Self-ligating braces means that your orthodontist’s appointment can take a lot less time, says Dr. Menachem Roth of Carvalho and Roth Orthodontics in Newton Centre, Marlborough, and Northborough Massachusetts. Here, he explains why.
Self-ligating braces are made of the same material as traditional metal braces. With traditional metal braces, the wire is held in place with colored elastics or wire ligature ties. With self-ligating braces, the braces themselves have a “trap door” which goes up and down, and that trap door holds the wire in place.
The system is designed to have less friction, which should allow the teeth to move more freely. But as a trade-off to that, the teeth may have less control, as the wire is not being held in place as actively as it would be with a wire tie or elastic one.
Best of Both Worlds
Some orthodontists use both self-ligating and traditional braces depending on the patient’s situation. Others might choose one or the other based on what they feel more comfortable with. The physiology of tooth movement is the same with self-ligating braces as it is with traditional braces.
There are two types of self-ligating braces: The first one is a passive clip, which does not fully engage the wire into the brace. The second is an active clip, which puts pressure on the wire holding it into position.
Available in Clear Ceramic
Self-ligating braces are also now available in clear ceramic, which is a nice alternative for adults. They still look like traditional braces but they are clear. They still have a wire and the bracket itself is the same size and shape as the metal ones, but they are an off-white color so they blend in to match the teeth.
The other advantage to self-ligating braces is that as there are no elastic or ligature ties to remove, making wire changes fairly quick. So, your appointment at the orthodontist can be a lot quicker and you will spend less time in the orthodontist’s office overall.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
