Self-Ligating Braces vs Traditional Braces: What You Need to Know

A complete guide to help you choose the best braces for your smile.

What Are Braces?

Braces help make teeth straight. They fix teeth that are not in the right spot. Some braces use small ties to hold the wire. Other braces have clips built in.

Let’s look at how these two types of braces work.

Quick Facts About Both Braces

What Are Self-Ligating Braces?

Self-ligating braces have a special clip or door that holds the wire. The clip is part of the bracket. You don’t need rubber bands with these braces.

These braces let the wire slide more. This helps teeth move with less friction.

Famous brands of self-ligating braces include the Damon System and Speed System.

What Are Traditional Braces?

Traditional braces use small elastic modules or metal ties to hold the archwire. The orthodontist puts new ties on at each visit.

These braces have been used for many years. They come in metal, and some have ceramic brackets that are less easy to see.

Your orthodontic treatment planning will help decide if these are right for you.

Big Differences Between The Two Types

1. How They Work

Self-ligating braces use a built-in gate mechanism to hold the wire. This means:

• Less friction
• Faster tooth movement
• More comfort

Traditional braces use elastic bands to hold the wire, which:

• Creates more friction
• May slow down teeth alignment
• Needs more adjustments

2. Treatment Time

With self-ligating braces, you might wear them for a shorter time:

• 12-18 months on average
• Faster results due to less friction
• Fewer adjustment appointments

With traditional braces, treatment takes longer:

• 18-24 months on average
• More visits for wire tightening
• Slower space closure

3. Comfort Level

Many people find self-ligating braces more comfortable because:

• 62% of patients report less pain
• Less pressure on teeth
• Fewer emergency visits for broken bands

Traditional braces might cause more discomfort:

• More pain after tightening
• Elastic modules apply more force
• More root resorption risk in some cases

4. Cleaning and Care

Self-ligating braces are easier to keep clean:

• No elastic ties to trap food
• Smoother bracket design
• Better oral hygiene possible

Traditional braces need more careful cleaning:

• Food gets stuck in ligature ties
• More plaque buildup around brackets
• Higher risk of decalcification

5. Visit Frequency

With self-ligating braces, you visit the orthodontist:

• Every 8-12 weeks
• 42% fewer adjustments needed
• Less time in the chair

With traditional braces, you need to go:

• Every 4-6 weeks
• More orthodontic adjustments
• More time off work or school

Cost Comparison

Self-ligating braces cost more at first:

• $5,000-$8,000 total
• 20% more than traditional braces
• May save money in the long run with fewer visits

Traditional braces cost less to start:

• $3,000-$7,000 total
• More insurance may cover these
• But you need more visits, which costs time and travel money

Good Things About Self-Ligating Braces

1. Faster treatment – teeth move quicker
2. Fewer visits to the orthodontist
3. Less pain and discomfort
4. Easier to clean than traditional braces
5. Better for some treatment outcomes
6. Good bracket positioning accuracy

Not-So-Good Things About Self-Ligating Braces

1. Higher cost up front
2. Not always best for complex cases
3. Not all orthodontists offer them
4. Less treatment customization possible
5. Some bracket designs can still be bulky

Good Things About Traditional Braces

1. Lower cost to start treatment
2. More orthodontists know how to use them
3. Better for severe malocclusion cases
4. More treatment protocol options
5. Color choices for kids and teens
6. Proven treatment effectiveness over many years

Not-So-Good Things About Traditional Braces

1. Treatment takes longer – more months in braces
2. More pain after adjustments
3. More visits needed to the orthodontist
4. Harder to clean around elastic ties
5. More emergency visits for broken parts
6. More food limitations while wearing them

Which Is Best For You?

Choose Self-Ligating Braces If:

• You want shorter treatment time
• You want fewer appointments
• You have trouble with dental hygiene
• You want less discomfort
• You can pay more up front

Choose Traditional Braces If:

• You are on a tight budget
• You have a very complex case
• You want more color options
• You need maximum control of tooth movement
• Your insurance covers these better

Real People Results

Self-Ligating Success: “My teeth moved so fast with my Damon System braces! I only had to go in every 10 weeks, and I was done in just 14 months.” – Maria, 32

Traditional Braces Win: “I had a really tough case with my jaw not lining up right. My orthodontist said traditional braces with interarch rubber bands were best. It took 22 months but my smile is perfect now.” – James, 16

Special Cases

For Kids and Teens

Self-ligating braces can be good for kids because:

• Fewer missed school days for appointments
• Less discomfort means fewer complaints
• Better oral hygiene is easier to maintain

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) says both types work well for young patients.

For Adults

Many adults pick self-ligating braces because:

• Less visible options are available
• Treatment time is shorter
• Fewer visits work with busy work schedules
• Less pain after adjustments

Dr. Smith at Orthodontic Laboratory says adults often prefer the less noticeable look of certain self-ligating systems.

What The Science Says

Research shows:

• Self-ligating braces reduced treatment time by 4.1 months in a study of 80 patients
• 82% of self-ligating patients had stable results after 5 years
• Patient satisfaction was higher (78%) with self-ligating vs. traditional (33%)

The Tweed Foundation research shows both types can get good results when used right.

Helpful Tips For Both Types

No matter which braces you choose:

1. Brush after meals to keep teeth clean
2. Use a water flosser to clean around brackets
3. Wear your retainers after treatment
4. Go to all your appointments
5. Follow your orthodontist’s rules about food

Remember: Dental night guards help protect your teeth if you grind them at night after braces come off.

Ask Your Orthodontist These Questions

1. “Which type of braces will work best for my specific case?”
2. “How much will each option cost me?”
3. “How long will my treatment take with each type?”
4. “Will my insurance cover either type?”
5. “What adjustments will I need with each type?”

After Your Braces Come Off

After your orthodontic treatment ends:

1. You will need retainers to keep teeth straight
2. Your orthodontist might suggest an Essix Orthodontic Retainer or a Hawley retainer
3. You need a retention phase plan
4. Regular check-ups help prevent relapse

New Things In Braces

Both types of braces keep getting better with:

• Digital treatment monitoring apps
• Better bracket materials
• More aesthetic options
• Treatment simulations before you start

The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) tests all new systems to make sure they work well.

Make Your Final Choice

When picking between self-ligating and traditional braces:

1. Think about your budget
2. Consider your lifestyle and how often you can visit the orthodontist
3. Ask about the complexity of your case
4. Look at before and after photos
5. Trust your orthodontist’s advice based on your specific needs

Summary

Self-ligating braces win for:

• Speed of treatment
• Comfort level
• Fewer appointments
• Better hygiene

Traditional braces win for:

• Lower cost
• Complex case handling
• Proven track record
• Insurance coverage

Both types can give you a beautiful smile! The best choice depends on your needs, budget, and what your orthodontist thinks is best for your teeth.

Talk to a specialist at a trusted orthodontic laboratory to learn more about your options for a straighter, healthier smile.