4 Benefits of Self-Ligating Braces

You know braces — those metal brackets and wires that pull your teeth into the proper position over several months of treatment. But if that’s all you know about braces, you don't know the half of it.

These days, orthodontics come in a variety of options, including the traditional metal braces most people associate with teeth-straightening treatments. While that system is still a popular and viable choice, it’s not the only one. 

At Gaiduchik Orthodontics in Carmichael, California, Dr. Andrey Gaiduchik also offers clear braces and clear aligners. However, most people haven’t heard of one of our most effective treatments — self-ligating braces. And that’s a shame because they offer several advantages for anyone looking to straighten their teeth quickly and discreetly. 

How self-ligating braces are different from traditional braces

If you’ve ever had a friend or a family member who wore braces, you know the drill — metal brackets permanently cemented to the teeth pull the teeth into a straightened position with the help of wires and rubber bands. Although effective, the system is obtrusive and cumbersome.

“Ligating” means to tie up or bind; traditional braces ligate the archwire using rubber bands and tightening wires. Self-ligating braces have a built-in feature that keeps the archwire in place, so you don’t have to deal with those awkward and highly visible devices. 

The self-ligating braces have a special sliding mechanism that applies pressure to the archwire (active self-ligating braces) or holds the teeth in place without exerting pressure on the wire (passive self-ligating braces).

Here are the top four benefits of getting self-ligating braces.

4 reasons to consider self-ligating braces

At Gaiduchik Orthodontics, we know that the treatment you choose depends on several factors, including the severity of your condition, your age, and your treatment goals. Dr. Gaiduchik expertly guides you through your options and helps you choose the perfect fit for your situation and lifestyle. 

If you’re considering self-ligating braces, here are four advantages you can expect.

1. Self-ligating braces are less distracting 

While self-ligating braces aren’t invisible like clear aligners, they’re much less noticeable than traditional metal braces because the brackets are smaller and the rubber bands are banished. 

2. Self-ligating braces require shorter appointments

Because self-ligating braces don’t use individual ligatures, they eliminate the need for replacement ligatures at each appointment, which means you (and we) save time. 

3. Self-ligating braces are more comfortable

No matter which orthodontic treatment you choose, you can expect to feel some discomfort as the system forces your teeth into a new position. However, self-ligating braces don’t create the added discomfort of friction on your soft tissues, like your cheeks and tongue. 

4. Self-ligating braces are easier to clean

Without all the fiddly wires and connecting bands, your self-ligating braces are much easier to clean than traditional braces. Your toothbrush slides over your teeth without getting caught in the bracketing system, and flossing is a breeze.

If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of self-ligating braces and whether they’re right for you, request an appointment at Gaiduchik Orthodontics today.