Self-Ligating Braces: Less Time, More Comfort

You may have grown used to hiding your teeth to conceal an imperfect smile. There’s no doubt that your self-esteem takes a hit when your teeth are misaligned, crowded, and in need of straightening, but did you know these problems can also affect your ability to chew and speak?

If thoughts of endless treatment time, countless trips to the orthodontist, and being saddled with oral discomfort over the long-term enter your mind when you think of braces, it’s time to learn about self-ligating braces. This treatment may be perfect for you.

Self-ligating braces work just as successfully as traditional braces to deliver a straight and flawless smile, only without the hassle, time commitment, and physical torment. They’re also significantly less noticeable than the braces most of us are used to, and the farthest thing from the “metal mouth” look of old.

Rad Orthodontics offers this treatment option, and we’re experts at it. Dr. Mehdy Rad, Dr. David Rad, and Dr. Carmine Petrarca have treated patients of all ages with self-ligating braces. They’re always delighted to speak with you about the quick and painless progress their patients make to reach their smile goals.

If you think straight teeth are achieved only through painful, long months of treatment, you need to learn more about this revolutionary option, and how our great team can get you on your way to feeling confident in your smile again.

Why do so many prefer self-ligating to traditional braces?

First, let’s consider the similarities between traditional and self-ligating braces. Your orthodontist places brackets on your teeth that are connected to an archwire. The wires are the key elements that correct the position of your teeth with both types of braces.

With conventional braces, the brackets are attached to the wires with small, sturdy elastic ties, while self-ligating braces are outfitted with a sliding door mechanism attached to the wires that opens and closes to keep the wires stable.

These mechanisms allow your teeth to move more naturally, with less force and friction than a traditional system.

What makes self-ligating braces preferable in terms of comfort?

The traditional braces system requires that you visit the orthodontist fairly frequently — about every 4-6 weeks — to get your elastic bands replaced and your wires tightened. Each time your wires are tightened, it’s typical to experience discomfort anywhere from hours to several days afterward, as your teeth adjust to the pressure created from tightening.

When you choose self-ligating braces, you can say goodbye to both the frequent elastic band swaps and tightening appointments. Instead, your braces’ slide mechanisms do the job of the elastic bands and allow your brackets to move more gently and gradually with your teeth over the realignment process.

This saves you time, and more importantly, pain from the pressure and friction. The self-ligating braces realignment process is such a game-changer that those who choose them have, on average, 60% less discomfort throughout their treatment than patients who opt for conventional braces.

Additional advantages of self-ligating braces

Although it’s critical, the comfort factor isn’t the only one to consider when choosing what type of orthodontic treatment you receive. Another advantage that’s very attractive to patients is that self-ligating braces significantly reduce treatment time, usually by months, depending on your situation and treatment plan.

Additionally, elastic ties collect bacteria and plaque, so eliminating them helps to keep your teeth and mouth cleaner. They cause less friction too, which means reduced chances of tooth erosion.

The fact that we don’t have to tighten self-ligating braces regularly means that you need fewer office visits, and consequently, you have more of the commodity that’s so precious to all of us: time.

Clear or porcelain-colored brackets are also an option with self-ligating braces, and although wire is still visible across your teeth, the look is more subtle than all-metal braces coupled with elastic ties.

See if self-ligating braces are a good choice for you

We’d love to meet with you to discuss what orthodontic options are available to you and fit your needs best because you deserve a gorgeous smile! Call one of our conveniently located offices for an evaluation, or schedule an appointment online.

Please note that we have proactively adapted the way we provide care in response to COVID-19. We offer virtual consultations and conform to best practices per the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines.