What are the Types of Orthodontic Braces? Main Differences

To date, the types of orthodontic braces used by doctors vary greatly. Over the past decade, several fundamentally new approaches to correcting the bite of teeth have been developed. And, as a result, many bracket systems have been developed, including the invisalign braces that have become very popular.

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What choice does modern orthodontics offer?

Despite the fact that orthodontics itself is a young science, the first braces were used at the end of the 19th century. These were bulky designs that bore little resemblance to modern miniature and inconspicuous braces. Now, modern orthodontics offers a large selection of systems from different materials:

● ceramic braces;

● sapphire braces;

● metal braces;

● lingual braces;

● combined braces.

Ceramic braces

One of the least noticeable and most costly forms of braces are ceramic ones. There are two types of ceramic braces: polycrystalline and monocrystalline. Braces made of polycrystalline materials are matte and barely transparent. Nowadays, ceramic braces are frequently used. Since they are more aesthetically pleasing than any other, most patients prefer them. Particularly if you don't have teeth that are perfectly white, they are matched to the color of your teeth so that they blend in with the color of your teeth.

Ceramic braces do not irritate the gums, are highly strong, and stick to the teeth very effectively. The braces in question can withstand food coloring. Although they have many benefits, they are more expensive and have higher friction between the bracket slot and the wire, which can slightly lengthen the treatment process. They may also be more uncomfortable to remove from the tooth enamel.

Sapphire braces

They are created from a single sapphire crystal. They are incredibly strong and clear. The benefit of these braces is that they do not collect plaque and do not become stained. Because sapphire braces are transparent, they are the best option if you have extremely light-colored teeth. If your teeth are deeper in color, ceramic braces are the superior option.

Sapphire braces are vestibular braces constructed from crystals of sapphire that have been created chemically. Because they are unnoticeable to others, they are becoming more and more common in orthodontics. In addition, they don't result in diction problems or the impression of a "foreign body" in the mouth, making maintenance of them less time-consuming. It takes longer to normalize the bite with ceramic and sapphire brackets because there is a lot of friction between the bracket groove and the arc it must move along, dragging the tooth with it.

Metal braces

Orthodontics has used metal braces for decades with great success. Metal braces are made up of a number of components that are fastened to the teeth, merging them into a unified system and assisting in the achievement of the desired outcome. The metal device is thought to be the least costly. Despite his relative cheapness, he is not inferior in quality to other models; rather, he is more obvious, therefore you shouldn't treat him like one.

This earliest and least attractive type of braces is still in heavy usage and isn't going anywhere. The least amount of friction between the groove and the arc is a benefit of metal bracket systems over other types of brackets. Of course, the visual aspect is a drawback. The braces are very apparent on the teeth despite their modest size. With each visit to the orthodontist, the ligatures' color can be altered, diversifying the aesthetic moment. Colors may be combined in several different ways at the same time. Every time a teen adds a new "chip" to their image, this is a good option.

Lingual braces

The major benefit of lingual braces is that they are typically undetectable when smiling since they are attached to the interior of the teeth from the side of the tongue. They also have access to a variety of production materials, including gold, ceramics, and metal. These braces have a number of drawbacks, including longer treatment times and more difficult oral hygiene during the first two weeks after braces are installed.

Combined braces

Most often, people are influenced by financial considerations when choosing a future bracket system before starting treatment. Fortunately, various combinations of the aforementioned systems are possible, which can significantly change the cost of the treatment as a whole.

● Metal braces that are functional and affordable can be combined with more attractive ones with ease. Only the first six front teeth often lie in the "smile zone." Therefore, it makes perfect sense to employ metal locks and just partially ceramic braces on the remaining teeth. Due to the "prominent" bracket system, it will be feasible to make it less complicated while also saving money on treatment.

● Lingual technique may also be used only on the upper jaw, while traditional ceramic braces are used on the lower jaw. Additionally, doing so will lower the overall cost of the procedure and make it simpler to get used to wearing lingual braces on only one jaw.

What braces are best?

Each bracketing system has benefits and drawbacks of its own. Ligature braces include extra attachments that have an impact on treatment time, cleanliness, and appearance. They are trustworthy and affordable at the same time, though. The most recent and cutting-edge orthodontic devices are non-ligature braces. The friction between the archwire and the bracket is minimal because of the built-in fastener, which reduces treatment time. Self-ligating braces are easier to maintain in terms of daily hygiene and have a neater appearance.

Orthodontists increasingly favor and advise patients to use ligature-free braces. Regarding the braces' construction, consideration should be given to how they seem. Braces made of ceramic and sapphire appear to be the most subtle and stunning. Metal ones, despite their look, do their job well. Few people who get braces are aware that they completely grow addicted to them after only a week or two and take on a new appearance before becoming increasingly acquainted.

Whatever method of bite correction you select, keep in mind that following a professional doctor's advice is always required for treatment to be successful to an extent of 80%.