Self-Ligating Braces
Self-ligating braces use a specialized system to connect archwires to brackets with a sliding mechanism, allowing for more gradual and natural movement of the teeth. The lighter forces help prevent undue gum recession and tooth loss. These braces are made of stainless steel and polycarbonate.
While traditional metal braces have stood the test of time as a reliable orthodontic solution, self-ligating braces offer enhanced features and benefits that elevate the treatment experience.
Self-ligating braces represent a revolutionary advancement in orthodontic care, providing a modern and efficient alternative to traditional braces. Unlike conventional braces, which rely on elastic ties to secure the wire to the brackets, self-ligating braces use a built-in sliding mechanism. This system allows for a more gradual and natural movement of the teeth.
One of the key benefits of self-ligating braces is their use of lighter forces, which help prevent undue gum recession and tooth loss. Made of durable stainless steel and polycarbonate, self-ligating braces provide a reliable and long-lasting solution for correcting a variety of orthodontic issues.
What Are Braces Made Of?
Brackets
The brackets are durable and made from a mix of stainless steel, nickel, and other metals. They have small hooks or doors where a wire is threaded. In self-ligating braces, the bracket secures the wire by closing the built-in door, eliminating the need for elastic ties.
Glue
This is what our doctors use to attach the brackets to your teeth. It’s common to bond the bracket directly to the tooth with glue.
Wire
This thin piece of metal runs from one bracket to another. Our doctors will adjust the shape and curvature of the wire to move your teeth in the right direction. The wire will often connect all of your bottom or upper teeth, but in some cases, it may be cut to focus on specific teeth.
Elastics
If you need bite correction, elastics are essential. They are typically strung between an upper bracket hook and a lower bracket hook to correct an overbite or underbite. Rubber bands may also be used in various situations to apply extra pressure to certain teeth or jaws.
Orthodontic Bands
These are stainless steel rings that are cemented to your teeth using dental bonding agents. They serve as an anchor for braces and orthodontic appliances but are not used for every patient.
Spacers
These small elastic rings, also known as separators, can be used to create space between your teeth when needed, typically before bands are placed.
Elastic Ties/O-Rings/Ligatures/Colors
These tiny rubber rings or bands are used to attach the archwire to traditional braces. However, in self-ligating braces, these elastic ties are not necessary since the brackets secure the wire themselves.
With self-ligating braces, you can achieve a straighter, healthier smile with greater comfort and efficiency. Experience the benefits of this innovative orthodontic solution at Bennion Lambourne Orthodontics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact usHow do braces work?
Before applying the brackets, Our Doctors and our team will collect photos and X-rays of your mouth. Sometimes we will use our iTero Element scanner to scan each of your teeth and the layout of your gums and mouth. If necessary, this process takes 10-15 minutes and provides an extremely accurate 3D view of your mouth.
After the X-Ray and optional scan, the information will be used to help create your customized treatment plan. This will include how each tooth needs to be moved to get it in the best possible position.
Our Doctors will decide how to place the brackets based on this information. For example, if you have some teeth that need to be tilted, the placement of those brackets will be different than the placement of brackets for teeth that need to be turned.
Once the brackets have been attached, Our Doctors will insert the wire. Bends in the wire will provide different types of pressure on different teeth. A bend in the wire is how most orthodontists cause specific and precise movements.
For example, a bend can help a tooth that is twisted to turn and face the right way, or aligning one tooth that is too far forward with one that is too far back. This process of tooth movement is called remodeling, and it involves minor changes in the bone that surrounds the roots of your teeth.
What can I expect from today's metal braces?
Metal braces have had a reputation for being awkward and obvious, but because of modern orthodontics, you will benefit from versions that are smaller, less conspicuous, and more comfortable than ever before.
Sleeker brackets and lighter wires improve the appearance and feel of these braces. This means you will have less irritation in your mouth.
Traditional metal braces also come with a fun new twist without any extra cost – you can customize them with pops of color. The elastics that fit around your brackets come in a wide variety of colors that let you showcase your personality whenever you want.
Pick your favorite color combination, the colors of your favorite sports team, even your school colors! We also offer silver, gray, white, black, and tooth-colored elastics for patients seeking a more subtle look.
Braces are great at fixing complex tooth issues. They can work faster at closing gaps and aligning teeth than other treatments might. This can potentially shorten your treatment time.
Metal braces are a cost-effective option because they don’t require some of the more complex technology or expensive equipment that newer treatments do. The strength, durability, and affordability of traditional metal braces keep them the top treatment for orthodontic patients, year after year!
How long will I be in braces?
This is what everyone wants to know, but it’s one we don’t have a concrete answer for. Every mouth is different, and every patient responds to treatment in their own way. Treatment time with metal braces will be different every time.