Sapphire Self-Ligating Bracket System

The sapphire self-ligating bracket system is a conditionally removable orthodontic construction consisting of sapphire brackets made of silicon and its derivatives, and an archwire attached to the brackets using sliding fasteners. These constructions do not have ligatures, which significantly reduce the duration of treatment and the number of preventive check-ups with the orthodontist.

Sapphire brackets represent an advanced development of leading dental companies worldwide, allowing correction of malocclusion or alignment of crooked teeth. The material of the brackets is of such high quality and transparency that the products are hardly noticeable on a person’s teeth.

At the ORTHO clinic, the installation of sapphire self-ligating bracket systems is recommended to patients who value their time and wish to achieve guaranteed results as quickly as possible. It is sufficient to contact our specialists, and your smile will not only become beautiful and bright but will also attract attention with perfectly aligned teeth.

Types of Self-Ligating Sapphire Brackets

Depending on the type of constructive elements included in the self-ligating sapphire bracket system, dentistry distinguishes between 2 types of such products:

1. Active self-ligating bracket systems

Equipped with a movable cover-catcher that presses the archwire to the fastener, exerting constant pressure on it.

2. Passive self-ligating bracket systems

Equipped with a static cover-catcher that prevents the archwire from exiting the fastener and serves as a wall of the fastener.

Indications for Installing Self-Ligating Sapphire Bracket Systems

Various malocclusions.
Crooked teeth (tilted forward/backward or sideways, rotated around their axis).
Large gaps between teeth.
Before prosthetics as a correction of the position of dental units.
Deformation of the facial oval due to disorders caused by incorrect bite.
Unerupted teeth due to insufficiently expanded jaw area.

How Self-Ligating Sapphire Brackets Work

The principle of operation of self-ligating (ligatureless) sapphire bracket systems lies in the use of fasteners (clips/slides) that allow the archwire to slide freely inside or within a strictly limited range.

It should be noted that such an approach with an unblocked archwire exerts sufficient action on the teeth, which move without resistance and friction, providing the patient with greater comfort during treatment and aesthetics.

Advantages of Self-Ligating Sapphire Bracket Systems

Reduced treatment time compared to ligated constructions.
There is no need to remove some teeth due to the adaptation of the posterior segments of the arch.
The number of preventive check-ups is minimized.
Treatment is more comfortable.
Treatment is more comfortable.
No pressure on the mucous membrane.
Suitable for patients with various periodontal diseases.
High aesthetics.

Disadvantages of Self-Ligating Sapphire Bracket Systems

Treatment Period with Self-Ligating Sapphire Bracket Systems

On average, the treatment period with classic ligated brackets ranges from 1.5 to 2 years. Depending on the degree of pathology, clinical picture, age, physiological characteristics of the body, quality of hygiene, and adherence to the orthodontist’s recommendations, this period may be shorter or longer. In practice, regarding self-ligating sapphire brackets, the average wearing period is 20-30% shorter.

The approximate term is indicated by the results of additional examinations prescribed by the orthodontist, but results can be seen within 3-4 months, which becomes an additional incentive for the patient to follow the relevant recommendations.

Which Brackets are Most Aesthetic: Sapphire or Ceramic?

Of course, when choosing brackets, patients pay attention to the aesthetics of the product. Not everyone wants others to see foreign constructions in their mouths or know about the treatment.

Ceramic and sapphire brackets are much more aesthetic than metal ones. However, despite the high mutual aesthetics, there are still differences between sapphire and ceramic materials. For example, ceramics have a slightly yellowish hue that is almost indistinguishable from the usual shade of human enamel. There are also cases where there is a lack of tonality in the ceramic layout for selecting a more accurate shade of the product.

There are no such problems with sapphire; they are absolutely transparent, so they are imperceptible on the teeth. Due to this fact, despite the high cost, patients increasingly prefer sapphire brackets, both ligated and ligatureless.

Rules and Recommendations for Caring for Self-Ligating Sapphire Bracket Systems

The standard rule for dental care, with or without braces, is proper and sufficient oral hygiene. For this, it is necessary to clean the teeth no less than 2 times a day, preferably after each meal.

Brushing teeth with braces should be done with gentle and careful circular motions to avoid damaging the bracket construction. To remove food particles from hard-to-reach places, use interdental brushes, floss, and irrigators.

Do not bite hard food excessively. It is better to chew products thoroughly before swallowing, and do not consume products/beverages with a large temperature imbalance.

Athletes leading an active lifestyle and wind instrument performers should use mouthguards.

Regularly come for scheduled check-ups to your orthodontist.

Find out the cost of installing self-ligating sapphire brackets in the section or come to us for a free consultation. We take care of the health of your teeth!