Clarity braces: types, pros and cons, nuances of bite correction

Modern vestibular braces are high-tech devices that have minimal impact on the enamel, provide effective treatment, and are universal in correcting various malocclusions and tooth growth.

Scientific work to improve them is being carried out in the direction of reducing treatment time, simplifying procedures for installation, adjustment and removal, and improving appearance. Among the corrective systems that are produced using the latest developments, Clarity braces stand out.

Manufacturer

The supplier of Clarity vestibular devices to Russia is the international holding company 3M , which has been producing dental equipment and materials since the 1960s. The company was founded in 1902 in the USA, and since the 50s its main principle has been the innovative focus of production activities.

The holding annually invests about $1.4 billion in research and development. Dental products are sold in 200 countries under the 3M Unitek . She has been known in Russia since 1994 and has won the complete trust of orthodontists and patients.

Design features

Differences in Clarity brackets that provide an advantage over other ceramic bracket systems:

1. The material used does not reflect light, but transmits it, as it has a high level of translucency. Matte translucent ceramic blends with the color of the enamel and is almost invisible on the teeth.
2. Clarity has the smallest dimensions among low-profile systems, which increases wearing comfort.
3. The anatomical shape of the base increases the strength of adhesion to the tooth, and a special transverse notch on it - a stress concentrater - helps, when removing, to break the bracket into two even parts, without the risk of chipping.
4. 3M uses a nickel-titanium alloy (nitinol) as a material for the clip that holds the archwire in a non-ligature structure, which restores its shape after deformation.
   Thanks to this, the arch is inserted and removed with a simple press, without additional locks that complicate both installation and subsequent maintenance.
5. Ceramic braces do not absorb dyes and do not change their color under the influence of food during the entire treatment period, and do not darken from tea and coffee.
6. The shape of the fastenings is universal; during treatment, the self-ligating system allows you to install ligatures on individual teeth and combine different types of Clarity braces.

Application of the latest developments

The manufacturer places special emphasis on the reliability of fastening systems to tooth enamel. The 3M company has developed a new Flash Free technology, which allows you to gently treat malocclusion.

Its use eliminates the need to remove excess glue from the tooth surface after fixing the plates. This, in turn, reduces the risk of microcracks in which bacteria multiply, damaging the enamel.

What is this technology? Flash Free is the latest development in orthodontics, a real breakthrough in this direction.

Each bracket plate already has a layer of clear adhesive on it. As soon as the doctor begins installation, the adhesive spreads, soaking the non-woven backing, which prevents it from extending beyond 2 mm from the edge of the sole.

This is interesting: Types of braces - what they are: classification of structures, differences in orthodontic systems

There are no gaps or gaps left between the tooth and the plate, which helps preserve the enamel and protects it from the effects of acid, which leads to caries.

Two more technologies are actively used when installing braces: a compressible non-woven substrate and a low-viscosity composite material.

When the plate is installed and pressed against the surface of the tooth, the backing allows the glue to penetrate and fill the void between the base of the bracket and the enamel. A thin rim is formed around the perimeter, which prevents excess glue from accumulating.

This way, the exact amount of adhesive left on the edge is needed to secure the bracket to the tooth.

Photo: how Clarity braces are fixed

Flash-Free Technology

The company also offered an improved installation method. Patented Flash-Free technology is designed to simplify bonding of the lock to the tooth surface and reduce the risk of damage to the enamel while wearing braces.

To do this, at the base of the fasteners there is a thin layer of granular, fine-crystalline material with a microscopic border along the edge. Composite light-curing adhesive - the adhesive is distributed over this substrate and, upon contact with the tooth, evenly fills the gap between it and the bracket, all irregularities and cracks in the enamel.

Any microcavities can lead to the development of caries, since they will not be accessible for cleansing for a long time. Flash-Free, which literally translates as “no flash,” eliminates this danger.

The second advantage of the technology is the presence of a backing limiter, which minimizes the spread of glue around the bracket and reduces the need to remove excess. 3M adhesives have increased viscosity and do not harden instantly, which allows you to adjust the position of the lock after attaching it to the tooth.

Clarity braces with the abbreviation APC in the name are available with adhesive already applied to the base for ease of installation and time saving.

We'll tell you what you can't eat with braces during treatment.

We will discuss the Inspire Ice system in this article.

We will announce the prices for non-ligature braces https://zubovv.ru/ortodontiya/breketyi/bezligaturnyie-osobennosti-harakteristiki-stoimost.html via the link.

Recommendations for caring for braces

During the correction, it is necessary to strengthen oral hygiene - this will avoid many problems with teeth and gums, and will also help increase the effectiveness of treatment. Experts in the field of orthodontics make the following recommendations in this regard:

• brush your teeth and braces twice a day, including using a special orthodontic brush and brush,
• rinse your mouth after every meal,
• use preventive rinses for those who wear braces,
• treat teeth and plates with care - avoid factors that can lead to damage to the structure, namely accidental injuries and impacts, too hard and viscous food products,
• it is advisable to purchase an irrigator - a device that delivers an air-water jet under high pressure and helps clean even hard-to-reach places,
• Do not miss scheduled visits to the orthodontist.

During treatment, it is important to adhere to oral hygiene.
Clarity is a modern orthodontic system that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also highly effective. In order for the treatment to be successful and the result to meet all your expectations, you should strictly follow the instructions of your treating orthodontist, do not skip the planned correction, and carefully monitor the health of your teeth and gums. If any suspicious symptoms appear, you should immediately contact a specialist.

1. According to the data presented on the manufacturer’s website: 3mrussia.ru.

Advantages and disadvantages

Carity ceramic braces are made from high-strength, finely divided ceramics , which are obtained by sintering. In addition to aesthetics, this material provides the following benefits:

• does not oxidize, does not cause allergic reactions;
• minimal risk of breakage;
• The treatment period for minor and moderate disorders is not much longer than with metal braces.

All parts of the design are rounded and carefully polished, which eliminates injury to the oral cavity, simplifies cleaning and makes it easier for the patient to get used to the braces . The vestibular systems do not impair articulation .

The Clarity's relative disadvantage may be its price. Although many believe that it is justified by the high degree of psychological and physical comfort that this brand provides.

For complex complex anomalies, the use of ceramic braces is not recommended, since the treatment will not be effective and will continue for more than 3 years. In such cases, all-metal systems can provide the required pressure.

Indications and contraindications

Ceramic braces are used to correct a number of orthodontic problems:

• malocclusion due to teeth growing in the wrong plane;
• incisors creep on top of each other;
• abnormally large interdental distance or, conversely, crowding;
• curvature of the crown or root.

Sometimes pathologically abnormally grown teeth are removed, and the adjacent ones are placed in an even position with braces. You can align both the entire row and individual defects.

Braces cannot be placed if you have chronic gum disease. Mental disorders and serious immune problems can also serve as a contraindication.

Installation is prohibited for AIDS and tuberculosis. The doctor should be informed about existing endocrine diseases, pathologies of the circulatory system and allergies. If you are allergic to metals, the installation of locks with nickel-titanium inserts is contraindicated.

Modifications

3M makes three types of ceramic braces:

Clarity

The classic ligature type, which involves securing the arch in the bracket using steel or rubber rings - ligatures. A nitinol groove is inserted into the main part of the ceramic lock.

This design made it possible to reduce patient discomfort. The metal arc moves more easily due to the reduced friction force against the same groove material and puts less pressure on the tooth in the lateral plane.

The ceramic treatment procedure takes from 14 months to 3.5 years , the exact period depends on the diagnosis. Clarity ligature braces require frequent adjustments, and constant doctor supervision allows you to treat complex malocclusions.

Clarity SL

Ligature-free braces equipped with nitinol clips to hold the arch and the same groove coating. This type provides for an independent change in the pressure of the arc on the tooth when it is displaced, reducing or increasing the impact depending on the need.

Advantages of the self-ligating Clarity SL design:

• in the absence of the need to tighten ligatures, the frequency of visits to the doctor is reduced from monthly to once every 2-3 months;
• the time for installation, removal and adjustment procedures is also reduced, including because instead of sliding locks, a simple clip is used to secure the arch;
• These braces are easier to clean due to the simplification of their components.

The shape allows selective use of ligatures on SL braces, which expands the possibilities of their use in complex treatment. Self-ligating systems cannot cope with severe anomalies, but in the case of Clarity SL therapy for mild disorders, the wearing period can be reduced by 20% compared to ligature ones.

Clarity Advanced

Fully ceramic fastening plates, do not contain nickel-titanium parts. Suitable for people with metal allergies. Braces are miniature and are not visible on the teeth at all. Size does not mean reduced strength.

However, the final structure is only slightly smaller than when using other types of locks, since the arch is secured with protruding ligatures.

In addition to the horizontal one, the bracket has a vertical groove. There are also Clarity Advanced varieties with a hook with a smooth ball end. These elements allow for additional attachments and double tying.

For example, elastic rings that tighten the arch in the vertical plane, in combination with the main ligatures that apply pressure in the horizontal plane. These braces use all known technologies to increase versatility of use. Treatment times are the same as for the Clarity model.

The mechanism of action of the bracket system

The incorrect position of individual teeth and the dental system as a whole is corrected by moving the dental elements. One of the most effective ways to force them to move in a given direction is orthodontic braces. The design of braces is as follows:

• brackets that are fixed to tooth enamel;
• a power arc attached to the plates using miniature clips or ligatures (plastic rings or metal wires).

The arc is made of a metal alloy and bent according to precisely calculated parameters. Possessing “shape memory”, it strives to straighten up, and, as if in tow, carries with it the teeth to which it is attached. This process is very slow, the patient should be patient.

Important: the duration of the correction course is individual, depending on the level of complexity of the clinical case and the age of the patient. In older people, the process is slower than in adolescents.

Installation

After a dental examination, working with Clarity braces takes minimal time. They are produced with an anatomical base , which implies the selection of fastenings for each type of teeth individually - for central and lateral incisors, canines, premolars and molars. They all have their own markings.

There are also different variations of torques - the inclination of the wings of the base. These points allow you to ideally select and position the bracket, simplify and speed up the installation procedure.

The doctor can install fasteners with glue already applied to the substrate in half an hour. During the removal process, Clarity splits in half, meaning it cannot be reused.

The following video shows the system installation process:

Why is the Incognito brace system considered invisible?

Well, here are the prices for installing sapphire systems.

Why do you need orthodontic wax for braces https://zubovv.ru/ortodontiya/breketyi/zachem-nuzhen-vosk-dlya.html read the link.

Features of use

The smoothness of the parts of 3M Unitek braces and their small size guarantee that the adaptation period will be minimal . But during the first week or two, the pressure on the teeth is felt strongly and the structure interferes with the patient.

Depending on the form and stage of the disorder, as well as the personal level of perception, pain is possible , which is relieved with painkillers. Then the person adapts and further use does not cause discomfort.

The versatility of this type of orthodontic treatment and its widespread use has led to the fact that the bracket design is perceived as an accessory, especially one as aesthetic as Clarity.

Inconvenience can only be caused by a ban on certain super-hard or sticky products - nuts, crackers, candies, toffees, etc.

When wearing Clarity braces, there are increased hygiene requirements and certain restrictions on the types of toothbrushes.

• You can brush your teeth with soft or medium soft synthetic bristles. It is advisable to have a V-shape so that both the locks and everything around are cleaned organically.
• Additionally, special orthodontic brushes in the form of a cone-shaped brush or a thin beam should be used for the hygiene of areas under the arch.
• It is recommended to use irrigators and rinses.

What happens if the occlusion is not corrected?

Significant occlusion defects negatively affect a person’s appearance: facial asymmetry, violation of its proportions. And this is only the visible part of the iceberg. The most dangerous consequences are not visually visible:

• greatly increased abrasion of tooth enamel;
• rapid aggressive development of caries and other stomas. diseases;
• injury to the mucous membrane and soft tissues of the gums, cheeks and lips;
• poor chewing of food and, as a result, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• development of pathologies of the temporomandibular joint;
• regular headaches.

Having analyzed the listed consequences, we can conclude: orthodontic treatment for existing occlusal defects is not a whim, but an urgent need.

Approximate price

Complex orthodontic treatment includes the following stages:

1. Preparation for treatment : examination, dental examination, jaw x-ray, taking impressions and making a diagnostic model - from 12 to 20 thousand rubles .
2. Selection of Clarity braces and other structural elements . The cost of materials is from 17 to 35 thousand rubles . for one jaw.
3. Installation of the system, adjustments while wearing and removal . Prices for data vary from 80 to 120 thousand rubles for simple cases, and up to 200 thousand for the treatment of complex anomalies.

Before installation, it is necessary to cure caries, periodontitis and other existing dental diseases in order to prevent further interruption of orthodontic therapy, and to carry out a comprehensive teeth cleaning.

With the exception of these particular points, the cost of the entire treatment starts on average from 150,000 rubles for both jaws .

The final price depends on the diagnosis, the number of control measures, the individual characteristics of the body, as well as the chosen model.

32 Clarity braces (for both jaws) cost from 35,000 rubles, Clarity SL - from 50,000, Clarity Advanced - from 42,000, locks with adhesive applied - from 57,000. Prices vary by region and individual clinics.

Reviews

There are millions of successful cases of malocclusion treatment with Clarity braces. But there is no more valuable information about the procedure than the personal experience of patients.

If you are familiar with this brand, share your impressions and help people who need orthodontic help make a choice.

If you find an error, please select a piece of text and press Ctrl+Enter.

Tags: non-ligature braces, vestibular braces

Did you like the article? stay tuned

Our specialists:

TO THE DOCTOR