Not all nail correction systems are created equal. For Australian podiatrists looking to offer the most effective and patient-friendly treatment for ingrown toenails, understanding the fundamental differences between available systems is essential. BS Brace was developed specifically to address the clinical limitations of traditional wire-based braces — and its origins tell a compelling story.
The Problem with Traditional Wire Braces
Wire-based nail correction systems have been used in podiatry for decades. However, they come with a fundamental clinical limitation: the hooks of the wire brace must be inserted under the nail fold at the nail edge in order to apply corrective force.
This design creates several significant problems for patients:
- Pain: Inserting hooks under the nail fold causes strong pain, particularly when the nail fold is inflamed — which is often the case in patients presenting with ingrown toenails.
- Contraindication for diabetic patients: For patients with diabetes, who may have reduced sensation and impaired healing, the risk associated with inserting a wire under the nail fold is a serious clinical concern. In many cases, wire braces simply cannot be used safely in this patient group.
- Visible and obstructive: The wire sits on top of the nail and is clearly visible, which many patients find aesthetically unacceptable. It can also snag on socks, stockings, or tights and restrict footwear choices, affecting quality of life during treatment.
Additionally, following a partial nail resection, wire braces cannot be applied at all — because there is no longer a nail edge under which to insert the hooks.
The Insight Behind BS Brace
BS Brace was created by Bernd Stolz, a podiatrist who began his career in Germany at the age of 14. After years of working with wire-based nail correction techniques, he became increasingly aware of their limitations in clinical practice — particularly for patients with inflammation or diabetes. He was convinced there had to be a better way.
His solution was to eliminate the hooks entirely. Rather than inserting anything under the nail fold, the BS Brace is adhered directly to the surface of the nail. After extensive material research — testing metal braces, conventional plastics, and ultimately landing on fibreglass-reinforced Duroplast — a genuinely patient-friendly nail correction system was born.
Today, BS Brace is used in over 40 countries worldwide and continues to grow in clinical adoption.
How BS Brace Compares: A Clinical Overview
| Feature | Wire-Based Braces | BS Brace |
|---|---|---|
| Application method | Hooks inserted under nail fold | Adhered to nail surface — no insertion |
| Pain during application | Can be significant, especially with inflammation | Minimal — no hooks, no nail fold contact |
| Suitable for diabetic patients | Often contraindicated | Suitable in most cases when assessed by podiatrist |
| Usable post-partial resection | Not possible | Yes — applicable in most post-resection cases |
| Appearance after application | Wire clearly visible; can snag socks, stockings, or tights and restrict footwear | Near-transparent after surface is wiped — virtually invisible |
| Curvature range | Mild to severe | Mild to severe |
| Patient downtime | Varies | None — return to normal daily activities immediately |
| Countries in use | — | 40+ countries worldwide |
Key Clinical Advantages of BS Brace
- Immediate pain relief: Patients typically report relief from nail pressure immediately after application.
- Safe for diabetic patients: Because no hooks are inserted under the nail fold, BS Brace avoids the wound risk associated with wire systems in this high-risk patient group.
- Broader patient eligibility: Can be used in cases where wire braces are contraindicated, including post-resection and diabetic presentations.
- No drilling or nail penetration: Reduces patient anxiety and simplifies the procedure.
- Near-invisible appearance: Once applied and the surface wiped, BS Brace becomes nearly transparent — patients can wear any footwear, socks, or stockings without restriction or embarrassment.
- Durable and discreet: Remains securely in place through all normal daily activities — including showering, swimming, and sport — with no downtime required.
- Quick single-appointment application: Supports efficient clinic workflow with no patient downtime.
To see BS Brace outcomes in practice, view real patient case studies and reviews.
A System Built on Clinical Principles
BS Brace is built on three core principles: professional, precise, and patient-orientated. Developed by a podiatrist for podiatrists, it reflects decades of clinical research and real-world practice. To learn more about the system and its indications, visit the Why Choose BS Brace page.
Offer BS Brace at Your Clinic
Interested in adding BS Brace to your treatment options? Contact us to find out how to stock BS Brace and expand your non-surgical nail care services for your patients.