Self-Ligating Braces Allen
A Faster Way to a Straightened Smile
Want to straighten your teeth in the quickest, most effective, and most comfortable way possible? Self-ligating braces are what we recommend most. This innovation in orthodontics utilizes wires held in place using small latches on each bracket rather than small rubber elastics. This allows teeth to shift more easily, creating a faster and shorter treatment. To learn more about self-ligating braces in Allen or how they could help your smile, schedule a FREE in-person consultation with Dr. Hanson today!
Why Choose Hanson Orthodontics of Allen for Self-Ligating Braces?
- Allows You to Complete Treatment Sooner
- Attend Fewer In-Office Visits
- In-Network with Most PPO Insurance Plans
What Are Self-Ligating Braces?
With traditional braces, the brackets and arch wire are attached via small elastic bands or metal ties. These items, known as ligatures, help the arch wire apply force to your teeth so your teeth will gradually move into their proper positions.
Self-ligating braces are also known as self-ligating brackets. Indeed, the brackets are designed with a built-in mechanism that secures the arch wire in place. Some self-ligating braces even help to actively apply force to the teeth, which can result in faster and more efficient tooth movements.
How Do Self-Ligating Braces Work?
In some ways, self-ligating braces work similarly to their traditional counterparts. They apply sustained force to the teeth in order to move them. Both types of braces require periodic adjustments, and both types can cause mild soreness throughout the mouth.
However, there are also some big differences between them. Traditional braces often use elastic bands, which are effective but have some major downsides. For example, they can get worn out and lose their force. They can also trap food around them, and they are prone to staining, especially for folks who like brightly colored foods and spices, such as turmeric and berries. The bands are also less comfortable and less efficient overall than self-ligating brackets.
The Benefits of Self-Ligating Braces
Self-ligating braces offer some truly outstanding benefits:
- Smooth Brackets: It is common for traditional brackets to have straight edges that can lead to irritation inside the mouth. The rounded and smoother brackets in self-ligating braces help them sit comfortably against the lips and gums.
- Quicker Treatment: Since the wires are held in place with metal rather than rubber elastic bands, there is significantly less friction when moving teeth. That results in less resistance and teeth that shift faster compared to regular braces. In fact, patients with self-ligating braces are often able to finish treatment several months sooner than they would with traditional brackets.
- Faster Adjustments: If a patient comes to see us for their braces adjustment, it should only take a few minutes. We will open the latches on the brackets, then switch out the old wires for new ones. Compared to regular braces, this process is quite fast, allowing you to save time and get back to your normal routine that much sooner.
Understanding the Cost of Self-Ligating Braces
Just like traditional braces, the cost of self-ligating braces depends on the severity of your dental misalignment and a range of other factors. During your consultation, we can share some specific numbers and help you explore your payment options. For example, we welcome insurance, and we offer convenient financing options. Although self-ligating braces might cost a bit more than other treatments (but usually not significantly more), their benefits make them a wise use of funds!
Self-Ligating Braces FAQs
Do Self-Ligating Braces Hurt?
Let’s start with one of the most common questions about self-ligating braces: Do they hurt? Fortunately, the teeth-straightening process is gentler thanks to the smooth brackets and low-friction design. So, don’t let the fear of discomfort stand in your way of pursuing the smile you want!
Can Self-Ligating Braces Treat All Orthodontic Issues?
Self-ligating braces can correct all kinds of orthodontic problems, including overcrowding and overbites. If you are considering this type of braces, then the best thing to do is to schedule a consultation at our Allen office. That way, Dr. Hanson can review your dental history, assess the severity of your case, and determine if you’re a good candidate. If you are, then she will begin working on your custom treatment plan right away!
How Can I Make Self-Ligating Braces More Affordable?
Usually, self-ligating braces cost a little bit more than other orthodontic treatments. The good news is that we welcome several financial solutions so the price can still fit comfortably into your budget, including interest-free monthly payment plans. We are also happy to work with many PPO dental insurance companies, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Assurant, and Cigna.
How Long Do Self-Ligating Braces Take?
Oftentimes, patients achieve the results they desire several months sooner with self-ligating braces in Allen than they would with traditional brackets. So, if you have an important event on the horizon, or you simply don’t want to wait longer than necessary to have the gorgeous smile you’ve been dreaming of, this may be the orthodontic treatment for you! During your consultation, we can even provide you with an estimate of your treatment timeline and share what to do to avoid frustrating treatment plan delays, like not chewing on ice cubes.
Are There Any Dietary Restrictions with Self-Ligating Braces?
The short answer is “yes.” Before you get discouraged, there is a good reason for this: it reduces your risk of sustaining an orthodontic emergency that causes you pain or leads to significant treatment plan delays. So, it’s important that you steer clear of croutons, hard pretzels, tortilla chips, caramel-filled candies, taffy, and other extremely crunchy and sticky foods.
Fortunately, the list of foods you can eat is much longer. In the hours immediately following your adjustment appointments, you may want to stick to soft foods, like pasta, mashed potatoes, and cottage cheese. Outside of that, however, you can enjoy your usual diet!
Can I Drink Coffee with Self-Ligating Braces?
You can drink coffee with Invisalign. However, it’s important to take certain precautions to prevent tooth decay, like rinsing your mouth thoroughly with water when you’re done and brushing your teeth about 20 minutes after that. You should also use a straw so there aren’t white spots on your teeth when it comes time to remove your braces.