Self-Ligating Braces – Cedar Hill, TX
A New, More Efficient Way
to Straighten Teeth
Our team wants to make orthodontic treatment as efficient, comfortable, and stress-free as possible, which is why we’re offering a newer technology: self-ligating braces. As opposed to traditional metal braces, which require the use of elastic ties or bands to connect the wires to the brackets, self-ligating braces function without them, and there are several valuable benefits to this new approach. If you’d like to start exploring orthodontic options in greater detail, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with Dr. Valant here in Cedar Hill today.
Why Choose John R. Valant, DDS, MSD for Self-Ligating Braces?
- Reduced Friction & Discomfort During Treatment
- No Elastic or Metal Bands!
- 30+ Years of Dedicated Experience
How Do Self-Ligating Braces Work?
Self-ligating braces are made from the same materials as traditional braces. However, they use a specialized clip in the place of regular elastics, which helps the archwire more easily guide teeth toward their new, improved positions. This modern clip actually reduces the amount of pressure and friction on the teeth. Because our team doesn’t have to regularly replace the elastics, there are fewer adjustments needed over the course of treatment. Hygiene is also better because the conventional elastomeric O's attract plaque and bacteria.
There are three types of self-ligating brackets:
- Passive – With passive brackets, smaller archwires allow teeth to move more freely. Passive brackets are used at the beginning of the treatment to help the teeth move into the proper positions right away.
- Active – With active brackets, a larger archwire is used to deliver the proper pressure to teeth to move them to their final alignment. The use of active brackets also allows for more control and consistency.
- Interactive – The best of both worlds! Interactive brackets are passive with smaller wires to allow teeth to move, as well as active in larger wires for control and consistency. This is the type of self-ligating braces that Dr. Valant uses.
The Benefits of Self-Ligating Braces
Self-ligating braces come with several unique advantages, including:
- Faster Office Visits – When you eliminate elastics from your visits, progress appointments with our team are quicker and more comfortable.
- Added Comfort – Because self-ligating braces are smaller than traditional orthodontic braces, they take up less space. There are also no elastics that may come off or poke the oral tissue. Patients can expect less soreness than what they would experience with traditional braces.
- Quicker Treatment Process – With self-ligating braces, a patient’s total treatment time is likely to be reduced by several months when compared to traditional braces.
- Less Trapped Food – Latex elastics and rubber bands are notorious for trapping food and creating an environment for harmful bacteria and plaque. Self-ligating braces reduce this risk.
- Subtler & More Image-Friendly – Clear brackets are available if the patient is concerned about maintaining a more confident image throughout treatment.