Chemical Structure of Braces: a Review

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Abstract

This review examines the chemical structure of braces currently used in dentistry. Braces are among the most commonly used orthodontic appliances in the treatment of malocclusion. The main requirements for braces are strong adhesion to hard tooth tissues, biocompatibility, low risk of injury, ease of fixation and use, and convenience for personal and professional oral care.

Braces can be made of metals, plastics (polycarbonate, polyurethane), or ceramics. The main advantages of metal braces are biocompatibility and modified adhesion, whereas ceramic and plastic braces are more esthetically appealing. The main disadvantages of plastic braces are their low durability and the toxicity of bisphenol, a polycarbonate monomer. Metal braces are visually unappealing. The main drawback of ceramic braces is the risk of enamel or crown chipping when removing them due to their strong adhesion to hard tooth tissues. Given Russia’s current need for import substitution, the development of domestic braces with improved biocompatibility and adhesion to hard tooth tissues, along with the prevention of dental caries during orthodontic treatment, is highly relevant.

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About the authors

Galina E. Bordina

Tver State Medical University

Author for correspondence.
Email: gbordina@yandex.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-6375-7981
SPIN-code: 1313-2983

Cand. Sci. (Biology), Associate Professor

Russian Federation, Tver

Nadezhda P. Lopina

Tver State Medical University

Email: n.lopina@internet.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-7213-1531
SPIN-code: 1216-3570

Cand. Sci. (Chemistry), Professor

Russian Federation, Tver

Alexey A. Andreev

Tver State Medical University

Email: aandreev01@yandex.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-1012-9356
Russian Federation, Tver

Ilya A. Nekrasov

Tver State Medical University

Email: ilya.nekrasov.01@bk.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0007-1830-7069
Russian Federation, Tver

Arina S. Papulova

Tver State Medical University

Email: a.papulova27@inbox.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0009-0226-1822
Russian Federation, Tver

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Supplementary files

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2. Fig. 1. Structural formula of polyurethane.

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3. Fig. 2. Polyurethane production reaction using polyol and isocyanate.

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4. Fig. 3. Example of the reaction to produce polycarbonate.

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СМИ зарегистрировано Федеральной службой по надзору в сфере связи, информационных технологий и массовых коммуникаций (Роскомнадзор).
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