Aesthetic orthodontics with invisible brackets
Sapphire brackets are a type of brackets that we commonly use in IMOI dental clinics in Barcelona Eixample and Ibiza for fixed dental orthodontics. These dental brackets are somewhat smaller than traditional metal brackets, but made of monocrystalline sapphire and are very transparent.
Sapphire brackets are very resistant to the forces required during orthodontic treatment and are not stained by food, beverages such as tea, wine, coffee or tobacco.
Who can use sapphire brackets?
These brackets can be used if your teeth are too white. It will look like you are not wearing braces. If on the other hand they have a more natural color, then ceramic brackets are the best option, because otherwise the sapphire will stand out too much.
Although treatment with sapphire brackets is simple because there is no metal in the brackets and there are no allergies, we can specify an important requirement before starting treatment: the patient must have good periodontal health.
When we say that a patient should have good gum health , we mean that the tissues that support the teeth, such as gums or bone, should be healthy.
If you have or have had periodontal disease, it is necessary to control it before undergoing orthodontic treatment.
What are the pros and cons of sapphire brackets?
The pros and cons of sapphire brackets are virtually the same as the ceramic brackets. Keep in mind:
- Treatments take longer than metallic treatments. Sapphire increases friction with the arch, slowing the movement of the teeth.
- They are stronger than ceramics, but metallic ones are still the winners.
- As with metals, you should avoid taking hard or sticky foods to prevent damage. If they break, the bracket will need to be changed to continue treatment.
- They are not recommended in patients who practice contact sports. And if this is your case, you can wear a sports protector made especially for you.
- Although they are more discreet, they are slightly larger than metallic ones.
- They can increase the total price of treatment.
- Your orthodontist may recommend wearing sapphire brackets on your teeth that look more (the previous ones above above) and in the rest use metallics. This way you benefit from the advantages of both types of brackets.
- Sometimes it is necessary that the arch is metallic and will look anyway. The white arch is the same but is coated with Teflon (which is white), but it still increases friction and takes longer to move teeth.
Do I have to take any special care, can a bracket fall off?
Anyone undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment should take extreme care in oral care and cleanliness.
As we have already mentioned on other occasions, food debris accumulates between the brackets, and can cause bacteria and cavities to appear. It is very important to have a daily oral hygiene and to be consistent with it. Not only brushing, but also using mouthwash and dental floss.
Remember to follow the recommendations and indications given by your orthodontist at all times and to attend the scheduledcheck-ups during treatment.
In all bracket treatments, it can happen that some of them fall off. The fall of the brackets can be caused by various reasons such as nail biting, insufficient dental hygiene or eating hard foods that require a lot of force when biting (sandwiches, apples, nougat…).
If you ever have a bracket fall off, do not hesitate to call us and come to the dental clinic so that we can clean and cemented the bracket as soon as possible to avoid unwanted movement of the teeth. Although if you cannot come immediately you should not worry, but remember that if you wait too long the treatment will lose some of its effectiveness.
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