Self-Ligating Braces PROS and CONS: Are They Worth It?

Are self-ligating braces all they’re cracked up to be? Manufacturers definitely do a lot of hype about these types of braces requiring fewer appointments and being less painful than traditional wire-and-tie braces. And it’s true, orthodontists have seen real benefits like less hassle for patients.

But do self-ligating braces really do everything advertisers say? Some people question if the pros are overblown while cons like higher costs get ignored. Treatment may not always be faster either.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what’s fact and what’s fiction about self-ligating braces. We’ll cover the real advantages orthodontists have seen as well as legitimate downsides to keep in mind.

Self-Ligating Braces Pros

If you are considering braces to improve your smile, you may be wondering if self-ligating braces are right for you. Self-ligating braces have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their many benefits. In this section, we will discuss some of the advantages of self-ligating braces.

Reduced Appointments

One of the biggest advantages of self-ligating braces is that they require fewer appointments than traditional braces. In fact, you may need almost half the number of appointments compared to conventional metal or ceramic braces.

This means less time off work or school, less travel time to the orthodontist, and less overall hassle.

Simple cases can be finished in as little as 8-10 appointments. This is because self-ligating braces don’t require the use of elastic ties, which need to be replaced and adjusted regularly.

Typically, you’ll see your orthodontist every 8 to 10 weeks for most of the treatment. During the detailing stage, your orthodontist will increase the appointment frequency to 4 to 6 weeks, which will allow better control and precision.

Reduced Chair Time

Self-ligating braces are also faster to adjust than traditional braces. The orthodontist only has to open and close the clip, which can be a few minutes faster than elastic ties.

This saves time for both the clinic and the patients. It allows clinics to see more patients per day and reduces the amount of time patients spend in the chair.

Reduced chair time is a big advantage in this industry because it allows more time for diagnosis, treatment planning and other aspects of orthodontic treatment.

Less Pain

The self-ligating clip or door mechanism is a game changer in the first months of wearing braces. The brackets allow the teeth to simply slide into alignment on the wire. In contrast, traditional brackets have elastic ties that create resistance and need more force to move teeth.

Less friction means less pain in the early stages of treatment, which is when you’ll experience the most discomfort anyway. So if you know you’re sensitive and are worried about the adjustment phase, self-ligating braces are the more gentle option.

More Esthetic

Self-ligating braces have a more esthetic design than traditional braces, making them a popular choice for adult patients. Their slimmer profile and built-in clip mechanism result in a neat appearance that draws less attention to the mouth compared to the wider profile of traditional brackets.

While clear ceramic brackets aim for invisibility, many adults actually prefer the look of metal self-ligating brackets over clear materials. In fact, clear self-ligating brackets can be a bit too bulky, which makes them unsuitable for the bottom arch and patients with small teeth.

Faster Alignment

While some studies have found no major difference in alignment speed between self-ligating braces and regular braces, most orthodontists report seeing faster results with self-ligating designs in their own practices.

The studies that have been done often use relatively small sample sizes, so their conclusions may not always accurately reflect real-world clinical experiences.

A key reason self-ligating braces are more effective today is the use of hybrid systems that combine passive and active clip designs. These newer systems are able to selectively control the level of friction tooth by tooth, which gives the orthodontist more control of the movements.

Most orthodontists find treatment with self-ligating braces can be shortened by 3 to 6 months compared to regular braces. As their expertise and workflow improve, the treatment times can get even shorter.

Currently, it is estimated that around 30-40% of orthodontists in the United States utilize self-ligating bracket systems in their practices. Some orthodontists use them occasionally, on a case-by-case basis. However, many orthodontists have been so impressed with the results that they now choose to treat all of their patients with self-ligating braces exclusively.

Wider Smile

We all want a wide smile, but the jaw bones don’t always allow for it. Self-ligating brace users, especially Damon and Carriere, are big proponents of the non-extraction philosophy. They also use broader wires that create wider smiles than regular braces. However, that’s not always possible or healthy for the patients.

In conclusion, self-ligating braces have many advantages over traditional braces. They require fewer appointments, less chair time, cause less pain, and offer more esthetic options. They may also align teeth faster and create a wider smile. If you are interested in self-ligating braces, we recommend talking to your orthodontist to see if they are right for you.

Self Ligating Braces Cons

While self-ligating braces have many benefits, they also have some drawbacks that you should be aware of. Self-ligating braces aren’t a magic bullet, and the final result often depends on the orthodontist’s skill.

Increased Cost

One of the biggest downsides of self-ligating braces is their cost, which is significantly higher than conventional braces. They are also more expensive to stock up in the orthodontist’s office, and more expensive to replace in case they break. Here are some potential cost differences:

SLBs generally range from $500-$1000 more than traditional braces. This is because the specialized bracket designs of SLBs make them more expensive to manufacture.
On average, total treatment costs for SLBs range from $4000-$7000, while traditional braces range from $3000-$6000.
The initial down payment for SLBs is usually higher – commonly $500-$1000 more up front than traditional braces.
Monthly payments during treatment may be $10-$20 higher when using SLBs instead of traditional brackets.
Treatment time can potentially be shorter with SLBs – 6-18 months compared to 12-30 months for traditional braces. This can potentially offset some of the higher costs.
Insurance coverage for SLBs is generally the same as for traditional braces. Most major dental insurances will cover a portion of orthodontic treatment costs.

Ligation Issues

Self-ligating braces can have ligation issues that can slow down treatment time. Arch wire binding is a common issue where the wire can get stuck and stop gliding, slowing down the treatment.

The clip can also break or get distorted and no longer open or close properly, affecting the way it keeps the wire in. These issues can increase treatment time and chair time.

It is important to note that brand matters a lot, as more expensive competitive brands are better than no-name self-ligating brackets. Always ask your orthodontist what type of brackets they’re using and do your research before committing to treatment.

Hard To Clean

While self-ligating braces are more hygienic than traditional brackets, some brands may be more prone to plaque accumulation and gum disease. The clip or door has holes and notches that can accumulate food debris, making it hard to clean.

While interdental toothbrushes can certainly help with these problem areas, they’re often not enough. It’s best to blast your SL brackets with a water flosser from multiple angles to properly clean them. Do this at leas once per day, preferably in the evening.

Manufacturers continue working to design self-ligating brackets with smoother interior surfaces that shed debris more easily during brushing. Choosing a brand with a smooth door, like Damon or Carriere SLX 3D may offer slightly better cleanability.

Are Self-Ligating Braces Worth It?

Patients often ask me if self-ligating braces are worth the higher price tag compared to traditional braces. In my experience, for most patients traditional braces work just as well at a lower cost.

While self-ligating braces do require fewer adjustments which can save time, the treatment length is often similar either way. And as an orthodontist who has placed both, I don’t find traditional braces to be significantly less comfortable.

Ultimately, self-ligating brackets are convenient because they save time. From a clinical standpoint, self-ligating braces can be more efficient in complicated crowding cases, where reduced friction can aid in tooth movement.

If you have the extra funds and your orthodontist is experienced in using self-ligating braces, they can be a good option. The benefits of fewer appointments, greater aesthetics and hygiene, and potentially shorter treatment times may be worth the additional cost.

However, if cost is a concern, traditional braces may be a more affordable option that can still provide excellent results.