What Are Self-Ligating Braces
Self-ligating braces are made similarly to traditional braces and contain the same high-grade stainless steel. Self-ligating braces do not use rubber bands to attach to the wire. Instead, it uses doors and clips to hold onto the wire. This results in fewer visits to the orthodontist and possibly less discomfort as there is less pressure applied to the teeth.
How do Self-Ligating Braces Work?
This style of braces comes with brackets that are similar in size to traditional braces, in either clear, ceramic or metal brackets. The brackets, combined with a specially designed clip, will help the archwire guide teeth into place. The clip helps to minimize the pressure placed on the tooth and results in fewer adjustments throughout the orthodontic process.
Advantages of Self-Ligating Braces
Self-ligating braces have become a popular style of braces in recent years, for a number of reasons:
1. Less Visits to The Orthodontist
Self-ligating braces typically require far fewer visits to the orthodontist than those who wear traditional braces.
2. No Rubber Bands or Metal Ties
Since self-ligating braces do not require the traditional elastic or metal ties that are common with traditional braces, they are easier to keep clean and maintain!
3. More Comfortable Braces
This style of braces is known to cause less friction or discomfort which is a plus for any new wearer of braces!
Concerns About Self-Ligating Braces
As there are many advantages to self-ligating braces, there are a few possible downsides as well. Self-ligating braces requires some getting used to. As with almost every style of braces, there will be some initial discomfort and an adjustment period after your braces have been installed.
Self-Ligating Braces in London, ON
There are many things to consider when choosing the right style of braces. To find out if self-ligating braces are right for you, book a consultation with the team at Wonder West Orthodontics in London, ON.
Frequently Asked Questions About Self-Ligating Braces
Self-ligating braces take roughly the same amount of time to achieve desired results as traditional braces. Typically, patients can expect to wear self-ligating braces between 12 and 30 months.
Braces work with the use of slots that hold wires in place. With self-ligating braces, clips/doors are used to hold the orthodontic wires in the slot without the use of orthodontic elastics or metal ties. These clips also help to move the wires freely as they are not tied down, which is the norm for traditional braces.
Typically, ceramic orthodontic brackets will not stain or discolour. However, the clear ligatures, which are the small elastics that contain the archwire can become stained.
Adjustments to self-ligating braces work with the use of small, spring-loaded doors or clasps that maintain pressure on the archwires. The self-litigating process applies pressure slowly and continuously to adjust the teeth gradually to their desired position.
