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What are Self-Ligating SmartClip Braces?

Here’s you need to know about SmartClip Braces

 

One of the most important considerations in modern society has become convenience. A lot of people do not have much in the way of free time due to their hectic schedules. They require the most efficient dental care possible. Research is always being conducted regarding ways to decrease the time necessary for patients to complete dental work. This helps ensure a good fit for the requirements and demands of the people. This research has resulted in ways to make braces more attractive and comfortable. One of the most prominent advancements are self-ligating braces as opposed to the traditional metal braces. These types of braces help eliminate many of the most common issues while increasing the convenience factor. The most effective possible treatment must fit into the life of the patient.

Self-ligating braces are very similar to conventional braces. The biggest difference is the ligatures have been completely eliminated. The braces uses little, self-mitigating doors to keep the wires in place as opposed to metal ties, rubber bands or elastics. There are a variety of self-ligating braces currently available. This is dependent on the company actually manufacturing the braces. One of the most efficient and popular options are SmartClip braces. Although self-ligating braces have been available for more than two decades, they did not start to become popular until the last decade. Prior to this, the braces were simply not placed in the spotlight. This type of braces has been adopted by numerous companies. They are now being marketed for a wide range of consumers.

Consumers are finally being made aware of the newest innovations for orthodontic treatments including braces. You are most likely unaware the system for these braces originated during the 1930’s. The modern system for self-ligation was not officially introduced until the 1970’s. The original bracket had numerous issues because it was extremely large, difficult to open and welded to the band. During the 1980’s, a new type of bracket was developed. This became the more modern choice for an aesthetic bracket. The basic system still had numerous issues. It was extremely difficult to precisely place the brackets due to the small width. This made rotation corrections very hard for the orthodontists. The system was accepted because it was the best one available at the time.

As time passed, improvements were made to the brackets available on the market. Many different types were introduced. This included both interactive and passive versions. Small metal doors are built into self-ligating for passive brackets. When these doors are opened or closed, there is no disturbance in the placement of the archwires in the slots. The size used for the archwires in passive brackets is smaller. This enables the teeth to move much more freely because there is less friction. The professional uses the self-ligation near the beginning of the treatment. The archwires for active brackets are kept in place through spring-loaded doors. This enables the orthodontist to control the way the teeth move in every direction. The rotation of the teeth can also be corrected.

The archwires for these kinds of braces are generally thicker. This places additional pressure on the teeth to nudge them into the appropriate positions. There is a tremendous difference between SmartClip braces and traditional metal braces. The orthodontist must use rubber bands to ensure the archwires remain in place for traditional braces. Self-ligating braces must have either brackets with doors or special clips to ensure the archwires are held in place. When the doors are closed, the teeth are able to gradually move into the correct alignment. The freedom of the movement of the teeth enabled by the self-ligation is the reason these types of braces provide a much more comfortable experience. The way the teeth move is one of the biggest issues with traditional metal braces because it results in extra friction.

The friction caused by the rubber bands causes the movement of the archwires to slow as the teeth turn or shift. This means the teeth move at a slower rate. Since the self-ligating braces do not use rubber bands, there is no friction due to the wire sliding through the brackets. Both types of braces will enable the teeth to move into the desired positions. The difference is every time the bands are stained or become discolored, the patient must visit the orthodontist to have them replaced. All that is necessary with self-ligating braces is a simple adjustment. This effectively reduces the number of appointments necessary while enabling the teeth to move easier.

Another important consideration is the effectiveness of oral hygiene. This is incredibly important during the course of the treatment. Patients have an easier time brushing and flossing their teeth with self-ligation braces as opposed to traditional metal braces. This is because there are no rubber bands to trap food and the size of the brackets are notably smaller.

To learn more, book an appointment at the office of Brodie Bowman, DMD, located in Niceville and Fort Walton Beach. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get all the facts about your treatment options!