Ligature braces: description and reviews

The ligature bracket system is a popular way to create the perfect 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

The ligature system is one of the foundations of orthodontic therapy. Most of the abnormalities associated with an incorrect bite can be corrected precisely because of its installation. The design is a clutch braces on the arc using 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 can stably maintain an arc in the hole of the element. The movement of the teeth, which were fixed by the ligature braces, occurs rather slowly because of the overcoming of the great frictional force. To reduce it, ligatures of elastic type are often used.

The considered bracket-system happens:

• Color;
• Transparent;
• With decorative elements.

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

Existing types of ligature braces

The ligature bracket system is divided into species that differ in terms of 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 higher than the competitor on a metal basis. Ceramic ligature brackets 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 of ceramics and metal.

Pros and cons of ceramics and metal as a basis for

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

• High strength
• Classical appearance.
• Optimal cost per installation.

The drawbacks can be attributed to the visibility of 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 braces are made of high-strength titanium, its alloy, and also nickel. This 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 despite the low cost of the material itself and the possibility of choosing 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.

Low-visibility, durability, resistance to staining - all these are 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. During the removal of the system, the sensitive enamel of children's teeth can be easily damaged.

Gold and ceramics

Gold constructions are a kind of metal systems. The braces are based on medical steel, which is covered with gold plating. There is an erroneous opinion that the installation of 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.

Ceramic systems 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 compared to 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 postpone the procedure:

• With a tendency to allergies.
• If periodontitis is diagnosed.
• When oral hygiene is inadequate.
• If the patient suffers from certain mental illnesses.
• If the patient does not wish to follow the doctor's recommendations.

Advantages of the ligature system in general

The ligature bracket systems are characterized by high functionality, the ability to restore bite even with serious initial deviations. When installing 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.

Cons

The main drawbacks of bracket systems with ligature can be attributed:

1. Frequent replacement of elastic elements, which over time lose elasticity.
2. When installing braces with rigid ligatures, unpleasant pains arise.
3. The bulkiness of the structure, which may complicate the implementation of hygiene procedures.
4. The ability to color the elements with natural and artificial colorings contained in food.
5. The course of treatment lasts longer than with self-regulating systems.

In addition, it should be borne in mind that the installation of ligature braces requires regular visits to the doctor, about once a month. In any case, the choice of the type of orthodontic structures should be based on the recommendations of an experienced specialist, after a thorough examination and identification of the existing problem.