Phone: (816) 759-0123
Email: info@burlesonortho.com
Metal braces are very strong and can withstand most types of treatment. Today's metal braces are smaller, sleeker, and more polished than ever before. Older, traditional metal braces require an elastic o-shaped rubber band, called a ligature to hold the arch wire onto the bracket. These elastic ties collect more plaque and bacteria, making it harder for patients to clean the teeth and gums.
You may have heard of "speed braces." These are sometimes also referred to as "self-ligating brackets" or "tie-free braces". Self-ligating means that the brackets do not need the little o-shaped rubber bands (ligatures) or metal tie wires to hold the arch wire onto the bracket. Several companies have developed braces for holding the wires in place without ligatures.
By using self-ligation technology, the brackets allow the wire to slide back and forth. This advancement allows for fewer adjustments and fewer appointments. These type of braces do not need rubber bands to hold the arch wire in place. They use a "door" to secure the arch wire to the bracket. They are smaller than traditional metal and less food gets trapped around them when you eat.
At Burleson Orthodontics, we use an advanced self-ligating bracket, called In-Ovation.
It is a twin bracket made of metal or clear ceramic, and utilizes a special built-in clip. The pressure from specific types of arch wires activates the clip and delivers specific amounts of force to each tooth, resulting in fast, directed results. The photo on the right shows a side view of a round arch wire in the bracket's slot, and the clip resting on the outside of the arch wire. As you can see, the slot is rectangular and the arch wire is round. However; when a rectangular arch wire is used (later in treatment), the arch wire seats more firmly in the slot and engages more accurately with the clip. 
We are very excited about the hygiene benefits of these self-closing or tie-free metal braces. Patients are excited that their braces are small, smooth, friction-free and straighten their teeth in fewer visits with less discomfort than braces with wires that are "tied-in."
