What is Self-Ligating Metal Braces?

What is Self-Ligating Metal Braces? Advantages and disadvantages? Who is it suitable for?

What are Self-Ligating Metal Braces?

Self-ligating metal braces, also known as automatic or self-closing braces, are an improvement over traditional braces that use elastic bands. These braces feature a built-in automatic opening mechanism, similar to a smart window, which allows the archwire to slide freely within the bracket groove. This reduces friction, resulting in smoother tooth movement, and minimizes discomfort during the orthodontic process.

Additionally, using self-ligating metal braces eliminates the risk of elastic bands coming loose, preventing interruptions in treatment. As a result, this method can shorten the treatment time and provide superior orthodontic results.

Who is Self-Ligating Braces Suitable For?

Self-ligating braces are suitable for the following cases:

Teeth with misaligned bites or open dental arches on both upper and lower jaws.
Overbite or protruding teeth.
Crooked, crowded, or displaced teeth.
Reverse bite (underbite) or any degree of protrusion.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Self-Ligating Braces

Advantages of Self-Ligating Braces

Here are the advantages of self-ligating braces:

High Aesthetic Appeal
Unlike traditional braces with rubber bands that can be visible, self-ligating braces have a more discreet design, with rounded brackets that help improve the aesthetic appearance, making you feel more confident during conversations.
Fewer Follow-Up Appointments
Thanks to their flexible design, the wire slides smoothly within the bracket grooves, reducing friction, thus alleviating discomfort and making the treatment process more comfortable. This also leads to fewer visits for adjustments.
Shorter Treatment Time
The use of the automatic “window” system allows the wire to move freely, creating a more stable and even force. This can shorten the overall treatment time by 4-6 months compared to traditional braces.
Effective for a Variety of Bite Problems
The stable force and firm attachment to the teeth allow for continuous progress in treatment, delivering optimal results for issues like overbite, underbite, crooked teeth, and more complex cases.
Easier to Clean
The rounded corners of the brackets make cleaning easier and prevent irritation to the oral tissues. This also helps you eat and chew comfortably without the worry of food getting stuck.

Disadvantages of Self-Ligating Braces

While self-ligating braces address many of the issues with traditional rubber-band braces, they also have some drawbacks:

Higher Cost
Self-ligating braces are more expensive than traditional metal braces due to their advanced design and technology.
Still Visible
Though they are less noticeable than traditional braces, self-ligating braces can still be visible, which may affect aesthetic concerns for some patients.

Should You Choose Self-Ligating Metal Braces?

If you are someone who doesn’t have much time to visit the dentist frequently, or if you live far from the dental clinic, but your budget for braces is limited, self-ligating metal braces might be the perfect choice for you. With this option, you only need to visit the dentist for check-ups every 1-2 months.

It offers effective results while still saving you time!

Comparison of Traditional Metal Braces vs Self-Ligating Metal Braces

Both of these orthodontic methods operate based on similar principles. They both use brackets and wires to apply force to move teeth into the desired position according to the treatment plan. However, there are significant differences between the two types:

Traditional Metal Braces

Mechanism: Traditional metal braces require brackets, wires, and rubber bands (elastics) to apply the force.
Effectiveness: This method is highly effective and can correct most orthodontic issues, including overbite, underbite, spacing, crowding, and crooked teeth, across all severity levels.
Affordability: One of the advantages of traditional metal braces is their lower cost, making them more affordable for a wider range of people.
Drawbacks: The friction between the rubber bands and the brackets can cause discomfort, leading to pain or soreness during the treatment. Additionally, rubber bands can break, which may delay the treatment process as they require adjustments, potentially affecting progress.

Self-Ligating Metal Braces

Mechanism: Instead of rubber bands, self-ligating metal braces use a special system with a door or clip that holds the wire in place. This system allows the wire to slide freely, which reduces friction and helps teeth move more smoothly.
Effectiveness: This method addresses several drawbacks of traditional braces, such as discomfort from tight rubber bands and the risk of brackets detaching. It offers a more stable and continuous process, ensuring more consistent results. Self-ligating braces also reduce the need for frequent dental visits and can sometimes eliminate the need for extractions.
Affordability: The main disadvantage of self-ligating braces is the higher cost compared to traditional metal braces.

Summary

Traditional Metal Braces: Affordable, effective, but can cause discomfort and delays due to rubber bands.
Self-Ligating Metal Braces: More comfortable, efficient, and requires fewer dental visits, but comes with a higher price tag.

Does Self-Ligating Braces Require Tooth Extraction?

According to the dentists at Domin Dental, the decision to extract teeth during orthodontic treatment depends on the condition of the teeth and the treatment plan determined by the orthodontist.

Generally, tooth extraction is recommended in the following cases:

Teeth in the upper jaw protruding too much compared to the lower jaw: In this case, the dentist may recommend extracting teeth and using specialized appliances to reduce overbite and bring the teeth into the desired position.
Impacted wisdom teeth (third molars): If the wisdom teeth are growing in a way that affects the neighboring teeth (e.g., causing crowding or shifting), extraction of these teeth may be advised.
Severely crooked or crowded teeth: Extraction may be necessary to create space to allow the teeth to move into the correct positions.
Wider dental arches than the jawbone: When the dental arch is too wide compared to the jawbone, or when the teeth are large or thick, extractions may be required to allow for proper alignment of the teeth.

Ultimately, the need for extractions will depend on the individual case, and the orthodontist will decide based on the overall alignment and health of the teeth and jaw.

How Long Does Self-Ligating Braces Take?

The treatment time for self-ligating braces generally lasts between 12-24 months, largely depending on the condition of your teeth and your oral care routine. Compared to traditional metal braces, self-ligating braces can shorten the treatment time by approximately 4-6 months.

Here are the factors that influence the duration of orthodontic treatment:

Quality of the Dental Clinic: A reputable dental clinic with skilled orthodontists will create the most effective treatment plan, ensuring accurate placement of braces and using appropriate appliances at each stage. This leads to faster tooth movement and better results.
Degree of Misalignment: If the teeth are severely misaligned, the orthodontist will need to perform more complex procedures to make adjustments, which will extend the treatment time. Mild misalignment will generally take less time to correct.
Oral Care and Hygiene: Proper oral care and hygiene are crucial to prevent issues such as loose brackets, cavities, or gum problems. If these issues arise, they may extend the treatment time.
Quality of Appliances: Using high-quality braces and appliances reduces the chances of issues like brackets falling off or rubber bands breaking, which means fewer visits to the orthodontist. This helps in achieving stable tooth movement without delays.

By following these guidelines and maintaining proper care, you can help ensure that your treatment time is as efficient as possible.

Factors Affecting the Treatment Duration of Self-Ligating Braces

The duration of orthodontic treatment can vary significantly, influenced by both objective and subjective factors. Here are the four most important factors that affect the treatment time with self-ligating braces:

Tooth Condition
The condition of your teeth is the first factor that impacts treatment time. For cases with severe misalignment or significant bite issues, it will take longer to correct the teeth compared to cases with mild misalignment.

In some situations, the orthodontist may recommend extracting teeth to improve the alignment, which will add an additional 3-6 months to the treatment time as the space created by the extraction needs to be closed.

Orthodontist’s Expertise
The expertise of the orthodontist plays a crucial role in the treatment timeline. The orthodontist is responsible for creating the treatment plan, determining the appropriate adjustments, and ensuring that the braces are properly applied. A highly skilled and experienced orthodontist can help create the most effective treatment plan, reducing the treatment duration while achieving the best results.

Therefore, when choosing an orthodontist or clinic, it’s important to select a reputable one and research the orthodontist’s qualifications to ensure optimal outcomes.

Diet and Oral Care
While diet and oral care might seem like minor factors, they can have a significant impact on the treatment duration. If you eat food that causes the brackets to loosen or if you don’t visit the dentist to get them fixed promptly, this will delay the treatment.

Additionally, eating hard or tough foods can exert excessive pressure on your teeth, making it harder to maintain the correct position of the brackets. Therefore, paying attention to your eating habits and oral hygiene is essential to avoid delays.

Regular Check-ups
Regular check-ups are essential for tracking the progress of your treatment. The orthodontist can adjust the braces, change wires, and make other modifications to ensure that your teeth move into the desired position. Over time, thicker wires will be used to generate more force for optimal movement.

Sticking to the scheduled check-ups and following the orthodontist’s recommendations will help ensure the treatment is completed in the shortest time possible with the best results.

Process of Self-Ligating Braces Treatment

The orthodontic process must be properly followed to ensure the best results. Here is the 6-step process for self-ligating braces treatment at Domin Dental:

Step 1: Consultation and Examination
In this step, the orthodontist will conduct a thorough examination of your oral health to detect any underlying issues. If any problems are found, treatment must be completed before braces can be applied.

Step 2: Treatment Planning
Based on the examination data and X-ray images, the orthodontist will select the type of braces that suit you. If self-ligating metal braces are chosen, the clinic will advise on the best brand suited to your condition and budget. Domin Dental currently offers self-ligating braces from two brands, including 3M from the USA and another brand from Korea.

Step 3: Impressions and Data Analysis
Next, you will have a 3D scan of your teeth taken to create an accurate simulation of your oral condition. This will allow the design of customized self-ligating braces, ensuring the best movement of your teeth along the dental arch.

Step 4: Braces Application
Before applying the braces, the teeth will be thoroughly cleaned to prevent any infections. The orthodontist will then apply the braces according to the precise measurements calculated earlier. Using advanced technology, the doctors at Domin Dental can position the braces accurately, ensuring optimal teeth movement without any harm to the oral cavity.

Step 5: Follow-up and Adjustment
After the braces are placed, the orthodontist will guide you on proper oral care and schedule follow-up appointments. During each visit, the orthodontist will adjust the wire tension, anchor blocks, and the braces according to the treatment plan.

Step 6: Braces Removal and Retainer Use
Once the teeth have moved to the desired position, the braces will be removed. To prevent teeth from shifting back, you will need to wear a retainer.

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Price List for Self-Ligating Metal Braces

While the cost of self-ligating metal braces is higher than traditional metal braces with rubber bands, it remains an affordable option compared to other orthodontic treatments like lingual braces or clear aligners such as Invisalign.

Currently, Domin Dental offers the following prices for self-ligating metal braces:

Korean Braces: 45 million VND
3M Braces (USA): 50 million VND

However, the exact cost may vary depending on the individual’s dental condition.

For a precise consultation and personalized pricing, please contact Domin Dental at our hotline: 0928888115.

Trustworthy Locations for Self-Ligating Metal Braces

Creating the perfect smile begins with an effective treatment plan, and at Domin Dental, we understand the importance of this. Our clinic brings together a team of experienced and skilled dentists who develop personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient, ensuring a safe and smooth journey to a beautiful smile.

To enhance our clients’ experience, Domin Dental continually upgrades its equipment and invests in modern technology, making the process of getting self-ligating metal braces smoother and more comfortable, while minimizing the need for tooth extractions.

When you choose to undergo treatment at Domin Dental, you are guaranteed the use of genuine, high-quality orthodontic materials with clear and trusted origins, ensuring complete safety and avoiding allergic reactions.

With our self-ligating metal braces treatment, we commit to delivering effective, lifelong results, ensuring that you achieve a beautiful, natural smile. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact Domin Dental today for support!

Customer Testimonials on Self-Ligating Metal Braces at Domin Dental

Domin Dental is a trusted destination for orthodontic treatments, having successfully carried out thousands of cases and bringing radiant smiles to millions of customers nationwide. Let’s hear from some of our clients who underwent self-ligating metal braces treatment at Domin Dental.

Ms. Trần Ngọc came to Domin Dental with crooked and protruding teeth. After 15 months of using self-ligating braces, her smile has been completely transformed.

There are many more customers who have experienced significant improvements after receiving orthodontic treatment at Domin Dental. With our mission to deliver beautiful smiles, we are committed to providing you with the best experience possible!