You may already be considering the pros and cons of clear and metal braces, but we’re going to throw another option into the mix: self-ligating braces vs. traditional braces. We’ve provided a detailed discussion of self-ligating braces, their benefits, and how they compare to their conventional counterparts. This will help you better understand your choices and make a more informed decision on whether to go with the modern design or the tried-and-true treatment method.
What Are Self-Ligating Braces?
Self-ligating braces are innovative orthodontic appliances that can fix alignment, close tooth gaps, and correct bite issues. Just like traditional braces, they consist of brackets that attach directly to the front of each tooth and an archwire that connects the brackets.
How Self-Ligating Braces Work
Self-ligating metal braces use specialized brackets with built-in hooks or doors that hold the archwire in place without the need for external ties. This feature minimizes the friction between the wire and brackets, which allows the wire to glide more smoothly to shift teeth into alignment.
On the other hand, traditional braces use ligatures (elastic O-rings or metal ties) to attach the archwire within the brackets, which creates friction that can slow tooth movement.
There are two types of self-ligating braces:
- Passive Self-Ligating Braces: These brackets have a simple sliding mechanism that doesn’t put extra pressure on the archwire and allows your teeth to move more freely. They can be useful at the beginning of treatment to help the teeth start moving into position.
- Active Self-Ligating Braces: In this type, a spring clip actively presses against the archwire, applying a continuous force to align your teeth. This design offers more control for consistent, precise results and is common in later stages of treatment.
Depending on factors like complexity and desired outcome, orthodontists generally choose one self-ligating bracket system or the other but sometimes combine both in a single treatment plan.
How Much Faster Are Self-Ligating Braces?
The unique design of self-ligating braces enables them to work faster than traditional metal or clear braces for the following reasons:
- Your teeth can move along the archwire with less resistance
- The application of pressure is steadier and more consistent
- Each adjustment lasts longer, streamlining the process
While the specific reduction in treatment time varies by individual, the collective effect of these features influences the length of your orthodontic care.
What Are the Benefits of Self-Ligating Braces vs. Traditional Braces?
There are distinct advantages that self-ligating braces have over traditional braces, and you should take them into consideration before making your choice.
Improved Comfort
The built-in mechanism that holds the archwire to the brackets eases the pressure on your teeth, so self-ligating braces hurt less than traditional braces, especially after adjustments. In addition, the ligatures and rough bracket surfaces of traditional braces can irritate your lips, gums, and inner cheeks. Self-ligating bracket surfaces are smaller and smoother, which reduces inflammation.
Fewer Orthodontic Visits
Orthodontists need to manually tighten the ligatures on traditional braces regularly, which requires an office visit. Alternatively, self-ligating braces allow your teeth to move more efficiently by maintaining continuous pressure without frequent adjustments. This can result in fewer appointments and longer intervals between visits, thus making the treatment process more convenient and less time-consuming.
Better Oral Hygiene
Great oral hygiene is crucial during orthodontic treatment, and the task is more manageable with self-ligating braces than with traditional braces. Ligatures create additional crevices that can trap food particles and plaque, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Self-ligating braces are ligature-free, and cleaning around the brackets and wires is less complicated.
What Are the Disadvantages of Self-Ligating Braces?
The advantages of self-ligating braces are many, but it’s also important to understand their potential disadvantages:
- Higher Cost: Self-ligating braces use specialized components and advanced technology, so they usually come with a higher price tag.
- Mechanical Issues: Repeated opening and closing of the mechanism that secures the archwire can lead to more frequent malfunctions or breakages.
- Limited Effectiveness in Complex Cases: Self-ligating braces don’t always provide the same level of control as traditional braces, so the treatment may last longer or produce subpar results in complex cases.
Also, with self-ligating braces, you might be limited to metal brackets. If you have strong feelings about your appearance, it may be wise to consider traditional clear braces instead.
Choosing Between Self-Ligating and Traditional Braces
Even if you know everything there is to know about self-ligating braces and traditional braces, it’s still important to consult with an orthodontist in Queen Creek to discuss different appliances and treatment plans and decide which one is best for you. Contact us at Peterson Family Orthodontics today to schedule your initial evaluation at our San Tan Valley office.