In dentistry today, a variety of types of brace systems are used; they differ from each other in configuration, appearance, materials used, cost, and so on. The manufacturer factor is also of no small importance, since many design features directly depend on who is engaged in the production of products. Quite often in orthodontics you can find, in particular, Smart Clip braces; what kind of manufacturer are they and what are the features of this system - this will be discussed below.
Hardware
The popularity of metal systems is very high and this is dictated, first of all, by their availability and reliability, but a considerable number of patients refuse them for aesthetic reasons. The choice is up to each patient, the decision about which system to install is up to him, but it is worth remembering that if we are not talking about representatives of public professions, then it is rational to give preference to such systems and Smart Clip braces as well.
Self-ligating Smart Clip bracket system
A distinctive feature of these systems is that they have a mechanism that latches itself. You can ligate the arch at your discretion, since this is required for therapeutic reasons. The passivity of the system can significantly reduce the friction force and, accordingly, improve sliding mechanics. It is these factors that play a decisive role in providing maximum effect in treatment.
Finally, it is worth adding that Smart Clip braces are perfectly combined with the Clarity SL self-ligating system, which makes it possible to expand the possibilities of therapy and achieve excellent results.
Self-ligating braces (Clarity SL, Damon, In-Ovation, Smart Clip)
Self-ligating braces are one of the most important achievements of modern orthodontics. Their design features include the presence of elements for passively strengthening the arch in the base of the braces. In a conventional braces system, the arch is attached to the locks using ligatures. Therefore, to move teeth tightly tied to an arch wire, it is necessary to overcome a significant frictional force. Self-ligating systems secure but do not block the arch, allowing teeth to be moved using more physiological, weaker forces. Modern self-ligating braces and high-tech wire arches make it possible to achieve a level of force sufficient to move teeth on arches of minimal cross-section. Patients see significant changes from the first months of treatment.
| Before treatment | 4 months after the start of treatment with Damon | After 15 months |
| Before treatment | Clarity SL braces | After 16 months |
The gentle forces used in these systems stimulate cellular activity without disrupting the blood supply to the tissues surrounding the tooth. This allows you to significantly improve the condition of the periodontium (the tissues surrounding the tooth) and avoid complications. The benefit of minimizing friction and binding reduces orthodontic treatment time by at least 25%. The use of weak forces in the biozone can significantly reduce the number of removals, even in cases with large space constraints in growing and adult patients.
The absence of ligatures simplifies the procedure of brushing teeth, increases the level of hygiene and reduces the likelihood of developing caries. The patient does not have to waste time visiting the doctor once a month to replace the ligatures. Increasing the time between doctor visits makes self-ligating systems the best choice for patients coming from other countries and cities.
The absence of ligatures, reduced friction and treatment using weak forces can reduce pain, discomfort, and the likelihood of injury to the mucous membrane of the lips and cheeks during the treatment process. The time required for removing and installing the archwire has been significantly reduced compared to traditional braces. Patients do not have to sit in a chair for a long time with their mouths open.
Now there is a large selection of self-ligating systems (Damon System, Smart Clip, Clarity SL, In-Ovation). Almost every company that produces braces has developed its own design of self-ligating braces, the best of which are currently Damon System, Smart Clip, Clarity SL.
The creator of the Damon system , American orthodontist Dwight Damon, developed “a new approach to the consideration of forces used in orthodontic practice.”
Damon 3 , Damon 3MX , Damon Q and Damon Clear braces are smaller than usual, have a smooth shape, and therefore do not cause discomfort to the patient. Thanks to the possibility of choosing braces with different technical characteristics, the doctor can further individualize the equipment to achieve the best result.
Damon 3MX braces
3M Unitek 's Smart Clip self-ligating systems have a classic shape and a patented unique snap mechanism that allows you to vary and control the force of arc insertion.
Smart Clip
Clarity SL braces are the first truly esthetic self-ligating braces. The “body” of the bracket is completely made of ceramic, the snap mechanism is almost invisible.
Clarity SL
Braces Innovation
In-Ovation is not just another no-ligation brace. This is the world’s only non-ligature bracket of the “ Twin ” system with an active and passive latch
Braces Innovation S
These braces are the only aesthetic non-ligature braces, the base of which is not made of composite or plastic, but of solid ceramics.
Manufacturers of lingual braces (Incognito, In-Ovation L) also paid attention to self-ligation technology. Incognito system allows the production of self-ligating braces, which significantly speeds up treatment, especially in cases of significant crowding of the front teeth in the lower jaw.
| Before treatment | 2 months after the start of treatment | 13 months after the start of treatment |
| Incognito system | ||
Thanks to their unique properties, self-ligating braces are the future of orthodontics and the best choice today.
Who releases?
The manufacturer in this case is the American company 3M Unitek, which occupies a leading position in the market and has a hundred years of experience in producing products of a similar nature. A feature of the company’s functioning is its adherence to the latest developments and technological advances; in particular, it was one of the first to use nickel-titanium for the production of orthodontic structures. The designs are lightweight and durable at the same time; in addition, the company holds a patent for a unique snap mechanism technology. Also, 3M Unitek boasts the presence of maximum fastening technology in its brace systems, thanks to which the fixation of structural elements on the teeth is carried out due to its specific structure, without the use of glue.
The Smart Clip contact pad is small in size, so the degree of interaction between the system and the teeth comes to the fore. The load is distributed evenly; accordingly, the fastening of the elements to the teeth is reliable and durable, which prevents foreign objects from entering the gaps. Thanks to the locks used, the entire structure is securely fixed, and there is no need for special hooks, since the problem of restoring the aesthetics of the dentition can be successfully solved without them. It is also worth adding the factor of the small size of this system, so they are less noticeable to others in comparison with products from other manufacturers.
Manufacturer
The manufacturer of the popular and widely sought-after Smart Clip orthodontic systems is an American company that concentrates its efforts on developing innovative products in the field of dentistry, orthopedics and orthodontics.
It was founded in 1948. Nowadays, the catalog of products manufactured by the company includes over 14,000 products that meet the requirements of world medical standards.
Among the innovative products that have no analogues in the world, it is necessary to note adhesives for uncompromising fixation, self-ligating devices for metal and ceramic braces, the universal MBT Clarity system, and nitinol arches.
Smart Clip systems are the brainchild of the world famous company 3M Unitek, an American manufacturer that has been specializing in the manufacture of orthodontic structures and devices for more than a century.
A feature of the management policy is constant innovative developments that allow us to go one step ahead of competing brands.
The corporation is the founder of a technology that involves the use of a nickel-titanium alloy in dental practice, which makes it possible to create a unique self-closing product.
The 3M Unitek product line consists of about 1,500 items, each of which is certified according to the European quality and standardization system.
Advantages and disadvantages
Like any other brace system, Smart Clip has both advantages and disadvantages; there are many more of the former, so it makes sense to start with them. So, some of the significant and important advantages include:
- the system is self-ligating, therefore, during the process of eating, the threat of injury is practically reduced to zero;
- convenience of the structure of locks and their sizes;
- the treatment speed is slightly higher than when using other braces;
- the range of applications in orthodontics is very wide;
- are able to successfully solve problems of almost any level of complexity;
- before installation there is no need to remove teeth to make room for the bridge;
- excellent aesthetic characteristics;
- Installation and removal are fairly quick.
It is worth considering that it is impossible to completely hide these braces, so they are not suitable for those for whom this factor is of paramount importance, but it is quite difficult to call this a disadvantage. You can also mention the relatively high price that you will have to pay for Smart Clip braces, but these costs are completely justified in terms of the quality of the final result.
System Description
Self-ligating, ligature-free Smart Clip braces represent a revolution in orthodontics. Their production is based on the use of titanium nickelide structural material.
Metal devices for correcting bite and occlusion Smart Clip are distinguished by a smooth surface radius, which increases the comfort when wearing them.
Braces from an American manufacturer have a classic shape with an anatomical platform.
This manufacturer’s solution allows patients to quickly get used to foreign objects in the mouth. The presence of an identification system and a vertical marking line on the body ensures more accurate positioning of the braces.
The modernized clips in the Smart Clip system of metal American devices are distinguished by an improved design, which allows them to be installed on the dentition and replace arches without any particular difficulties.
When the established norms of pressure on the dentition are exceeded, integral and important elements in the design of braces are released, in the form of a strong wire. The open design of the clip allows for improved oral hygiene. Nitinol is used in its production.
Among the advantageous characteristics are strength, resistance to corrosion, high coefficient of shape recovery, biological compatibility, and damping ability.
The wings of the clip are low-profile elements of braces. They have an identification mark on them. The systems' steel arches are distinguished by rounded corners. This choice of their appearance ensures excellent, ideal gliding while maintaining torque. Jamming is completely eliminated.
The APC PLUS system is designed for high-quality fixation of devices. It involves the preliminary application of an adhesive to the braces, the distinctive characteristics of which include light-curing and color-changing properties.
Smart Clip is a device with a small contact area, but at the same time they interact perfectly with the tooth.
Thanks to the most even distribution of the load at the time of chewing food, the braces are fixed to the enamel surface firmly and reliably.
Thus, the penetration of product fragments and pathogenic microorganisms into the gaps and recesses, causing an unpleasant odor and the development of inflammation, is minimized.
They do not require the presence of special hooks, and fully fulfill their functional purpose, aimed at restoring the external attractiveness of the dentition.
The design size also differs from analog versions from other manufacturers. They are an order of magnitude smaller, which has a positive effect on the period of adaptation and the presence of a foreign object in the patient’s mouth.
DETAILS: What you can eat with braces - nutrition and diet with the system
Operating principle
The arch in the Smart Clip system is attached without blocking, therefore, unlike other designs, the teeth move under low pressure and without a very serious friction force.
Structurally, this system consists of two nitinol clips on metal braces and is passive. The teeth receive virtually no pressure, and the alignment of the bite is carried out through tension; accordingly, this technique can be safely described as one of the most gentle and physiological for the dentition. At the same time, each tooth is reliably protected from the effects of adverse factors.
What are Smartclip braces?
Smartclip braces are a structure consisting of a frame, more precisely, a beam, onto which the main, vertical load is transferred during chewing. In most cases, the chewing load moves from the supporting teeth, which perfectly helps to transfer the main pressure, distributing it throughout the oral cavity, thereby reducing the risks of further destruction of neighboring teeth.
It is also worth noting the strength of these braces, since there are two small recesses inside that slam shut during fixation, we can say one hundred percent that such a mechanism will be one of the most durable and strong. Smartclip braces completely straighten teeth, allowing patients to restore their smile in as little time as possible.
Orthodontists advise removing braces as rarely as possible, despite the fact that the structures are removable, but frequent changes are not recommended, only if the patient wants to completely clean the braces or replace them. It is better to have it cleaned by a dentist.
In what cases are there indications for Smartclip braces?
- The patient has partially or completely crooked teeth
- Due to the characteristics of the patient’s dentition, it is almost impossible to select any other type of design
Installation
The treatment process is preceded by a diagnostic procedure, during which the dentist examines the patient’s oral cavity, assesses its condition and decides what problems need to be solved before installing the structure. It can be performed only after complete sanitation of the oral cavity.
Smart Clip braces can correct almost any malocclusion; the operating principle of the system is based on the action of an arch on the teeth and their tension, as a result of which the dentition gradually falls into place.
You can install such a structure starting from the age of 12; until this moment, the installation will simply be devoid of any meaning. It is important to understand that the matter is not limited to one installation; you should also:
- strictly observe oral hygiene and monitor its condition;
- brush your teeth not only with a brush, but also with other devices, such as a brush or floss;
- exclude hard and sticky foods from your diet, limit your consumption of sweets.
Installation process
Installation of systems begins with preliminary diagnostic measures. At this stage, the dentist carefully examines the condition of the oral cavity, the degree of progression of the pathology, and determines options for correcting the bite.
Therapy should begin only after complete sanitation of the oral cavity. The product can be used by patients whose age threshold has exceeded 12 years. Until this time, treatment will not bring a positive result.
The next stage of installation is processing the working area, removing plaque and rocky deposits. Without this, the fixation will not be strong and durable.
After all the preparatory work is completed, the doctor attaches nitinol clips and arches made of a metal alloy into their grooves.
The final procedure is device correction. The doctor determines on site how well the device is installed.
If there are any deviations in the fastening, they are corrected immediately. After that, the date of the next consultative visit is determined to monitor the treatment and replace items that have become unusable.
