Self ligating braces adults by specialist orthodontist Kensington London

Self-ligating Braces

Self-ligating braces are another type of fixed braces. Unlike traditional braces that use elastic ligatures to hold the archwire, the self-ligating brackets have a built-in clip mechanism to engage the wire. The sliding mechanism provides several benefits to the self-ligating braces in comparison with the traditional fixed brackets:

The Treatment

Self-ligating vs Traditional Braces:

  • Smaller attachments – the sliding mechanism allows for slightly smaller brackets, which means that the self-ligating brackets cover less of the tooth’s surface.
  • Fewer hooks – Furthermore, the self-ligating braces have fewer hooks and pointing edges than the traditional braces, resulting in a softer attachment design, making the bracket’s surface gentler to the soft tissues and more comfortable.
  • Easier to keep good hygiene – The elastics of traditional braces are found to entrap food and cumulate plaque. In comparison, the self-ligating braces have a metal sliding mechanism instead, making them slightly easier for maintaining and keeping good oral hygiene.
  • Shorter appointments duration – The lack of elastics means that during your regular appointments, your orthodontist can spend less time removing the old elastics and replacing them with new ones. Instead, they can just pop the bracket open and adjust the wire as necessary.

The self-ligating braces are offered in both metal and ceramic brackets, allowing you to choose how you want your braces to look based on your personal preferences

The Process

Consultation

Consultation

We will first see you for an initial consultation. At this appointment, your specialist orthodontist will do a complete examination of your case. We will take photos and X-rays and conduct a comprehensive assessment to make sure that ceramic braces are a suitable option for you.

Treatment Plan

Treatment plan

During the appointment, we will create a treatment plan for you based on the complete assessment and the information we have collected during the consultation. This treatment plan will outline how long approximately your treatment will take, how much it will cost based on your specific needs, and what are the expected benefits.

First Appointment

First appointment

When you agree to the proposed treatment, we will schedule your first appointment to begin your treatment. At this first appointment, your orthodontist will fit the brackets to your teeth by bonding each bracket to each tooth. We will then connect them using an archwire to create the desired tension on the teeth. Should you need any general dentistry work and a dental hygiene session, we are happy to book this for you prior to your first appointment, or if the schedule allows it on the same day.


Regular Adjustments

Regular adjustments

Once your braces are fitted, we will continue seeing you for regular appointments approximately every 5 to 8 weeks, depending on your specific treatment needs. During these regular appointments, your orthodontic therapist will be adjusting the braces and wires. We will also monitor the overall health of your teeth and gums, making sure you will complete your treatment by having a healthy, beautiful smile.

Retention Period

Retention period

At the end of your treatment, when your teeth and your bite have been appropriately adjusted, we will remove your braces. To ensure the retention of the achieved results and avoid relapse, we will place a fixed retainer. The fixed retainer is a thin wire bonded to the back of the upper and lower front teeth. It keeps them together and prevents them from moving, and you’ll never know it’s there!



We will also provide you with a set of removable retainers for you to wear overnight. The removable retainers are clear thin aligners that go over your teeth. They will help ensure your teeth are protected from moving and prevent you from grinding and applying forces that might affect the achieved results. Finally, we will see you for regular appointments approximately every three months during the first year post your orthodontic treatment. These appointments aim to closely monitor how your teeth behave post-treatment and react promptly if there are any changes.

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    Book an Appointment

    You can book an appointment online, or by giving us a call on 020 7368 6611.