This treatment is for you if…
You want to align your teeth with an aesthetic economic solution.
What are sapphire brackets?
Sapphire brackets are an alternative to traditional orthodontic treatments. They are characterised as being much more aesthetic than metallic brackets, since they are manufactured with sapphire glass, a transparent material, and go more unnoticed. This causes the impression that the patient is not wearing brackets since they are invisible at first sight.
Furthermore, both the arches and the ligatures are white, which means that they go even more unnoticed. In reality, the design and manufacture of all these items means that the brackets are much more camouflaged by the teeth than other similar treatments.
With respect to their functioning, sapphire brackets have the same characteristics as other types of orthodontics. That is, they enable all types of dental malocclusion to be corrected, such as crowding, open bite, crossbite or scissor bite or an overbite, among others.
Advantages of sapphire brackets
Sapphire brackets have a series of advantages, especially if we compare them with traditional metallic brackets and other types of orthodontics:
- They are the most aesthetic. The material with which they are made – sapphire – is transparent, which means that the brackets go much more unnoticed and cannot be seen at middle distance.
- They do not become tinged or wear down, unlike other aesthetic or invisible brackets, which become stained or go yellow over time.
- They are resistant. Sapphire glass is one of the most resistant materials of those used in orthodontics, so they have less risk of breakage than those manufactured with other materials, such as ceramic.
- Adherence. Sapphire glass attaches better to the teeth than porcelain or plastic, so it is more difficult for the brackets to become unstuck or fall. They attach better to teeth and are more longer lasting than other types of orthodontics.
- Sapphire brackets do not damage teeth or cause discomfort, since they do not have sharp edges.
- The placement of teeth is as effective as with the rest of the brackets.
Sapphire bracket treatment phases
The placement of sapphire brackets and the subsequent phases do not differ much from other orthodontic treatments. Hence, the following can be differentiated.
1. Study phase. As occurs with other orthodontic techniques, the treatment begins with the diagnosis of the patient’s teeth. Hence, the specialist must perform a series of simple clinical tests such as x-rays or photographs to be able to find the adequate diagnosis and notify it to the patient. Once the patient has decided to begin the treatment, the manufacturer is requested to make the sapphire brackets and the patient is given an appointment for them to be fitted.
2. Active phase. This is the phase in which the sapphire brackets are cemented. Hence, it is recommendable for the patient to previously undergo a dental prophylaxis, which aims to correctly clean all the teeth to subsequently fix the brackets to the teeth accurately.
3. Bite correction phase, in which the teeth begin to fit together in an anteroposterior and vertical direction, reaching their corresponding position.
4. Closure of dental spaces to align them in their correct position.
5. Finishing. The patient attends the specialist to determine whether the teeth are in their correct position, making the necessary minor adjustments to their treatment to obtain the final results.
6. Removal of sapphire brackets. This occurs when all the foregoing objectives have been attained. Once the treatment has been completed, it is always necessary to use retainers to maintain the results obtained in the previous phases.
The duration of this orthodontic treatment depends on the type of problem intended to be corrected, but usually lasts more than in the case of other brackets, such as the metallic variety. Hence, in the event of a crowding problem, the easiest treatment and hence, the treatment with the shortest duration, may last between six and eighteen months. However, in the case of problems regarding bite or occlusion, the treatment will probably last from 18-24 months.
FAQs
Sapphire brackets are a type of cosmetic orthodontics made of clear sapphire crystal, which makes them virtually invisible. Unlike metal brackets, their transparency allows them to blend in with the natural colour of the teeth, offering a more discreet option for dental correction.
The main difference is aesthetics. Sapphire brackets are transparent and go unnoticed, while metal brackets are visible. In addition, sapphire brackets do not stain or wear over time, unlike other aesthetic brackets, making them a stronger and more durable option.
Yes, sapphire brackets are just as effective as metal brackets in correcting dental alignment problems. They can treat malocclusion, crowding, overbite and crossbite, among other problems. The only difference is their aesthetic appearance.
No, sapphire brackets are designed to resist staining and will not yellow over time, unlike some plastic or ceramic brackets. However, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene to avoid staining of the ligatures and archwire.
The duration of treatment with sapphire brackets depends on the problem to be corrected. In cases of mild crowding, it can last between 6 and 18 months. For more complex problems, such as bite or malocclusion, treatment can be extended from 18 to 24 months.
No, sapphire brackets are very strong. Although sapphire crystal is more aesthetic, it is also one of the strongest materials used in orthodontics, which makes them less likely to break than other aesthetic brackets, such as ceramic brackets.
To avoid damaging your brackets, you should avoid hard foods such as sweets, nuts and ice. It is also advisable not to eat sticky foods such as chewing gum or jelly beans that can get caught in the brackets, as well as crunchy foods that can damage the brackets.
No, sapphire brackets do not damage teeth. They are designed to bond securely without affecting the enamel. However, it is essential to maintain good oral hygiene during treatment to avoid plaque build-up and decay.
The cost of orthodontics varies depending on the case and the type of orthodontics applied. You can consult the Adeslas orthodontics price list by clicking here.
Remember that you can request a free review with one of our experts to personally assess your case and prepare a detailed quote.
Prices
The amounts indicated have been estimated in line with a full treatment, in accordance with the parameters in the table. Includes: study, treatment and check-ups during the treatment, so it serves as a guide and is of a merely informative non-contractual nature. The personalised treatment will be examined in line with the medical prescription. Prices can be increased if additional costs are incurred as a result of the requests made by each customer. Price valid until 31 December 2024 except in the event of a typing error.
