Metal braces
We use the most effective bracket systems and advanced bite correction techniques 
Installation time — up to 2 weeks Straight teeth and a correct bite – the key to appearance and health. Braces are most often used to correct the bite and create a perfect smile for patients of all ages.
Metal braces – the most common of all systems. They come in 2 types: ligature and self-ligating.
Ligature braces
The classic ligature bracket system consists of 3 main elements: locks, bars and ligatures. The locks are placed on the teeth and connected to the arch with ligatures. The arch moves the teeth in the correct direction, and the ligatures (elastic or metal) secure the arch in the grooves of the locks.
Metal ligature braces can correct even complex orthodontic cases while being affordable. This includes the popular Orthos system
Self-ligating braces
Ligatureless bracket systems are considered more comfortable for both the orthodontist and the patient. Ligatures have a special cover that securely locks the arch in the bracket slot. Activations of these systems are less frequent and take less time, and treatment is slightly faster than on ligature systems. Due to their small size and lack of additional elements, it is much more convenient to maintain good hygiene with them. The Damon Q system is often recommended by orthodontists for its functionality and convenience.
Advantages and disadvantages of metal braces
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Low cost compared to aesthetic (transparent) systems
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The metal is more securely fixed on the surface of the tooth. The locks do not come off, so the treatment is not suspended or slowed down
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They are not susceptible to staining and do not require the exclusion of coloring products from the diet for 1.5-2 years of treatment;
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More suitable for the treatment of complex orthodontic cases
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The small size of the locks compared to transparent braces facilitates oral hygiene
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Treatment on a metal bracket system is on average 2-4 months faster.
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The most visible braces compared to their aesthetic counterparts
Metal Braces Installation Process
A number of mandatory steps must be taken before braces can be installed:
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Diagnosis. Examination of teeth by an orthodontist, taking impressions, 3D-scan, drawing up a treatment plan.
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Examination by a therapist and treatment of tooth decay. Braces are placed only on healthy teeth, as the orthodontic structure can provoke the worsening of existing inflammation and tooth decay.
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Hygienic cleaning.
Once the preparation is complete, the braces can be fixed.
The Konfidencia Clinic uses the indirect retention method. Direct fixation — is the bonding of each bracket to the tooth individually. This method is longer and less precise and comfortable for the patient and the doctor.
In indirect fixation, braces are transferred through a special mouth guard to the entire tooth row at once and the speed of braces installation is reduced by 2-3 times. Indirect fixation – is the most progressive method, which is actively used by European orthodontists. When the doctor has a model of the patient's teeth in his hands, and in front of his eyes are his scans and photos, the doctor has the opportunity to draw out each tooth with impeccable accuracy, put all the axes on it and put the bracket in the most correct position. This can only be done accurately on a model, not in the mouth where soft tissues can get in the way.
20 minutes 10 minutes 20 minutes 5 minutes 5 minutes 10 minutes 10 minutes 10 minutesRegardless of which method of fixation was used, after installing braces, that is, locks, an orthodontic arch is fixed to them. If the system is self-ligating, then the arc is inserted into the grooves and closed with lids, and stoppers are installed on the front braces so that the arc does not slip in the grooves and does not rest against the cheeks from the inside.
If traditional ligature systems are used, the arch is secured to each bracket separately with an elastic ligature.
After fixation of braces and arch, the patient receives instructions from the orthodontist on brushing and maintenance, orthodontic "diet", use of orthodontic wax. The whole procedure of braces placement and conversation with the patient takes 1 hour — for 1 jaw, 1,5 — when fixing on both jaws.
Overview of metal braces manufacturers
The first design to correct the bite was introduced in 1886 by American dentist Edward Hartley Engle. It consisted of an arch, ligatures and nuts to attach to the supporting teeth. The system was refined over the years and the nuts were replaced by a metal band that wrapped around each tooth and held the arch. Individual locks on each tooth instead of tape didn't appear until 100 years later — in the late 1970s. And the first systems made of polycrystalline aluminum oxide began to be produced by Unitek in 1987 and were quite expensive.
Nowadays, metal braces — the most common and affordable type of brace systems. They are created by companies around the world in different modifications: ligature, ligatureless, with large and small locks, standard or customized.
3M Unitek — American company, which was the first to produce stainless steel braces. The modern line of metal products of this manufacturer is represented by several models:
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SmartClip — can be used with ligature and ligatureless retainers. The system includes an intelligent arch that reduces pressure on the teeth during active chewing.
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Victory — ligature, small size with colored rubber bands and smooth corners.
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Gemini — ligature, at the most affordable price..
Pilot (Pilot) — budget braces from the Russian manufacturer, characterized by large size and low efficiency compared to other modern systems.
American Orthodontics — American manufacturer of metal and ceramic braces, famous for the Mini Master miniature metal ligature braces. The size of the lock in this bracket system is 25% smaller than standard bracket sizes. The company's lineup also includes both standard ligature metal ones and a system that combines ligature and ligature-free principles of arch fixation.
TOP-Service für Lingualtechnik GmbH — a German company producing Incognito gold alloy lingual braces. The bracket system is created completely individualized for the patient based on impressions in a factory in Germany.
Ormco — a world leader in the development and manufacture of bracket systems. The company is constantly working on the quality, safety and speed of orthodontic treatment. Braces from this particular manufacturer are widely available in Russia:
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Orthos — traditional ligature braces. It is ideal for treatment during adolescence, while the tissues are still easy to change. Treatment of complex cases or in adulthood with this system may take quite a long time to complete.
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Damon 3MX — Self-ligating metal braces at a relatively affordable price.
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Damon Q — a self-ligating bracket system that allows you to treat the most difficult clinical cases without extraction. The size of Damon Q metal braces is smaller than other metal braces, which makes it much easier to care for your teeth during treatment.
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Insignia technology — a digital orthodontic treatment planning and visualization program, with the help of which the braces are customized to the specific clinical case. Damon Q Insignia custom braces shorten the treatment period by 6 months on average.
Orthodontists recommend
Cost of metal braces
The price of metal systems depends on the type of construction — self-ligating braces are usually more expensive than standard ligature braces, because the technology of their production is more complicated. But self-ligating braces align teeth faster, and activations are needed less often, so the patient pays less for the orthodontic treatment itself.
The most expensive braces are produced by Ormco, 3M Unitek and TOP-Service für Lingualtechnik GmbH. Their cost is fully justified by the comfort of treatment and the quality of the final result. Budget braces also perform their main function — alignment of teeth, but longer in time and with less comfort.
Myths about metal brace systems:
Braces made of metal irritate the oral mucosa more than any other.
Damon Q metal braces have maximally polished edges, they are 1.5 times smaller than aesthetic braces. Discomfort is felt only in the first 2 weeks after installation, but is easily eliminated by special orthodontic wax. Once the mucosa has adapted, they are practically insensible in the mouth.
Uncomfortable and take up a large surface area of the tooth.
Before starting orthodontic treatment, it is important to choose a system that is comfortable. For example, Damon Q self-ligating braces are about half the size of ligature braces and practically do not cause any discomfort.
A metallic taste in the mouth during treatment.
Certified bracket systems made of quality medical alloys do not oxidize or affect taste sensations.
Care features of metal braces:
Metal braces are the easiest and most comfortable to care for. They do not stain, they are small in size, and self-ligating and do not have unnecessary details in the form of ligatures. But even they need extra care beyond the usual brush and paste:
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Use special brushes, brushes, and irrigators to thoroughly clean hard-to-reach areas;
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Eliminate viscous and hard foods (nuts, caramels, toffee) from your diet. Cut large hard foods (apples, steaks) into small pieces. These braces are securely attached to the teeth, but even they will not withstand a heavy load;
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Have a professional cleaning every 3 months or as recommended by your orthodontist;
Metal braces —a solution for those who prefer high efficiency and speed of treatment. Their conspicuousness is fully compensated by their comfort and quality. The orthodontist will help you to choose a particular bracket system.
- A detailed treatment plan in 1.5 hours
- Planning according to the concept of accelerated treatment
- Personal curator's help
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