3 Must-Know Facts about Self-Ligating Braces

Questioning whether traditional braces are the best option to straighten your teeth can spark quite the quest for information.

From researching costs to analysing orthodontists, you’re on a journey to discover the orthodontic treatment that will revolutionise your smile with as little inconvenience as possible.

During this time, you might have stumbled upon the term self-ligating braces while evaluating your options, and perhaps you have questions like…

What are self-ligating braces? I’ve heard the name, but I don’t really know what they are.

I’ve had a crooked smile since I was a teen. Would self-ligating braces be better than typical metal braces for correcting my teeth?

Do self-ligating braces have any drawbacks?

If you’ve had thoughts like these, keep reading to get some solid answers to 3 important questions…

What are self-ligating braces?

An easy way to understand how self-ligating braces work is to compare them to traditional metal braces.

According to Dental Associates, your typical braces have…

[E]lastics to keep the archwire on the bracket. In self-ligating braces, the archwire is held in place by the bracket itself by closing a small, spring-loaded door.

In other words, self-ligating braces make rubber bands a thing of the past, cleverly improving how the brackets affixed to your teeth operate.

Are self-ligating braces better than traditional braces?

The short answer to this question is yes. Once you consider the multiple benefits of self-ligating braces, it’s easy to see why they trump traditional braces when it comes to straightening your teeth.

Damon braces (a type of self-ligating braces) have a number of advantages over traditional fixed orthodontic appliances, including…

• Less treatment time needed to straighten your smile.
• Fewer places to collect plaque and bacteria.
• Less friction to avoid deteriorating your teeth.
• Improved comfort during treatment.

With benefits like these, you might think self-ligating braces are the best of your orthodontic treatment options, but you’ll want to keep reading before you make a decision…

What are the drawbacks of self-ligating braces?

While self-ligating braces have their benefits, they also have their drawbacks.

When it comes to straightening your teeth, the length of your treatment and your comfort are only a few of the factors you’ll need to consider.

For instance, self-ligating braces can lead to diminished confidence. The unsightly brackets and archwires of your self-ligating braces will announce your orthodontic treatment to the world, which can make you embarrassed or reticent to engage in conversation.

They will also make it more difficult to clean your teeth and avoid tooth decay. While your braces will have fewer places for plaque, they’ll still keep you from easily brushing and flossing your teeth.

If you’re looking for an orthodontic treatment that can support your confidence and oral hygiene while correcting your malocclusion, it’s time to discover what Invisalign offers.

With Invisalign, there’s no need to worry about brackets and archwires—whether from self-ligating braces or traditional ones.

Your treatment relies on clear plastic aligners customised to gradually move your teeth into their proper position. Having translucent aligners means you can conceal your treatment and experience confidence as you interact with others.

In addition, Invisalign is completely removable, which empowers you to brush and floss your teeth with ease.

Discover the advantages of Invisalign, and get in touch with your nearest MiSmile Invisalign Provider for your free consultation .