Types of braces

Braces are called fixed orthodontic braces of various types, worn on the teeth for bite disorders. At the moment this is the most commonly used technique in orthodontics for solving bite problems. It has practically no age limits. There is a bracket system of thin arcs and locks fixed to them, actually brackets.

Who invented the bracket system?

Even in ancient Egypt, people, as you know, cared about their appearance. Was not an exception and a smile. Then for the correction of bite used devices from the catgut, remotely resembling modern orthodontic apparatus. Active development of orthodontics was in the XIX century, when American doctors created the first progenitor of all modern types of bracket systems. This device consisted of metal parts:

• arc;
• tubes;
• nuts;
• and the wire, to which the entire structure was attached to the teeth.

For many years, scientist Engle experimented with his apparatus, testing the developed orthodontic forces and studying the negative effects and emerging side effects on teeth, soft tissues and joints. Since then, the use of devices has been improved and, until now, this technique has become more modern and thorough every year.

There are several classifications of bracket systems. By the arrangement of braces on the teeth, they can be vestibular or lingual. Vestibular are those systems in which locks are located on the front visible surface of the tooth. Well, and lingual (from the Latin word "lingua", that is, language) or lingual are located on the inside of the teeth, and are invisible to others. Both species have advantages and disadvantages. For example, tongue braces are more aesthetic, they are not visible with a smile and conversation, but it's harder for them to get used to, when they are wearing, speech changes, and there are traumas of the tongue. External braces are not so aesthetic, but they are cheaper and the change of locks with such treatment is several times faster.

According to the material of the bracket system, there are:

1. Metal. There are several types of metal braces: stainless steel, titanium, gold, alloys. The latter two varieties are used in patients with allergic reactions to conventional alloys. Metal systems can be traditional, that is, with a periodic change of ligatures and rubber bands or self-ligating. These are systems in which the arc is not fixed to the lock by a wire and can slide with a smaller friction force. This leads to a more rapid result and is more comfortable for the patient. There are two types of arcs for such braces: active and passive. The downside of such systems is a higher price than the classical braces.
2. Ceramic. They are made of ceramics, look much more aesthetic than metal ones and less injure mucous. They are chosen according to the color, which is the most suitable for the crooked teeth .
3. Sapphire. Artificial sapphire crystals have become a source for creating such locks. They are transparent and therefore almost invisible to others. Minus them in increased fragility compared to metal and at a fairly high price.
4. Composite. They are more aesthetic than metal, but inferior to ceramic and sapphire in matters of aesthetics.
5. Plastic. At cost, such systems are much cheaper than ceramic counterparts, but they also have their disadvantages: low strength, sensitivity to coloring elements.
6. Combined .

The duration of treatment of malocclusion is strictly individual and is calculated by the attending physician-orthodontist.