Everything you need to know about self-ligating braces

Self-ligating orthodontics has revolutionised the use of braces in recent years, even though they aren’t very well known. Thanks to their innovative system, it’s no longer necessary to use rubber bands to attach the pieces on each tooth to the metal wire. You can now wear a more discreet and less painful device than traditional braces. But this is only the beginning! Below, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about self-ligating braces.

What are self-ligating braces and how do they work?

In a nutshell, self-ligating braces are those that don’t require rubber bands to attach to the metal arch, which is why they are known by the term "self-ligating". Instead, the wire "slides" into each of the individual braces that are attached to the teeth.

Now that we know what this device is, we can answer the question “how do self-ligating braces work?”. Self-ligating braces generate movements with minimal pressure on the tooth, because they’re better accepted biologically by the tissues that support the tooth. In self-ligating braces, the archwire remains loose inside the bracket slot, so they only create a slight friction compared to conventional braces, if any at all. Plus, the movements are made faster and with the same effectiveness as with brackets.

Dental problems that can be treated with self-ligating braces

Self-ligating braces in orthodontics can be used to treat all types of dental problems to achieve a perfectly aligned smile, things like crowding, open bite, overbite, cross bite, gaps, etc. They can also deal with more complex cases.

That's why after an initial appointment with your orthodontist, they can decide whether or not self-ligating braces are the most appropriate for your case based on your preferences, your budget and the complexity of your case.

Who can use them?

All patients in need of orthodontic treatment can opt for braces with self-ligating brackets. No matter the age; children, adolescents and adults can choose this type of braces to align their teeth.

Types of self-ligating brackets

Self-ligating braces can be classified according to various characteristics, although the most common classifications are according to the ligation system and their level of visibility.

Types of self-ligating brackets according to the ligation system

Depending on the ligation system, we can classify braces into "active" and "passive". The difference between passive and active self-ligating brackets has to do with the shape and function of the brackets that the metal arch passes through. Below we’ll explain the details of each:

Passive self-ligating braces

In passive self-ligating braces, the bracket has a sliding and rigid clip through which the archwire passes but it’s not blocked by it. For this reason, the wire passes through it loosely and can slide more freely between each bracket. They’re called passive self-ligating brackets because it is not the clip that exerts pressure on the wire to align the teeth.

Active self-ligating braces

In active self-ligating braces, it is the bracket clip that exerts pressure on the dental alignment arch. So the main difference between active and passive self-ligating braces is just if the bracket exert pressure on the wire or not.

Types of self-ligating brackets according to aesthetics

Metal self-ligating braces

The most traditional material for self-ligating braces is metal. However, since self-ligating bands do not require elastics, the device is smaller and takes up less space on the tooth. Therefore, it is more discreet even though it’s made of metal.

Clear self-ligating braces

There is also the option of using clear self-ligating braces with ceramic brackets. As mentioned, the brackets take up less space on each tooth, and by avoiding the use of elastic bands that tend to discolour quickly, they’re much more aesthetically pleasing because they remain transparent. They adapt perfectly to all tooth enamel shades for a more discreet treatment. However, it’s important to note that the wire connecting the self-ligating brackets will be metallic in the vast majority of cases even if the brackets are clear ceramic.

Self-ligating braces pros and cons

Self-ligating brackets have more pros than cons, however, we should consider both the benefits and hindrances in order to determine whether they’re the best option.

Advantages of self-ligating vs traditional braces

When talking about self-ligating vs traditional braces, it’s important to note that self-ligating brackets have several benefits and advantages over conventional brackets. Among them, the most notable are:

• The device is smaller, less bulky and therefore more discreet
• The patient can maintain better dental hygiene
  
• There is no risk of the elastics turning yellow: transparent self-ligating rings are more aesthetically pleasing
  
• Follow-up is quicker, the orthodontist only has to adjust the arch and does not stop at every elastic
  
• Treatment takes less time
  

Self-ligating braces disadvantages

Like any orthodontic appliance, self-ligating braces also have some disadvantages:

• The metal option, although smaller, is not as invisible
• Clear brackets are still more often used with a metal archwire
  
• Dental hygiene is better but not perfect, some areas remain inaccessible for brushing or flossing
  
• A follow-up with the orthodontist is necessary to adjust the appliance
  

Self-ligating braces treatment time

If you’re wondering how long self-ligating braces take, the treatment time is usually somewhat shorter than with traditional braces, since its system promotes faster teeth movements. However, it is difficult to estimate the duration of a treatment with self-ligating brackets, since, as with other types of orthodontics, everything depends on the complexity of the case.

Self-ligating braces cost in the UK

The cost of self-ligating braces in the UK is somewhere between between £2,000 and £6,000. However, there are several factors that can influence the price of self-ligating braces. For example, the price of this type of device can vary considerably depending on the complexity of each case or on which clinic you decide to start your treatment.

Self-ligating braces vs. Impress invisible aligners

Invisible aligners have revolutionised the orthodontic field in recent years, offering a more aesthetically pleasing, practical and comfortable option for the patient. Let's see how they differ from self-ligating braces.

Thanks to invisible orthodontics patients can now opt for a removable device that can be removed during meals and when brushing. This system offers much more freedom.

Although the self-ligating device is small, it is still visible, unlike aligners which are completely transparent. In addition, with aligners, dental hygiene can be carried out without any type of restriction, thus avoiding the formation of bacterial plaque.

Another bonus is that the aligners don’t require adjustments in the clinic, so most of the time they can be tracked online. Thanks to a dental app, the patient has the option of scanning their smile from their phone and contacting our medical team, who will check and, if the teeth have moved as they should, approve the change of aligner set.

Although aligners generally offer many more advantages in terms of aesthetics and practicality, it’s not the only thing to consider. The most important thing to keep in mind is the orthodontist's recommendation. Professionals in the field of orthodontics are the ones who can best tell you what type of device is the most suitable for your case. It’s very important to acknowledge that although the vast majority of dental problems can be treated with invisible aligners, there are certain cases in which they’re not most effective. In those cases, it is likely that your orthodontist will recommend the use of braces and as you now know, the self-ligating braces offer the most advantages among the different types.

Impress orthodontics: aligners and self-ligating braces

Impress offers both self-ligating braces and invisible aligners at fixed prices with no surprises. If you want to know more about our treatment plans for adults or adolescents, contact us at uk@smile2impress.com, by phone or WhatsApp at +44 20 3808 1072 or, book an appointment online through our website or visit us at your nearest Impress clinic.

Get in touch with us with zero obligation to evaluate your case and learn about which treatment best fits your needs. Come on in and get to know us!

The patient can maintain better dental hygiene