Braces

Braces are special orthodontic tools that correct the bite and correct the position of the teeth relative to each other.

The teeth are able to shift throughout a person’s life, but this happens only with constant pressure on them. The use of braces is based on this particular feature — with their help, a constant slight impact is created.

Types of braces

Bracket system consists of two main elements: locks, which are installed directly on the teeth, and the arc that connects them. Contrary to general opinion, it is the arc that directs the displacement.

There are several types of classifications of bracket systems: according to the materials used, methods of installation and location in the mouth bed.

According to the materials braces are divided into:

• Ceramic braces. Their main feature is in stealth because the color of the locks can be matched to the shade of the teeth. On the other hand, the whole system is quite massive and expensive;
• Metal braces. Such systems have been used for more than a decade, and deservedly bear the title of classic. They work with maximum efficiency and are affordable in terms of cost, which does not cover their only drawback — an unaesthetic appearance;
• Sapphire braces. They belong to the premium class tools — created from artificially grown sapphire crystals, they are almost transparent and under no circumstances acquire any other shades. But the cost of sapphire braces is extremely high, and the systems of this type themselves require careful hygienic care.
• Braces made of plastic. They can be given different shades and they are distinguished by low cost. Plastic braces are an excellent option for children.

Depending on the duration of wearing:

• Braces short-wearing system (up to six months);
• Braces of average wear duration (from six months to a year);
• Braces for a long period of wearing (more than two years).

According to the methods of fixation, there are two main methods:

• Hard, in which the arc is attached to the locks on the teeth by means of ligatures and fixed in a static position;
• Self-ligating, not requiring firm fixation or blocking of the arc. In this variant, bite correction is faster, but the cost of brackets of this type is higher.

By location in the oral cavity braces are divided into:

• Vestibular, or external. The classic device that is installed on the outer side of the teeth. Simple, effective and most familiar, most people associate braces with it. It has only one drawback — it is very noticeable, and spoils the smile quite strongly;
• Lingual braces, or internal. Accordingly, they are installed on the inner surface of the teeth and completely invisible to others. The problem is a more complex process and care for such systems.

The process of installing braces

The treatment itself takes several stages and can stretch over a sufficiently long period. It will take several visits to the clinic to conduct: patient diagnosis. The doctor conducts research involving an x-ray of the jaw and a visual assessment of the condition of the teeth.

It is at this moment that the method of further treatment is developed, and the terms for wearing braces are established. It also identifies the most appropriate patient braces. After that, begin preparing to install braces. The main point of this stage is treatment and preventive work with problem teeth: treatment of diseases (for example, caries or pulpitis); esthetic procedures (such as fluoridation, bleaching, cleaning of deposits); surgery (removal of teeth, plastic). Naturally, these procedures are not mandatory. But in case of the occurrence of toothaches or the need for other works, it is extremely difficult to carry them out with the braces already installed.

At the next stage, the system is fabricated using previously determined calculations and installation of braces in the oral cavity. The factors affecting the duration of wearing for the complete correction of teeth, a lot, from the complexity of the jaw defect to the age of the patient. On average, it takes about one to two years with regular visits to the doctor at least once a month to check the status and correct the guiding force of the bracket arc.

Recovery after braces

This period is also called retention and is needed so that the teeth do not return to their previous position. The braces themselves are removed, and another device is installed in their place — a kappa, a plate or a retention apparatus. In most cases, the recovery period is almost twice as long as wearing a bracket system, i.e. about two years.

If you want to install a system, but you cannot choose which braces you need, photos of various systems will help you to compare their aesthetic characteristics and make your choice. The materials from which braces are made always meet world standards and are safe for the patient’s health. If you are still in doubt, you should know — modern braces systems do not affect the language or the digestive process.

How much does it cost to install braces?

The price of braces will depend directly on the type of braces and their category. Metal braces are a budget option. Astra Dent network has a special offer, where you can buy and install braces made of this material for 9,900 UAH per jaw. The budget price for this type of braces does not affect their effectiveness. In our network there are 3 categories of braces from these materials, the price depends on the manufacturer. We use braces from the world’s best manufacturers in China, Korea, Europe and the United States.

Ceramic braces are more expensive than metal. Their main advantage is aesthetics, they are less noticeable. The cost of such a system also depends on the manufacturer and can be of 3 categories.

The price of sapphire braces is higher than other types, because this material is the most expensive, they have the highest aesthetic properties.

When we are talking about the total cost of orthodontic treatment with braces, it will also consist of other services:

• regular visits for maintenance (replacement of wires, rubber bands, etc.);
• it may also be necessary to install microimplants;
• professional hygiene;
• installation of retainers to fix the result, etc.

Self-ligating braces are a rather expensive option, but they allow you to visit an orthodontist much less often, which means you save on maintenance visits and additional services.