Self Ligating Braces

Are Self-ligating Braces Better Than Conventional Braces?

What are Self-ligating Braces?

Self-ligating braces are placed much like conventional braces, with the exception of ligature: No elastic or rubber bands or metal ties are present because they are not needed. Instead, special clips or brackets are used to help the archwire move your teeth into place.

The clips allow greater freedom of tooth movement; thereby they might reduce the discomfort that is sometimes associated with traditional ligature. A simple adjustment is made to the brackets or clips, which saves time and causes less discomfort during routine visits with your orthodontist. Depending on the case, self-ligating braces are also easier on your teeth and could reduce the amount of pressure and friction for many who wear them.

There are two types of self-ligating braces:

• Passive Braces: These are applied and use a smaller size archwire. The smaller archwire creates less friction and will allow your teeth to move more freely. Your orthodontist will most likely use this application at the beginning of treatment.
• Active Braces: These will use a thicker archwire and will deliver more pressure onto teeth, thereby moving them more efficiently to where they ideally should be.

With self-ligating braces, visits to your orthodontist could be less frequent, and will potentially cause less discomfort than with traditional braces

Potential Advantages Of Self-ligating Braces

Better Efficiency At Visits

Because closing the door (or gate) on the braces is generally a speedier process than putting elastics around each bracket to hold the archwires in place (as in the case of traditional braces), patients will be in and out of the office quicker.

Reduced Discomfort

There is some evidence that suggests as there without the use of ligating elastic bands to attach the archwire to the bracket (as you see in traditional brace setups), the wire in the bracket slots minimizes the friction and as such the force required to move teeth.This in turn is believed to reduce the discomfort patients might experience. Again, it is important to note that it is a reduction in general soreness, it doesn’t completely remove it.

Faster Treatment

There have been claims made that self-ligating braces have helped to shorten treatment time by up to six months, but it can be dependent on what type of malocclusion is being addressed as well as the severity of it.

Appearance Options

Self-ligating braces come in both metal and clear brackets, so those concerned about the appearance of their braces can choose a less conspicuous route.

The Damon System

The Damon System is not just about revolutionary braces and wires, it’s a whole new way of treating patients. Traditional treatment may require removal of healthy teeth and/or the use of palatal expanders to make space. This approach is often uncomfortable, takes longer, and can leave a narrower arch and a flat profile. Damon smiles are full, natural 10-tooth smiles achieved with light biologically-sensible forces, and are specifically designed to improve the overall facial result of each patient.

Damon System doctors combine three key components, which when used together may deliver faster treatment, fewer appointments, greater comfort, and consistent high-quality results: Damon passive self-ligating braces that eliminate the need for elastic or metal “ties”. With Damon tie-less braces you can experience treatment without tightening. Light high-technology shape-memory wires that move teeth faster and require fewer adjustments.

A new clinically proven treatment approach that aligns your teeth and enhances your facial aesthetics—usually without extractions or rapid palatal expanders. Traditional braces on the left are tied in with elastics, which cause friction and pressure, making treatment slower and less comfortable. Damon braces use a slide mechanism to hold the wire, which allows teeth to move more freely, quickly and comfortably.