Self-Locking Brackets (Closed Brackets)

Braces can adjust the position of your teeth and jaw. A dentist recommends they help align crooked teeth, change the distance between teeth, or correct a bad bite.

An orthodontist may recommend braces to help align crooked teeth, change the spacing between teeth, or correct a bad bite.

What are Brackets?

When you have braces, small devices called brackets are attached to your teeth. A thin metal wire called an archwire passes through these brackets. The archwire is gradually adjusted to apply force, moving your teeth into the desired position.

For brackets to work effectively, the archwire must remain fixed within them.

Traditional braces achieve this using elastic bands or metal ties. In contrast, self-ligating brackets use a built-in system within the bracket to hold the archwire in place.

Continue reading to learn more about self-ligating brackets, including their potential pros and cons.

Self-Ligating Braces vs. Traditional Braces

Traditional braces have elastic ties (often the colors you see on braces) that hold the alignment wires in place. Self-ligating brackets do not have elastic ties. Instead, brackets or clips hold the wires in place. This allows self-ligating braces to remain active and move teeth more quickly. Traditional braces need to have their elastic ties tightened every 4 to 6 weeks.

Self-Ligating Braces: An Overview

Self-ligating brackets use an integrated system to secure the archwire to the brackets. This system is also referred to as self-ligating brackets.

This method of attachment differs from traditional brackets, where small elastic bands or metal ties are used to hold the archwire in place. These are called ligatures.

It's important to know that there are actually two types of self-ligating brackets: active and passive. Both types use a small door or gate-like mechanism to cover the bracket:

• Active Brackets: Use a sliding spring clip mechanism, applying active force and pressure to the archwire.
• Passive Brackets: Use a simple sliding mechanism, and unlike active brackets, they do not apply pressure to the archwire.

Do They Need Tightening?

Like traditional braces, self-ligating braces require periodic adjustments. During these adjustments, your orthodontist will assess your progress and may also adjust or replace the archwire.

Adjustments help change the force applied to your teeth, gradually guiding them to their new positions.

Comfort: Are They Painful or Comfortable?

Similar to traditional braces, self-ligating braces can cause pain or discomfort. This is common, especially after initially getting them or following an adjustment appointment.

In some cases, self-ligating braces may cause less discomfort compared to traditional braces, especially if the wearer maintains proper oral hygiene.

Benefits of Self-Ligating Brackets

Using self-ligating braces offers several potential benefits, including:

• Shorter Orthodontist Visits: Traditional braces require individual ligature changes during adjustments. In general, opening and closing self-ligating brackets during adjustments takes less time.
• Easier Cleaning: Ligatures can trap food particles around your brackets. The absence of ligatures in self-ligating brackets can make them slightly easier to clean.
• Less Discomfort: It's possible to experience less discomfort with self-ligating braces compared to traditional braces.

Are There Any Risks or Precautions?

Self-ligating braces come with some potential risks, one of which is bracket failure. The repeated opening and closing of self-ligating brackets can lead to wear and tear, potentially causing them to stop functioning properly.

If a bracket needs to be replaced, it may result in longer appointments and extend the treatment duration.

Other Risks Associated with Self-Ligating Braces

• Tooth Decay: Food particles can become trapped inside any type of bracket, leading to plaque buildup and an increased risk of tooth decay.
• Relapse: If you don't wear your retainer after removing your braces, your teeth may start to shift back to their original positions.

Cost of Self-Ligating Braces

Generally, self-ligating braces are more expensive than traditional braces due to the advanced technology they use.

Other factors contributing to the cost include the amount of correction needed and the overall duration of your treatment. Additionally, costs can vary between individual orthodontists.

An orthodontist may offer a payment plan to make your treatment more affordable. If you're considering a payment plan, ask your orthodontist if they offer them and what types are available.

Who Should Get Self-Ligating Braces?

Whether you should get self-ligating braces depends on factors such as your specific condition, treatment plan, and budget.

Your orthodontist can work with you to determine if self-ligating braces are a good option for you.

Self-ligating brackets use a built-in mechanism inside the bracket to hold the archwire in place. This is the opposite of traditional brackets, which use elastic ties or metal wires to secure the archwire.

People with self-ligating braces may have shorter orthodontist appointments, find cleaning easier, and experience less discomfort.

However, research currently shows no significant difference in effectiveness between traditional and self-ligating braces.

If you're interested in self-ligating braces, talk to your orthodontist. They can help determine if self-ligating braces are right for you.