What are self-ligating braces?

Traditional fixed braces consist of brackets, wires and elastic bands. The brackets are attached to your teeth and joined together using a thin, metal wire, which is held in place by the elastic bands.

Self-ligating braces are an evolution of traditional fixed braces. Instead of elastic bands, the brackets feature clever sliding clips that hold the wire in place. At Sensu, we offer a few different types of self-ligating braces including Damon® Clear and In-Ovation® C, which are both clear and designed to blend in with the colour of your teeth.

What are the benefits of self-ligating braces?

While traditional braces are effective and still widely used, self-ligating braces provide patients with a number of benefits:

1. Shorter appointments

As your teeth straighten we’ll need to change the wire that connects your brackets periodically, progressing to a slightly thicker wire each time. Sliding clips make the task of changing your wire much easier, resulting in shorter appointments.

2. Easier cleaning

Your braces provide the perfect place for plaque to accumulate, so it’s important to brush your teeth – and braces – thoroughly during your orthodontic treatment. Elastic bands in particular attract and collect food and plaque. Whereas sliding clips make it slightly easier to keep your teeth clean and healthy.

3. Discreetness

Most self-ligating braces have been designed to be more inconspicuous than traditional metal braces and you can choose from discreet clear and tooth-coloured options.

4. Easier movement

You may think that the more force you subject your teeth to, the quicker they’ll move. However, this isn’t the case (and it would probably be quite uncomfortable).

Thanks to the absence of elastic bands, self-ligating braces create less friction, so we can use lighter forces to move your teeth. This helps your teeth to move more efficiently and you may need fewer appointments during your treatment.

5. Fewer extractions

If you wore braces as a teenager you may have had teeth removed to create extra space for your treatment. While the need to remove teeth among adult patients is rare, self-ligating braces help to avoid this by gently widening the arch of your smile to create extra space. This also helps to create a broader and more natural smile.

Are there any disadvantages to self-ligating braces?

Because self-ligating braces are a progression of traditional braces they have few disadvantages. However, they can be slightly more expensive, and for younger patients there’s not the appeal of choosing the colour of your elastic bands!

To find out more about self-ligating braces, contact us to arrange your free no-obligation consultation*.