Self-Ligating Braces in Plano, Tx
When we talk about braces, you may think of heavy metal braces with rubber bands. These traditional braces are the most prominent, but as a matter of fact, there are several different types of braces, each with its own specific benefits.
An excellent pick for orthodontics in Plano is self-ligating braces. They appear and work like traditional braces, though they offer a more state-of-the-art and convenient experience. Dr. Hanoun and the rest of the team at Infinite Orthodontics are happy to offer self-ligating braces in Plano, Texas, to give our patients intricate treatment choices that can be customized to their perfect smile.
What are Self-Ligating Braces?
Self-ligating braces, instead of elastic or wire ligatures, use a slide mechanism – special brackets, or clips with a spring-loaded door to secure the archwire in place.
They are made from stainless steel, and the brackets employed are also available in ceramic for a radiant smile during treatment—and a bright face after. Self-ligating braces are capable of correcting specific complicated malocclusion (misaligned bite) problems and perhaps a practical option for patients with rare cases.
Braces of this type have been around for an immensely long time in orthodontics—the Russell Lock edgewise attachment being defined by Stolzenberg in 1935. Various designs have been branded, however, only a few have become commercially available.
Two Types of Self-ligating Brackets
- Passive brackets
These use a smaller size archwire. The smaller archwire produces less friction and will enable your teeth to move a lot easier. Your orthodontist will most likely apply this practice at the beginning of treatment.
- Active brackets
These will use a thicker archwire; thus, the ligation clip uses pressure on the archwire, intensifying the control of the movement of your teeth.
Benefits of Self-ligating Braces
Shorter appointments
As your teeth align, your dentist will have to replace the wire that connects your brackets monthly, moving to a somewhat thicker wire every time. Sliding mechanisms make the task of replacing your wire a lot easier, resulting in fewer follow-up appointments.
Reduced Pain
Since there is no application of ligating elastic bands to connect the archwire to the bracket, the wire in the bracket slots reduces the friction and the pressure needed to move teeth.
This is assumed to lessen the discomfort patients might feel. Again, it is necessary to note that it is a decrease in overall pain, it doesn’t entirely eliminate it. For people who are most anxious about the pain that goes with braces, self-ligating braces could be a great alternative.
Easier cleaning
Your braces provide the ideal spot for plaque to build-up, therefore it’s essential to brush your teeth and braces during your orthodontic treatment. Elastic bands, especially, pull and collect food and plaque. However, sliding clips make it quite easier to keep your teeth clean and healthy.
Discreetness
Self-ligating braces appear in both silver and clear brackets, for those worried about the look of their braces can choose a less noticeable path.
Fewer extractions
If you are a teenager and have braces, you may have had teeth extracted to make some room for your treatment. While the call to extract teeth among adult patients seldom happens, self-ligating braces help to prevent this by lightly stretching the arch of your smile to have more room. This likewise helps to create a wider and more genuine smile.
Self-ligating vs. Traditional Braces
Colours
Traditional: The color ligatures found on traditional braces can be modified, allowing patients to personalize the color of their braces.
Self-Ligating: Brackets are either silver or metal in color. You can also choose a more discreet one, which are the clear brackets if you don’t want your braces to be that visible.
Comfort
Traditional: More uncomfortable because of the larger amount of force used to move the teeth.
Self-ligating: Use certain brackets or clips to hold the wire and require less strength than elastics and rubber bands to move the teeth. As a result, it produces less friction than conventional braces, hugely minimizing discomfort.
Maintenance
Traditional: More difficult to maintain as food gets stuck between the ligatures easily. It likewise requires decent brushing and flossing techniques to have them clean.
Self-ligating: Use no ligatures, making them less prone for food and plaque to accumulate. Therefore, it is a lot easier to clean and maintain.
Cost
Self-ligating braces are more expensive than the traditional ones.
How Long Do Self-Ligating Braces Take?
In general, self-ligating braces take roughly the same length to obtain the same results that you would receive from the traditional method – from the appointments and intervals between appointments. Normally, you’re thinking about being in braces between 12 to 30 months, depending on the complexity of the patient’s condition.
When you arrive for an initial consultation, and our orthodontist examines your health, we will have a better sense of how long your treatment will take.
Who Are Self-Ligating Braces Right For?
Self-ligating braces can be a great option for a broad range of patients. They can treat most of the same conditions as traditional braces, like dental spacing and crowding. Even people with bite problems, such as underbite and an open bite, are suitable candidates for self-ligating braces. But patients with critical bite concerns may not be a great fit. Badly crooked bites may put too much force on the clips securing the wire in place, causing them to snap.
Self-ligating braces might be a good option for someone who is not a perfect fit for other treatments such as Invisalign. Even though they are not as hidden as these other choices, they do still offer a shorter treatment period and can treat more complex conditions of misalignment.
Cost of Self-ligating in Plano, Tx
Self-ligating braces commonly cost between $3,500 and $8,500. The additional cost is completely worth it by the time you save on your treatment and recovery, and also the reduced appointments to your dentist.
Ask Your Dentist!
Your dentist will recommend the most suitable braces for you. You must also talk to your dentist concerning other kinds of treatment to see which one is the right for you and your smile.
Ask Dr. Hanoun if a self-ligating brace is a right treatment for you. It’s never too late to correct your teeth and to enhance your smile. To book a free consultation, contact us at (972) 931-9998 or visit our page, Infinite Orthodontics, to know more.