In dentistry today, a variety of types of brace systems are used; they differ from each other in configuration, appearance, materials used, cost, and so on. The manufacturer factor is also of no small importance, since many design features directly depend on who is engaged in the production of products. Quite often in orthodontics you can find, in particular, Smart Clip braces; what kind of manufacturer are they and what are the features of this system - this will be discussed below.
A little about the manufacturer
Smart Clip systems are the brainchild of the world famous company 3M Unitek, an American manufacturer that has been specializing in the manufacture of orthodontic structures and devices for more than a century.
A feature of the management policy is constant innovative developments that allow us to go one step ahead of competing brands.
The corporation is the founder of a technology that involves the use of a nickel-titanium alloy in dental practice, which makes it possible to create a unique self-closing product.
This mechanism still has no analogues, and the principle of its creation is patented and kept strictly secret.
The 3M Unitek product line consists of about 1,500 items, each of which is certified according to the European quality and standardization system.
What are they?
Despite the large selection of brace systems, Smart Clip is often used in orthodontics; they are preferred due to the availability and reliability of the designs . Another distinctive feature of these systems is their rapid therapeutic effect.
Patients note that treatment with their use occurs somewhat faster than with braces from other manufacturers.
Photo: Smart Clip braces on teeth
System Description
Smart Clip is a device with a small contact area, but at the same time they interact perfectly with the tooth.
Thanks to the most even distribution of the load at the time of chewing food, the braces are fixed to the enamel surface firmly and reliably.
Thus, the penetration of product fragments and pathogenic microorganisms into the gaps and recesses, causing an unpleasant odor and the development of inflammation, is minimized.
Reliability of fastening is ensured thanks to the presence of convenient latching mechanisms. Nitinol clips are completely devoid of moving elements.
They do not require the presence of special hooks, and fully fulfill their functional purpose , aimed at restoring the external attractiveness of the dentition.
The design size also differs from analog versions from other manufacturers. They are an order of magnitude smaller, which has a positive effect on the period of adaptation and the presence of a foreign object in the patient’s mouth.
External view of Empower braces and a detailed overview of the system. Come here if you are interested in proper braces care.
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Who releases?
It is known that these designs are produced by 3M Unitek . This is an American company that has been a leader in the orthodontic products market for more than 100 years.
The company is famous for various innovations and the latest technologies in the production of orthodontic products.
Technologies used
The company was one of the first to use nickel-titanium. With its help, a closing device was created, which makes these systems self-ligating .
The design has several advantages, the main one being the ease of changing the arc. In this case, the programmed arc action remains in effect.
These systems have a special latching mechanism that distinguishes them from other designs. This technology is patented.
Also, Smart Clip systems use maximum fastening technology - here the effect of fixing braces on the teeth is achieved not due to special glue, but due to structural features.
Design features
Smart Clip has a small contact pad, but the degree of interaction between it and the tooth is important here. By means of a distributed load, the braces are firmly and reliably attached to the enamel , which prevents small particles of food and microorganisms from excessively entering the gaps between them.
Reliable fixation is also achieved through convenient locks. The clips on them are made of nitinol and have no moving parts. These structures do not require special hooks and without them completely fulfill their task of restoring the aesthetics of teeth.
How to install the arch in SmartClip braces, watch the video:
Smart Clip braces differ in size from traditional systems . They are slightly smaller, which allows patients to get used to a foreign body in the oral cavity as quickly as possible.
Quality
The company has more than 14,000 products. Has established itself as a reliable manufacturer.
The manufacturer of Smart Clip bracket systems has a CE certificate from the European Union Certification System, which indicates the high quality of the product.
Operating principle
Braces are non-ligature structures and make it possible to fix the arch without preliminary blocking. This made it possible to move dental units with minimal pressure on them, which other models cannot provide.
In addition, the systems create additional comfort, eliminating thorn processes caused by ligatures that are supplied with all standard devices.
Smart Clip – braces with two clips on metal frames are characterized by a high degree of passivity. Treatment with their use is an affordable and simple option for eliminating bite defects of any complexity or degree of progression.
The principle of operation is based on moving teeth in the desired direction in the following way. Alignment of pathology is based only on the tension force without increasing it with pressure.
This technique is the most natural and physiological of all those used in orthodontic practice.
During the use of braces, each individual organ is protected from external negative influences , and the reliability and ease of fastening make it possible not to damage the integrity of the enamel, keeping it strong and healthy.
Distinctive features of the system
SmartClip is a vestibular system that works independently, that is, its action is based on the principle of self-ligation. The plates are made of metal and are very small in size. This brand is rarely used in Russian clinics, however, it is very popular in Europe.
Operating principle
Self-ligating, ligature-free Smart Clip devices are distinguished by their delicate effect on units of the dentition.
An arch designed to provide the required level of pressure on their surface allows for the gentle and natural correction of orthodontic abnormalities. It moves freely in the grooves of the nitinol clips.
Stimulation of periodontal muscle fibers determines the high efficiency and effectiveness of the use of innovative braces.
Using their power ideally complements the corrective function of American orthodontic systems.
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The patented mechanism for snapping a metal arch with nitinol clips is unique, has the ability to provide a therapeutic effect and allows for careful control of the amount of its pressure on the teeth.
The corrected elements, moving in a given direction, do not experience additional load resulting from the high friction force between the grooves and the system element.
The Smart Clip system provides excellent passive self-ligation, reliable retention of the arch in the grooves of the structure with a given force, as well as effective movement of teeth during their correction.
Advantages
Smart Clip devices have a number of advantageous characteristics. Their list includes:
- the presence of a snap mechanism in the form of clips, ensuring high-quality fixation and removal of metal arches;
- ensuring safe treatment and effective dental correction;
- strong retention of the arch in the grooves of the structure with a given force, allowing you to gently align the bite and curvature of the dentition units;
- biological compatibility of orthodontic appliance materials used in their manufacture and oral tissues;
- rounded arches, which prevents jamming of the corrective element of braces and ensures its ideal sliding;
- no need for regular replacement of arches, frequent visits to the attending physician, or problems when performing oral hygiene procedures;
- synergistic effect due to the combined action of the metal structure and periodontal muscle fibers;
- compactness, strength, reliability, hypoallergenicity and environmental friendliness of the correction device;
- the price of braces corresponding to the effectiveness, efficiency of treatment of malocclusion and uneven dentition, and the quality of the design.
Smart Clip systems are an excellent choice for patients requiring correction of orthodontic pathologies in the oral cavity.
The presented bracket system is a design with a horizontal groove for the arch and 4 wings. The arch is fixed using nitinol fixing clips. It does not use a traditional elastic ligature (a small transparent or colored elastic band located near the bracket).
The system is programmed so that the arc is released when the applied force exceeds the permissible limits. Due to the fact that it is impossible to carry out an overdose of forces, the patient’s discomfort decreases and painful sensations decrease. During physiological stress on the gums, the effectiveness of therapy increases and the duration is reduced.
The reduced frictional force when moving teeth also helps to obtain a guaranteed result in a short period of time, which cannot be achieved using the classical system.
A characteristic feature of this bracket system is the presence of APS PLUS adhesive. This is a pink glue that changes color after application and is reflective. The visibility of excess allows your doctor to carefully and thoroughly remove them. As a result, the adhesive does not remain on the teeth, which prevents plaque from occurring.
In addition, the presence of the APS PLUS system allows the release of fluoride, protecting the enamel during therapy from the harmful influence of extraneous factors.
The smart clip system is considered universal and self-ligating. It allows you to get maximum comfort and effect for both the patient and the doctor.
If you are looking for an effective and safe braces system to correct malocclusion, you should pay attention to the smart clip design. Thanks to the unique design, it is possible to reduce pressure on the teeth and get the maximum effect from treatment in a short period of time.
Flaws
Like any product, braces with nitinol clips have disadvantages. The short list includes:
- relatively low aesthetic characteristics: SmartClip is, first of all, a metal system that cannot help but stand out against the background of teeth, even despite its compact dimensions,
- high cost of treatment: SmartClip braces are much more expensive than other systems because they are of the self-ligating type. However, when compared with similar ones, their price is approximately identical,
- limited number of specialists with the required qualifications: working with non-ligature devices requires appropriate knowledge and qualifications, which not all orthodontists can boast of. Finding the right specialist in a metropolis will not be difficult, but in small cities there may not be a suitable expert.
Titanium nickelide is one of the metals used in space technology. Treatment with Smart Clip devices is permitted from the age of 12.
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Advantages
The basic principle of the therapeutic effect of the structures lies in their vestibular attachment, when dental tension is provided, not accompanied by pressure.
The main advantages of using these systems are:
- self-ligating design principle , which reduces the risk of mechanical injury to the soft tissues of the labial area and cheek area in the process of chewing food fragments;
- convenient size of braces and comfortable design of clasps;
- the use of systems provides a higher level of therapeutic effect compared to wearing standard devices;
- indicated for use for any pathological deviations in the structure of the bite , which provides a wide range of uses for wearing braces;
- eliminate even anomalies that are in an advanced stage of the flow;
- manufacturer - a brand that is superior in quality to analogue versions of competing enterprises , firmly occupying a leading position in the global market for the production of orthodontic structures, and for many decades has been confirming in practice the reliability, quality, safety and durability of its products;
- in the process of attaching the model, there is no need for amputation of organs that prevent the installation of braces due to the lack of free space;
- the number of visits to the clinic is significantly reduced;
- the external aesthetic content of the designs is an order of magnitude higher than the analogue options offered by other manufacturers;
- shorter system installation times and simple rules for its dismantling.
Self-ligating Smart Clip bracket system
A distinctive feature of these systems is that they have a mechanism that latches itself. You can ligate the arch at your discretion, since this is required for therapeutic reasons. The passivity of the system can significantly reduce the friction force and, accordingly, improve sliding mechanics. It is these factors that play a decisive role in providing maximum effect in treatment.
Finally, it is worth adding that Smart Clip braces are perfectly combined with the Clarity SL self-ligating system, which makes it possible to expand the possibilities of therapy and achieve excellent results.
Flaws
The design does not have any disadvantages that could become an obstacle to their installation. It is, as far as possible, adapted to the physiological structure of the maxillofacial apparatus.
At the same time, patients who want to have a completely invisible system will not be able to do this - despite all the innovativeness of the model, it contains metal components. They can be considered among the aesthetic shortcomings of the Smart Clip.
In addition, during operation a person will experience a certain physical discomfort, and although it is an order of magnitude lower than the painful rehabilitation manifestations of standard structures, it is impossible to avoid unpleasant moments during the treatment process.
And finally, the cost of braces. Devices that level bite defects are not cheap due to the high cost of materials used in the manufacturing process. The designs discussed in this article are no exception.
Write a comment
Zhenya
December 17, 2021 at 10:49 am
Oh, I really dreamed of getting braces from this company, the orthodontist who gave me braces praised her very much, but at that time I didn’t have that kind of money, they are of course very expensive. A friend of mine got braces from Smart Clip and wore braces much less than me, because... These expensive braces straighten your teeth faster. Their only drawback is, of course, the expensive price.
Artemy
December 19, 2021 at 1:12 am
Every time I read another article about new products in dentistry, I think that dentistry is the fastest growing branch of medicine and science in general.
