One of the main ways to correct bites in adults today is vestibular, or external braces. And in everyday life we simply call them in one word - “braces”. They are fixed on the outer surface of the teeth and all the surrounding structures on the teeth are visible when the patient smiles. Something like this (see photo)
You can discuss the pros and cons for as long as you like, since they have their own advantages and disadvantages, like any bite correction system. But there are several main points. And you need to know them.
There are four advantages of external braces when correcting malocclusion:
- Firstly
, today vestibular braces are the most functional device that orthodontists can use in adults. - Second plus
. Treatment with braces really gives a fairly quick visual effect. - Thirdly
, external braces provide probably the greatest expansion. - The fourth plus
is that in terms of cost, they are probably one of the most affordable options for correcting a bite, which is important for adults.
The disadvantages are that, no matter what kind of braces orthodontists choose - metal or so-called aesthetic (transparent), ceramic, sapphire - when correcting a bite, the disadvantages are the following.
Disadvantages of external braces when correcting bites in adults:
- Firstly
, any external braces are still visible, and this very often influences the choice by adults of one or another method of treating malocclusion.
- Second minus
. In addition, of course, they contribute to the accumulation of plaque, which means hygiene is significantly reduced. And the accumulation of plaque leads to tooth decay. Therefore, you have to carefully clean your teeth and braces using special brushes. This is really tiring and it is never possible to completely clear the plaque (if you also violate your diet - see the fourth minus)
- The third disadvantage
: braces really rub the mucous membrane, especially at first they can strongly rub the mucous membrane of the cheeks and lips.
- Fourthly
, external braces also impose restrictions on the intake of hard foods, be it meat, apples, and so on.
- Fifth minus
. From the point of view of psychological comfort, vestibular braces are also, of course, constraining.
Pros and cons of braces according to doctors' reviews
Real reviews from doctors about the pros and cons of braces boil down to the fact that the main advantage of these devices is their ability to correct even the most complex malocclusions, unlike other orthodontic devices, and the disadvantage is the difficulty of care and aesthetic qualities (with the exception of certain types of braces) . In addition, experts do not advise choosing braces based on numerous tables on the Internet, which compare treatment periods for different types of braces and prices for these designs. Why?
Firstly, every patient must understand that the degree of impact on the teeth and the duration of the correction process are the same for all braces. This is due to the natural mechanism of tooth movement. Secondly, the following can be said about the cost of braces. There are clinics that offer expensive sapphire braces for the price of ceramic ones. And it's not a joke. It’s just that the cost of orthodontic structures and services for their use depends on the pricing policy of dentistry, and not on the quality of braces or the qualifications of the doctor. Therefore, in our article we will, of course, talk about approximate prices for this or that type of braces, but, basically, we will evaluate bracket systems according to the following criteria:
- aesthetics;
- reliability;
- comfort of wearing;
- ease of care.
Interesting fact!
According to rumors, scientists at Oxford University are working on creating magnetic braces. They say that the principle of their operation will be based on the creation of a constant magnetic field using two miniature generators, which will act on the iron contained in the teeth and effectively correct the bite without the need to wear any structures.
Advantages of aligners over braces
The two main advantages - aesthetics and wearing comfort - are due to the design of this product. This allows you not to experience embarrassment during treatment, as happens when wearing braces, when a person is embarrassed to smile and talk, experiencing stress and becoming withdrawn, refusing to communicate. Aligners eliminate such problems - they make you look the same as usual, and in extreme cases they can be removed altogether.
Aligners are more effective than braces in another respect: there are almost no restrictions on food intake. Even solid foods can be eaten if they are removed before meals. It is impossible to remove the braces for a while, so you will have to eat in them, which means you will have to give up solid food, which can break the structure, and after eating, rinse your mouth thoroughly and brush your teeth using special brushes and toothpicks, since food gets stuck between them much more strongly. teeth.
Well, difficulties in oral hygiene will result in the development of caries if the patient allows himself to relax and not be too diligent in caring for the oral cavity. When using aligners, such problems do not arise, you can eat and brush your teeth as usual.
Finally, what makes you choose aligners instead of braces is their purely medical effectiveness - treatment with aligners is faster, and you can change the aligners yourself if necessary. Aligners cover the teeth more tightly and transfer the load to them more evenly, allowing them to be moved in several axes at once, which speeds up treatment and at the same time makes it safer and more comfortable.
Type of braces
Ligature braces
- the elasticity of the ligatures ensures more comfortable wearing of braces.
- affordable price.
- It is necessary to change the ligatures regularly (about once a month), as they stretch while wearing braces.
- a more complex hygiene procedure due to the presence of ligatures.
Braces without ligatures
- There is no need to replace ligatures, so you can visit the doctor less often.
- Easier oral care routine.
- are more expensive than ligature braces.
Features of care
Hygienic care of the aligners does not require much effort. It is enough to wash the structure with water 2 times a day, clean it with a brush and treat it with an antiseptic solution. When eating or drinking coloring drinks, the mouth guard is removed and placed in a box. The patient wears one pair of aligners for 2-3 weeks, so the system does not have time to become heavily contaminated.
Hygiene with braces installed is more complex and requires a systematic, careful approach. Additional tools will be required for cleaning:
- Orthodontic, mono-beam brush;
- brush for cleaning hard-to-reach places, the space under the arch;
- irrigator.
You should brush your teeth and rinse your mouth every time after eating. Too hard, viscous and sticky foods should be excluded from the diet.
Ceramic braces - pros and cons
These orthodontic systems are made from dental ceramics. Having analyzed the pros and cons of non-ligature and ligature ceramic braces, we can conclude that such brace systems represent good value for money, allowing you to solve any bite problems at an affordable price, which in Moscow clinics is about 30,000 rubles for the design itself. one row of teeth. In this case, diagnostics, installation and removal of the system will have to be paid additionally.
What's more aesthetically pleasing?
Aesthetics in orthodontics is the main criterion. All braces, except for lingual models, are visible to others up close. Even subtle systems made of ceramic and sapphire. The aligners are made from a transparent, elastic biopolymer, fit exactly to the teeth and are completely invisible. Visually, the appearance of a person does not change in any way.
The ease of use of corrective aligners is a definite plus. Care is not difficult in any way, there are no dietary restrictions or difficulties with hygiene - the aligners are removed when eating and brushing your teeth.
Sapphire braces - pros and cons
These are transparent braces made from artificial sapphire, which really do not spoil the patient’s appearance, but look like a stylish accessory. As for the pros and cons of sapphire braces, their main advantage is considered to be high aesthetics, and a significant disadvantage is the price, since most often they cost much more than ceramic ones. However, there are cheaper options for sapphire designs combined with metal or ceramic. Thus, the cost of braces made entirely of sapphire starts in Moscow clinics from 70,000 rubles per design for one row of teeth.
FAQ
How does the oval of the face change after braces?
The face after braces becomes more symmetrical and proportional. This is a consequence of correcting the bite. For example, if a patient’s teeth do not close together and the face appears elongated, then after correction with braces the cosmetic defect is eliminated. Most often, after such treatment, the cheekbones become more expressive and the cheeks become sunken.
Is it possible not to wear retainers after braces?
Can. However, the consequences of such a decision are difficult to predict. The teeth will again try to return to their previous position. And then, 1-2 years of correction with braces will be useless.
Do braces make your lips look bigger?
Visually, yes, because there is a bracket arch under the lip. However, after removing the structure, the effect of lip augmentation disappears.
Do teeth fall out from braces?
No, they don't fall out. And information about this is just rumors that have no basis.
Type of braces
Lingual
- completely invisible.
- as durable as metal systems.
- are more expensive than ceramic braces.
- They are more difficult to maintain than labial systems, which are attached to the outside of the teeth.
- significantly affect diction.
Of course, the above pros and cons of braces will play an important role in shaping your preferences regarding one or another type of these orthodontic structures. However, we will tell you a secret: the best braces for each patient will be those that will help him solve his particular bite problems. Therefore, an experienced and knowledgeable orthodontist will help you choose the right bracket system after examining and diagnosing your teeth.
Causes of complications
The following factors can provoke demineralization of enamel during bite correction with braces:
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- The use of low-quality adhesive during the installation process.
If the orthodontist applies the adhesive layer unevenly or if there is an insufficient amount of fluoride in its composition, then the protective functions of the film are significantly weakened. At the places where braces are attached, gaps form, allowing access for pathogens to enter. - Pregnancy.
Dentists do not recommend installing braces during pregnancy. The restriction is due to the constant supply of useful microelements by the woman’s body to the child. During this period, fixed braces can trigger the process of appearance of chalky stains on the protective layer of the teeth.
Remember!
Not everyone develops negative manifestations. They can also be facilitated by weakened body defenses. Therefore, during the period of orthodontic correction, it is very important to pay special attention to strengthening the immune system.
Adaptation period
Getting used to the orthodontic appliance takes about 2 weeks. Patients adapt to aligners more easily and quickly than to braces. This is due to the fact that mouthguards for straightening teeth can be removed independently, the elastic material does not injure the soft tissue, and due to the precise fit of the structure, sound pronunciation is not disturbed.
It is more difficult to get used to braces due to their design features. In addition, the first days of treatment are accompanied by pain. But in any case, adaptation to the corrective apparatus does not take more than 10-14 days.
Which is more effective?
In terms of effectiveness, modern aligners and braces are almost identical, but there are situations when installing aligners is less advisable. This is especially true for complex, combined malocclusions, when corpus movement of the teeth is necessary. In this case, the best option is to install a bracket system. Aligners can cope with almost all anomalies, but severe malocclusion will require a very long time to correct. If you need to correct a crossbite or straighten a segment of teeth, it is more effective to use aligners than braces. The orthodontist will select the optimal correction method after a comprehensive diagnosis and comprehensive assessment of the clinical situation.
Second factor: cost
If the choice of braces is determined not by the doctor, but by the clinic, then the clinic can save money. It is much more profitable to buy cheap braces, but how to work with them is a question for the orthodontist. More effective and technologically advanced brace systems are already slightly higher in cost due to the fact that scientific developments, a huge number of studies, and articles have been invested in them. And the bracket becomes a tiny orthodontic mechanism, into which a large technological base is invested. The cost of such a product cannot, in principle, be cheap. An analogy can be drawn with untested dietary supplements and medications that have undergone many certifications. Therefore, at the Confidence aesthetic orthodontics clinic, we work with braces produced by Ormco and 3M Unitek - these are truly first-class and proven products. They carry two categories of advantages - both for the doctor and for the patient.
Advantages for the patient: treatment time is reduced, it can be treated without removal, in cases that previously could not be treated in this way, these braces are small, comfortable, and due to self-ligation, the patient can visit the doctor less often. Pros for the orthodontist: more complex cases can be treated faster, more comfortably, this is an amazing compromise of quality, time and finances. The most ideal compromise.
