What Are Self-Ligating Braces? Overview & Cost

Self-ligating braces use a special system of pre-tensioned wires and brackets that do not need bands or ligatures to tighten the wire to the teeth. This system uses less pressure to align teeth, and it can take less time to straighten teeth than with traditional braces.

Self-ligating braces are less visible than traditional braces. They are also more expensive, costing about $4,572 on average for the system. Porcelain and ceramic brackets will increase the price.

How Do Self-Ligating Braces Work?

Braces involve two basic components: brackets and wires. Self-ligating braces are different from traditional versions in how the wire is adjusted.

In traditional braces, wires slip through the brackets and stay in place due to rubber bands wrapped around them. When you visit the orthodontist, those bands are removed, and a shorter wire slides through the brackets. New bands hold that wire in place.

Self-ligating braces don’t use rubber bands. Instead, they work via one of the two following methods:

• Active: Each bracket has a sliding spring clip mechanism that holds the wire in place. Your dentist can use a special tool to open the brackets during your adjustment appointments.

• Passive: Each bracket has a sliding mechanism that holds the wire in place. Your dentist can manipulate this tool during your adjustment appointments to shorten the wire.

The brackets and wires on these braces can be tooth-colored. They can be made from ceramic or porcelain, as the wires exert less pressure, reducing the risk of cracking or damage to the bracket material. However, traditional self-ligating braces are made from stainless steel. You may also have a wire band encircling the back of your teeth on this system.

One popular system of self-ligating braces are called Damon braces, which are less visible than traditional braces. They use less force to adjust the alignment of your teeth than traditional braces. Other self-ligating braces systems have similar benefits and disadvantages.

The pros & cons of self-ligating braces

 that is attached to a bracket on the teeth rather than using a rubber band or ligature to tighten a wire to a bracket and adjust as needed.

• Smaller or clear brackets, which make them harder to see, thus improving appearance.

• Faster treatment, usually around seven months to complete.

• Fewer office visits due to wires needing less adjustment.

• Less pressure and pain compared to traditional brackets.

• Less friction that leads to tooth erosion.

• Less plaque and bacteria buildup since there are fewer materials in your mouth.

There are some downsides to self-ligating brackets, such as:

• Metal wires might be seen in your mouth even if your brackets are clear or tooth-colored.

• Your lips, the sides of your mouth, and gums might get irritated as you adjust to the orthodontic devices in your mouth.

• They are more expensive compared to other orthodontic options.

There are many different approaches to orthodontic treatment, so your dentist may not recommend self-ligating braces. If you are curious about this option, discuss it (among other potential treatments) for aligning your smile.

Care instructions

Since self-ligating braces still involve brackets and wires, you will need to take special care of them while you have them on. Care instructions include:

• Rinse with water or water/mouthwash before brushing your teeth to loosen any food that might be in your braces.

• Alternatively, use a gentle setting on a water flosser to loosen food.

• Get a toothbrush designed for braces and brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums.

• Carefully brush every tooth around the bracket and at the gumline.

• Floss between your teeth as thoroughly as possible around the wires, without loosening them.

• Consider using a water flosser on a higher setting to dislodge remaining food and plaque.

• Swish with mouthwash after brushing and flossing to improve overall oral health and cleanliness.

The cost of self-ligating braces

Although self-ligating braces are less visible and more comfortable compared to traditional braces, they are more expensive.

According to surveys from CostHelper, people without dental insurance coverage pay up to $7,350 for traditional braces. If they choose self-ligating braces, they pay up to $8,500.

CostHelper reports that most orthodontists include things like appointments and retainers in their fees. However, some do require payments for the following:

• Initial visits: $100 to $200

• Dental x-rays: $10 to $250

• Replacement retainers: $100 to $500

Many dental insurance companies that cover orthodontic treatment for adults are more likely to cover traditional braces, and they may consider other options cosmetic rather than medically necessary. If you have a health savings plan attached to your dental insurance or an employee savings plan through your employer, you may be able to apply some of this funding to self-ligating braces rather than traditional braces.

Self-ligating braces are also not the most expensive option for orthodontic treatment. Lingual braces, for example, are between $5,000 and $13,000, depending on how long treatment takes. You will also have a harder time finding an orthodontist who recommends and installs lingual braces.

Clear plastic aligners through your orthodontist or dentist are also likely to cost around $5,000, even though they are harder to see than self-ligating braces. At-home, mail-order aligners are significantly less expensive.

Other orthodontics treatment options

Studies have found that self-ligating braces are not inherently more effective than other systems at aligning teeth. You may consider other approaches, either for cost or appearance reasons.

Your options depend on the type of dental misalignment you have. You may be better suited to traditional brackets if you have severe crowding or malocclusion.

If you have mild or moderate crowding, spacing, or other misalignment, you may be eligible for at-home aligner treatment . Many companies now offer at-home, mail-order clear aligner treatment, which is overseen remotely by an orthodontist. These treatment systems are often more affordable than other orthodontic systems.

Do Self-Ligating Braces Work?

Researchers have performed multiple studies on the efficacy of self-ligating braces, and they’ve compared the results to traditional braces. The results could help you understand if this type of care is right for you. 

In one study of 131 people, researchers found that adjustments for self-ligating braces were quicker than those associated with traditional braces. Dentists could open the brackets about a second quicker than they could remove the brands on traditional brackets. If long appointments worry you, self-ligating braces could be a good choice.

In a second study, researchers compared self-ligating braces to conventional braces. More than 300 people got each type of device, and the researchers compared how well they worked. They found no significant differences in treatment time between the two types of brackets. They also found no differences in how many visits people needed.

In a third study, researchers analyzed data from multiple studies about self-ligating brackets vs. conventional versions. They found no differences between these devices in the 229 papers they found.