The fixed brace, also called Multi-bracket- or MB-Appliance consists of bonded brackets, occasionally cemented bands, as well as wires and other components. The MB-appliance is the ultimate orthodontic appliance and can be used to carry out most orthodontic treatment procedures within a short time span, causing minimum inconvenience to the patient and producing the best results.
Prejudices against fixed braces
Prejudices against the MB appliance exist, especially in Germany, from the dark days of functional orthodontics when it was believed that removable appliances were somehow healthier, more holistic or more humane. Fixed braces have been around since abozt 1900 and they have evolved steadily since then.
Pros and Cons
Modern MB appliances are more comfortable, more hygienic and have a gentler effect than the earlier devices. However, where there is poor dental hygiene, decalcification of the enamel and, inevitably, root resorption can occur as a result of treatment.
Fully programmed or self-ligating brackets
The latest developments are the introduction of the fully programmed bracket (straight-wire appliance), which saves the practitioner a lot of manual work, and the development of the so-called self-ligating brackets (Speed, SmartClip, Damon, In-Ovation etc.). It is certain that these brackets considerably reduce the time the patient has to spend in the orthodontist’s chair. Additional effects such as acceleration of treatments and less pain have not yet been confirmed in studies, but are always popular sales arguments for self-ligating brackets.