Braces on teeth - what are they for, is it worth it, before and after photos, types

Everything you would like to know about correcting your bite and straightening your teeth with braces.

Let's be honest: in modern realities, a beautiful smile is the norm, and it is necessary to get rid of dental imperfections. But, having set such a goal, it is desirable to have reliable information about existing methods and upcoming tests. We tried to collect in one article all the most important things about braces in order to save you from having to look for answers on your own on the Internet, where the truth is mixed with myths and advertising fluff.

Important! In the article, prices are indicated for St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region.

What are braces?

Braces, or rather brace systems, are dental structures for eliminating malocclusions and problems with incorrect position of teeth.
Alignment with orthodontic braces began to be practiced back in 1776 in France, but the heavy structures used then interfered with speech and extended beyond the mouth. More than a hundred years later, the device was radically improved in America. Today, the classic system looks different and consists of three main elements: ➢
braces - clasps that are attached to the teeth
➢
orthodontic arch
➢
fastenings (ligatures) for coupling the arch with the clasps

How do braces work?

Naturally, the doctor works with each patient individually. There are many types of braces, as well as many types of malocclusions. Already during the consultation, it becomes clear what problem is relevant and how to solve it.

How do braces work? After choosing a design, the doctor will carefully place the lock in the desired position on each tooth. Here it is important to take into account not only the position of individual teeth, but also the condition of the entire row. After all, even a small change in the position of one element leads to a displacement of all the others. Therefore, it is extremely important to configure everything correctly.

During treatment, the patient must regularly visit the doctor for preventive and corrective examinations. As the correction progresses, the doctor will gradually move the braces, adapting them to the new position of the teeth.

Main types of braces

Previously, when it was necessary to straighten with braces, for many patients the stopping factor was the aesthetic side of the issue - the structures were made exclusively of metal and were fixed on the outside of the teeth. Now there are many types of orthodontic systems to suit every taste. The main differences between braces are the installation methods and materials of manufacture.

External and internal braces

A frequent question from patients is whether it is possible to place braces on crooked teeth without others noticing. Internal, or lingual, braces allow you not to worry about the aesthetic aspect. Unlike external ones, lingual systems are fixed on the back of the teeth and are completely invisible to others. True, the patient takes longer to get used to the lingual system. But it is not always suitable for people with allergies, since it is made of metal, which can provoke an allergic reaction.

Ligature and non-ligature braces

Ligature and non-ligature systems differ in the method of attachment to the arch. The first ones are attached using clamps (ligatures), while the second ones are devices of a more advanced level that do not require additional fastenings. Ligature-free braces allow you to adjust the position of the arch once every 2-3 months. However, many specialists prefer monthly treatment monitoring. Despite their more advanced structure, it is difficult to say that non-ligature dental braces are more effective than traditional ones.

Vestibular and lingual – which is better?

First, let's compare braces according to where they are attached to the teeth. Each orthodontic design has its own indications, advantages and disadvantages. And despite the fact that any braces are created to solve the main problem - correcting the bite, it is worth carefully considering the options in order to choose the best one.

Vestibular braces - a familiar classic

Vestibular braces are fixed on the front surface of the teeth and are considered the most popular in modern orthodontics. Such designs do not lead to impaired diction and are easy to maintain. The duration of therapy using the vestibular system depends on the severity of the defects. Since the external brace system is very noticeable on the teeth, the choice of materials for its manufacture must be approached very responsibly:

metal is a reliable and at the same time very noticeable material on the teeth; many patients note its unaesthetic appearance;
plastic is a more fragile but aesthetic material, the color of which can be selected in accordance with the natural color of the enamel, has a low cost and is often used in the manufacture of budget braces for the correction of minor defects in children and adults;
ceramics are a more expensive alternative to plastic; ceramic structures are aesthetically pleasing and hypoallergenic;
sapphire is the most durable, aesthetic and expensive material; sapphire braces are transparent and almost invisible on the teeth.

Some patients say the main disadvantage of vestibular braces is the inability to completely close the mouth after installation. It is worth noting that such an effect is indeed possible in case of serious bite pathologies or if the system itself is selected incorrectly.

Lingual braces are the second most popular

At one time, lingual braces replaced vestibular braces; they are fixed on the inner surface of the teeth; for their installation, a special base is made that replicates the anatomical structure of the patient’s teeth. Lingual systems are more expensive than classic ones and more difficult to manufacture, but it was their appearance that eliminated the main problem of conventional vestibular systems, because unlike them, lingual braces became almost invisible.

In recent years, some types of braces, including lingual ones, have seriously improved - they have become thinner

,
light
and hypoallergenic.

3 main advantages of lingual systems:

They are not noticeable. And this is really a big plus of lingual structures, because in order to notice them, a person must either look closely at your jaw, or simply know that the braces are installed from the inside and specifically pay attention to this.
When creating lingual braces, 3D modeling technology is used. This means that the predicted result of therapy can be seen even before it begins.
Throughout the entire treatment period, the orthodontist, together with the patient, can make adjustments to the design. Classic braces do not offer this possibility.

5 main disadvantages of lingual braces:

Therapy with lingual braces is quite painful, even compared to classic ones.
When correcting an overbite with lingual braces, diction is seriously affected. Since the system is fixed from the inside, from the side of the tongue, it becomes very difficult to pronounce familiar words. The so-called logoneurosis may even develop, when the patient loses patience and becomes very nervous due to the fact that the usual sound pronunciation becomes inaccessible to him.
Parts of lingual braces can injure the tongue, especially at the initial stage of treatment.
Therapy using internal braces lasts longer than with vestibular braces.
There are restrictions for adult patients in certain types of intimacy. As we mentioned above, lingual braces can injure the patient’s tongue, but this warning also applies to his sexual partner - any sensitive mucous membrane is at risk. Doctors do not always warn about this disadvantage of lingual braces, but this does not eliminate the problem itself.

As you can see, despite a number of advantages and high cost, lingual braces are not indicated for all patients and have a number of features. Wear invisible braces, but put up with the inconvenience or choose a vestibular system - it’s up to you.

Types of bracket systems

Some people don’t attach importance to the presence of a metal device in the mouth - back in the 90s, Cindy Crawford not only wore dental braces, but even starred in them in an advertising campaign for Pepsi Cola. For those who have chosen external orthodontic braces, but prefer not to advertise the treatment, there are other options.

Types of braces depending on material

Plastic: the most budget braces - from 20,000 rubles. It is the plastic design that has become not just a device for dental treatment, but also an accessory that complements the image. Unfortunately, it also has many disadvantages: plastic is not the most durable material, in addition, such dental braces change color under the influence of coloring products.
Metal: The most durable of all braces for straightening teeth, but they are not suitable for people with metal allergies. A steel system will cost 60,000 - 80,000 rubles, a titanium system - from 80,000 to 100,000 rubles. In terms of aesthetics, this is not the most advantageous design.

Ceramic: highly aesthetic, matched to the color of the enamel, does not cause allergies, but is less durable than metal. In Moscow, the cost of ceramic braces is 40,000 - 70,000 rubles.

Sapphire: the most aesthetic of all options. They look very impressive in the light, but if the patient’s teeth have a yellowish tint, you should carefully consider whether sapphire braces are needed, as they will stand out strongly. Also quite fragile. The cost of sapphire structures is 100,000 - 150,000 rubles.

Which braces to choose

As you can see, there are a lot of braces. True, you will need to choose between them not on your own, but together with the doctor, since the choice depends not only on the wishes of the patient, but also on the condition of the dental system. For example, quite often a patient would like to have aesthetic braces, but only metal braces can cope with his anomaly.

If you have a choice, then it is best to put:

Metal braces, if there are no special requirements for aesthetics and there is a desire to save money.
Ceramic, if you want not to spend too much on treatment, but at the same time maintain aesthetics.
Sapphire, if there is a desire on the contrary, draw attention to your teeth and decorate them with “jewels”.
Combined braces, if you are willing to sacrifice a little aesthetics for the sake of saving.
Lingual, if you need maximum aesthetics.

Judging by the reviews, metal braces are still the most popular among adults, and many people are now calmly undergoing treatment with such structures, without facing the condemnation of others. Of the aesthetic designs, ceramic braces are the most popular, as they are quite inconspicuous, but not too expensive.

How do braces differ from each other?

Type of braces	Materials	Differences	Price
Metal	metal alloy	reliable and cheap	from 50,000 rubles*
Ceramic	ceramics	the most inexpensive of aesthetic	from 70,000 rubles*
Sapphire	artificial sapphire	beautiful and relatively inexpensive	from 100,000 rubles*
Lingual	gold + metal	completely invisible	From 150,000 rubles*

*Prices are indicative in Moscow and only for the bracket system.

Pulling a tooth from the gum using systems

Pulling a tooth out of the gum is a complex process that is accompanied by a lot of time.
The type of corrective systems is chosen by the patient, but presentable models made of ceramics and sapphire are in particular demand. People also prefer translucent locks. After choosing braces, the patient is prescribed surgical intervention with a tomographic examination and determination of the location of the pathological tooth, to which a small lock resembling a button with a chain is attached. The operation is not accompanied by pain, but during the first 10 days you need to monitor the condition of the wound and treat it. The pulling process also does not cause discomfort, but its duration reaches several months or years, depending on the complexity of the case. The doctor's consultation

How do braces straighten teeth?

It is designed by nature that our teeth can change position - independently or under the influence of external forces. Thanks to this property, orthodontic treatment with braces becomes possible. Its principle is the following.

Based on the patient’s clinical picture, the doctor plans a trajectory of movement for each tooth; one bracket is responsible for one dental unit.
During the process of fixing the braces, the clasps are connected to each other by an arch with shape memory, which it tends to take over time.
Under the influence of the arc, the dentition begins to take the desired position.
During treatment, the archwire is replaced with a more rigid one to increase the impact.

Additional orthodontic devices

To correct a bite, just a set of arches is not enough - they are not able to cope with complex complex tasks such as inserting an impacted tooth into the dentition or a severe bite problem. During the treatment process, the orthodontist uses additional tools:

Orthodontic elastics are rubber bands of different sizes that are placed on the hooks of braces and create additional traction on one tooth or group of teeth in the desired direction. Almost all ortho-patients undergo elastics, since it is impossible to set the correct direction of all teeth using an arch alone.

An orthodontic elastic chain is placed over the braces to move the teeth towards each other using strong traction.

An orthodontic spring is used to create space between teeth, for example to place an implant. It is installed on adjacent teeth and gradually pushes one of them in the opposite direction.

An orthodontic microimplant is an absolute support. They are used when it is necessary to move a tooth in a precise direction without changing the position of others. The fact is that when elastic traction is used from tooth to tooth, both the supporting group of teeth and the tooth that needs to be moved are involved in the movement. The supporting teeth also shift and the effectiveness of the traction becomes significantly less than when using an absolute fixed support. Miniscrews are screwed into the bone tissue under local anesthesia and are easily removed after completion of orthodontic treatment.

The Ballista is a loop-shaped instrument that connects to an archwire and is used to pull out impacted teeth.

Herbst apparatus - metal beams installed on a brace system or teeth, from one dentition to another. Designed to correct the distal position of the jaws, eliminate the sagittal gap and inhibit the growth of the upper jaw.

All these tools are an addition to the main operating mechanism - the braces system. But some clinical cases cannot be solved without them. The orthodontist calculates the set of instruments and their sequence after collecting diagnostic data.

Indications and contraindications for installation

Problems that alignment with braces can help solve:

crooked teeth due to improper growth
displacement of the dentition as a result of the removal of dental units
jaw development disorder

When there is crowding and gaps between teeth, braces are the optimal solution. In the latter case, it will not be possible to manage with orthodontic treatment alone; complex procedures with the participation of a surgeon will be required.

Indications for using braces

The key indication for the use of braces is a pathological bite that cannot be corrected by other methods. Corrective systems are also indicated in the following cases:

Dense cluster of teeth. When dental units are highly crowded, pathogenic microorganisms multiply in them. The tooth enamel is also subjected to heavy loads, and the teeth begin to wear out.
Dystopia. The problem is characterized by the incorrect placement of 1 or more dental units.
Problems with dental density. It is not uncommon for large gaps to form in the mouth, which can be explained by both genetics and tooth loss. The purpose of braces is to normalize density and combat discomfort and unaesthetic appearance of teeth.

The listed indications appear both in childhood and in adulthood. Due to the specific type of corrective structures, children often do not agree to have braces installed. But modern orthodontists can offer hidden variations of systems that do not spoil the aesthetics of the oral cavity and do not cause complexes.

At what age are braces placed?

The mobility of teeth in the jawbone persists throughout a person’s life, therefore, the answer to the question “Can braces be placed on crooked teeth in adulthood?” - positive. However, correcting a child’s bite with braces is much easier.

You can begin treatment as early as 9 years of age, even if not all baby teeth have been replaced by permanent teeth. The most optimal age for installing braces is 12 - 13 years old, but even at 30, braces will show good results. It will just take more time.

Features of bite correction in adults

The rumor that only children can have braces did not appear out of nowhere. Indeed, by about 16–18 years, a person’s jaw stops actively growing, and his bones lose pliability. And if in childhood only a little pressure is enough to correct the bite, in adulthood everything is much more complicated:

Correcting even minor defects requires at least a year, and sometimes treatment extends for 2–3 years.
If there is no room for teeth, the jaw cannot be expanded; some teeth will have to be removed to create space for the rest.
If the jaw is missing teeth or has dentures, this may complicate treatment and require the installation of special structures.
After treatment, the teeth will tend to return to their original places, so it will take a long time to consolidate the results of the correction.

All this complicates the process, but does not mean that it is completely impossible to correct the bite in adulthood. Adults can wear braces, and although the treatment will be longer and more complex, it will still produce results and remain completely effective.

Braces for crowns, veneers, implants

Crowns are not a contraindication to orthodontic treatment. The best option for installing braces on crowns is a metal system. It will provide reliable adhesion to the artificial material of the prosthesis. If you need to install a brace system on the teeth that serve as support for the bridge, the doctor will simply remove the prosthesis and put temporary plastic crowns on the patient for the period of treatment.

As for veneers, if they are already on the teeth, this will not be a contraindication to installing a brace system. However, it is still better not to install veneers before braces, especially taking into account that an incorrect bite is, in principle, a contraindication to veneering.

With an implant, it is already more difficult to correct the bite with braces - the artificial root sits firmly in the bone and is not able to move except upward. If possible, it is better to correct the curvature of the dentition before installing an artificial root. However, if implants are already in place, orthodontic treatment can still be planned and successfully carried out.

How to install braces for adults

The installation of braces follows the same scheme, regardless of the chosen system. It all starts with preparation, which takes place in several stages:

The dentist talks with the patient, examines his teeth, and listens to his expectations from treatment.
X-rays, computed tomography are done, and if necessary, an impression is taken. Based on this, the treatment is simulated on a computer.
A decision is made on the material of braces based on the examination and the wishes of the patient.
Sanitation of the oral cavity is carried out - all diseases of the gums and teeth are treated, so that in the future there will be no need to carry out treatment and remove braces for this. Professional cleaning is also required.
If it is necessary to create free space in the jaw, individual teeth are removed - usually chewing molars.

After the teeth are completely prepared, the braces are installed directly. It goes according to the following scheme:

The teeth are thoroughly cleaned of plaque and dried of saliva.
The enamel is etched with a special acid. It is safe, but makes the enamel more susceptible to the adhesive.
A small amount of adhesive glue is applied to the enamel. Some modern braces have an adhesive on the clasps themselves - in this case this step is skipped.
Braces are attached to the teeth one at a time.
Excess adhesive is removed so as not to create voids under the braces, and then hardens under the influence of a special lamp.
An archwire is threaded into the braces.

At this point, the installation is considered complete, the patient is taught how to care for braces, the next follow-up appointment is scheduled, and he is sent home. The whole process takes about half an hour; in the case of lingual braces, it can take an hour.

After installation, the patient will need to visit the doctor several more times to monitor the correction of the bite and replace the arch with a less flexible one.

Braces for extracted teeth

It is possible to install an orthodontic structure in the absence of one or more teeth, but it depends on the specific clinical picture. For example, it is quite possible to straighten a slight curvature in the frontal zone, even if there are no molars in the row. But is it possible to use braces to close a void when supporting teeth are missing? In this case, installing a system makes sense only if we are talking about 6, 7 and 8 teeth. If the figure eight (wisdom tooth) is missing, movement is impossible, since the chewing teeth will not be enough for full functioning.

Self-ligating braces

The principle of operation of this type of orthodontic structures is similar - under the pressure of the arc, the teeth take the desired position. But in this case, the arch is attached to a special groove in the bracket, where it is held by a clamp and along which it moves freely.

When using a self-ligating system, the impact is more gentle, the teeth move naturally, without too much pressure, as is the case with the use of ligatures. Such structures are replaced less frequently - once every two to three months.

Braces for one jaw and several teeth

If the patient is concerned about the curvature of, for example, only the upper teeth, fair questions arise. For example, why do you need braces on two rows of teeth? And do they put braces on one jaw? Installing only upper braces or only lower braces is indeed possible in the absence of global problems. It is important that the treatment gives an effective result without affecting the function of the jaw.

If a patient has several crooked teeth in one area, the doctor may suggest partial dental braces. They are installed on a specific area of the dentition for about six months.

How to care for braces

Braces care

While wearing braces, you need to follow a lot of rules. This is necessary so that the treatment goes well, and after removing the braces, the patient does not experience caries or other dental problems.

The main thing in care is to follow six basic rules:

Visit the dentist regularly to monitor the treatment process, professional cleaning, and replacement of structural elements. Visits are scheduled by the doctor himself, usually once every one to two months.
Brush or at least rinse your teeth after every meal. Even if you snack on a sandwich, you need to find a way to immediately rinse your mouth to remove any leftover food. Otherwise, they can penetrate under the braces and quickly cause the destruction of the enamel.
Use special devices for cleaning - brushes and irrigators. We will talk about them in more detail below.
Thoroughly brush your teeth on all sides and do it correctly. Often people brush their teeth only from the outside, which leads to the formation of plaque and stone, which can cause inflammation and caries.
Consult a doctor in case of any breakdowns of the brace system; do not try to glue braces or insert an arch on your own.
Before brushing your teeth, you need to remove all the rubber bands and rods that are attached to the teeth to move the jaws relative to each other.

In addition to a regular brush, special tools and devices will be required to care for teeth with braces.

V-shaped toothbrushes

They are considered one of the most effective devices for cleaning teeth with braces. They differ from ordinary brushes in that in the center the bristles are shorter than at the edges, that is, a special recess is formed, just for braces. When cleaning, a regular brush simply glides over the braces and practically does not touch the enamel, but this one allows you to clean everything as thoroughly as possible.

In addition, short bristles clean locks better, and long bristles are good at cleaning out food debris from between teeth.

This brush can be used instead of a regular brush for regular cleaning. Teeth should be treated with sweeping movements, locks should be cleaned vertically, and the brush should only be moved from the gums to the edge of the teeth. The arc should also be cleaned, but only horizontally.

When brushing, you must use toothpaste, you can use regular toothpaste, preferably containing fluoride.

Mono-beam brushes

Regular brushes have many tufts of bristles on the head, while mono-tuft brushes have only one. The shape of this beam can be cut or slightly pointed. This bundle is not suitable for regular cleaning, but it does a good job of removing plaque between teeth.

When brushing, keep the brush at a 90-degree angle to your teeth. First you need to go in the gum area, then between the teeth, and then move on to cleaning the locks in a circular manner. This brush can be used not every time, but once a day or two.

Cleaners

Such designs are a small handle with nylon bristles. Brushes can be of different lengths, thicknesses and shapes - they need to be selected depending on which one is more convenient for the patient to use. You need brushes to clean the space under the arches and near the clasps. Brushes cannot be used regularly, but only if something gets under the braces.

Irrigators

An irrigator is a special device that delivers a stream of water under high pressure to the teeth. In general, it can be used without braces, but during orthodontic treatment it additionally helps to completely remove plaque. At the same time, the irrigator massages the gums, which prevents their inflammation.

You need to use the irrigator several times a week, after basic teeth cleaning.

Contraindications for installing braces

The installation of braces on teeth can be hampered by relative and absolute contraindications.

Relative contraindications to braces can be eliminated. These include:

low level of hygiene
caries
allergy to materials contained in braces
periodontitis, periodontal disease
bruxism

Absolute contraindications are serious health problems that make orthodontic treatment impossible. These include:

oncological diseases
epilepsy
psychiatric disorders
pathology of bone tissue
alcohol and drug addiction
venereal diseases
blood diseases
tuberculosis
diseases of the immune and endocrine systems

Installing and wearing braces: does it hurt?

When installing braces, the vast majority of patients do not experience any noticeable pain, but discomfort certainly appears, and you will have to get used to the braces - for some faster, for others longer, on average - 1-2 days. The exception is, perhaps, people with a very low pain threshold or with increased impressionability - it is from them that the myths about the pain of installing and wearing braces come.

In fact, sometimes there is irritation of the mucous membranes of the lips and cheeks. To solve this problem, a special wax is used, which the doctor will definitely suggest after installation.

Can I wear braces during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, women's dental tissue becomes more fragile, and there is a risk of damage to it by orthodontic construction. Can braces be installed during this period? Yes, but ideally it is better to have orthodontic treatment before or after pregnancy. If you already have braces on your teeth, you should definitely inform the orthodontist about the changes in your body. The doctor will prescribe a detailed diagnosis and decide whether braces and pregnancy are compatible.

If everything is in order, treatment with dental braces can be continued as usual. If the effectiveness of orthodontic treatment is questioned, the specialist will recommend removing the system and using retainers until the process can be resumed.

Diagnosis and preparation for treatment

Before starting the correction, the patient must undergo a comprehensive diagnosis and a number of preparatory measures. During the examination, the orthodontist must ask the patient a number of questions, examine the face and oral cavity, and also perform several tests. Additional procedures include examination with an X-ray machine, taking impressions and creating demonstration models of the jaws. Such measures make further treatment easier.

The preparatory stage consists of cleaning the dentition from all kinds of dirt, caries and food debris. The doctor also performs a fluoridation procedure on teeth.

Result of wearing: before and after photos

The effect of wearing an orthodontic system is noticeable already in the first two months - gross violations are corrected. Next, the position of the teeth and roots is normalized. By about the eighth month, the entire dentition can be corrected with braces; the next stage begins—correction of the bite with braces. During the final stage, the teeth are “worked out” in detail so that they fit together perfectly.

The course of treatment does not end with removing braces. Next, the doctor uses special structures to stabilize teeth after braces - retainers. The device is installed on the inner side of the dentition for 2 - 4 years. The duration depends on the age of the patient (the younger he is, the shorter the period of wearing retainers) and the severity of the anomaly.

In some cases, orthodontic systems have a positive effect on more than just the position of teeth. After braces, the face becomes more toned and the cheekbones become more pronounced. While wearing the structure, other muscles begin to work, emphasizing what was not noticeable before.

When and how are braces removed?

The doctor decides when to remove braces. It depends on the:

state of the dentition - a small degree of defect (one or two crooked teeth) is restored faster than complex malocclusions;
the age of the patient - correction is most quickly carried out in adolescence; in adults this is a longer process;
type of braces - the fastest correction process occurs when using Damon System braces.

On average, for a complete correction of the dentition, an adult will need to wear braces for 2 to 3 years. In adolescence, this period can be reduced to a year or even several months. Only an orthodontist removes braces; removing the system yourself is prohibited.

The procedure for removing braces is painless. Stages:

application of a special retractor-mouth dilator;
removal of ligatures and arches with tweezers;
removing locks from each tooth one by one;
cleaning crowns from dental glue-cement using a special attachment for a drill;
application of paste with fluoride and calcium to the crowns of teeth to strengthen the enamel.

The doctor can remove braces from only 1 jaw, or from both at the same time.

What to do after removal

After the braces are removed, the teeth may partially return to their original position after some time. This is especially common in adults. To prevent this from happening, special devices are prescribed to hold the teeth in the correct position:

non-removable devices – retainers; are metal arches fixed to the inner surface of the teeth; they are invisible to others, do not cause discomfort and the patient quickly gets used to them;
removable devices - mouthguards; These are transparent plastic caps that can be removed and put on independently; You need to wear it at least 18 hours a day.

The doctor decides how long you need to wear retainers or mouth guards. Sometimes it takes twice as long as wearing braces.

Very often, patients are interested in questions about whether it is possible to whiten their teeth immediately after removing braces. Most dentists believe that it is better to carry out such a procedure no earlier than after 4 months, since the enamel must strengthen after prolonged injury. But everything is individual, and if the defects were small, the time of wearing braces was several months, the orthodontist may allow whitening to be carried out even after a month.

When a patient has been missing one or more teeth for a long time, this leads to bone tissue atrophy and a decrease in the bone cell of the tooth. If the patient wants to have a dental implant, he will first need to expand the bone cell using braces. After removing the braces, implants can be installed immediately, since the implanted titanium root will hold the teeth in the correct position.

Find out more about modern dental implant methods in our blog.

Teeth after braces

Many patients fear the negative consequences of braces. It is known that dental braces complicate oral hygiene procedures. However, following the doctor’s instructions for dental care during the treatment period will help avoid exposure to carious bacteria. If caries does appear, in most cases the specialist will be able to carry out treatment without disturbing the braces.

When removing sapphire or ceramic braces, damage to the enamel is possible - during the procedure they can crumble, which significantly complicates the orthodontist’s work. If damage occurs, the defect can be easily corrected with a small restoration.

Are lingual braces worth their high cost?

The most expensive lingual brace systems today are much more expensive than expensive sapphire braces; correction costs the patient up to 500 thousand rubles. But progressive doctors have already abandoned this solution, the only advantage of which is invisibility to others due to installation on the inside of the teeth.

This only advantage is greatly diluted by numerous disadvantages: adaptation to such systems is more difficult and longer (up to several months), the likelihood of injury to the tongue is high, the effect on diction is more pronounced, the requirements for caring for them are stricter, and recovery in case of peeling is more difficult.

How to fix crooked teeth without braces?

Today, dentistry offers several alternative solutions that allow you to straighten teeth without braces:

Restoration: correction of defects in the dental crown using composite materials. Provides quick results at an affordable price, but will last about five years, and the color of the material will change over time.
Veneering: fixation of plates on teeth that are almost indistinguishable from natural enamel. The method is used instead of braces for small curvatures or large gaps and is not suitable if the patient has complex dental curvature or malocclusion.
Installation of removable braces. Essentially, these are orthodontic structures that do not need to be worn constantly. However, calling them braces is not entirely correct; these are completely different systems.

Alternatives to braces treatment

Modern braces may be aesthetically pleasing, but they are still noticeable or not very comfortable - they impose many dietary restrictions, complicate oral hygiene, and damage soft tissues and enamel. Therefore, it is logical that you want to correct your bite without braces.

In adulthood, there are only two such methods.

Removable mouthguards

Special mouthguards made of transparent plastic. They are made individually from impressions and put pressure on the teeth in much the same way as the arch of braces. Mouthguards should be removed when eating or brushing teeth, and they do not have to be worn all day, for example, during public speaking. At the same time, the aligners themselves are also transparent and invisible - judging by the reviews, they are even less visible than ceramic or sapphire braces.

In general, mouthguards are much more convenient than braces, but they are only suitable for minor malocclusions, and are also expensive, about the same as lingual braces.

Veneers

Veneers are special ceramic shells that cover teeth. They are used if the front teeth are slightly crooked, but the anomaly is not serious, and you don’t want to get braces for it. Onlays can mask minor irregularities and gaps between the teeth, that is, they do not actually correct the bite, but make the smile perfect.

Alternative methods are more convenient, but for severe malocclusions, braces are still the only effective treatment.

Are there removable dental braces?

Removable orthodontic systems are divided into trainers, plates and aligners. However, only the latter can be considered an alternative to braces.

Aligners are special aligners made of plastic material that are invisible to others. They are able to quickly and comfortably correct almost any dental defect. The aligners are removed when eating and brushing your teeth, which is very convenient. The Invisalign® system is considered the best today - it allows you to cope with defects that previously could not be straightened without braces. The design is made individually for each patient, so its cost is quite high and amounts to about 250,000 rubles.

Despite the many positive qualities of removable systems, the patient should make the decision about whether to install braces or use other correction methods only together with the attending physician.

Advantages and disadvantages of ligature systems

The operating principle of this type of braces makes it possible to achieve high efficiency in the correction process. However, their pros and cons should be considered. Here are the advantages of ligature bracket systems:

Good results in bite correction.
A wide range of pathologies that they can correct.
Possibility to diversify the external design by changing the color of ligatures and locks.
Budget cost.

The ligature system also has its own features:

Frequent visits to the orthodontist to replace ligatures.
Elements that are too hard may cause discomfort when worn.
Light-colored rubber ligatures may become stained from contact with food.

Despite these disadvantages, ligature braces are used much more often to correct dental pathologies.

Do's and don'ts when straightening teeth with braces

Orthodontic treatment is a long and responsible process. At home, braces require compliance with a number of rules.

Hard and sticky foods should be excluded from your diet to avoid damaging your dental braces or getting food stuck in them.
Sudden changes in temperature in the oral cavity should not be allowed (that is, ice cream should not be washed down with hot tea). This affects the elasticity of the orthodontic arch and can lead to the clasp coming off.
To prevent ceramic or plastic braces on your teeth from staining, you should avoid coffee, jam, wine and drinks with dyes. Smoking also causes the system to change color.
The oral hygiene procedure should be carried out using an irrigator, floss (dental floss) and a special brush with V-shaped bristles. Oral care is necessary after every meal.
If the braces are loose or come off, there is no need to worry - just consult a doctor, and he will easily and quickly correct the situation.

At first, after you start correcting your teeth with braces, all these restrictions may seem quite burdensome and make you think: was it worth getting braces? However, the patient gets used to them very quickly. In addition, the result of the treatment definitely justifies all these not so pleasant nuances.

Important!

Is it possible to do an MRI with braces? If a patient with an orthodontic device is undergoing an MRI of the brain or jaw, the doctor should be informed about the presence of the system. Metal braces can distort diagnostic results. However, undergoing an MRI in braces does not pose any danger to the body.

How to brush your teeth with braces?

This is where a traditional toothbrush and toothpaste don't serve their purpose. Therefore, you will need to buy a special orthodontic brush, brushes and floss from the pharmacy. You can also use an oral irrigator if you wish.

This way you can effectively clean your teeth and the area around the locks. Teeth should be thoroughly brushed after each meal, because food debris is deposited on braces, which contributes to the development of caries and does not look aesthetically pleasing. We have repeatedly encountered patients whose teeth are more well-groomed than those of a person without braces.

Photos before and after

It is impossible to create a truly Hollywood smile without straightening your teeth and correcting your bite. Therefore, if a patient has orthodontic problems, braces are included in the mandatory treatment plan. Incorrect bite and crooked teeth are one of the main contraindications for the installation of aesthetic restorations. If you ignore orthodontic treatment and proceed straight to veneering, the veneers simply will not stick to the teeth. This fact is confirmed by personal example by many celebrities who, for the sake of a perfect smile, put braces on their teeth.

Tom Cruise decided to fix his teeth with braces only after 40 years.

After the breakup of the Spice Girls, Melanie Jane Chisholm had to seriously work on her image, and, above all, straighten her teeth.

Cristiano Ronaldo was not always handsome, as his impeccable smile might lead you to believe. According to rumors, he spent more than a million euros on teeth straightening and other procedures.

What affects the length of time you wear braces?

Correction of dental pathologies can take different periods of time. Orthodontists identify a number of factors that influence the process of wearing braces:

Type and nature of the defect. Specialists prescribe installation of structures both for minor defects and for complex anomalies. Therefore, treatment periods vary greatly.
Teeth crowding - high density may require the removal of 1 or more teeth for faster correction.
Age indicators and surgical operations in the oral cavity.

You can determine the exact period from the specialist who is involved in the treatment.

Price for braces in Moscow

As a rule, the cost of braces in Moscow is formed from the price of the system itself, as well as the total costs of installation and further treatment. The cheapest braces are, of course, metal. Their price starts from 50,000 rubles. Relatively inexpensive ceramic systems that cost about 75,000 rubles. The cost of a sapphire bracket system starts from 85,000 rubles. You need to be careful here, as ceramics are sometimes passed off as sapphire. The most expensive will be lingual systems, especially if they are made to order, their approximate price starts from 100,000 - 150,000 rubles. When figuring out the cost, be sure to ask what is included and what services will need to be paid additionally. It happens that the initially low price of braces increases significantly during the treatment process. However, when choosing an orthodontist and a braces system, you should not focus solely on cheaper or more expensive; remember that poor-quality orthodontic treatment is fraught with a lack of results and the occurrence of a number of complications.

A country	Manufacturer	Manufacturing materials	Price
USA	3M Unitek	Metal braces	from 25,000 rubles
		Ceramic braces	from 70,000 rubles
		Sapphire braces	from 80,000 rubles
	Ormco	Metal braces	from 20,000 rubles
		Ceramic braces	from 45,000 rubles
		Sapphire braces	from 50,000 rubles
	American Orthodontics	Metal braces	from 40,000 rubles
		Ceramic braces	from 70,000 rubles
		Sapphire braces	from 50,000 rubles
	Ortho Technology	Metal braces	from 15,000 rubles
		Ceramic braces	from 35,000 rubles
		Sapphire braces	from 40,000 rubles
		The Dentsply GAC	Metal braces	from 20,000 rubles
	Ceramic braces	The Dentsply GAC	from 30,000 rubles
	Germany	TOP-Service für Lingualtechnik GmbH	Gold-platinum alloy braces (lingual only)	from 175,000 rubles
Forestadent		Metal braces	from 30,000 rubles
		Ceramic braces	from 60,000 rubles
		Sapphire braces	from 90,000 rubles
Korea	HT Corporation	Metal braces	from 20,000 rubles
Korea	HT Corporation	Sapphire braces	from 30,000 rubles
Italy	SIA Orthodontic	Metal braces	from 20,000 rubles
Italy	SIA Orthodontic	Ceramic braces	from 25,000 rubles

How much do simple metal braces cost?

The remarkable cheapness of hardware is just a myth supported by some clinics. Indeed, by indicating the cost of one element of the braces system, they create the illusion of affordable treatment, but the patient should understand that the treatment process involves paying for braces, dental materials, multiple visits to the doctor and various procedures, including removal of the system at the end of treatment - and all this will cost at a very decent amount.

On average, the price of a course of treatment in an ordinary case (healthy teeth, simple defect) is 150-170 thousand rubles. (and this does not take into account preliminary professional teeth cleaning and diagnostics). If you have tooth decay and/or gum problems, you should add the cost of treatment or surgery to this amount. After removing the braces, you will have to pay for the installation of retainers, and, if necessary, restoration or installation of veneers.

Important! There is no point in finding out the cost of braces over the phone, since each case is individual; choose the clinic where they will tell you the amount of all necessary procedures and operations - so to speak, the amount of “turnkey” treatment.