It is a well-known fact that people with an open smile are more conducive to conversation and are more pleasant to communicate with. However, not everyone can boast of beautiful teeth; many are embarrassed by their appearance, but still do not dare to change anything.
The condition of teeth is significantly influenced by ecology, nutrition, and the presence of necessary vitamins in the body. Modern dentistry allows us to solve many dental problems, including bite correction. This disease causes some teeth to move out of place.
For those people who have an incorrect bite, there is a need to use braces. Many people do not want to get braces for fear of ruining their appearance, this is especially true for young women who always want to look attractive.
A common option that many orthodontic patients turn to is plastic braces, which help achieve the desired results and are aesthetically pleasing. Not everyone can afford expensive braces, the treatment of which is invisible to others. The prices for them are quite high, and not everyone can afford them, and there is no desire to walk around with iron on your teeth.
The solution in this situation is plastic braces, which quite effectively correct defects and are less noticeable to others, thanks to the material from which they are made. The dentist can choose the color so that it practically does not differ from natural teeth.
Correction of the bite begins in childhood. To ensure that the child does not feel discomfort, colored plastic braces are selected for him, which are perceived more as a decoration than a dental structure.
How do braces work?
The principle of operation of braces is to constantly apply slight pressure to the teeth, which is created using a metal arch. During the treatment, the arcs are changed several times to loosen or tighten the plates more strongly. Due to this, the orthodontist is able to achieve the required position of the teeth.
When adjusting your bite, pressure is directed primarily to the teeth. Gradually, their roots change position, but there is no empty space left in their place - it is filled with bone cells, which gradually grow. But this process is long, especially in adulthood, so treatment takes a long time - usually at least 1-1.5 years.
When should you see a doctor?
To maintain dental health after bite correction, you must strictly follow the recommendations of your orthodontist. Aching pain for a month after removing orthodontic appliances and installing a retainer is normal. If the discomfort does not go away, you need to consult a specialist. Indications are also:
- excessive tooth mobility,
- increased sensitivity to heat and cold,
- pain when eating solid foods - nuts, apples, crackers, etc.
The doctor will conduct a diagnosis to determine why your teeth hurt after braces are removed. Based on the results of the examination, treatment may be prescribed.
Types of braces
Depending on the type of installation, all brace systems are divided into vestibular and lingual. The first structures are attached to the outside of the teeth and differ in the material of manufacture: ceramic, metal, sapphire, and plastic. Lingual systems are placed on the inside of the teeth - due to this they are also called “invisible”, since they are really not noticeable to others.
In addition to this, there is another gradation: ligature and non-ligature (their official name is self-ligating). In the first type, the arc and plates are connected using metal rings or silicone rubber bands - ligatures. In the second case, a different type of fastening is used: clasps that independently adjust the tension of the arch depending on how the teeth move. These braces require much less frequent visits to the orthodontist to activate the system.
Choosing braces is a rather complicated process. First of all, the patient needs to pay attention to the state of the bite (not all systems can cope with serious pathologies), and determine how important the aesthetic component is. The financial aspect is also important. To determine which systems are better, you should also read reviews from real patients about braces.
Wide range of prices for installing braces
A standard set of the most budget metal braces will cost between 20,000 and 35,000 rubles. (depending on the type of system - self-ligating or not).
A combination of braces - aesthetic series on the front teeth + metal ones on the side teeth - costs from 29,500 rubles. and higher (also depends on the type of system).
The cost of the aesthetic series starts from 35,000 rubles.
You can find out more about the price list here.
These prices are the cost of the structures themselves , without taking into account the cost of orthodontic treatment (consultations with a doctor, calculation of the complexity of the structure, prescription of an individual treatment plan, installation, removal and adjustment of braces). Depending on the complexity of a particular case, orthodontic treatment with braces can have completely different costs. It is almost impossible to predict this without a specific example, so we recommend contacting our clinic and getting a personal and comprehensive consultation.
Metal braces: reviews
Metal braces have the most affordable price among all vestibular brace systems - installation on both jaws will cost from 20 thousand rubles. These are the most effective systems that allow you to correct even complex malocclusion pathologies, and in a fairly short time. At the same time, metal structures have poor aesthetic characteristics and can cause allergic reactions.
Svetlana, Kirov “I remember that I really didn’t want to get braces - my parents literally forced me to. I wore them in the 8th grade, I was lucky, because many of my classmates then also had glands in their mouths. The first week was hell. Then I somehow got used to them. The entire treatment lasted 2 years. In general, I was pleased, because now at 25 I have a beautiful smile, and there is no trace left of my former crooked teeth. It’s better to be patient for a few years in childhood than to have complexes all your life.”
Vladimir, Perm “I was always scared to install braces, and I didn’t want to spend money on them. I learned to hide my crooked teeth and hardly smiled. But over the years the situation got worse - I became terribly withdrawn because of my smile, so 2 months ago I finally decided to get braces. The doctor and I chose metal ones because they are the cheapest. Of course, in the first days they rubbed my cheeks and lips, but now I don’t feel any discomfort, and I’m almost not embarrassed. Probably, by the age of 26, the realization came that health is more important than money!”
Pros of braces
Despite the disadvantages of braces, this method of bite correction has significant advantages. These include:
- relatively short treatment time: braces quickly move teeth into the desired position, especially if we are talking about simple metal structures;
- a wide range of indications: many methods can be used only for mild malocclusions, while braces can be used in almost all cases of pathologies that do not require surgical intervention;
- compatibility with other methods: braces can act as an independent method of correction and complement other methods.
Reviews about ceramic braces
Unlike metal ones, ceramic braces are more aesthetically pleasing systems, as they have an almost identical shade to tooth enamel. Naturally, they cost an order of magnitude more. The designs of the most budget brands will cost at least 60 thousand rubles for installation on 2 jaws. Getting used to ceramic structures occurs quite quickly, since there are no sharp corners in the system. But the disadvantages include the duration of treatment.
Anastasia P., Nizhny Novgorod “Yesterday my daughter had her braces removed. We express our deep gratitude to the doctors for their advice to install ceramic systems. Throughout the entire treatment, they were almost unnoticeable and, contrary to all expectations, my daughter’s classmates never made fun of her!!! Now she can’t wait to go to class and amaze everyone with her great smile!”
P.I., Moscow “I had braces for 2 years. The longer I wore them, the closer they became to me. Now I have become confident, I smile almost all the time! I will try to persuade my wife to install ceramics too. I didn’t have any discomfort; caring for them was, of course, a bit difficult. But this does not depend on the type of structure - any braces need to be looked after most carefully. But over these 2 years, the ceramics became noticeably cloudy - this is clearly visible, because two locks had to be replaced - they came unglued. And the new ones have a whiter color. So this advice is useful to everyone: carefully monitor your hygiene!!!”
Plastic braces: reviews
They are used infrequently in Russian clinics, but it was the plastic brace system that became the first aesthetic one on the market. The properties of such braces are almost identical to ceramic ones: they are invisible when worn and are matched to the natural shade of the enamel. Their disadvantages are the tendency to peel off and the duration of treatment. In addition, plastic braces often change their color when exposed to food coloring.
Tatyana, Moscow “I decided to get braces at the age of 21. I really regret that I didn’t do this earlier. It was a shame to install metal ones, so I decided to choose less noticeable plastic ones. I had minor problems, and initially the orthodontist said that I would wear them for a maximum of a year. As a result, my term was 2.5 years and I have been wearing mouth guards for several years now. For the first month I wore it all the time, now only when I sleep. In general, plastic braces are really almost invisible to others, but they won’t quickly straighten your teeth; you need to prepare for at least 2 years.”
Qwer, from correspondence on the forums “I don’t know why there are so many negative reviews about plastic!!! And they peel off, and darken, and in general, supposedly, the bite is not corrected. I am a clear example that this is not so!!! My fangs were out of place. The others were also a little crooked, but it was the fangs that worried me most. Of course, the treatment took me about 2 years, but it cost several times less than if I had installed ceramics. I didn’t feel any discomfort at all, only 2 plates came off during this time - but this is normal. Many people complain about such problems, regardless of the brand and type of system. My braces didn't darken at all, but I was obsessed with hygiene. So if you follow your doctor’s recommendations, any system will be great!”
Types of aesthetic braces
Such systems are practically no different in production from conventional braces. They also have plates and arches, the difference lies in the material and method of fixation. This does not in any way affect the effectiveness of the treatment, but makes the whole process much more comfortable for the patient and less noticeable to those around him.
There are three types of discreet braces: ceramic, sapphire and plastic. Also in their practice, orthodontists use aesthetic lingual systems: they are installed from the internal (lingual, lingual) side, their effect is completely invisible from the outside.
Plastic braces
The main elements of the entire system are the arch, bracket plates and ligatures. Aesthetic plastic braces are considered the most budget option of all possible inconspicuous designs due to the low cost of the material for the locks. The color of the plastic can be selected in accordance with the tone of the tooth enamel, or, on the contrary, choose bright shades.
The disadvantage of plastic braces is their fragility, so they require careful handling. For the entire period of orthodontic treatment, the patient is advised to avoid eating too hard foods, as they can damage the integrity of the structure. It is also necessary to exclude foods with a high content of dyes from the diet while wearing such braces: plastic easily absorbs pigment and the braces change color.
Ceramic braces
These braces are made of ceramic, as their name suggests. This material gives the system the following advantages:
- Low visibility on teeth. The material is as close as possible to the natural shade of enamel and transmits light, so the braces remain almost invisible to the patient’s surroundings.
- Good strength indicators. Compared to sapphire and plastic braces, ceramic structures are quite durable and rarely break. Such a system does not undergo deformation over time.
- The material cannot be stained when using dyeing products and retains its original color. Therefore, during treatment the patient has fewer dietary restrictions.
- Ceramic braces do not injure the oral mucosa, so their use is widespread in pediatric practice. Indeed, with constant damage to the mucous membrane, the child will have a negative attitude towards treatment and may refuse it altogether.
But these braces also have disadvantages. Among them:
- Coloring rubber bands (ligatures) made of silicone in ligature braces under the influence of food coloring. This disadvantage of the entire system is not considered significant, since the rubber bands can be easily replaced.
- Longer treatment duration: ceramic structures have a gentler effect on the dentition than metal systems.
Like all braces, they require special care and some dietary restrictions. Patients usually get used to all this over time and perform it automatically.
Sapphire braces
Sapphire braces are practically invisible on the teeth due to their transparency and are made from artificial sapphires. The material is second only to diamonds in its strength and reliability, so such structures break extremely rarely. Aesthetic sapphire systems can be used by patients prone to allergic reactions, since the material for the manufacture of such braces is hypoallergenic and harmless to humans.
Sapphire structures do not stain after using coloring products; their original transparency is maintained throughout the treatment. The adaptation period after installation takes a minimum of time, there are no diction problems. Also, the material does not collect plaque and tartar, which has a positive effect on dental health in the long term. Sapphire braces are installed on the outer side of the teeth and do not shine under the sun or any other bright light. The entire structure remains invisible to others under almost any conditions.
Aesthetic sapphire braces are smooth and rounded, so when exposed to such structures, there is no trauma to the mucous membranes of the gums and cheeks.
What patients say about sapphire braces
Sapphire systems are more like jewelry and are often used by TV stars and public figures. The material for their production is aluminum monocrystals, which can adapt to any shade of enamel. They are translucent, so they practically blend with the shade of the teeth. The cost of installing such structures is the highest among all vestibular systems - from 70 thousand rubles. But the efficiency is an order of magnitude lower compared to metal braces.
Yuri, Moscow “In my youth, I considered straightening my teeth a useless exercise, and my parents didn’t really insist at the time. I thought that appearance would not be particularly important to me. But life played a cruel joke on me. I work as a toastmaster at weddings, and I simply need straight teeth. I decided to install sapphire braces, since they are the most invisible. I've been wearing them for a year now and don't want to part with them. They are practically not felt in the mouth and give my image some zest! I don’t feel any discomfort at all, and they don’t distort my diction either. The only problem with food at events is that I can’t eat everything that’s offered)))”
Inga, from correspondence on forums “I only got braces when I was 30. Before that, I had been saving for several years - I wanted sapphires as the most inconspicuous ones. I saw from a friend that they are really almost invisible - even in the photo!! You really can't see them there at all. If I didn't know, I definitely wouldn't have noticed. Even for selfies! So I don’t regret it one bit – they don’t interfere with my work or my personal life at all.”
Self-ligating braces: reviews
In non-ligature brace systems, instead of ligatures, special fasteners are installed. They independently regulate the pressure and do not require frequent visits to the orthodontist. On the one hand, they are considered more progressive systems. On the other hand, they do not always allow us to achieve the desired results, since the doctor cannot influence the course of treatment with complete accuracy.
Violetta, St. Petersburg “They advised me to install self-ligating structures, since my work often requires me to travel on business trips. As a result, I still had to go to the orthodontist about once every 2 months. It didn’t always work out with my schedule, but it was still better than if visits were scheduled for every month.”
Nikola Vasin, Yekaterinburg “Well, I had self-ligating braces, so what. I wore them for a year, but for the last six months the doctor still changed the locks to rubber bands, which are called ligatures. He explained that it was necessary to act more precisely on the teeth, so I had to change the fastening system. The appearance of course suffered. And I had to go to the doctor more often. It’s not clear why I overpaid for such braces. But overall I’m happy, because the main thing in this case is still the result.”
Make an appointment now!
Experienced orthodontist Irina Butorina offers you diagnostics of the condition of your bite, selection, production and installation of correction systems and monitoring the progress of treatment. Nine years of experience, modern equipment and constant practice help her make others healthier and more beautiful.
To take the first step towards a beautiful smile, contact the Astradent dental clinic, where she conducts appointments. For your convenience, the clinic is located next to the metro stations “Krasnye Vorota”, “Komsomolskaya”, “Kurskaya”. Contact Irina Butorina and be healthy and beautiful!
Reviews about invisible (lingual) braces
In such systems, the plates and arch are located on the inside of the jaw. The designs are much more convenient than external vestibular ones and they are completely invisible to others. Suitable for those who value psychological peace of mind during treatment. However, such braces can significantly impede speech due to their specific location on the teeth and changes in the position of the tongue. It may take several weeks to adapt. Also, lingual braces have the highest price.
Boris, Nizhny Novgorod “I installed invisible braces, and I’m basically happy with the result. It was a little hard to talk for the first month, but then I got used to it. The treatment lasted approximately 2 years. Due to my work (I hold a leadership position), it was not possible to even somehow advertise the treatment process, so I had to put up with the shortcomings.”
Olga Ponomareva, Moscow “I had been tormented by crooked teeth all my life, but was embarrassed to get braces. A few years ago, a friend told me about lingual ones. I went for a consultation with an orthodontist - he doesn’t work with them. I had to look for someone who puts up such structures. They told me everything in detail, I must pay tribute, the doctor immediately said that there would be problems with speech and that the tongue would be rubbed. That you need to psychologically tune in to this. They were, of course, a little expensive, but for those who care about their appearance, this is the best option! It took me quite a long time to get used to it – after only about three weeks I could talk more or less calmly and eat normally.”
How can I improve the appearance of my braces?
- Coloring the arc. Braces are noticeable due to their two components - a common arch and plates on each tooth. And if in the case of plates we examined the options for aesthetic alternatives, then in the case of an arc there is also the possibility of masking it. We are talking about applying a special white coating to it. However, such a coating slightly impairs the functionality of the element and increases the wearing life of the structure.
- Combination of materials. In a situation where the patient is saving on budget, an aesthetic system can be installed on the front teeth, and a metal system on the side teeth. Thus, on teeth that fall into the smile area, braces will be minimally noticeable. This also reduces the cost of treatment.
- Fastening multi-colored rubber bands. As an unusual and bold option, you can consider classic metal systems with the ability to fix colored rubber bands on plates on each tooth. Such braces may well become an original image decoration. This option is often chosen by teenagers who are attracted to extravagance in their appearance.
