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Advantages of Self-Ligating Brackets by John W. Graham, DDS, MD

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by John W. Graham, DDS, MD

The idea of self-ligating brackets is not a new orthodontic treatment concept. In fact, the first self-ligating brackets are said to have been developed in 1935, and Ormco made the bracket commercially available in 1972. Despite decades of market accessibility, debate continues around the bracket today regarding its functionality and best-use cases. In my professional experience, there is no question as to the superiority of self-ligating brackets.

Many studies have indicated that self-ligating brackets might provide greater patient comfort, shorter treatment times, reduced chairtime and more precise control of tooth translation. As we know, minimizing the duration of treatment while reducing chairtime will keep patients happy and help reduce practice overhead. The result is a practice that operates far more efficiently and is more attractive to the reported 23 million U.S. adults who are interested in improving their smiles.

I've been a Damon System user and educator for more than eight years, and in my experience these are some of the true advantages of using self-ligating brackets on any number of different malocclusions.

Advanced Technology
Self-ligating brackets are the most advanced technology available in both wires and brackets. Don't let the fact that these brackets have been on the scene since 1935 fool you; today, self-ligating brackets remain the most technologically advanced style bracket on the market. Coupled with light archwires for reduced friction tooth movement, self-ligating brackets take advantage of pressure systems and forces to work more efficiently than traditional brackets.

Increased Comfort
With less friction and the removal of elastic ties, treatment with self-ligating brackets is far more comfortable than conventional braces. This bracket style moves orthodontics away from the traditional image of clunky, painful metal brackets by using either an elegant door or clip mechanism, thus capitalizing on sliding mechanics. Such is the case with the Damon System, doing away with unnecessary and uncomfortable wire tightening.

Enhanced Oral Hygiene
As indicated, self-ligating brackets eliminate the need for latex ties on each bracket. The advantages are three-fold: increased patient comfort, suitable treatment for patients with latex allergies and better oral hygiene. Normal latex ties not only trap food easily and become quickly laced with plaque, but present an often challenging issue of patient hygiene compliance.

Minimally Invasive
Light forces and low friction allow for a dramatic decrease in the need for extractions, expanders or headgear. One of the most frequently asked questions from parents is, "Will my child need to have teeth removed?" It goes without saying that, as professionals, we strive to generate treatment solutions that are minimally invasive and allow patients to continue living their daily lives with as little interruption as possible. Self-ligating brackets allow us to create greater tooth moment than historically possible. I personally have used self-ligating brackets to successfully treat cases that in the past would have required extractions to achieve the same or lesser results.

Considering these points, along with wonderful case results that I see in my practice, selfligating brackets are an orthodontic innovation that delivers unquestionable functional capability and deserves a spot in every clinician's treatment toolbox. By embracing leading technology and cutting-edge appliances, we can increase practice profitability while delivering the best possible finished results and treatment experience.

Author's Bio
Dr. John Graham, a Damon System provider and educator, is a practicing orthodontist in Litchfield Park, Arizona. Graham is a renowned innovator and educator in the field, lecturing worldwide to both doctors and staff on the most advanced orthodontic treatment philosophies available. He is the co-author of several orthodontic textbook chapters, has written many professional journal articles, and sits on several editorial boards. He is a member of the American Dental Association, American Medical Association, American Association of Orthodontists, Arizona Dental Association, Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists and the Progressive Orthodontic Study Club. You can visit Dr. Graham's Web site at litchfieldparkortho.com.

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