Self-Ligating Metal Braces

Self-ligating metal braces

Metal braces with a self-ligating mechanism are made from a quality stainless-steel material and attached to the teeth. The brackets feature a locking mechanism in each bracket to securely hold the orthodontic wire in place eliminating the need for elastic ties. Unlike traditional braces, they enable the archwire to move more freely which facilitates moving teeth to their proper positions with less resistance.

There are two different types of self-ligating braces:

• Passive self-ligating braces: Use sliding door that enables the wire to move freely without friction.
• Active self-ligating braces: Have a spring clip that applies a slight force to the wires allowing for more guidance and control of tooth movement.

How Self-Ligating Metal Braces Work?

Once the brackets are attached to your teeth, an orthodontic wire is placed in each bracket and held in place with the clip that is attached to every bracket. Slowly, the wire pushes your teeth back into their proper position with gentle, steady pressure.
The archwire is changed or adjusted by the orthodontist at various stages of the treatment; however, elastic ligatures do not need to be changed at each appointment.

Advantages of self-ligating metal braces

• Wire is more easily moved around with lower friction between the wire and brackets.
• More comfortable for many patients than traditional braces.
• Shorter adjustment appointments
• No elastic bands that can cause the fabric to tear or slip and create a mess.
• Better oral hygiene, with reduced plaque buildup.
• Reduced visits for broken elastic ties
• Indicated for mild, moderate and complex orthodontic issues.
• Long lasting and extremely resistant to wear

Treatment Procedure

• Initial consultation and digital exam.
• X-rays, photographs, dental impressions/3-D scan
• Customized treatment planning
• The bonding of self-ligating brackets
• Archwire placement and bracket closure.
• Adjustments made during follow-up visits (6-10 week intervals)
• The removal of braces following treatment.
• Retainers for retention of the results.

Damon metal self-ligating braces

Damon metal braces are constructed of tough stainless steel and self-ligating brackets which remove elastic ligatures. The brackets fit with state-of-the-art memory shape archwires that gently and continuously exert pressure on them to reposition them to proper positions. The Damon System emphasizes how to get efficient tooth movement and how to support the facial aesthetic appearance with a wider naturally aligned smile if indicated.

How Do Damon Braces Work?

Once the brackets are fastened to your teeth, a special archwire is placed in each bracket and holds the brackets in place with the use of the sliding system. The self-ligating design minimizes friction between bracket and wire to enable teeth to move more easily under smaller forces.

Your orthodontist will adjust the archwires as your teeth slowly begin to straighten as you undergo treatment.

Which is a better metal brace or self-ligating braces?

You can choose between self-ligating braces and metal braces depending on your orthodontic requirements, budget, lifestyle and your orthodontist's treatment plan. The two systems are extremely successful in correcting crooked teeth, bite problems and spacing. The main difference is the type of archwire fixing.

Metal braces are fixed to the back of the teeth with elastic bands (ligatures) and self-ligating braces are fixed with a built-in clip or sliding mechanism without elastic ties.

Metal braces vs Self-ligating

Wire attachment

• Traditional Metal Braces: Elastic ligatures
• Self-Ligating Braces: These have in-built clips or sliding door.

Friction

• Traditional Metal Braces: Higher
• Self-Ligating Braces: Lower

Comfort

• Traditional Metal Braces: Some slight pain following adjustments.
• Self-Ligating Braces: Usually less severe, as the forces are light.

Oral hygiene

• Traditional Metal Braces: More difficult to clean around elastics
• Self-Ligating Braces: Easier to clean

Adjustment visits

• Traditional Metal Braces: Typically every 4–6 weeks
• Self-Ligating Braces: Often every 6–10 weeks

Appearance

• Traditional Metal Braces: A variety of colored metal brackets that is available
• Self-Ligating Braces: Metal brackets (no elastic ties)

Cost

• Traditional Metal Braces: More affordable
• Self-Ligating Braces: Usually more expensive

Treatment effectiveness

• Traditional Metal Braces: Excellent
• Self-Ligating Braces: Excellent

Difference between metal and self-ligating braces

Metal braces are the traditional braces made with stainless-steel brackets that are attached to the teeth. Elastic ligatures keep the archwire in place and the orthodontist changes the elastics at adjustment visits.

Advantages:

• More affordable
• Great for mild to severe orthodontic issues.
• Durable and long-lasting
• Colored elastic bands can be customized
• Widely available

Instead of elastic bands, self-ligating braces have a built-in locking mechanism. The clip holds the archwire in place but lets it slide less, which is beneficial during treatment.

Advantages:

• Easier to clean
• No elastic bands with stains.
• Lower friction
• Shorter adjustment appointments
• A smaller number of regular appointments in a number of treatment plans
• Comfortable to a lot of patients

Which of the two brace is more comfortable?

Patients also find that self-ligating braces are more comfortable, as these forces are usually not as strong. Post placement and/or adjustments pain is, however, expected with both systems.

Which of the two braces works faster?

The effectiveness of self-ligating braces in reducing overall treatment time over traditional braces has not been conclusively proven in the scientific literature. Treatment length will vary depending on the following:

• The degree of malocclusion (misaligned teeth).
• Age
• Adaptations of bone to tooth movement
• Patient compliance
• Orthodontist's treatment plan
• The length of treatment for every orthodontic bracket type is 12-24 months.

Which one to choose?

Choose traditional metal braces if you:

• Looking for an alternative that won't break 
• Like colored elastic bands
• It's okay to have more frequent changes

Choose self-ligating braces if you:

• Prefer easier cleaning
• Avoid having too many routine check-ups.
• Choose braces that don't have elastic or are not adjustable.
• Are okay with paying more for the treatment.

Conclusion

An innovative approach to orthodontics is the self-ligating metal braces which offer the strength of traditional metal braces along with a built-in clip to keep the braces in place. They have a few benefits: they are easier to clean, they do not cause as much wearing, they have shorter adjustment appointments and they provide a more comfortable treatment process for a lot of patients. They do not necessarily reduce the total treatment time when compared to the traditional braces but they are very effective for correcting crowding, spacing and bite problems. Whether you should go with self-ligating or traditional braces depends on your specific dental needs, treatment objectives and budget. If you are unsure which the right choice for your smile is, a consultation with an experienced orthodontist can help you decide and develop a treatment plan that is customized for your smile.

Self-Ligating Metal Braces in India GetWellGo

GetWellGo is regarded as a leading supplier of healthcare services. We help our foreign clients choose the best treatment locations that suit their needs both financially and medically.

We offer:

• Complete transparency
• Fair costs.
• 24-hour availability.
• Medical E-visas
• Online consultation from recognized Indian experts.
• Help in choosing the Best clinics in India for Self-Ligating Metal Braces.
• Expert dentists with proven results in success. 
• Assistance during and after the course of treatment.
• Language Support
• Travel and Accommodation Services
• Case manager assigned to every patient to provide seamless support in and out of the hospital like appointment booking
• Local SIM Cards
• Currency Exchange
• Arranging Patient’s local food

FAQ

What is the duration of the treatment with self-ligating braces?

• Treatment usually lasts 12 to 24 months but can last as long as 30 months or more in complicated cases.

Are self-ligating braces more expensive than traditional braces?

• Yes. The more advanced bracket design of self-ligating braces often makes them more expensive. However, the cost of treatment depends on the severity of the problem and the orthodontist's office.

How many adjustment appointments will I need?

• Usually, a patient with self-ligating braces has to make an appointment for their orthodontist every 6-10 weeks, contingent on their treatment plan.

Am I able to eat with self-ligating braces?

• Most food items can be eaten but hard, sticky and chewy items like popcorn kernels, hard candies, chewing gum and caramel should be avoided because they can damage the brackets or wires.

What is the best way to clean my self-ligating braces?

• Use soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to brush after each meal. Use orthodontic floss or floss threader to floss once a day and use interdental brushes or a water flosser around the brackets.

Is it appropriate to use self-ligating braces for adults?

• Yes. Self-ligating metal braces are a fantastic alternative for grownups that require a strong and lasting orthodontic therapy that requires less normal visits and is simpler to take care of.

Do I need to get a retainer following treatment?

1. Yes. After your braces are taken out, the only way to maintain your teeth in their new position is to wear a retainer.