Ceramic braces are a relatively new way of combating incorrect bite and uneven teeth. This design is inconspicuous and looks more aesthetically pleasing than a metal system. But ceramics have a number of other advantages.
Types of ceramic bracket systems
The ceramic bracket system is installed only on the outer side of the teeth.Lingual, or internal, braces are not made of ceramics – the material is quite fragile. The ceramic bracket system looks aesthetically pleasing and inconspicuous due to its white color, so there is no point in hiding it.
The systems differ only in the principle of attachment:
- The ligature-free arch is held by flat locks on the brackets themselves and slides freely in the grooves, your attending physician only monitors the dynamics and makes adjustments. The price of this system is higher, because it looks miniature, the load and friction are lower, and you need to visit an orthodontist once every two months.
- The ligature arch is attached to the brackets with the help of ligature rings and firmly fixed, only the doctor can change the position of the wire.
Differences between ligature and non-ligature systems:
- Ligature bracket systems are cheaper than ligature-free ones;
- Ligatures injure the mucous membrane of the oral cavity, while ligature-less ones are atraumatic;
- Ligatureless bracket systems are compact and convenient;
- Ligature braces must be under the constant supervision of your treating dentist – at least once a month.
Ligature and non-ligature systems cope equally effectively with their main task – correcting an incorrect bite and aligning crooked teeth.
Advantages of the ceramic bracket system
- This system does not affect neighboring tissues. The material is bioinert compared to metal;
- High aesthetics and psychological comfort of the patient;
- Resistance to various types of influences: thermal, mechanical, chemical;
- The color is matched to the natural shade of the teeth;
- Thanks to the polished surface and rounded contours, the mucous membrane of the oral cavity is not injured;
- Does not have a negative effect on tooth enamel;
- The cost of a ceramic bracket system is much lower than sapphire and lingual systems.
Indications for installing a ceramic bracket system
- In the presence of allergic reactions to other materials;
- In the presence of bite defects of mild and moderate severity;
- In the presence of large interdental spaces;
- Minimize aesthetic discomfort.
Relative contraindications
- Acute infectious diseases;
- Serious pathologies of the cardiovascular system;
- Osteomyelitis;
- Mental instability of the patient;
- AIDS;
- Oncological diseases.
Installing a ceramic bracket system
- Before installation, the patient visits a dentist-therapist: he treats dental caries and other diseases of the oral cavity, removes tartar and plaque;
- A bracket is glued to the outer surface of each tooth, it is attached to a special glue;
- All installed locks are connected to each other by orthodontic arches. If the braces are ligature, then the arches are tied to the braces with the help of ligatures;
- Cheek locks and orthodontic rings are fixed on the back teeth.
It sounds scary and difficult, but the installation of a ceramic bracket system is quick and does not cause discomfort to the patient.
