Self-Ligating Braces
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Researching orthodontic treatments can be a tedious and overwhelming task. With so many treatment options on today’s market, it can be hard to understand the differences between them, much less choose the one that’s right for you.
For starters, there’s the confusing jargon. Take, for example, the term “self-ligating braces.” What does that mean, and what makes these braces different from traditional braces? It’s a frequently asked question at our Salt Lake City, Lehi, and South Jordan offices. So, we’re here to shed some light on this innovative teeth-correcting technique.
Self-Ligating vs. Traditional Braces
When you think of braces, a mouthful of wires and colorful bands probably comes to mind. Small metal brackets are attached to the teeth and connected by a thin archwire. The archwire is tightened and adjusted to increase the force on the teeth, pushing them into the correct position.
In order for the archwire to remain securely fixed to the brackets, it must be held together by small elastic bands or metal ties, known as ligatures. This option, used as a primary treatment for decades, is the traditional method. However, as the world of orthodontics has continued to grow and evolve, several other methods for oral correction have emerged, including self-legating braces.
Key Features of Self-Ligating Braces
- Innovative “Gate” Mechanism
Self-ligating braces have the ability to remain connected to the archwire thanks to a system that has been built into the brackets themselves. The self-ligating mechanism acts like a gate that opens and closes, allowing the wires to tighten gradually and consistently. This can reduce trips to the orthodontist for frequent tightening. - Possibility of Shorter Treatment
Self-ligating braces create a constant friction, which means they are always tightening. This consistent movement allows the teeth to be guided into place more effectively, which can often result in faster results. - Gentle Tightening
Braces often carry the stigma of being extremely painful and uncomfortable. This is largely due to the dramatic tightening that accompanies traditional braces. The gradual tightening of self-ligating braces reduces the need for frequent and harsh adjustments. This cuts down on pain and discomfort. - Easier Care and Maintenance
Wearers of traditional braces often feel like their mouth is an intricate maze of bands and wires. Keeping things clean can be a time-consuming conundrum. With so many hard-to-reach nooks and crannies, maintaining oral health and hygiene is often quite difficult, even with the proper tools and techniques. Thanks to their ligature-free design, wearers will find self-ligating braces much easier to care for at home. - Subtle Aesthetics
While bright, flashy colored bands might seem fun to kids, most adults are looking for something a bit more discreet. The simplicity of self-ligating braces allows them to boast a more subtle appearance. In addition, clear self-ligating braces and tooth-colored ceramic brackets are available, allowing a more camouflaged appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Self-Ligating Braces:
Adults hoping for a straighter smile often dread spending years with a mouth full of wires. However, self-ligating technology can often shorten the duration of treatment, depending on the needs and goals of each patient.
Our team of orthodontists specializes in self-ligating braces in Utah, and they consider several factors when calculating a time-frame for treatment:
- Case Complexity, Age, and Growth Patterns
During your initial consultation, your orthodontist will evaluate your individual oral construction to determine the specific issues that might need to be addressed. They’ll also consider your age and oral growth patterns. Younger patients whose jaws are still developing have softer, more pliable bone structures, which makes for easier correction. For adults whose teeth have found their permanent homes, correction can take a bit longer. - Patient’s Goals
Whether your goals are purely aesthetic or focus on deeper issues, make sure you discuss them with your orthodontist during your consultation. The duration of your treatment depends heavily on your desired outcome and the complexity of the issues you wish to address. - At-Home Care
Patients should be as diligent as possible in following their orthodontist’s care and maintenance instructions. The closer you follow those instructions, the more effective your treatment will be. Attending scheduled appointments, practicing proper hygiene, and avoiding certain foods will allow you to cruise toward the finish line as quickly as possible.
Average timeline for self-ligating braces:
No set of teeth is the same. So, it follows that everyone’s timeline will be a bit different. It can be tricky to give an estimate prior to a consultation, but your orthodontist will be able to paint a clearer picture of your path to completion after they’ve checked things out.
The average treatment time for self-ligating braces usually lasts anywhere from 18 to 24 months, with some wiggle room on either side of that, depending on the individual’s case.
Orthodontic treatments are an investment that will last a lifetime. As with most worthy investments, they can seem a bit pricey. Cost can be a key determining factor influencing many patients’ treatment choices.
When comparing your options, remember to take the following considerations into account:
- Premium Treatment
Thanks to their innovative technology and quality materials, self-ligating ceramic braces or self-ligating metal braces are considered a premium treatment. The demand for this treatment is high. However, most patients find the shorter time-frame and superior comfort worth the higher price tag. - Duration and Complexity
The length of your treatment time and number of required appointments will have an impact on the final price of your self-ligating braces. In addition, the complexity of your case might require a more in-depth treatment, which can also affect costs. During your consultation you and your orthodontist will have the opportunity to compare the prices of various treatments so that you can choose the investment that will be most worthwhile for you. - Insurance Coverage
Check with your insurance provider before your initial appointment to see what kind of coverage is offered for orthodontic treatments. Self-ligating braces are partially covered by most dental insurance plans, which can lower your out-of-pocket costs substantially.
- Crowding
- Gaps
- Underbite
- Overbite
- Open Bite
- Crossbite
- Misplaced Midline
- You’d like fewer office visits.
- You’re looking for a treatment that offers a more subtle look.
- You want faster results than traditional braces offer.
- You’d like a more comfortable experience.
- You’re concerned about oral hygiene.
Smile Support Staff
With their extensive knowledge and friendly demeanor, our dedicated Orthodontic team ensures that every patient receives personalized attention and support throughout their orthodontic journey, making the path to a perfect smile as comfortable and smooth as possible. You can trust our exceptional orthodontic team to be your smile’s greatest advocates and partners in achieving the results you desire.
Smile Ranch Google Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Stacy Olson
Three out of four kids have had braces through Smile Ranch in Lehi. They have been awesome to work with and have worked around our schedule. Thank you!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Michelle Williams
We have been using Dr Jensen for a year. It has been a great experience. He is very knowledgeable and takes time to explain to his clients. Great staff and program.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amelia Miyasaki
We love Smile Ranch! Dr. J is fantastic, and the office staff is outstanding! The office is super efficient (three patients in and we’ve never had an unreasonable wait) but we never feel like a number, everyone is so helpful and friendly.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Whitney Rasmussen
Dr. J did my braces a few years ago and I was so amazed with his work. I absolutely love my smile and have received so many compliments on my teeth. I send everyone I know to the smile ranch, including my own kids who have just started braces!! 😁 woo hoo! They also have the best staff and make it so fun. Fresh cookies and rewards for the kids to earn smile bucks that turn into gift cards👍 We love smile ranch!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Aubrie Haymore
We love Dr. J and all the staff! They are soooo kind and my sons bite has improved and we are so grateful! We love them and I’ll bring all my kids here!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rachel Gardner
I love Smile Ranch! I took my oldest daughter here over a year ago. Her teeth look great. Im now back with my 10 year old daughter and myself. Dr J is extremely good at what he does and his staff are amazing. The most welcoming, loving and positive energy. My daughter has anxiety and Dr J and his staff have been so great to talk with her and explain what they are doing. They have eased her worries. They stay on schedule, but you never feel they are rushing you out their door. They truly care about you as a person and take pride in a job well done. I wouldn’t go anywhere else.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Emily Chidester
I am on my fourth child having orthodontic treatment from Smile Ranch and couldn’t be happier. Initially I went to three other orthodontics for consults and felt that Dr. Alan Jensen was the only orthodontist with the experienced needed to care for my one of my child’s treatment. We have had traditional braces, expanders, and Invisalign. The care we receive from the doctor and staff each time we visit is wonderful. I know that my children are getting the best smiles thanks to the care at Smile Ranch.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amy Sackett
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Robyn Green
We love Smile Ranch! We’ve had nothing but positive experiences and everyone there is amazing and friendly. It feels like a second home, so comfortable and welcoming.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Betsy Broadwater
I love this office! Dr. Jensen and staff make it so easy! They’re so kind to my family and they do a great job. They’re super easy to schedule with. They have a fun office atmosphere and I love taking my boys in. They know what they are doing and they do it well. They give us (all of us!) cookies after every appointment, the office is nice and clean and we are going to miss coming in here now that boys are getting braces off! … and most importantly, my boys’ teeth look fabulous!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Julie Johnson
Happy, clean atmosphere with friendly staff. We appreciate the care and attention they give. We have been very impressed with Dr. Jensen and the hygienists and their expertise. We have been very happy with the results so far!
