Self-ligating braces
Self-ligating braces hold the wire with a small built-in clip or door on each bracket, instead of the tiny elastic ties used on conventional braces. They are fixed braces and move teeth in the same basic way. Research has not shown that they are reliably faster, or less painful, than conventional braces. At Suman Dental Care they are planned by Dr. Aashka Doshi, an orthodontist (MDS, orthodontics and dentofacial orthopaedics).
Step by step
- 1Consultation and records
The orthodontist examines your teeth and bite, and takes photographs, X-rays and impressions or a scan. If a wider scan is needed, you will be told where to have it taken.
- 2Choosing the braces
You are told what the evidence does and does not show, so the choice between self-ligating, [metal](/metal-braces) and [ceramic](/ceramic-braces) braces rests on your bite, appearance and cleaning.
- 3Fitting the braces
A bracket is bonded to each tooth and a wire is placed under its clip. No injection is needed, and fitting usually takes 1 to 2 hours.
- 4Regular adjustments
The clips are opened to change the wire at planned visits, often every 4–8 weeks. Elastic bands may still be used for some bites.
- 5Removal and retainers
The brackets are removed, the teeth are polished and retainers are fitted to hold the new position.
- People who prefer brackets without elastic ties
- Crowded, overlapping or gapped teeth, and many bite problems
- Teenagers and adults with healthy gums and bone
- Anyone who wants an honest comparison with metal or ceramic braces first
Teeth and cheeks are sore for about 3–5 days after the braces go on, and for a day or two after adjustments. This is similar to conventional braces. Soft food and your usual pain relief help, and orthodontic wax eases rubbing.
Avoid hard, sticky and chewy foods, as a clip can open or a bracket can break. Brush after meals and clean around the brackets and under the wire with an interdental brush. Call the clinic if a clip opens, a bracket breaks or a wire pokes. See the braces aftercare card.
- Not proven faster: studies have not shown a reliable reduction in treatment time compared with conventional braces.
- Not proven less painful: soreness after fitting and adjustments is similar.
- Clips can break or open and need repair at the clinic.
- Decay and white marks can form around brackets if cleaning is poor.
- Gum inflammation is common with any braces.
- Relapse: without retainers, teeth tend to drift back.
What affects the cost
We don't publish prices online. After an examination you get a written estimate that lists each item.
Payment by card, cash or UPI.
Questions patients ask
Are self-ligating braces faster?
Not reliably. Reviews of the research have found no clear difference in overall treatment time compared with conventional braces. How long you need braces depends mainly on your teeth and bite.
Are self-ligating braces less painful?
Studies have not shown a dependable difference. Most people feel sore for 3–5 days after fitting and for a day or two after adjustments, whichever braces they have.
Are they easier to keep clean?
Without elastic ties there is one less thing for food to catch on, but you still need to clean carefully around every bracket. Good brushing matters more than the bracket type.
How do they differ from conventional braces?
The wire is held by a clip on the bracket instead of an elastic tie. Everything else, including fitting, adjustments and retainers, is much the same as metal braces.
Do I need retainers afterwards?
Yes. Teeth tend to drift back after any type of braces, so retainers are worn after treatment, usually for years.
Questions about this treatment?
Send a WhatsApp message or book an examination. The dentist explains the options before anything starts.