The metal bracket-system

Metal braces – everything you didn’t know about them

The metal bracket-system is one of the most reliable, effective and time-tested constructions designed to correct dental anomalies and occlusion. Metal braces are easy to install, have the most affordable price, and their popularity is due to the effectiveness that can surpass other similar systems.

The orthodontist is responsible for the installation of braces, whose main task is to give the patient a beautiful smile, to make the taste physiologically correct, and the teeth as even as possible.

The metal brace system can be installed for both children and adults. From the age of 7, children can already have braces, however, the children’s orthodontist advises to wait until 12 or 14 years – this period is considered the most optimal for correcting existing problems with curvature of the dentition.

Design features of metal braces

A standard bracket system consists of the following elements:

• Base – plates glued to each tooth with specialized orthodontic glue;
• Wings – a protruding structural element, which is a bracket, inside which grooves are provided, where the arc is inserted;
• Arc – thin wire made of a special metal alloy with a shape memory effect. After the arc is fixed by the wings, it gradually begins to pull each tooth in the correct direction, trying to take its original shape. Due to this, the teeth are aligned;
• Ligatures – rings made of metal wire or elastic rubber, by means of which the arch is firmly fixed with each bracket. There are also ligature-free braces.

Varieties of metal braces

There are two main groups of metal braces:

1. Vestibular – classic braces that are installed on the outer visible surface of the teeth;
2. Lingual – more aesthetic and invisible systems installed on the inner surface of the teeth, due to which they remain completely invisible.

You can also distinguish two groups of braces by the type of attachment:

1. Ligature – the system is fixed by special elastic bands (ligatures). Silver, steel or aluminum mini wires can also be used instead of rubber bands;
2. 2. Ligature-free – fixation of such self-regulating systems is carried out by fastening with clips or microlocks.

Metal ligature braces are the most affordable. They are also quite comfortable to wear. However, elastic ligatures stretch over time and need to be changed every 1-1.5 months.

For ligature-free braces, the price is higher, but the locks do not need to be changed. Thanks to this, you do not have to visit the orthodontist often.

How long do you need to wear metal braces?

The duration of wearing metal braces depends on the complexity of the dental anomalies and malocclusion. The maximum wearing period is 2.5 years. Most often, patients wear braces for no more than 2 years, and in case of mild curvature, about 1 year will be enough.

You can find out the exact period of wearing braces at a consultation with an orthodontist, who will take into account the nature of the violation, the interdental distance, the state of the oral cavity and the patient’s age. Also important is the choice of the type of bracket system. So, for example, self-adjusting braces are worn 3-6 months less than ligature braces.

You can find out more useful information about installing and wearing metal braces by making an appointment with an orthodontist at the ViLiDa dental clinic.