Self ligating gadgets have been rising gradually in the eye of public through the years as their benefits over elastomeric or steel ligatures are being claimed by orthodontists wide-reaching.
Self ligating brackets are a modern substitute to the traditional 'train track' metal braces. Self ligating denotes that the brace can bind itself to the major archwire. The archwire is kept in place employing small metal clips rather than elastic bands.
There’re two major kinds of self ligating braces. Active & passive, though some have the mixture of features belonging to both active & passive kinds. The active type has a spring clip that presses against the archwire. The clip doesn't actively press against the wire in the passive type. These brackets have been constantly modified and tweaked since their introduction to overcome initial problems and to enhance overall performance.
History of Self Ligating Appliances:
While it may appear like a new-world idea, the concept of self ligating brackets came into the light in the year of1935 with the Russell lock edgewise attachments. A surge in reputation in the 1990s led to further enhancement of the appliances and a big number of patents. Some of the more trusted stuffs are, SmartClip 2, In-Ovation C, Damon 3MX & DammonQ.
Self ligating devices have gained the upper hand on their steel & elastomeric counterparts in terms of overcomingissues of low efficiency, plastic deformation, staining, plaque accumulation, friction and distress. Elastomeric models have been studied to show a decrease in strength when putted in a simulated oral setting. The elastic is also prone to stretching leading to a major loss in full bracket engagement. Notlike elastomeric ligatures, self ligating brackets offer a secure ligation because a healthy full bracket engagement is assured unless the clip or sliding mechanism malfunctions or something causes the bracket to detach.
Friction is also a crucial factor in tooth alignment. Tooth movement takes place in a series of short jumps as the arch wire & biological resistance try to turn the root upright through alveolar bone. Therefore, the lower the friction, the better. Low friction is important within the bracket system to assist facilitate efficient arch leveling, alignment, and space closure while keeping anchorage requirements low. Self ligation manages to offer a reasonably large decrease in friction through all stages of tooth movement. They aid the tooth slide gently along the archwire at a measured & predictable pace while preventing any unwanted alignment of the tooth.
