Self-ligating braces use a ‘sliding door’ technique in which metal brackets are stuck onto the front of teeth, allowing the arch wire to slide back and forth without the need for rubber bands to hold it in place.
Pros:
- More hygienic than metal braces as less food gets trapped between brackets
- Requires fewer adjustments and visits to the dentists compared to conventional braces
- Shorter treatment time than 1st generation metal braces
- No staining problems
Cons:
- More expensive than 1st generation metal braces
- Technique sensitive