A New Feat of Technology: Self-Ligating Braces
It’s likely you’ve seen them in the movies or on your favourite celebrity. Self-ligating orthodontics has revolutionised the use of braces over the years, and they surely represent an impressive feat of technology. This dentistry technique has helped numerous people out there achieve the smile they always wanted in a fraction of the time.
Self-ligating braces are recommended to treat issues like crooked teeth, modify the spacing between teeth, or even correct bad breath. In other words, they are meant to adjust the positioning of teeth and jaws with the intent of providing more comfort to the user.
And if you also have one of the above problems, you might be thinking of reaping the many advantages this dentistry technique offers. At the same time, it is common to be bombarded with a number of questions, including: are self-ligating braces right for you; what benefits this procedure offers; how long will the overall treatment take; and so on.
Don’t worry! This article unveils everything in detail you should know about self-ligating braces. So keep scrolling!
What are Self-Ligating Braces?
Self-ligating braces are a type of brace that ditch the use of elastics (rubber bands) for holding wires in place. Rather, they work with a clip system that holds the wires in place, and as a result, this leads to minimal pressure on the teeth. That means less discomfort for you, the patient.
Self-ligating braces come in two varieties: traditional and Damon braces. Both employ the clip system, but Damon braces are made from a more flexible material that puts even less pressure on the teeth.
How do Self-Ligating Braces work?
In contrast to traditional metal braces that require periodic adjustments for the arch wire to move all the teeth into place, self-ligating braces work with a different approach.
They use a specialized clasp that’s designed to fit snugly around the wire, eliminating the need for elastics (or “ligatures”). Additionally, the brackets that hold the wire come with built-in sliding lock mechanisms and spring-loaded doors. This empowers the archwire to move easily without applying too much tension or friction on the teeth. Thus, self-ligating braces emerge as more comfortable and easier to wear, and it also means that they’re less likely to break.
When you take advantage of this modality, remember that you will still need to get them periodically checked and adjusted by an orthodontist. However, these checkup visits won’t take long, and you will need only a few of them.
What do self-ligating braces feel like?
Just as with other braces, you will feel some kind of discomfort when you embark on the treatment. But over a period of time, as your teeth get used to these braces, you will find everything smooth and natural.
That said, the elimination of elastics is one of the primary reasons so many people out there choose self-ligating braces over their traditional counterparts. What’s more, you will also enjoy a handful of other advantages by investing in this impressive dentistry technique.
A quick glance at the benefits offered by self-ligating braces
They’re more comfortable: Since there are no wires pulling on your teeth, self-ligating braces are more comfortable to wear.
Less noticeable: One reason why people refrain from wearing braces is due to their noticeable appearance. But with brackets held in place with clips, you won’t encounter such problems with this orthodontic methodology. This is why you will also often see professionals refer to them as “clear self-ligating braces“.
Fewer appointments: As stated above, ligating braces also require periodic adjustments by the orthodontist. But it can be accomplished with fewer appointments.
Easier to keep clean: The clips are easier to clean than wires, meaning that your teeth will stay cleaner while you’re wearing them.
How long does the overall treatment take to show results?
Many self-ligating wearers are content with the way they have noticed a significant difference in their tooth alignment early in their treatment. But this doesn’t mean that other dentistry procedures don’t provide the same results. The benefit of embracing self-ligating braces is that a conspicuous difference is realised early by the patient.
However, as far as the overall treatment time is concerned, when self-ligating ones are compared with regular braces, it is relatively the same. On average, irrespective of the modality you choose, the treatment time takes about 12 to 24 months.
It is imperative to highlight here that self-ligating braces work in tandem with your natural movement process, which takes time. So you need to be patient to see effective results over time.
Are there alternatives to Self-Ligating Braces?
There are alternatives to self-ligating braces for correcting tooth issues. Some of them include traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, and lingual braces, which are all traditional methods of orthodontic treatment.
Traditional metal braces are best suited for severe cases of malocclusion. Ceramic braces, on the other hand, offer a more aesthetically pleasing option as they easily blend in with the colour of your teeth. Finally, lingual braces are installed on the back side of your teeth, providing a super discreet look.
These options might not be able to deliver all the benefits of self-ligating braces, like fewer appointments and faster results, but it’s still paramount to explore all your treatment plans and make an informed decision. Your orthodontist will be in the ideal position to decide which one is best for you.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! The comprehensive guide to self-ligating braces, also known as the Orthodontics Damon system!
And if you are searching for a professional for your dentistry needs, the team at Masri has you covered. Rest assured, you will get the best treatment for your existing condition by connecting with us!