Deciding on what braces to choose from? With improvements in dental technology, you have diverse options to choose from such as traditional metal, lingual or ceramic or self-ligating braces.

This article discusses self-ligating braces and how they can help improve your smile and the look of your teeth.

While these may look like traditional metal braces, with brackets and archwire, they do not have rubber bands to connect the brackets to the wire.

Instead, a specialized bracket directly clips to the wire.

Let’s find out its benefits and use below!

brackets

What Are Self-Ligating Braces?

These are one of the several options to get braces.

However, they pose a great similarity to traditional metal braces.

These are braces without bands.

The bands usually draw attention because they are available in different colors.

Though, that is not the case here in self-ligating braces.

In fact, these braces give a more streamlined and discreet look.

So if there are no metal ties, bands or elastics, then how do the braces work?

Thye instead use brackets or special clips with a spring-loaded door.

This way the bracket puts pressure on the archwire that still moves your teeth along.

The installation of these braces is about the same as that for traditional metal dental braces.

First, the dentist will fix the brackets on your teeth.

Next, they will bend the archwire across the brackets.

These will be secured in place using specialized bands that go around the molars.

The archwire does not connect directly to the brackets.

Rather the self-ligating brackets hold the wire in place in a specific slot where the wore slips through.

Like traditional braces, the self-ligating ones can solve many problems with the teeth including malocclusion i.e. misaligned bite.

Hence, it can solve complex issues related to the teeth and bite proving to be a viable solution for people with unique and complex teeth alignment problems.

slef-ligating braces vs traditional metal braces

Difference Between the Two

When traditional and self-ligating braces are that similar, why should you choose one over the other?

Well, there clearly are differences between the two pertaining to their function and look.

Self-ligating braces vs traditional braces 

The built-in system in the self-ligating braces secures the archwire to the brackets.

The spring-loaded door closes over the archwire.

This locks the wire against the brackets.

It is also known as self-ligating brackets.

There are two forms of these braces.

One is active and uses a sliding spring clip mechanism.

These apply an active force by pressing against the archwire.

On the other hand, the passive ones use a simple sliding mechanism.

These do not press on the archwire.

However, traditional braces contain the ligatures.

The tiny elastic bands and metal ties secure the brackets and the archwire in place.

So essentially, the main difference between the two becomes the design.

elastoc bands vs no elastic bands

When it comes to the pain they cause, in some cases, self-ligating may be lesser painful than traditional metal ones.

Especially if you ensure to take care of oral hygiene during the procedure.

 

Nonetheless, both of them will hurt and cause discomfort.

Whenever you first get them or have an adjustment appointment, almost all types of braces will hurt.

This brings us to their tightening and adjustment.

Traditional braces surely require tightening after ideally every 2 weeks.

The same goes for self-ligating braces.

They will need periodic adjustments.

In these, the orthodontist will evaluate your progress.

If there isn’t much improvement, they may adjust or replace the archwire.

After all, these adjustments help to put force on the teeth, assisting them in moving into new positions.

The treatment time for the two is similar too.

You may need it for 12 to 30 months depending on the age and condition of your teeth.

benefits

Benefits of Self-Ligating Braces

Fast Treatments 

When it comes to self-ligating braces vs metal braces, the former do not require as much time during the dental visit.

In the traditional metal braces, the individual ligatures need replacement in the bi-monthly adjustments.

Whereas the self-ligating brackets simply need opening and shutting and that is considerably less time-consuming.

It can overall reduce the treatment time by six months.

However, that also depends on the type of malocclusion.

Aesthetics

Self-ligating braces colors are in metal or silver.

For those who want an even more discreet and transparent look, there are clear braces.

Either way, there are no colorful bands.

This allows for more visible orthodontia and an improved aesthetic look.

Lesser Discomfort 

As there are no bands, the wire in the bracket slots reduces friction.

Hence, it reduces the force that is required to move the teeth.

As there is lesser force, there is reduced discomfort.

Though, that means a general reduction in soreness and not complete disappearance of pain.

Cleaning Ease

These are rather cleaned easily because ligatures trap food in and around them.

The latex material in the bands tends to trap food and results in the formation of plaque.

On the other hand, these braces do not have ligatures.

Hence, it is much easier to clean teeth around them.

Moreover, there are few add-ons and parts in these braces, leaving lesser space for plaque to keep building on.

Less Friction 

These braces result in friction.

In other braces, the friction causes the deterioration of the enamel and teeth.

Hence. self-ligating braces do not result in further deterioration of your teeth while other braces may be because of the friction and the pressure.

Moreover, these smaller brackets are more comfortable and easier to floss and brush alongside.

There are also downsides to these braces.

cons

Self-ligating Braces Disadvantages

Not Entirely Transparent 

While these braces will help you achieve a clearer look, they are not completely transparent.

You only have the option of getting clearer brackets but there still is a metal wire that runs across the upper and lower teeth.

These are obviously visible.

Braces that you cannot completely see are lingual braces or aligners such as Invisalign.

They are Costly 

These are clearly more expensive than traditional metal braces as they comprise an advanced bracket system.

Plus, if the malocclusion is more complex, it is certainly going to cost more than what the traditional braces would cost.

Can Be Irritating 

This goes for the initial days.

While the treatment is generally less painful and the discomfort is less too, the adjustment period can be uncomfortable.

This happens when the orthodontist first applies the braces.

It can occur again when the braces are adjusted.

This pain and discomfort can last for several days at a time.

The friction within the braces can also cause mouth sores sometimes.

The function of the braces

The bracket design, while it is comparatively faster, may not provide as precise movements.

Hence, your dentist will have to monitor it regularly to see if there is precision.

The locking system in the braces is important for its functionality.

However, it can break or get stuck.

Then it will require repairing so your treatment will slow down n the meanwhile.

Furthermore, you are already aware that this mechanism uses smaller brackets.

While they have their advantages, these brackets may not be the best option for rotating larger teeth.

Consult your dentist over what is the better option for your teeth if you have buck teeth.

self-ligating braces risks

Risks and Costs

The risks of these Damon braces are similar to that of other traditional metal braces.

One of the main risks is that of reversion.

Every braces or aligner require a period of dedication after the treatment whereby you have to wear teeth retainers.

These hold your teeth in their new position so that they stay firm.

Though, if you miss out on wearing them regularly then you are risking the reversion of your treatment.

They will start to revert to their old positions.

Hence, your teeth will no longer remain the same as they were after treatment.

Do not waste the money spent on this costly procedure by missing out on wearing your reatiners.

Next, there is always a risk of food particles trapping in any type of braces.

This can cause tooth decay and cavities if they are not removed properly.

However, self-ligating braces are different from ligatures.

The risk of plaque buildup may remain however, it is much easier to brush and floss around them.

Plus, the opening and closing of the brackets can cause wear and tear.

This is why they do not stay closed and will require repair over time.

Hence, your treatment is delayed.

Besides that, the self-ligation braces cost depends on the condition of your teeth, the amount of correction you will require and the total length of the treatment.

Plus, the costs may vary between the dentists.

However, these are more expensive than traditional metal braces due to their advantages over that one.

Finally, 

Self-ligating braces are a result of advanced technologies, improvement and reinvention of the traditional metal braces.

If you want more comfort, less tooth decay, better aesthetics and faster treatment then choosing to go for these braces is a good option.

Your treatment will also end sooner.

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