Bracket systems are called non-removable structures, which are used to correct violations of human bite. These are complex devices that are fixed on the teeth with a special glue, and then are connected by an arc that has a "shape memory", that is, they return to their original form during heating. Changes in the position of the teeth in the oral cavity are achieved using the resistance force of the fixed arch. 15 years ago, braces were an innovation and know-how, but now the choice is great - metal or sapphire - on any purse.
What do sapphire braces look like?
Of course, the first braces were far from perfect in appearance. Millions of people did not dare to correct the bite precisely because of low aesthetic qualities. Thousands of children have earned extra complexes, spending several years of such a difficult teenage period with iron locks on their teeth. But, fortunately, dentistry strides forward simply by leaps and bounds and modern braces can be almost invisible on the teeth.
The most aesthetic of them are sapphire braces. For their manufacture, single crystals of sapphire are used, as a result, braces are almost transparent and imperceptible when mounted on the teeth. Qualities of sapphire bracket-systems are the following:
- they are transparent;
- Do not stain when eating food or coloring drinks;
- on their surface there is no accumulation of plaque, which reduces the risk of caries development on teeth covered with braces (although, of course, it is not necessary to abuse sweets);
- high wear resistance;
- do not interfere with the function of speech;
- do not cause unpleasant sensations in the mouth;
- small, neat design, round edges;
- reliable system of fastening to the enamel.
The most invisible are sapphire braces with a white arc. Usually, the fixation arc is dark, metallic and, even when sapphire transparent braces are installed, it is visible on the teeth. But modern orthodontics produces special arcs with an aesthetic white coating, which makes the design almost imperceptible for all time wearing.
Disadvantages of braces
Of course, nothing is perfect, and transparent sapphire braces, unfortunately, too. Their biggest drawback is fragility. Therefore, all the same, it is worth to be careful at the time of food intake and not to exert excessive effort when biting off solid food. The second significant drawback of such bracket systems is their high price. Alas, pure monocrystalline sapphire is not an expensive pleasure. But all the other advantages still outweigh the installation of sapphire braces.
How many sapphire braces will have to be worn is another important issue that worries everyone who decided to correct the bite. There can not be an unambiguous answer, everything depends on the concrete situation. But usually the time of wearing aesthetic species
Differences between ceramic and sapphire braces
The first difference between the two most popular bracket systems in appearance. Ceramic braces are white, and sapphire, as we have already found out - transparent. Ceramic consist of polycrystalline aluminum oxide, which provides greater strength of such braces in comparison with sapphire. An important difference is the price - ceramic ones are cheaper than sapphire ones. Thus sapphire braces look more beautiful on perfectly white teeth, before their use, many patients are even recommended to perform teeth whitening . A ceramic braces will look great on the enamel of any shade, because the shade of ceramics can be adjusted.