Self-ligating orthodontics

Clínica Dental Loscos > Dental treatments > Orthodontics > Self-ligating orthodontics

Self-ligating brackets are characterized because they have a system so that the arc is fixed to the bracket by means of lids or clips so that ligatures are not needed.

What are the advantages of self-ligating brackets?

  • They produce more natural or physiological movements.
  • The necessary time of orthodontic treatment is decreased.
  • Visits can be spaced more in time.
  • In cases of a lot of crowding, it allows performing the orthodontic treatment without it being necessary to make extractions.
  • As the friction between arch and bracket is smaller, the movement is faster.
  • By having more range of treatment, you can carry out treatments that previously were only proposed in combination with orthognathic surgery.

How does the self-ligating orthodontic mechanism work?

The components of the self-ligating orthodontics are:

  • Arc: it is a wire of different material, section and diameter that transmits the necessary information to take the tooth to the desired final position.
  • Slot: is the slot in which the arc is inserted.
  • Self-ligating bracket: it is the one that transmits the strength of the arc to each tooth.
  • Ligatures in this type of orthodontics are not necessary.

We choose the type of bracket and slot with which we want to work so that when introducing the arch the information of angulations and of the ideal shape of the patient’s arch is transmitted.

One of the most remarkable characteristics of the self-ligating orthodontics is that the friction is smaller, which allows more capacity of bow movement in the slot, and therefore the force is transmitted more easily to the tooth.

What is the sequence of the treatment?

  • First visit: we make an orientation of the most advisable type of orthodontics for each case and we clear all the doubts that can arise to the patient.
  • Orthodontic study: consists of making a record consisting of: radiographs that include teleradiography and orthopantomography, facial records both extra oral and intraoral and cast models of the patient’s mouth.
  • Conclusions of the study: once we have all the radiographic and photographic information, we define the objectives and expose the treatment options.
  • We begin with orthodontic treatment: once we have opted for self-ligating brackets, it is as easy as requesting an appointment and cementing the brackets.