Orthodontic technology has come a long way in recent years. Today, patients can look forward to faster treatment times, greater effectiveness, and better aesthetics. Self ligating braces, or braces that don’t require rubber bands, are now available for patients who want to take advantage of these new developments. At Nasser Orthodontics in Shreveport, LA, we proudly offer these braces.
Everything You Need to Know About Self Ligating Braces
What Are They?
These braces are based on the traditional metal system. They feature brackets that are applied to your teeth using a special dental adhesive. Archwires connect the brackets to each other, creating a pressure system that gradually straightens your teeth.
How Are They Different?
In short, this system doesn’t require “ligature”. Ligature refers to the rubber bands that attach the brackets to the archwires. Instead, the brackets have metal clips that fit to the wires.
Why Were They Developed?
Self ligating (or self tying) braces solve the problem of friction. Braces straighten your teeth by applying pressure and encouraging them to move within your mouth. They must slide along the archwires in order to do so.
While the rubber bands used for traditional braces keep the brackets on the wires, they also create friction, which slows down the whole process. Without the rubber bands, self ligating brackets are able to respond to the pressure of the archwires and move your teeth into the desired positions faster.
What Kinds Are Available?
At our practice, we offer the Damon System and Ormco Self Ligation braces. These companies offer technologically advanced, well-researched orthodontic solutions for your teeth.
The Top 11 Advantages of Self Ligating Braces
1. They Reduce Your Treatment Time
Having beautiful, straight teeth is a joy. It’s something you or your child will look forward to throughout the process. We know that it’s important to achieve that new smile as quickly as possible. Self ligation can reduce friction by over 99%, according to some studies. By keeping friction to a minimum, the self ligating system cuts down on treatment times by as much as seven months.
2. They Require Fewer Appointments
Faster treatment time means fewer appointments. While we love to see our patients when they come in, we understand that everyone has a busy schedule. Fewer appointments mean fewer blocked dates on your calendar and more free time for you.
3. They Have the Sophistication to Take on Tough Cases
Even beyond the treatment time, the most important thing to consider when you get braces is the ultimate result. Which system will straighten your teeth the best? Certain kinds of braces are only useful for people who have mild to moderate orthodontic issues. Self tying braces, on the other hand, give your orthodontist a high level of control. This means that they can be used for almost any case, no matter how severe.
The most common orthodontic issues include overbites, underbites, cross bites, and general misalignment. The self ligating system can tackle all of these problems effectively.
4. They Can Reduce the Need for Extractions
When faced with an extraction, most people are brave, and orthodontists can do many things these days to make the process more pleasant than it was in the past. However, it’s even better when you can avoid the need for an extraction in the first place. Self tying braces are so effective that, in many cases, they do just that. Similarly, with this type of braces, there is a reduced need for surgery.
5. They Are Made From Strong Material
No one wants to worry about an emergency trip to the orthodontist when they have braces. While certain kinds of braces can break or pop easily, traditional metal braces and their self ligating counterparts are very strong and durable. They are usually made from stainless steel. Sometimes, other tough metals like titanium, nickel and gold are also used.
These metals can withstand all the normal wear and tear that braces undergo. As long as you avoid prohibited foods like hard vegetables and chewing gum, you can enjoy your meals without worrying about your braces breaking. Similarly, you can continue all of your normal activities during your orthodontic treatment, including rigorous sports. For these reasons, metal braces are a good option for active teens.
6. They Are Comfortable
Today, both traditional and self tying braces are smaller than they used to be. This is good news because it means less metal in your mouth. With self tying braces, you can usually avoid having headgear and other appliances, meaning a more hassle-free experience throughout your treatment. The fact that there is less metal involved is also good from a hygienic standpoint: there isn’t as much surface area to the brackets, which reduces the chance of plaque accumulating there.
7. They Are Subtle
Another advantage of self litigating braces is the fact that they are less noticeable, even when they are not ceramic. Some people are worried about how they will look when they wear braces. Visually, the newer, smaller braces are less overwhelming than the older ones.
8. They Don’t Stain
Speaking of aesthetics, many people opt for ceramic braces because they are clear. However, metal self tying braces have an advantage: they don’t stain. While ceramic braces can discolor over time, metal braces do not. Discoloration can be especially problematic for clear rubber bands, which some people choose for their subtlety. By definition, self tying braces do not have rubber bands, so you won’t need to worry about this issue.
9. They Are a Great Option for Both Teens and Adults
The self ligating system will help teens achieve healthier, straighter teeth in a relatively short period of time. Getting braces for your teen is a wonderful decision that can have a positive impact on their health for the rest of their lives. Your teen will love the way he or she looks after having braces, and he or she will be well-positioned to avoid a whole host of dental problems in the future.
However, that said, great orthodontic care isn’t just for teens. 30 years ago, it was unusual for adults to get braces. Those days are way in the past. Now, one in five people who opt for braces is over the age of 21. There is no cut-off age for getting health benefits and a smile you love from self tying braces. Proper orthodontic care is an excellent gift to give yourself as well as an important aspect of taking care of your teeth. For some people, you might even say it’s part of adulting.
10. They Are Painless When We Apply Them
Like other kinds, self ligating braces will not hurt when they go on. The entire process is usually finished in less than two hours. Even after the initial application, you shouldn’t expect too much discomfort. The sophisticated system gives your orthodontist the ability to regulate the pressure so that it is just right—enough to move your teeth but not enough to cause significant discomfort at any point during the treatment.
11. You Don’t Need to Take Them Out
Unlike clear aligners, self tying braces stay inside your mouth throughout the entire treatment. This is a big advantage for people who don’t want to worry about losing them. Consistent use also means a speedy treatment, because you don’t lose time by not wearing them.
The Long-Term Benefits and Advantages of Self Ligating Braces
You want your experience with braces to be positive. The list of advantages above shows that self tying braces have many benefits during the process of your orthodontic treatment. However, the best, most lasting benefits come after our work is finished.
1. Greater Self-Confidence and Pride
Straighter, more beautiful teeth mean higher self-esteem. After you achieve better alignment through self tying braces, you will feel completely comfortable smiling for the camera and showing your teeth to the world. Throughout all of life’s situations, from first dates to job interviews, you will know that your teeth look fantastic. You put a lot of time and effort into looking presentable. Self ligating braces can make straight teeth an everyday part of your look.
In addition to knowing you look great, you will have the pride of knowing that you took an important step for yourself and your health. What could be a greater sense of self-confidence than that?
2. Improvements to Your Dental Health and Hygiene
Speaking of your health, the best reason to have self tying braces is to improve the condition of your teeth. When teeth are misaligned, they pose a number of health problems. Teeth that wear against each other can cause damage to the enamel. Protruding teeth can injure the inside of your mouth. You might even experience headaches if alignment problems are left unresolved.
Hygiene can also be more difficult for people who have misaligned teeth. Crowded teeth are difficult to brush, often causing overlaps that prevent toothbrush access. As a result, people with alignment problems have a greater chance of developing gum disease and other chronic conditions. Fortunately, having braces will give you a healthier mouth and the peace of mind that comes with it.
3. Easier Chewing and Speaking
Having straight teeth isn’t just about looking great and enjoying a healthy smile. Straighter teeth actually function better in your mouth. People with severe cases of misaligned teeth can have problems chewing and might even experience speech impediments. The urge to resolve these issues is a great reason to get self tying braces.
Schedule a Consultation
If you would like to get more information about self-ligating braces, schedule a consultation with us. We would love to explain in greater detail how our orthodontic services can transform your smile and give you the straight teeth you deserve. We can also sit down with you and discuss other options for your treatment, including ceramic braces and Invisalign.
At our practice, we believe in developing positive, caring relationships with each and every patient. The consultation is a great time for you to get to know us and feel comfortable with our services. We are looking forward to meeting you.
Self Ligating Braces Are a Great Way to Get a Healthy Smile
Making good decisions about your teeth is extremely important. With all of the different options available nowadays, it’s important to understand your unique needs and find a solution that is perfect for you. At our practice, we can help you do that. Overall, self ligating braces are an excellent choice for most people. They have all of the advantages of a modern orthodontic system, and they work for both teens and adults.
With these braces, you can look forward to fast treatment time, outstanding results, and a hassle-free experience. Best of all, they can give you a lifetime of health and confidence. Contact Nasser Orthodontics in Shreveport, LA for all of your orthodontic needs. Making smiles happy and healthy is our greatest pride.
