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About Self-Ligating Braces

Shorter Office Visits, Smaller Brackets, and No Friction

At Harmony Orthodontics in Tomball, board-certified orthodontist Dr. Wint W. Tun offers a variety of braces types, including self-ligating brackets. Though these frictionless apparatuses have benefits over traditional brackets, self-ligating braces aren’t right for every patient. During the consultation Dr. Tun will let you know whether you are a candidate for self-ligating braces. The self-ligating braces usually cost about the same as traditional bracketed braces.

How They Work

As with traditional braces, self-ligating braces rely on brackets, archwires, and constant forces to straighten teeth. However, self-ligating brackets differ from traditional brackets in that they are ligature-free. Instead of featuring metal ligatures and rubber bands, they have a slide mechanism. This allows the archwire to move with minimal friction as teeth shift toward proper alignment.

Traditional vs Self-Ligating Braces

The American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics tells us: “Self-ligating bracket systems displayed a significantly lower level of frictional resistance, dramatically less chair-time for archwire removal and insertion, and promoted improved infection control when compared with polyurethane elastomeric and stainless steel tie wire ligation for ceramic and metal twin brackets.”

So compared to traditional brackets, self-ligating brackets may offer:

  • Less frictional resistance

  • Less chair time/shorter visits

  • Easier cleaning/better infection control

Who qualifies for self-ligating braces?

Self-ligating braces correct many orthodontic problems, even severe crowding, wide spacing, overbites, and crossbites. Find out if they’re a good option for your orthodontic therapy by scheduling your no-cost, no-obligation consultation with Dr. Tun.

Are self-ligating braces right for you?

Let’s find out! Call our Tomball orthodontic office at 832-699-3683 to book a visit with Dr. Tun. We will take digital X-rays and photographs of your dentition. You’ll sit down with Dr. Tun for a conversation about your case, her findings, and her recommendations. Your input is important so that she can customize your treatment plan to suit your lifestyle and goals.