How do self-ligating braces work and why are they better than ligature braces?

Ideally straight teeth and correct bite are an integral feature of every person’s image. It is the smile that contributes to the formation of a positive impression of the opponent. However, not everyone is naturally blessed with straight teeth and a beautiful smile. Often, teeth become significantly crooked, which is a completely natural phenomenon during the development of the body.

Most people naively believe that malocclusion is an exclusively aesthetic defect that you just need to come to terms with. In fact, such problems are completely solvable. Moreover, if you avoid the problem, it can lead to extremely unpleasant consequences. Since the human body is an integral and interconnected system, failures in one area can lead to significant disruptions in another.

Thus, an incorrect bite will contribute to poor chewing of food, which will affect the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. We recommend that you do not wait for serious consequences to appear, but seek help from a dentist. One of the most optimal treatment options is the installation of ligature braces.

The mechanism of bite correction using braces

Pathologies of occlusion can be congenital, caused by genetic predisposition or abnormalities of intrauterine development, or acquired, caused by bad habits or injuries to the dentofacial apparatus. The use of brace systems in corrective therapy makes it possible to effectively eliminate occlusion defects regardless of the reasons that gave rise to them.

The essence of the mechanism for correcting anomalies is based on the ability of teeth to move from their place under the influence of directed mechanical force. During the treatment process, the bone tissue in which the dental elements are located is thinned in the direction of the movement vector, and a new one is formed in the opposite direction. Thus, the calculated force pressure helps the tooth occupy a new place in the dental row.

The mechanical impact to achieve the goal of corrective therapy is created using bracket systems - non-removable orthodontic structures fixed to the surface of the tooth enamel.

How much are

Prices for metal braces in St. Petersburg vary widely. The final cost of treatment is determined by the type of bracket system, the amount of work required for installation, subsequent maintenance, and removal. Unplanned expenses may arise if the locks become unstuck or the arc breaks. The table shows the current minimum prices for equipment and services.

The price is for one jaw, without installation.

Design features of ligature braces

All bracket systems have the same design:

• bracket plates fixed to the teeth using a special adhesive composition;
• a power arc that has “shape memory” (tends to straighten out from a bent position);
• fastening elements that attach the arch to the bracket plates.

If the arch is fixed to the teeth using miniature clips, then such braces are called non-ligating or self-ligating braces. If the arch is attached using ligatures, then such orthodontic structures are called ligature. This is, as they say, a “classic of the genre.”

Either small plastic rings or thin metal wire made of medical steel are used as ligatures.

Plastic ligatures can be of various shades: transparent, silver, colored. Teenagers, as a rule, prefer rich colors. While wearing, the ligatures stretch, so the doctor periodically changes or tightens them.

Note: compliance with the prescribed frequency of visits to the clinic during the correction course is the key to the effectiveness of the process. Otherwise, the result may not be achieved.

Ligature braces are effective in treating both adults and adolescents.

How often do you visit a doctor?

Treatment with ligature structures usually lasts from one and a half to three years.
To replace arches and ligatures, patients with classical systems visit an orthodontist every month. The doctor removes the ligatures, changes the archwires and puts on new elastic rings or fixes a metal wire on each bracket. The procedure takes from 20 to 35 minutes. Patients wear self-ligating devices for an average of one to two and a half years. The doctor makes an appointment once every two months and spends 15 to 25 minutes on the patient. Using a special SpinTek tool, the orthodontist opens the bracket cover and changes the arches.

positioning of the Damon Clear self-ligating bracket

Types of ligature systems

The main classification of braces is carried out depending on their positioning:

• those fixed on the outer side of the dental row are called vestibular;
• attached to the inner surface - lingual.

The material used to make orthodontic products also affects the type of bracket system:

• metal – bracket plates are made of a hypoallergenic metal alloy (cobalt, nickel or gold). Such designs are very reliable, efficient, affordable in cost, but their appearance is not aesthetically pleasing;
• ceramic - made of high-strength ceramics. Their color practically matches the shade of natural tooth enamel, so they have a high level of aesthetics. Cannot be used if excessive force pressure must be applied to correct defects (i.e., to correct severe pathologies). The price of such systems is significantly higher than similar metal products.

Home | Overview of bracket systems

In this article I will try to talk in more detail about the different types of modern braces systems that are often used by orthodontists in our country. This will allow you to better understand the advantages and disadvantages of bite correction systems, as well as make the right “price-quality” choice.

Ligature-free braces. Advantages of using ligature-free braces

Self-ligating braces have an innovative design that provides a number of advantages when correcting malocclusion compared to conventional braces:

1) the lock in the design of these braces snaps the arch. This allows you to avoid using additional devices in the form of rubber bands and ligatures.

2) when correcting a bite, it is possible to use weak forces at all stages of treatment. This is due to the fact that the lock does not tightly press the arch into the groove, which reduces friction when moving teeth.

3) the design of non-ligature braces provides the patient with quick adaptation and minimal discomfort during treatment.

4) the absence of elastic ligatures makes self-ligating braces more aesthetic, since the ligatures become stained over time. This is especially true for ceramic and sapphire braces.

5) the ability to correct severe crowding of teeth without the effect of “jamming” the arch in the bracket groove.

6) the number of planned appointments is reduced compared to treatment with ligature braces.

7) a shorter time for the patient to stay in the orthodontist’s chair.

Self-ligating braces from ORMCO (USA)

Self-ligating DAMON braces, unlike other non-ligating braces, have a relatively small size, unpronounced wings and the absence of hooks, which allows the patient to quickly get used to this brace system. All DAMON system braces have a high-quality lock that very rarely breaks.

Ligature-free braces DAMON-3 combine the advantages of aesthetic braces with the presence of a metal lock, which ensures the softest gliding. The main platform of DAMON-3 braces is made of ceramic, which makes these braces almost invisible on the tooth enamel. A metal lock makes it possible to use weak forces at the stages of orthodontic treatment.

The cost of DAMON-3 braces on average is 17,000-28,000 per row of teeth, more details price….

DAMON-3 MX braces are metal self-ligating braces. They have a high-quality lock and a convenient design for moving teeth.

The cost of DAMON-3 braces on average is 13,000-25,000 per row of teeth, more details price….

Self-ligating braces DAMON Q. Metal braces with a thin profile and small size, allowing patients to quickly get used to this system. These braces also feature dual accessory slots for a new treatment option.

The average price of DAMON-Q braces is 13,000-25,000 per row of teeth, more details price....

Aesthetic braces DAMON CLEAR . They combine the advantages of aesthetic braces (they are not visible when you smile) with the presence of a lock that provides passive self-ligation. DAMON CLEAR braces are made from durable polycrystalline aluminum oxide (PCA) that is resistant to discoloration and staining. DAMON CLEAR braces can be conveniently combined with non-ligature metal braces of the DAMON system; for this purpose, DAMON CLEAR is installed on the central teeth, and DAMON metal braces are installed on the distant teeth. This allows the patient to save money without losing quality.04

The price of non-ligature DAMON CLEAR braces is higher than the cost of metal braces. The following configurations are available in our clinic...

Self-ligating braces from Cassis

Non-ligature braces IN-OVATION R are metal braces with a classic design and pronounced wings, allowing the doctor to correct any bite pathology using minimal force at all stages of orthodontic treatment.

The cost of self-ligating IN-OVATION R braces averages 10,000-20,000 per row of teeth. For more details see price...

Self-ligating ceramic brackets IN-OVATION C with metal groove . These braces are practically invisible on the teeth, and have a metal lock that ensures passive sliding and the use of weak forces during treatment. The lock is made of white metal, which makes it even less noticeable.06

The price of IN-OVATION C self-ligating ceramic braces ranges from 15,000-25,000 per row of teeth. More details price...

Self-ligating braces from ORTHO TECHNOLOGY (USA)

LOTUS PLUS braces are a passive self-ligating bracket system. Lotus braces have a low profile and small size, which provides maximum comfort for the patient. And the classic design allows the orthodontist to correct any malocclusion pathology.

Braces of the company 3 M-UNITEK

Metal self-ligating braces SMART CLIP . These braces have a relatively small size and low profile, which helps the patient get used to the brace system faster. The advantage of these braces is the presence of a lock with an open groove, which facilitates oral hygiene.

Clarity SL Clarity SL are self-ligating ceramic braces with a metal groove and nitinol clips. These braces, in addition to being invisible on the teeth, have an open groove to facilitate hygiene and a classic design that allows the orthodontist to correct any bite pathology. And the metal groove ensures soft sliding of the arc and the ability to use weak forces.

FORESTADENT braces

Quick metal self-ligating braces. These braces are made of a nickel-free alloy, which reduces the risk of allergic reactions to a minimum, and a reliable lock ensures passive self-ligation.

Quick Clear Self-Ligating Ceramic Braces combine clarity with a metal lock that allows minimal force to be used when moving teeth.

Sapphire braces. Basic systems used by orthodontists.

Sapphire braces are made from artificial sapphire crystals, which makes these braces completely transparent and invisible when you smile. In addition, sapphire braces do not stain over time, do not cause allergic reactions, and very rarely come off and break.

Sapphire braces from ORMCO (USA)

“Inspire-ice” braces are absolutely transparent braces with a classic design that allows you to correct any malocclusion pathology. They have features that give the doctor the ability to accurately position this bracket system.

The cost of the sapphire bracket system “Inspire-ice” is 15,000-25,000 per row of teeth; it is possible to use this system on the central teeth, combined with metal braces on the lateral teeth. This will reduce the cost of braces treatment while improving aesthetics. More details price…

Sapphire braces from Cassis

Perfect sapphire braces are transparent and durable sapphire braces, have a polished groove for smooth gliding and are very comfortable to use.

The price of Perfect sapphire braces in our clinic….

Aesthetic sapphire braces are also called chameleons, as these braces change color depending on the color of the tooth enamel. In addition, these braces are relatively easy to remove, just like metal ones without chipping.

Saphire-Miso braces from ht corp. are absolutely transparent sapphire braces made from single crystal sapphire.

Ceramic braces. The main systems used by orthodontists

Ceramic braces from ORMCO (USA)

Aesthetic braces DAMON CLEAR . They combine the advantages of aesthetic braces (they are not visible when you smile) with the presence of a lock that provides passive self-ligation. DAMON CLEAR braces are made from durable polycrystalline aluminum oxide (PCA) that is resistant to discoloration and staining. DAMON CLEAR braces can be conveniently combined with non-ligature metal braces of the DAMON system; for this purpose, DAMON CLEAR is installed on the central teeth, and DAMON metal braces are installed on the distant teeth. This allows the patient to save money without losing quality.

The price of non-ligature DAMON CLEAR braces is higher than the cost of metal braces. The following configurations are available in our clinic...

Ceramic braces from CASSIS

Self-ligating ceramic brackets IN-OVATION C with a metal groove. These braces are practically invisible on the teeth, and have a metal lock that ensures passive sliding and the use of weak forces during treatment. The lock is made of white metal, which makes it even less noticeable.

The price of IN-OVATION C self-ligating ceramic braces ranges from 15,000-25,000 per row of teeth. More details price...

MISTIQUE ceramic braces are ligature ceramic braces, in which the light refractive index of the ceramic can be called optimally selected. This helps them, more than braces made from composite materials, blend into the many variations of enamel color without producing the glare that sapphire braces emit.

The price of MISTIQUE ceramic braces ranges from 15,000 to 25,000 per row of teeth, depending on the clinic’s pricing policy.

Zenith ceramic braces are ligature ceramic braces with high aesthetic qualities. The cost of zenith ceramic braces compares favorably with the cost of similar bracket systems.

Ceramic braces from ORTHO TECHNOLOGY (USA)

Reflection – translucent ceramic braces made of polycrystalline aluminum oxide. The design of these braces is resistant to chipping and breakage.

composite braces are translucent braces with a metal groove that provide soft sliding of the arch due to the presence of a metal groove.

Ceramic braces from 3M-UNITEK

Clarity SL Clarity SL are self-ligating ceramic braces with a metal groove and nitinol clips. These braces, in addition to being invisible on the teeth, have an open groove to facilitate hygiene and a classic design that allows the orthodontist to correct any bite pathology. And the metal groove ensures soft sliding of the arc and the ability to use weak forces.

Ceramic braces from FORESTADENT

Klea r braces combine clarity with a metal lock that allows minimal force to be used to move teeth and correct bites.

QuicKlear ® non-ligating ceramic braces with a new ligating mechanism without metal elements. These braces are absolutely invisible on the enamel, thanks to the ceramic lock. During treatment, it is possible to use weak forces at all stages of bite correction.

Aspire “Espyer” - ceramic braces with a gold-plated metal groove have a low profile to facilitate the patient’s period of adaptation to this bracket system; the gold-plated groove ensures smooth sliding of the arch and soft correction of the bite.

Metal bracket systems. The most common types used by orthodontists .

Metal braces can be self-ligating (have a lock in their design) or ligature. Here we will look at ligature braces. Read more about self-ligating braces...

Advantages of metal braces:

1) Metal braces are very durable, do not break or stain. Almost inert in the oral cavity.

2) The soft sliding of the metal arch along the metal groove allows the orthodontist to use weak forces to correct the bite.

3) When peeling off, it is possible to re-fix the same bracket, which saves money for the patient.

4) Relatively low cost.

5) Easy removal of the braces system, without breakage or pain.

Metal braces from ORMCO (USA)

Mini 2000 system braces, these braces are 30% smaller than standard braces and are made of high quality steel.

Orthos braces have a low profile, allowing patients to quickly get used to these braces.

The cost of ORMCO metal braces ranges from 8000-15000 per row of teeth.

Metal braces from Cassis

OVATION, MINI OVATION . These braces have a classic design, and have hyper-correction built into the brace program. This allows you to minimize the risk of relapse after orthodontic treatment. Ovation mini braces are 30% smaller than similar braces.

The cost of Ovation metal braces is 5000-15000 per row of teeth.

Omniarch metal braces are an optimally balanced orthodontic device that combines functionality and ease of use for an orthodontist. It has a streamlined shape for the patient’s comfort during the process of correcting the bite.

Apollo metal braces are used as an alternative to stainless alloys. They are made from an alloy with a high content of surgical titanium. APOLLO braces are 95% made of titanium, which reduces the risk of allergic reactions to a minimum.

GENERUS braces these braces combine functionality and relatively low cost.

The price of Generus metal braces is 4,000-10,000 per row of teeth and depends on the pricing policy of the clinic.

STRAIGHT LINE braces STRAIGHT LINE metal braces have a vertical groove measuring .020x.020, which allows the use of various orthodontic devices to expand clinical capabilities.

Metal braces from FORESTADENT Sprint “Sprint”, Mini-Sprint “Mini-Sprint” - braces made of nickel-free alloy . This line of braces is made of nickel-free alloy using powder metallurgy. These braces are made without welding, so there is no risk of metal corrosion. Applicable for problem patients because the threat of allergies is excluded.

Metal braces from ORTHO TECHNOLOGY (USA)

Marquis braces are metal braces made without welding using powder metallurgy. For patient comfort they have a low profile.

I hope this review of braces is useful to you. At least now you can accurately imagine what devices are being discussed when talking with a doctor or another patient. As is generally clear from all the figures presented above, the designs are very different, but the essence is the same. Technological progress gives us the opportunity to use a wide variety of materials, including composite ones, which allows us to provide comprehensive treatment to patients with nickel intolerance and strict wishes for the aesthetic appearance of braces. By talking about the features of treatment and the characteristics of the materials used, I in no way encourage you to make a quick independent choice. It is always better to have a preliminary consultation with an orthodontist to find out his recommendations in your particular case and only then choose the appropriate braces system. You can make an appointment by phone or email [email protected]

Indications and contraindications for installation

Any type of treatment should be prescribed exclusively by a specialist. Therefore, identifying indications and contraindications for correcting occlusion defects is a priority step, without which corrective therapy cannot be started.

Indications:

• Incorrect position of the jaws or individual teeth
• Tremas and diastemas (large distances between dental elements)
• Crowding of dental units
• Deep or crossbite

Contraindications:

• Periodontitis and periodontal disease
• Endocrine pathologies
• Severe cardiovascular diseases
• HIV;
• Tuberculosis
• Bone diseases (osteoporosis, osteomyelitis)
• Bleeding disorder
• Edentia (absence of many teeth)
• Oncology
• Mental illness

Important: An orthodontist identifies indications for starting corrective therapy with braces only after conducting a thorough hardware diagnosis. This is necessary to develop an adequate detailed treatment plan.

Stages of corrective therapy

Correcting anomalies of the dental system is a long and painstaking process consisting of several stages:

• visual and hardware diagnostics: computed tomography, teleradiography,
• rendering a verdict, making a diagnosis, determining indications and contraindications;
• development of a treatment plan;
• oral hygiene: treatment of teeth and gums, professional cleaning;
• taking individual measurements (casts or scanning), making a model, drawing up an estimate;
• production of braces;
• installation of a brace system for a patient;
• wearing the device with periodic system adjustments. The duration depends on the severity of the specific clinical case and is determined by the orthodontist;
• removal of braces and installation of a removable or non-removable retainer. The duration of retention also depends on the individual characteristics of the clinical case.

Specialist comment: the retention stage is very important for consolidating the achieved results. Failure to follow the recommendations of the attending orthodontist may invalidate the results of therapy, and everything will return to its previous position.

Popular brands

Our clinics use only the most effective ligature and non-ligature brace systems, which have received a positive recommendation from specialists and patients. Here are some of them:

• metal ligatures Victory, Biomim;
• ceramic ligatures Advanced, Hype;
• self-ligating metal DamonQ, H4;
• self-ligating ceramic Damon Clear;
• self-ligating lingual WIN and INCOGNITO.

The network of Moscow aesthetic dentistry centers “Smile” offers reasonable prices for orthodontic therapy, the opportunity to pay for braces in installments and without interest, and a family discount. Our specialists have higher basic education and regularly improve their professional level by undergoing training in leading Russian and European orthodontic clinics. We provide our patients with treatment that meets international standards.

Our branches are located within convenient transport accessibility:

• in the district of Art. m. Alekseevskaya (VDNH district and Mira Ave.), st. 3rd Mytishchinskaya 3, building 2;
• in the district of Art. m. Shelepikha, Shelepikhinskaya embankment, 34, building 1.

Our orthodontists will make your smile beautiful! We are waiting for you!

Installation of ligature bracket system

The procedure for fixing the device takes about one and a half hours. What does the doctor do:

• washes the enamel, then thoroughly etches it with a special substance designed for better adhesion of the bracket plates to the surface of the enamel;
• applies an adhesive composition to the areas of future fixation of the plates;
• glues the plates and removes excess adhesive solution;
• threads a power arc into the grooves of the bracket plates;
• fixes the arch with ligatures.

Flaws:

• gradually lose elasticity and require replacement of component elements;
• act slowly: teeth, moving, are forced to overcome friction;
• may lead to discomfort due to the fixed fixation of the arch;
• bulky design requires complex maintenance;
• food coloring can stain rubber bands;
• cannot be used for periodontal disease and periodontitis;
• the need for monthly visits to the doctor.

Rice. 1 Ligature braces

Features of the adaptation period

The patient should be prepared to experience discomfort for several days or weeks (depending on the threshold of sensitivity):

• rubbing of the mucous membranes of the lips and cheeks;
• violation of diction;
• discomfort when eating.

Expert advice for minimizing discomfort:

• to prevent chafing, you can use special wax (sold in pharmacies);
• for minor pain, you should rinse your mouth 3-4 times a day with saline solution (1 tsp per glass of warm water). The procedure cannot be performed if there are wounds and abrasions in the mouth. In this case, it is better to use a soda solution in the same concentration;
• In case of severe pain, you need to take a tablet of any painkiller. Note: strictly follow the dosage indicated in the instructions for the medicine;
• In the first days after installing braces, cancel intense physical training. Yoga exercises will help during this period;
• learn to chop food with a knife, exclude excessively hard or sticky foods (dried, dried) from your diet. During the first few days, the products can be ground in a blender.

Attention: if the pain is severe and does not go away within several days, then you should definitely consult your doctor.

Hygienic care

The bracket design has many areas that are very difficult to clean from food debris and plaque. Therefore, hygienic care for them requires special attention and patience. Special devices are used for cleaning (in addition to a regular toothbrush and paste):

• V-shaped brushes;
• brushes of different sizes and bristle angles;
• dental floss (floss);
• irrigator is a device for cleaning hard-to-reach places between teeth and orthodontic elements. The principle of operation is based on the controlled supply of a stream of water (or solution) under pressure.

You should clean your mouth while wearing braces twice a day. Ideally, after every meal. But, if this is not possible, then you need to rinse your mouth thoroughly after eating.

How to properly care for ligature braces so that the dream of perfect teeth becomes a reality?

The care is basic, but the outcome of treatment depends on compliance with these rules:

• the patient must have a minimum set of care products (special brush, irrigator, brushes, rinses, paste);
• brush your teeth not only in the morning and in the evening, but also every time after eating - it is important to thoroughly clean out leftover food, because it is they that provoke the formation of pathogenic flora. When wearing braces, it is important to maintain healthy teeth so as not to have to deal with the treatment of caries and pulpitis;
• In case of any defect in the braces system (if the arch has come off, the lock has come loose, the ligature is damaged, etc.), you must contact your dentist. Under no circumstances should you do this yourself.

Diet restrictions

To prevent braces from breaking or changing the vector of force, you need to reconsider your diet. Orthodontists recommend:

• hard vegetables and fruits must be grated or crushed in a brander before use;
• You cannot bite seeds, chew gum, eat nuts, dried apricots and other dried fruits;
• Avoid consuming very hot or extremely cold foods and drinks;
• limit the intake of food and drinks containing artificial or natural colors (tea, coffee, red wine, soda, berries, etc.).

Important: failure to follow the recommendations given by a specialist may result in system failure. In this case, the device will need to be repaired, which will lead to an increase in the correction period and an increase in the cost of treatment.