Fixed appliances
A fixed brace is an orthodontic appliance which cannot be removed from the mouth by the patient. Amongst teenagers, fixed braces are commonly known as “train tracks” and they are one of the most effective ways of straightening teeth. They can be used in combination with removable or functional braces and while a fair number of patients benefit from more than one type of brace, most will have fixed braces.
The component of fixed braces which has the greatest variability is the bracket, which comes in various sizes, shapes and colours.
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ALigature or module BArchwire CBrackets DElastic Hooks & Rubber Bands EMetal Band (not shown) |
Metal brackets with colours
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Stainless steel metal brackets are easily recognised and are widely used in the treatment of patients in all age groups. Their robustness and suitability for most cases make them an appliance of choice for most orthodontists. The designers have been making them smaller and decreasing the profile of these metal brackets, sometimes with beneficial results including higher treatment efficiency, decreased friction, decreased appliance breakage (due to increased bond strength) and superior fit or seating. These metal brackets can be customised with coloured ligatures or modules to provide individuality and make them more aesthetically pleasing. |
Gold brackets
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Others might be more attracted by the aesthetic appeal of the Gold appliance systems such as the ‘3M Unitek Victory Series’ 24K gold plated brackets, which can be complimented with gold wires – these provide the patient with an alternative to the traditional stainless steel look. |
Ceramic brackets
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Attractive, translucent or tooth coloured, aesthetic fixed brackets appeal to patients in view of their less obtrusive appearance. These are made from a ceramic material and differ from plastic (polycarbonate) brackets in terms of the superior durability, colour stability, strength and overall performance throughout the treatment. Not all tooth coloured brackets are ceramic, if you are having problems with breakages and discolouration, you most likely have been fitted with an inferior plastic bracket. Fixed braces can be made “totally white” by utilising ceramic brackets, white or tooth coloured arch wires and non-staining ligature wires This means that your appliance is virtually not visible! |
Self Ligating brackets
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These are fixed braces which function without ligatures and modules. These braces are designed to help the teeth move more efficiently and may result in fewer adjustment visits. The absence of modules and ligatures eliminates the hassle of staining. Examples of self-ligating brackets are Damon®, smartclip, Clarity® SL and Vision LP. |
One Orthodontist shares his thoughts on the Damon Self-Ligating System:
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I am treating more and more cases with the Damon system and I am more excited about what I can achieve for my patients than ever before in 25 years of providing Orthodontic care. I’ve noticed an increase in the number of non-extraction opportunities, my patients’ gums look healthier and I’ve have had numerous comments that breathing problems are reduced. My adult patients can now enjoy the benefits of a great smile I can provide by using the conservative, comfortable and speedy delivery possible with the Damon system. Some of these patients have commented on how lucky they were to have avoided irreversible drilling of teeth for veneers or other types of invasive cosmetic dentistry. Using the reduced friction and light forces of the Damon system allows me to move teeth in a “biologically-compatible” way. I believe the body works with this treatment instead of opposing it. Orthodontic expertise combined with the Damon system has the potential to transform faces and smiles like never before! |
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