Ligature braces: description and reviews

Ligature bracket-system is a popular way of creating the ideal dentition. There is a classification of the material used as the basis of the design, as well as a differentiation by the method of attachment. Ligature braces are a classic system that most patients prefer.

Features

Ligature system - one of the foundations of orthodontic therapy. Most of the abnormalities associated with a malocclusion can be corrected precisely because of its installation. The design is a clutch braces on the arc with a ring made of metal, which is called a ligation. In some cases, wire is used instead. In general, this is a flexible mechanism that is able to stably maintain an arc in the hole of the element. The movement of the teeth, which were fixed by the ligature braces, is rather slow due to the overcoming of the great frictional force. To reduce it, ligatures of elastic type are often used.

The considered bracket system can be:

• Color;
• Transparent;
• With decorative elements.

Metal ligature braces have a system of silver color. With this type of braces, the fastening is reliable. However, when the structure is shifted, only the professional can make the adjustment.

Existing types of ligature braces

The ligature bracket-system is divided into species that differ among themselves according to the material used. Each of them has its advantages and disadvantages.

1. Ceramic. Distinctive feature - the design is almost invisible on the teeth, the cost is more than times the competitor on a metal base. Ceramic ligature braces can be polycrystalline, with excellent aesthetic characteristics, as well as monocrystalline. The latter are of high quality. The second name of braces is sapphire, each component of the construction is made of sapphire of artificial origin, which visually resembles a natural tooth.
2. Combined / combined. Based on the name it is clear that this combination of elements from ceramics and metal.

Pros and cons of ceramics and metal as a basis

Metal ligature bracket-system is popular due to some parameters that distinguish it from other types:

• High strength
• Classical appearance.
• The optimal cost for the installation.

The shortcomings include visibility with a smile, as well as the need for frequent examination of the dentist - at least 1 time in 30 days.

Ceramics as the basis of the orthodontic design is almost imperceptible on the teeth, it is distinguished by the high quality of the material. However, the high cost and complexity in removing brackets affect the popularity of such systems. In addition, the material can be colored from colored food.

The combination of ceramic + metal provides an aesthetic appearance of the design, as well as a very affordable price. "Minus" - with a broad smile, all the metal fastening elements become visible.

According to the data, about 10 different systems based on ligature have been distributed to date. Are in demand:

• "Pilot";
• "Victory";
• "Tiger";
• "Master".

Materials: metal, plastic, sapphire

Metal ligature brackets are made of high-strength titanium, its alloy, and also nickel. Such a design is of low cost, contributes to the rapid treatment of malocclusion. Metal-based brackets can help even with serious deviations.

Systems based on plastic are used quite rarely, even in spite of the low cost of the material itself and the possibility of selecting a color that merges with the natural shade of the teeth. The reason for this is the short period of use of the structure due to the low strength and the content of allergens. Plus, such ligature braces easily change color when consuming food with the addition of dyes. The risk of destruction during therapy is not ruled out.

Subtlety, strength, resistance to staining - all this sapphire ligature braces. But many users note not only their positive, but also negative characteristics. Not everyone can afford to buy a design based on artificial sapphires. In addition, dentists do not recommend using them to treat children due to strong adhesion to the teeth. In the process of removing the system, sensitive tooth enamel of children's teeth can be easily damaged.

Gold and ceramics

Designs of gold are a kind of metal systems. The braces are based on medical steel, which is covered with gold plating. There is a misconception that installing such an orthodontic design is a sign of luxury. The main goal of the developers is to use gold braces by patients suffering from abnormalities in the work of the digestive tract.

Systems of ceramics are distinguished by a combination of all the advantages of plastic and sapphire designs. These ligature braces, reviews of which, in most cases, only have a positive connotation. These systems do not cause irritation when used and allergic. The cost of ceramics is much lower in comparison with sapphire structures.

When choosing braces, most patients are guided only by the financial side. However, the final decision should only be made by a specialist. In order to reduce costs, you can combine existing options. The visible part is placed ceramic construction, and visually removed - metal.

Contraindications

Ligature braces are strictly forbidden to be placed in small children or with complete absence of teeth. In some cases, the dentist may advise you to postpone the procedure:

• With a tendency to allergies.
• If periodontitis is diagnosed.
• If the hygiene of the oral cavity is insufficient.
• If the patient suffers from certain mental illnesses.
• If the patient does not want to follow the recommendations of the doctor.

Advantages of the ligature system as a whole

Ligature bracket systems are characterized by high functionality, the ability to restore bite even with serious initial abnormalities. When you install such structures, you can be sure of high results of therapy. It is noted that it is possible to use brackets made of ceramics or sapphires of artificial origin that are hardly noticeable when smiling, using transparent rubber bands. Have a lower cost compared to non-ligature systems.

Minuses

The main disadvantages of bracket systems with ligature are:

1. Frequent replacement of elastic elements, which eventually lose elasticity.
2. When installing brackets with rigid ligatures, unpleasant painful sensations arise.
3. The unwieldiness of the construction, which may complicate the implementation of hygiene procedures.
4. The possibility of coloring the elements with natural and artificial dyes contained in food.
5. The course of treatment lasts longer than with self-regulating systems.

In addition, it is worth considering that the installation of ligature brackets requires regular visits to the doctor, about once a month. In any case, the choice of the type of orthodontic constructions should be based on the recommendations of an experienced specialist, after a thorough examination and identification of the existing problem.