Self-Ligating Braces

Self-ligating braces are metal ones without the elastic ligature. Using a “trap door” technology, the brackets allow the wire to slide back & forth resulting in fewer adjustments & fewer appointments. Schedule a consultation to find out if the self-ligating kind is right for you.

In the context of dental braces, ligation refers to how an archwire is held onto brackets on teeth. With traditional brackets, an elastic keeps the wire in place. Children often choose fun colors for these elastics as a way of customizing their braces. Self-ligating brackets on their own, without elastics, by holding the wire in place under a spring-loaded clip or flap instead.

There are several advantages to self-ligating braces:

• There is some evidence that self-ligating braces can move teeth faster than traditional brackets, reducing average overall treatment time by up to six months in some cases. However, it should be noted that treatment times are determined by the severity of the bite or misalignment problem that is being fixed.
• Securing the arch wire with a clip instead of elastics takes less time, so orthodontic appointments may go faster.
• Some patients find self-ligating braces easier to keep clean because food debris doesn’t stick as easily to brackets that don’t have rubber elastics on them.
• Self-ligating braces may reduce the friction between teeth, brackets, & arch wires, resulting in a reduction in soreness & less discomfort during treatment.

Even though self-ligating braces have been around since the early 20th century, many patients are not aware of them as an option. Every orthodontic treatment plan is customized, & we will always present you with the best options to fit your individual health & budget.