Empower braces: how do they stand out among analogues, what problems do they solve?

Correcting a bite with braces is the most popular technique in orthodontics. Its demand requires constant improvement of existing models and the creation of new designs.

New, but already popular orthodontic devices include the Empower bracket system, which allows you to straighten your teeth with minimal intervention from the dentist.

Metal braces: pros and cons

Classic metal braces have been used in dentistry for over a hundred years. It is logical to assume that such a significant period indicates many advantages. Let's take a closer look at them.

• Metal braces are reliable and durable, so they are suitable for any clinical cases. They will help correct the most complex malocclusions and crowded teeth.
• The treatment period with metal braces will be shorter than with other systems (this is an important difference between ceramic braces and metal braces). Those patients who want to correct the defect as quickly as possible should choose them.
• Metal braces on teeth are more difficult to damage from hard food, and they are not stained by tea, coffee, wine and carbonated drinks with dyes.
• Finally, this is the most affordable type of orthodontic appliance. Getting metal braces cheaply is not difficult at all.

The disadvantages include the way metal braces look on your teeth. And although manufacturers are constantly improving the appearance of the structure - making smaller clasps and offering self-ligating metal braces without rubber bands or wires, the aesthetics of such systems still leave much to be desired. There is also the possibility of an allergy to the metal of the braces. Despite the use of only safe alloys - titanium, stainless steel, nickel, locks can cause an individual reaction. Before installation, patients prone to allergies must find out what metal the braces of the chosen brand are made of.

Reviews

All patients who have used the Empower orthodontic device to correct malocclusion are satisfied with the result, the high quality of the system and the reasonable price.

You can also share your opinion about braces in the comments to the article.

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Tags: braces vestibular braces

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Types of metal braces

Based on the place of attachment to the teeth, braces are divided into vestibular and lingual. Another classification is based on the presence or absence of ligatures - auxiliary elements with which the braces are connected to the arch. Ligatures can be in the form of rubber bands or thin wires. There are also mini braces.

1. Vestibular structures
   are installed on the outer part of the teeth. These are ordinary metal braces that we are all familiar with. Such braces are more universal, correct a defect faster, do not distort diction and require less time to get used to. On the other hand, vestibular systems are visible on the teeth and can damage soft tissue.
2. Lingual metal braces
   are installed on the inside of the teeth, so the brackets are not visible to others. This is an ideal solution for those who want to hide the fact of orthodontic treatment, for example, for public people. True, you will have to prepare for a longer period of bite correction, take longer to get used to the design, and also part with a much more significant amount.
3. Metal ligature braces
   are visually more “heavy” and require frequent (every 3-4 weeks) visits to the orthodontist for correction, since the ligatures quickly stretch. However, some doctors consider such systems more suitable for difficult cases, and the cost of their installation is lower.
4. Metal non-ligature braces
   Instead of ligatures, the systems use special latches or clamps. They do not block the arc, making the friction force minimal, which has a positive effect on comfort and treatment time. Patients with a metal self-ligating brace system can come for corrections half as often, and the procedure itself will last a matter of minutes. However, ligature-free braces are more expensive.
5. Non-ligature
   For more comfortable and aesthetic treatment in orthodontics, special mini-designs have been developed. Their size is 20-30% smaller than standard braces, while the timing and effectiveness of treatment remain the same. This is a more aesthetic alternative to classic metal braces, which also does not require large expenses.

Which one should you prefer?

Manufacturers have prudently developed various Empower models that differ not only in the principle of ligation, but also in material .

For correction, they provided structures made of metal, as well as aesthetic braces made of ceramics.

Metal

Recommended for correcting complex anomalies, including those that require surgery. The strength of the material provides the maximum necessary pressure on the jaw muscles and teeth, allowing you to predict the result of the correction.

This model can be used for people with severe signs of allergies .

The design is also used for simple corrections, such as deviation of the position of a single tooth. In this case, the correction time will be shorter than when using a system made of other materials.

In addition, metal braces remain one of the most affordable. The cost of one bracket averages 900 rubles . Correction on one jaw will cost approximately 40 thousand rubles.

Ceramic

They are the most aesthetic option, as they are hardly noticeable in the mouth due to the transparent structure of the material. The only metal element here is the clip.

The ceramic design is designed to correct 1st and 2nd degree abnormal bites , as well as incorrect teeth position.

To ensure a positive treatment result, ceramic brackets are used only with an active type of ligation . But even so, the period for correcting the pathology will be several months longer than when using metal models.

In contrast, Empower Clear ceramic braces are more expensive. The average market price of 1 bracket is 1,500 rubles .

Metal braces from different manufacturers

• Damon Q metal braces
  are perhaps the most popular on the market due to their patented design and locking system. The advantages of the Damon brand are reliability and reduced treatment time.

• Victory metal braces
  from 3M Unitek are considered one of the most attractive metal solutions. They are distinguished by the anatomical shape of the locks and a special surface that facilitates installation. In addition, 3M metal braces belong to the budget category.
• Metal braces “Pilot”
  are a domestic development that combines an affordable price and quite a good level of efficiency. There are no innovative technologies here, but the solution copes with its main task.
• Metal Marquis braces
  from Ortho Technology are also in demand among doctors and patients. They are easy to use and especially hygienic: the clasps are precisely adjusted to the teeth and have a low profile, so they are comfortable to wear, and food residues will practically not get stuck between the elements of the system. At the same time, Marquis metal braces allow you to replace arches in the shortest possible time.
• American Orthodontics Empower metal braces
  are the flagship products in the orthodontic construction market. They are effective and reliable, as well as aesthetically pleasing due to the small size of the locks. However, the cost of their installation will be higher than many analogues.
• Mini Master metal braces
  from American Orthodontics are miniature in size (25% smaller than other systems). They are “shrunk” not only in width, but also in thickness, which eliminates injury to soft tissues. Mini Master also gives you the opportunity to wear colored metal braces of your favorite shade.

Advantages

The Empower system has gained great popularity not only due to its design features, but also a large number of advantages :

• Short installation period due to easy closing of the locks.
• Liquid glass coating not only reduces arc friction, but is also a good antibacterial protection that prevents deposits from forming in the locks of the device.
• The minimum height of the bracket and the smoothness of the clip reduce the likelihood of soft tissue injury.
• This system can be used for correction in the presence of inflammation of periodontal tissue.
• For those who value the aesthetic appearance of the system, the manufacturer has introduced ceramic braces.
• Affordable price compared to similar models from other manufacturers.
• Each bracket is color coded to make installation easier and faster.
• If necessary, the fixing clip can be opened independently, without the use of any devices.

Which metal braces are better?

You can choose one or another type of braces only after diagnosis, and also based on the financial capabilities of the patient. A metal ligature braces system would be the best choice if you need to save money, while metal self-ligating braces are suitable for busy people who are short on time. In addition, it is much easier to care for a structure without ligatures.

As for lingual systems, due to their cost and complexity of installation, they are not yet very popular in Russia, and finding a good doctor who specializes in such designs will not be easy. Therefore, based on a combination of factors, vestibular metal self-adjusting braces can be called the optimal solution.

Types of systems - model range

The Empower line includes several models that differ from each other in functionality. All types of structures can effectively correct both minor and serious anomalies - let's look at them in a little more detail.

Empower DS – passive

This model assumes a passive ligation mode. Its essence is that the arc moves freely inside the grooves and creates minimal pressure on their walls. This allows you to reduce the excessive load on the dentition, while the correction of defects occurs due to the muscular system of the jaw. The system has a mild effect, but is no less effective than other devices with active ligation.

After installing such braces, adaptation is much easier and faster, with virtually no discomfort or pain. This is a suitable option for starting orthodontic correction in early adolescence. Sometimes this model is used as a preparatory stage before full treatment - it makes the periodontal tissues more elastic and pliable, preparing them for further changes.

Empower Interactive – interactive

Correction using the interactive type of ligation begins in the same way as using the passive version. Initially, the arc moves freely in the grooves and does not create excessive pressure on their walls. Later, the doctor replaces it with a thicker one, which is in close contact with the internal surfaces of the grooves, thereby increasing the effect on the dentition.

At the beginning of treatment, the arc moves freely in the grooves, and at the end it creates pressure

At the last stage of correction, the stiffest and thickest arch is fixed, which creates a fairly strong but constant impact. This system ensures a smooth transition from light to heavy pressure. A gradual increase in load gives a more predictable result.

Combined

This model combines passive and interactive modes. The design is made individually for each individual patient. It is literally assembled from different braces from the two previous models. As a rule, the active type of ligation is used to correct the anterior incisors, and passive braces are placed on premolars and canines. This approach makes it possible to use different systems for different groups of teeth. This allows you to speed up treatment and achieve better results without pain and discomfort for the patient.

The photo shows the passive and interactive mode plates

Installation of metal braces

In order to get metal braces, you need to go through three main stages.

1. Diagnostic.
   This includes: consultation with an orthodontist, medical history, radiography, orthopantomography, photographs of the patient from different angles, drawing up a treatment plan and choosing the appropriate brace system.
2. Sanitation of the oral cavity.
   Treatment of caries and other diseases, elimination of foci of inflammation, if necessary, extraction of teeth or prosthetics, removal of hard deposits and plaque, strengthening of enamel.
3. Direct installation of a metal bracket system.
   The last stage lasts no more than two hours. The doctor prepares the surface of the teeth, glues a separate lock-bracket to each tooth one by one, and fixes the adhesive solution with an ultraviolet lamp. If the locks are installed using the indirect method, that is, all at once, the procedure time is halved. He then connects the clasps to the archwire using ligatures or built-in fasteners. At the end, additional elements are installed - rings, cheek locks, hooks for elastic rods, springs, and so on.

In rare cases, metal braces are placed on one jaw. This is possible with slight curvature of the teeth, which does not affect the bite in any way.

Design features

As mentioned above, the design involves fastening the power arc using special locks located on the plates. In the classic ligature design, the arch is held in the grooves by attaching elastic elastic bands, but they quickly stretch and require timely replacement. In the Empower bracket system, ligatures are also used, but only as auxiliary elements, in order to enhance the impact on individual fragments of the dentition. The following are the main design features of Empower:

• each plate is made in the shape of a rectangle, accurately repeating the anatomical shape of the tooth,
• each bracket has a small flat lock for attaching the arch,
• the arc is fixed using a special clip with a locking mechanism, which prevents accidental opening of the lock,
• a semicircular groove eliminates excessive friction on the arc and leaves it more room to maneuver,
• the walls of the grooves are treated with liquid glass to give them absolute smoothness1,
• the system allows you to change or combine passive and active ligation modes to achieve the most accurate result.

Each plate of the system is made in the shape of a rectangle.
All models presented in the Empower line are distinguished by high patient comfort and effectiveness. The choice of a specific option must be discussed in detail with the attending physician and is largely based on the individual characteristics of the clinical picture.

How is treatment with metal braces performed?

Fixed orthodontic appliances apply constant pressure to the teeth, causing them to gradually move into the desired position. The arch plays a significant role in this process: at first it repeats the irregular shape of the teeth, but tends to return to its original position, thanks to which it smoothly corrects the bite. After each correction, the doctor changes the archwire to a thicker one to increase the pressure.

Let's look at why metal braces straighten teeth faster. The main quality of a metal system is its strength, and it does not really matter what metal is used in the braces. Due to the force of pressure, the teeth move faster and the treatment period is reduced. If the patient is faced with a choice between sapphire or metal braces, he must understand: although the sapphire design looks attractive, it will take a little longer to wear due to the fragility of the material.

So how long do you wear metal braces? Orthodontists call the average treatment period 1.5 - 2 years, but everything, of course, depends on the clinical case. The minimum period is 1 year for mild crowding of teeth, the maximum is about 3 years.

Duration of treatment

This aspect directly depends on the degree of complexity of the curvature and the design option used. Usually everything fits within 2 years, although deviations to a smaller or larger direction are possible. If it concerns one or two teeth, then everything can be limited to up to six months; in complex situations requiring surgical intervention, we can talk about three years.

For the entire period of treatment, regular and timely visits to the doctor remain important so that he can successfully monitor the process and make corrections as needed.

Hygiene rules and nutritional features

An integral part of orthodontic treatment with braces is constant monitoring of the condition of the oral cavity. After installing the system, if you experience discomfort or pain from rubbing, you should immediately contact your orthodontist. He will correct the design, apply special food-grade wax to the areas of braces that injure the gums, and prescribe medications for the treatment of inflammatory processes in the oral mucosa.

It is very important to develop good eating habits:

• do not eat solid food;
• healthy vegetables and fruits - only grated or cut into pieces, but in no case whole;
• exclude everything crispy and sticky (crackers, toffee, chewing gum, caramel, etc.);
• avoid sweets and soda to protect tooth enamel;
• Avoid very hot and cold drinks—temperature changes can cause braces to come off your teeth;

Anyone who wears braces is recommended to brush their teeth every time after eating, most thoroughly before going to bed. It is necessary to use tools such as:

• orthodontic brushes (with a small compact head and a V-shaped recess in the middle) for high-quality and gentle cleansing;
• dental floss (preferably orthodontic);
• an irrigator that will help remove food debris, plaque, and also prevent bleeding by massaging the gums;
• brush-brush for cleaning locks and removing stuck food in braces;
• restorative mousses with minerals.

It is recommended to visit a hygienist for professional teeth cleaning approximately once 3 months.

How to care?

Caring for Empower is no different from caring for other types of braces.

To ensure hygiene and structural integrity, you can adhere to the following rules :

• Cleaning the oral cavity must be carried out not only 2 times a day, but also every time after eating food, since the complex design means that food particles get into the gaps of the bracket.
  This, in turn, can lead to the proliferation of pathogens and diseases of dental and periodontal tissues.
• In addition to a standard brush, you should use special devices designed for caring for braces: a brush with a V-shaped bristle cut, an irrigator, orthodontic floss and brushes.
• If it is not possible to clean, you should definitely rinse your mouth after eating.

We will discuss how long braces are worn on teeth in the next review.

In a new article we will consider the question of what to do if your teeth are crooked.

Here https://orto-info.ru/sistemyi-vyiravnivaniya-zubov/breketyi/po-tipu-materiala/keramicheskie/tsena-vseh-sostavlyayushhih.html we’ll talk about what the price of installing ceramic braces depends on.

What is the difference between ceramic braces and metal braces?

Many patients are interested in what is better - ceramic or metal braces. You need to understand that both types of systems cope well with their task, the only question is in the details.

When choosing ceramic or metal braces, you should decide on your priorities: aesthetics or treatment time? Ceramic systems are practically invisible on the teeth, and this makes the correction psychologically more comfortable. On the other hand, if it takes a year and a half to correct a moderate defect with metal braces, then with ceramic braces it will take about two years.

Lifestyle will help you understand which braces are better - ceramic or metal. Metal is much less capricious: it does not stain under the influence of red wine, tea and coffee, and is also not prone to chips and cracks.

Another popular question is whether it is possible to smoke with metal braces. If we do not take into account the harm from smoking as such, then it is really better for smokers to install a metal system, since ceramics can change color under the influence of resins.

Manufacturer

The company that makes Empower braces is called American Ortodontics. It appeared more than 50 years ago in the United States, exists and is still actively developing. Today it is one of the leading manufacturers of braces and various dental devices. The company's factories are located in Wisconsin and employ more than 700 highly qualified workers.

Finished products are supplied to more than 100 countries around the world. Of course, during the heyday of its activities, the company sold only classic metal models. However, today the product range has expanded greatly; there is a huge number of both classic and more modern designs and components for them.

Patients who have chosen braces from this brand note their durability and incredible strength. It is also impossible not to note the aesthetic appeal of all produced brackets; they all look very stylish, have an original design and are not noticeable even upon careful examination (in the case of ceramics).

Combined braces: metal and ceramic

To save on installing an aesthetic system, you can choose combined metal and ceramic braces. When a person smiles, the lower teeth are less visible, so to save money it is worth putting metal braces on the lower jaw and ceramic braces on the upper jaw. This is a worthy compromise between the cost of treatment and psychological comfort during it. Similarly, you can combine sapphire with metal.

What are they?

braces are a ligature-free system in which the arch is attached without the use of elastics. This design allows you to correct occlusion with minimal discomfort and accurately predict the outcome and timing of treatment.

Who produces?

Empower is manufactured by American Orthodontics . It began its existence a little over 40 years ago. The company's first products were classic metal braces.

Since then, the company has been constantly working to create new models designed to solve orthodontic problems of varying complexity. Today, the products of this brand are represented by a huge range, including hundreds of models made of sapphire, metal and ceramics.

Design Features

Despite the fact that Empower braces are non-ligature systems, the manufacturer has provided for the possibility of using them in conjunction with ligatures by equipping the brackets with small hooks.

Their additional use will allow for correction in particularly difficult cases..

About the possibilities of correction with the additional use of ligatures, watch the video:

In addition, braces have some other features that distinguish them from similar systems from other manufacturers:

• The base of the bracket has a regular rectangular shape and an anatomical structure that follows the relief of the enamel surface.
• The grooves have a unique semi-circular shape, which ensures correct placement of the correction arc and reduces the likelihood of friction.
• The surface of the groove is treated with liquid glass, which increases the sliding of the arc.
• The braces have flat clasps with a minimum wall height.
• The arc is fixed in the lock using a built-in clip equipped with a special spring, which ensures easy opening and closing of the mechanism.
  In order to prevent accidental opening of the lock, the clip was equipped with a locking mechanism.

In addition, all Empower braces have a design that allows you to combine two types of corrective action at once: passive and active .

Read whether it is possible to straighten teeth without braces in our next publication.

In a separate article we will tell you how to correct diastema.

Using the link https://orto-info.ru/sistemyi-vyiravnivaniya-zubov/breketyi/po-tipu-materiala/metallicheskie/tsena-na-razlichnyie-vidyi.html we will calculate the approximate cost of metal braces.

Is it possible to get metal braces inexpensively?

Undoubtedly. Installing regular staples is the cheapest. However, the price of metal braces can vary. Designs with ligatures will cost the least - from 25,000 rubles, a metal non-ligature bracket system starts at 35,000 rubles. Of course, we are talking about vestibular structures, since the price list for lingual systems starts from 100,000 rubles. Ceramic braces with a metal groove will be an order of magnitude more expensive than a conventional system. You also need to keep in mind that metal braces for the upper jaw are more expensive than for the lower jaw. Such designs are the most affordable, and this is also the difference between metal and ceramic braces. The table below will help you navigate the cost of metal structures, as well as a call to a clinic where you can install braces in Moscow.

Are there any disadvantages to Empower braces?

• low aesthetic indicators when choosing a metal model: braces made of medical steel, in any case, stand out against the background of white teeth,
• discomfort when wearing metal braces: this model has sharp corners that can touch the soft tissues of the oral cavity, thereby provoking the development of inflammatory processes,
• relatively high cost: the high price is largely due to foreign production, as well as the manufacturer’s financial costs for clinical studies and the most modern materials. The cost of self-ligating systems is always an order of magnitude higher than the price of classic ligature braces.

How to minimize the difficulties of the adaptation period

As a rule, adaptation after fixing braces is inevitable.
Some people get used to wearing orthodontic appliances faster, others slower. It all depends on the patient’s individual sensitivity threshold. The Damon Clear bracket system is distinguished by its miniature and smooth shape, but even after fixing it, it will take some time to get used to. What doctors advise to smooth out the discomfort of the first days of wearing braces:

• treat the system parts with special wax, which is sold at the pharmacy;
• force yourself not to touch the braces with your tongue by an effort of will;
• For the first time (at least a week), finely chop or puree all food until it becomes pureed. Do not eat hard foods that require thorough chewing;
• if there is pain, take over-the-counter painkillers;
• In the first week, do not overload yourself with heavy physical activity. Light workouts, walking, walks are welcome;
• you need to remember that soon the condition will return to normal, the discomfort will disappear, and diction will be restored.

Plastic, ceramic or artificial sapphire?

The most affordable are plastic braces that blend with the teeth. Their clasps are made of dental plastic, selected to match the natural shade of the patient’s tooth enamel. They have a metal groove in which the orthodontic arch slides with minimal friction, due to which the teeth are aligned quite quickly.

But such braces have several significant disadvantages. Due to the low strength of plastic, they quickly wear out and chip and easily change the chosen shade under the influence of artificial and natural dyes contained in drinks and foods.

They were replaced by even less noticeable, but more expensive and therefore installed in installments ceramic braces. They are divided into two subgroups, look approximately the same, differing in appearance only in the degree of transparency, and in color they turn out to be completely identical to tooth enamel.

• The first subgroup includes braces with clasps made of matte, partially opaque polycrystalline ceramics. Dentists call them ceramic braces.
• The second category includes the best aesthetic braces made from transparent ceramic single crystals. These are the most invisible and most expensive systems that ideally mask the treatment process and thus fully justify the financial costs.

How do braces work on teeth?

The essence of correcting malocclusions is the displacement of teeth in a given direction under the constant influence of mechanical pressure. This pressure during the correction process is provided by an orthodontic brace system. Bracket pads are fixed to the surface of the tooth enamel. A power arc is attached to them in special grooves, bent in a certain position. Thanks to the so-called “shape memory,” the arc tends to straighten. And since it is attached to the teeth, it carries them along in this movement. Thus, the dental units move along a precisely calculated trajectory to a new location.

Hygiene recommendations

Orthodontic structures require more careful and careful hygiene, since it is possible for food debris to get stuck between the individual elements of the structure. To do this, it is recommended to use special brushes and brushes that make cleaning easier, as well as an irrigator that helps to quickly and efficiently clean hard-to-reach places. During treatment, follow-up with a periodontist and regular professional oral hygiene are recommended to prevent gum inflammation and the development of dental caries.