken. And also carry out the following actions:

Eliminate caries;
Old fillings are replaced with new ones;
If periodontal disease is present, treatment is carried out;
Eliminate inflammatory gum diseases;
Professional teeth cleaning is carried out to remove tartar using fluoride-containing preparations or the ultrasonic method.

Installation.

Before starting treatment, an expander is installed - a retainer, with the help of which the dentist will have unhindered access to the teeth. The organs are prepared for the installation of braces: they are polished, covered with a special solution and dried;
Using glue, staples are attached to the front wall of the teeth (first to the upper jaw, then to the lower);
Then the arch is fixed using ligatures or self-adjusting braces;
During the entire treatment period, it is necessary to monitor the tension of the arc, check the integrity of the braces and replace worn elements.

The installation time for dental braces can last approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

Benefits of cap aligners

The main advantages of the invisible teeth straightening system are:

absolute transparency. And this is not a myth at all. Even at close range, the aligners are completely invisible, unlike ceramic and sapphire ones equipped with metal elements.
removability of the structure. No less important advantage. If necessary, aligner trays can be easily removed, which is quite convenient.

Now you know exactly what invisible braces are made of, and you can confidently make your choice. Be beautiful and healthy!

Duration of treatment with vestibular braces

The exact time of treatment with vestibular systems can be prescribed by an orthodontist. Typically this period lasts from 1.5 to 2 years. During treatment, monitoring of the condition of the oral cavity is necessary. If necessary, the staples and arch are subjected to correction.

The duration of treatment depends on the following factors:

Patient's age. The older the person, the longer the therapy may last. The reason for this phenomenon: slow growth of bone tissue and cessation of bite formation;
Degree of severity of defects;
Type of bracket systems;
Dentist experience and competence.

In the first months of treatment, the patient gets used to the changes in the oral cavity. The inner walls of the cheeks, gums and tongue may experience chafing or damage. Noticeable improvements occur after 6 months. However, the treatment does not stop. 8 months after the start of the procedure, the time comes to correct the bite. For reliable correction, after removing braces, therapy is prolonged thanks to a retainer. This special device is designed to consolidate the result obtained. Adults wear a retainer for approximately 4 years. For a child, this stage passes much faster - generally 2 years.

Manufacturing and installation

Innovative lingual braces take much longer to manufacture than conventional braces for the simple reason that the system is individual for each individual. On average, this process takes up to a month.

Before starting to develop the design, the orthodontist will make an impression of both of your jaws, send you for an x-ray, and perform a complete sanitation of the oral cavity. Then the locks are secured on each tooth and only then the arch is installed.

As we already mentioned, lingual invisible braces require more careful care. You will need more than just a special toothbrush and dental brushes. An irrigator is highly desirable - a device that supplies a stream of water to the teeth under high pressure, due to which the most inaccessible places are cleaned.

Caring for vestibular braces

While wearing dental appliances, problems with oral hygiene may arise. There is a set of measures aimed at caring for and cleaning teeth with braces:

Cleansing.

Braces, acting as a foreign body, tend to trap food particles. This means they become a source of bacteria and unpleasant odors. Therefore, the cleansing procedure should take place at least 3 times a day.

The following accessories are suitable for cleaning:

single-tuft brushes of medium hardness;
V – shaped brushes;
brushes for cleaning the space between teeth;
dental floss.

Rinsing.

Regular rinsing will help maintain freshness throughout the day, remove food debris, strengthen gums and eliminate pain. The procedure can be carried out using distilled water, any branded fresheners, or medicinal tinctures.

Proper nutrition.

To avoid the devices moving, tearing, damage and possible deformation, it is necessary to limit the consumption of chips, crackers, nuts and seeds. It is best to avoid such foods altogether.

In addition, sweets, marmalade, chewing gum, and baked goods stick to the mechanisms, which also leads to the brackets coming off the teeth. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully select the menu.

Strongly colored food contributes to changes in the facial layer of the brackets, until they become completely cloudy. Therefore, such staples will not look aesthetically pleasing.

Checking the integrity of the structure.

A visit to the dentist is required once a month so that he can diagnose the integrity of the structure. At the slightest deformation, the specialist will make a correction and carry out additional cleaning of the braces and teeth.

Features of care and cost

To prevent braces from breaking or wearing out, you need to properly care for them and adhere to certain dietary rules.

Very hard products that can deform the structure should be avoided. These include nuts, caramel and seeds. It is recommended to reduce the amount of sweets, smoked foods and sticky foods you consume. Chewing gum is prohibited, as it causes the plates to lag behind the enamel.

Doctors recommend avoiding sudden changes in temperature in food. Eating cold or hot foods can cause your braces to come off. During the treatment period, you must completely avoid marshmallows, nougat and Turkish delight.

It is important to clean your braces regularly. For this purpose, orthodontic brushes, irrigators and special small brushes are used. If you cannot brush your teeth after every meal, then you should at least rinse them. Brushing your teeth should follow the following algorithm:

The front surface of the teeth is cleaned using a V-shaped brush. At first the movements should be circular, and then smoothly turn into vertical ones. The brush should be positioned perpendicular to the teeth.
The areas between the gums and the structure are also carefully cleaned. Don't forget about the arc, hooks and locks - they also need to be processed.
A tuft brush can be used to clean the frontal surface and back teeth.
Plaque is removed from the tongue using the ribbed part of the brush or a special scraper.

Braces care kit

The cleaning procedure must be carried out as carefully as possible, especially in the first days after installation of the structure.

The price for installing plastic braces systems can vary. It depends on the status of the clinic, the qualifications of specialists, and the degree of deformation processes. The cost of plastic braces can vary from 6,000 to 9,000 rubles. for one jaw. Elan or Spirit systems will cost more.

The patient pays extra for spraying or painting the structure in the color he needs. Plastic structures are one of the most inexpensive ways to correct a bite. However, if they are not cared for properly or if very hard foods are consumed, they can break, thereby making treatment more expensive. They also become stained by food and don't look very good over time. Therefore, before installation you need to weigh the pros and cons.

Orthodontists recommend choosing ceramic or metal systems:

Contraindications

Medical braces have incomparable benefits: correcting bites, straightening individual teeth, smoothing facial aesthetics, etc.

However, there are a number of contraindications in which these mechanisms will be harmful.

These include:

Hypoplasia of tooth enamel;
Caries;
Multiple dental defects, fillings, crowns;
Gum diseases;
Indigestion;
Severe forms of diseases;
Allergy to materials used in the installation of mechanisms;
Severe mental illness and nervous disorders.

And this is not the entire list of diseases for which the installation of devices is impossible. Before starting the procedure, it is necessary to undergo a high-quality examination and obtain recommendations from a dentist. He will tell you about the advantages and disadvantages of braces and prescribe treatment. Only under such conditions can errors in selection be eliminated in the future and treatment will be successful.

To psychologically prepare for the installation of braces, you can read reviews from previous patients regarding the methods and process of treatment.

Installation of invisible braces

The key to installing Invisalign® invisible braces and aligners is a personal touch. If the treatment process with braces follows a standard four-stage system (taking impressions from the jaws, laboratory work on modeling braces and installing the system itself with the application of fixing material to the teeth), then the process of preparing the aligners is slightly different.

Before planning treatment, your doctor will take impressions and scans. A detailed and clear treatment plan is then created using ClinCheck® 3D planning software. ClinCheck® will show the planned movement of teeth and the final result of treatment - that is, you can see what your teeth will look like after straightening before you start wearing aligners, and you will know the expected duration of treatment.

Modern bite correction without braces using Invisalign® aligners gently and gradually corrects the problem, and you get the desired result within the prescribed period!

How much does treatment cost?

The cost of the best dental appliances depends on interrelated characteristics. These include:

Dental services;
Preparatory stage of work;
Accessories and spare parts of various functions necessary for installing braces;
Subsequent visit to the orthodontist to monitor and correct the system.

An overview of the cost of the treatment complex is as follows:

Installation of plastic devices will cost patients relatively inexpensively, approximately 75,000 rubles;
To install sapphire mechanisms on one jaw, you will have to pay about 100,000 - 150,000 rubles;
The average price for installing ceramic mechanisms is 200,000 rubles.

According to dentists, the selection criteria largely depend on the doctor’s prescriptions. To correctly understand which braces are best to buy, you should first visit the dentist and then make an informed decision.

Range of clear braces

Both ceramic and sapphire orthodontic devices have their advantages and disadvantages.

Important! Ceramic braces are more fragile than sapphire braces. But at the same time, their color can be matched to the natural shade of the teeth. Sapphire systems are very durable and lightweight, however, if the enamel has a yellowish tint, the design will differ in color. In this case, a bleaching procedure will be required before installation.

Both types of braces are manufactured by different manufacturers, each of which has its own nuances.

Reflections ceramic braces

comfortable and convenient, thanks to the rounded corners of the design;
made of stain-resistant material;
have good aesthetic qualities;
a special base with an increased area ensures reliable fixation.

The disadvantage of these braces is the duration of treatment and the price, which is higher than for metal products.

Aspire ceramic braces

gold-plated grooves, called “swallow’s nest” in their shape, are located at the base of the structure and provide reliable fixation, quick removal of braces, and also reduce friction;
compact size and natural appearance.

The disadvantages of this variety include high price, fragility and a long treatment period. Friction also often occurs between the groove and the arc, which increases during wear.

Aspire ceramic braces offer superior aesthetics combined with excellent mechanical glide. and the gold-plated metal groove reduces friction.

Clarity ceramic braces

have a very compact size;
very easy to use;
special material ensures precise selection of color corresponding to the shade of enamel;
The latest technologies are embodied in a design that is conveniently fixed on the teeth without a metal groove.

Clarity SL ceramic braces

finely dispersed ceramics, allowing devices to be almost transparent;
sliding characteristics are improved due to the presence of a metal groove;
braces are resistant to long-term wear and retain their original appearance;
a system of special clips that allows you to replace the arches as needed.

The disadvantage of Clarity SL brand products is the extended period of bite correction and the high cost of the system.

Mystique Ceramic Braces (GAC)

special processing of grooves using film improves the sliding of arcs;
silicon oxide coating protects braces from external influences that change their shade;
high-tech anatomical contour of the base;
chalk inserts and recesses in the structure, guaranteeing reliable fixation and quick removal of the system.

Mystique ceramic braces - the main advantage is that reinforced material is used to create them. This ensures structural strength significantly higher than that of other systems.

The weak point of such devices is the rubber elements that hold the arc. Over time, they can change color, which negatively affects the appearance of the entire orthodontic system.

Sapphire Inspire ICE braces

high transparency and aesthetics;
strong fixation of the system on the tooth surface;
easy removal of the structure.

Inspire Ice sapphire brackets are made from a high-quality patented material similar to natural sapphire, which ensures their crystal clarity.

The increased fragility of the product is corrected by using additional materials with high strength in the braces system.

Damon Clear Sapphire Braces

A distinctive feature of the devices of this brand is the patented technology of laser etching of the base of the structure. This provides unique reliability of adhesion and fixation of the entire system. At the same time, removing braces is also not difficult. It should be taken into account that despite the strength of the sapphire material, the design of the product itself, as a whole, is quite fragile.

Damon Clear sapphire braces are a self-adjusting model and are the most advanced modern brace systems. The archwire technology allows the use of natural, ultra-low forces to move teeth.

Sapphire braces Radiance

high resistance to staining;
easy addiction and comfort during the treatment period;
no speech defects occur during use;
reliable and durable devices.

The special Quad-Matte base reduces friction between the arc and grooves. This technology guarantees reliable fixation of different strengths: slightly weaker at the edges and stronger in the center. The design makes it easy to remove and install braces. The disadvantages of Radiance orthodontic products include relative fragility, which requires careful handling and careful care of the system. However, the most significant disadvantage is, as a rule, the high price of the devices.

Sapphire braces Pure

They are distinguished by unsurpassed transparency and invisibility, thanks to which this design looks great on white teeth. If the color of the teeth is not snow-white, then the system is not indicated for use. However, the problem can be solved using the enamel whitening procedure.

Pure sapphire braces have a special base shape, which guarantees a tight fit of the system to the dentition and reliable fixation during treatment.

Pure brand products are fragile and the most expensive of all the listed systems. The choice of transparent invisible braces should be determined after a preliminary consultation with an orthodontist. An experienced doctor will assess the condition of the teeth and the degree of correction required, and then suggest product options that can be used in this particular case. After this, you should study the features of the proposed systems and give preference to one of them.

Important! In most cases of system installation, it is possible to install one of the types of invisible braces, which, of course, are much nicer than metal ones, although they have a longer correction period. Inconspicuous devices are especially important at a young age, because teenagers often have many complexes about their appearance.

In this case, if you have the doctor’s approval, you should opt for sapphire or ceramic braces.

The best manufacturers

The best manufacturers of transparent vestibular braces:

Smart;
Ormco;
Ortho Technology;
3M Unitek;
ODP;
American Orthodontics;
Forestadent;
HT Corporation;
Pilot.

These companies produce the most reliable braces, which are valued for their quality and aesthetics. The devices of these bracket systems have proven their effectiveness in treatment in a relatively short time. It is the consumer who determines which brand of dental appliances is best to purchase, based on the dentist’s recommendations and reviews from previous patients.

Rating of high-quality transparent braces for 2020

Ceramic

Dental appliances made from ceramics look aesthetically pleasing and dignified. The color of braces can be chosen as close as possible to the shade of the teeth, which makes them almost invisible to others. Thanks to the smooth surface of the devices, the risk of injury in the oral cavity is reduced to zero.

Advantages:

They have high aesthetic properties, thanks to which braces on the teeth are practically invisible;
Do not cause an allergic reaction;
Getting used to the system occurs almost immediately, without causing discomfort;
Thanks to the smooth surface, injury to the gums and soft tissues of the oral cavity is excluded.

Flaws:

Ceramics have poor flexibility and are therefore not durable. Additional time and money will be required for orthodontic services;
Due to the minimal strength of the systems, the duration of treatment increases, on average by 3-6 months;
Over time, the edges of the braces begin to darken. This occurs due to food particles clogging the spaces between the braces and the surface of the teeth. Therefore, the devices require timely cleaning by a specialist;
The cost of teeth straightening with ceramic systems is much more expensive than treatment with metal braces. By about 30-50%.

Sapphire

Sapphire is the most expensive and at the same time a very good representative of transparent braces. Its cost is determined by the manufacturing method. Raw materials are produced chemically in a special laboratory. All the accessories for sapphire brackets are also very expensive. Therefore, not many consumers can afford this option of braces. To reduce the cost of treatment, mixed types of systems are usually used: the front teeth are “decorated” with sapphire, and metal is placed on the back teeth.

Advantages:

Compared to ceramic systems, sapphire brackets are durable and adhere well to dental tissue;
The material does not cause allergic reactions;
The patient quickly gets used to the sapphire mechanisms. In this case, speech is practically not impaired;
The color of the devices is as close as possible to the color of the teeth.

Flaws:

The manufacturing technology of devices and their component materials involves the use of expensive raw materials. Therefore, they are not available to every consumer;
Not suitable for pregnant women in the first and third trimesters;
It is not recommended to install sapphire systems during acute respiratory diseases.

Plastic

The most budget option for braces in comparison with sapphire and ceramic systems. This type is made of high quality plastic. Braces can be used to treat children's malocclusion, as well as for adults. Some plastic mechanisms are produced with a specific function: to decorate the teeth during treatment. The average price of plastic vestibular braces is significantly cheaper than competing models. Therefore, this option is available to almost every consumer.

Advantages:

In orthopedics, it is an inexpensive option for transparent vestibular dental aids;
There are colorful options that kids and teens will love;
The color of the brackets can be chosen as close as possible to the shade of the teeth;
Quickly addictive.

Flaws:

Quite often, accessories fail, so timely replacement of spare parts is required;
According to buyers, braces change color over time and become less attractive. For the same reason, you should not eat highly colored foods;
The treatment period may last for a fairly indefinite period of time due to abrasion of the plastic, incorrect movement, or peeling off.

Disadvantages of plastic braces

Plastic products have several disadvantages. The main ones:

Relatively low strength . Significant mechanical loads render the system unusable. The product may crack or burst. Sometimes, to make the plastic structure more resistant to damage, it is equipped with steel parts, which reduces the aesthetics of the device.
Fragility of polymer material . It wears off a lot over time. Therefore, the therapeutic course lasts no longer than a year.
Impossibility of correcting severe dental anomalies . The reason is low strength and limited service life.
Susceptibility to food colorings . Tea, juices, coffee, colored sodas and other pigmented products quickly change the color of braces. Parentheses are no longer invisible.