How long do self-ligating braces take?

How long do self-ligating braces take?

Oct 01, 2022

Are your child’s teeth crooked or misaligned? The earlier you can fix the better. Straightening their smile will significantly improve their smile, self-confidence, and oral health.

When it comes to choosing pediatric orthodontic treatment, there are several options. These can include metal braces, clear aligners, or lingual braces.

While all these options are effective, you might be confused about which option is best to correct your child’s bite and align their teeth.

Our pediatric dentists can recommend self-ligating braces based on their needs and condition. Let’s learn about self-ligating braces and what to expect from the treatment.

What are Self-Ligating Braces?

Self-ligating braces are closely similar to conventional braces. Conventional braces involve a metal wire running through small fixtures or brackets attached to the teeth.

The wire is adjusted gradually to move the teeth in the desired direction. The archwire is joined to the brackets using elastic rubber bands or metal ties.

Like traditional braces, self-ligating braces use metal wires and brackets. However, they don’t use rubber bands or metal ties to hold the archwire to the brackets.

Instead, they use special clips built into the bracket itself. The brackets maintain constant pressure on the archwire, gradually moving teeth in the desired direction.

Benefits of Self-Ligating Braces

There are several benefits of self-ligating braces, including:

  • Shorter orthodontic visits

Like traditional braces, you must adjust self-ligating braces regularly to continue moving the teeth. Adjusting self-ligating brackets is quick and less time-consuming than conventional braces.

  • Improved appearance and self-confidence

After treatment, you will have well-aligned teeth. It dramatically improves your child’s smile and self-confidence.

  • Improved oral health

Ligatures in braces can trap debris in and around your brackets, leading to bacterial plaque, which causes bad breath, cavities, and gum disease. Self-ligating braces don’t use ligatures, making them easier to clean. Similarly, self-ligating braces align your kid’s teeth, making them easier to clean.

  • Comfort

Compared to traditional braces, self-ligating braces are more comfortable.

How Long Does Treatment Take?

Like conventional braces, self-ligating braces effectively correct numerous orthodontic problems such as complex misalignments, improper teeth gaps, and overcrowding.

They are as effective as conventional treatment. The treatment takes an average of 12 – 30 months, depending on your child’s condition. Our pediatric dentist near you will evaluate their condition to determine how long the treatment will take.

Factors That Can Impact Treatment Time

Several factors can affect orthodontic treatments, making the treatment shorter or longer. That’s why self-ligating treatment is customized according to a child’s specific needs. Watch out for these factors:

  • Oral Hygiene

Unlike clear aligners, self-ligating braces aren’t removable – only the dentist can remove them. They are bonded to your teeth and adjusted at intervals. Your child will eat, drink, and brush with the braces on. It increases the risk of damage, teeth yellowing, and plaque build-up.

Your child must brush and floss their teeth regularly and after meals to remove trapped food leftovers on the teeth and braces. It significantly reduces the risk of cavities and teeth staining.

  • Diet

Unfortunately, your child might have to cut off certain foods once they begin the treatment. For instance, chewing hard items like ice can cause the braces to break or dislodge.

Similarly, limiting sugary and acidic food items in their diet prevents cavities. Highly colored foods can also stain teeth and braces. Throughout the treatment, consider feeding your child a relatively soft diet with fewer sugars, starches, and colors.

  • Oral Habits

Along with proper diet and hygiene, warn your child against damaging habits that can affect their treatment. For instance, they should avoid using their teeth as tools to open cans or play games.

If your child’s braces get damaged or dislodged, don’t be tempted to readjust them yourself. Notify the pediatric dentist for re-adjustment or repair. Fixing the braces on your own can cause further damage or discomfort to the child.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Are you interested in self-ligating braces in Del Mar? Contact Sunny Smile Kids to begin your kid’s journey for a straighter smile.

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