Ahh… braces — a traditional way to straighten teeth. The methods of today have built upon the effectiveness of the treatment to help decrease the time it takes to straighten teeth and enhance it in other ways. One of the most noteworthy solutions in this day and age is self-ligating braces in Santa Rosa. But are they really faster? And how do self-ligating braces vs traditional braces compare in terms of aesthetics and other factors?
Self-Ligating Braces vs Traditional Braces
Traditional braces have two main components — brackets and wires. The wires put gentle pressure on the teeth to shift them into their predetermined positions. The brackets have elastic ligatures, often referred to as O-rings, that connect the bracket to the archwire, increasing friction.
At adjustments, an orthodontist will tighten, replace, or adjust the wire to apply more pressure and/or shift the direction of the force. Constant pressure from the archwires, heat, chewing, and saliva may stretch the O-rings, which may cause the orthodontist to need to replace them.
With self-ligating braces, the same effect is at work. However, instead of elastics, these have a clip or sliding door mechanism that holds the bracket to the archwire.
When one of our orthodontists adjusts these, he or she will open the clip or door, reposition the wire, and close the locking mechanism.
These have a long history of use as well, though they’re often deemed a modern orthodontic treatment. The initial concept was established in the 1930s, with the design of today and popularity dating back to the 90s/early 2000s.
Duration of Treatment
If you haven’t heard, word on the street is that self-ligating braces are quicker than traditional ones. But are self-ligating braces faster, really?
Studies are rather mixed as to whether they’re quicker. Overall, they tend to take 12 to 30 months to correct misalignments and other issues, while regular braces usually take 18 to 24 months on average.
Though the amount of time either takes has to do with the type of problem(s) the braces are correcting, along with the severity, self-ligating ones minimize friction since they have a built-in system to attach the brackets to the wires. The teeth can then move more smoothly.
Even your age will affect the time treatment takes for either type of braces. Children and teens have more malleable jaws than adults, so they typically have shorter treatment times compared to adults.
If you’d like to know exactly how long it would take, we can give you a relatively accurate estimate based on the specifics of your case.
Benefits of Self-Ligating Braces
The benefits go beyond a successful treatment and the potential for a quicker one. Often, you need fewer adjustments throughout the process, making it more convenient for those with busy lives who struggle to fit in frequent appointments.
Without the elastic bands, dental hygiene with these braces is generally simpler, making it easier for you to clean your teeth, which decreases your chances of oral health problems at the end of your orthodontic treatment.
Although results vary, some patients see more efficient tooth repositioning with self-ligating braces than traditional ones. Not to mention, some patients enjoy a more comfortable experience overall because these braces cause less friction, so especially in the early stages, there’s less force. The amount of pressure during adjustments may also be less.
While they aren’t completely discreet like Invisalign clear aligners, they are, particularly when you compare self-ligating braces to traditional braces, less noticeable. The ones we use are much smaller than the braces originally were.
Self-Ligating Braces Cost
While the benefits of self-ligating braces may have you onboard, the cost of them may be a concern. Fortunately, the self-ligating braces cost is similar to that of traditional orthodontic treatments.
For instance, standard metal braces tend to run between $2,500 and $7,000, with the price varying based on the severity of your case and the number of visits you have. The cost of self-ligating braces has the same pricing variables, but they usually cost $3,000 to $8,000. The more complex design with specialty features is why they’re slightly more expensive, even though you usually have fewer visits with them.
Insurance Coverage
This type of braces may be a little more pricey and not a necessity for a patient, but insurance covers it just the same. In most cases, a policy covers a portion of a complete orthodontic treatment, such as 50%. The policy may also have a lifetime maximum.
If you choose clear ceramic self-ligating braces, the policy would also cover the cost of the metal braces. Anything after that would be your responsibility to pay out of pocket.
The benefits of self-ligating braces make them a popular choice for patients, especially with the price not differing much from regular ones. When you know that they’re faster in some cases, you may be sold on the idea for you or your child.
Fortunately, at Bernstein Orthodontics, serving Santa Rosa, CA, and the nearby region, we offer this treatment and others to ensure our patients are in charge of their treatment. No matter the type of orthodontic treatment given, an orthodontist and the rest of our team will help you along the way.
Book a free consultation today to discuss this option and others and take the first step to a straighter, more appealing smile. Call 707.575.0600.
FAQs About Self-Ligating Braces
Still have questions? Just skimming? Check out these FAQs we hear most often about these braces.
What are self-ligating braces?
These braces work like traditional ones, but instead of elastic ligatures that hold the brackets to the wire, they have built-in clips or sliding doors. Because they generate less friction, they’re often a quicker solution than traditional braces.
Are self-ligating braces faster?
For some patients, self-ligating braces are quicker as they cause less friction and move more accurately. However, the overall time of your treatment is mainly affected by the severity of your condition and age.
What is the cost of self-ligating braces?
The self-ligating braces cost depends primarily on the severity of your case. It differs only slightly from the price of traditional braces.
Can you choose the color of self-ligating braces?
Typically, self-ligating braces are metal only, though you can receive clear ceramic braces, which are less noticeable on your teeth. The color of traditional braces comes from the elastic ligatures that you choose the color of, not the braces themselves.
What are the benefits of self-ligating braces?
Self-ligating braces’ benefits include fewer appointments, an easy design for cleaning, and a more comfortable experience in some cases. Sometimes, they take less time, too.