What Is a Self-Ligating Bracket?
Disease description:
I need orthodontic treatment for my teeth, and my dentist recommended self-ligating braces. What exactly are they?
Self-ligating braces are a type of bracket system used to correct dental malocclusions. Traditional braces commonly required ligatures—such as metal ligature wires, elastic ties, or rubber bands—to secure the archwire to the brackets. In contrast, self-ligating braces eliminate the need for these conventional ligation methods. Instead, they utilize the inherent mechanical properties of the bracket itself to guide tooth movement. This approach offers greater patient comfort and often achieves treatment results more efficiently.