Fixed Orthodontic Treatment & Braces
Self-Ligating Braces
Book an Orthodontic ConsultationSelf-ligating braces are fixed orthodontic braces that use brackets with built-in clips to hold the archwire. At our Bayan Lepas clinic in Penang, we assess your teeth, bite and oral health to determine whether this system or another orthodontic option is suitable for you.
What Self-Ligating Braces Help With
Self-ligating braces may be considered when teeth are crowded, overlapping, crooked or spaced apart, as well as for certain bite alignment concerns that require fixed braces.
They work using brackets attached to the teeth and an archwire that gradually guides the teeth towards their planned positions. Unlike conventional braces, the wire is retained by a clip integrated into each self-ligating bracket rather than separate elastic ligatures.
Are Self-Ligating Braces Suitable for You?
Self-ligating braces may be an option for teenagers and adults who require fixed orthodontic treatment.
Suitability depends on your individual tooth position, bite, oral health and treatment requirements rather than age or appearance alone.
For some patients, conventional braces or clear aligners may be more appropriate. Clear aligners are removable and more discreet, while self-ligating braces remain fixed and do not depend on remembering to wear an appliance each day.
What to Expect During Treatment
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Consultation and assessment
We assess your teeth, bite, alignment concerns and overall oral health.
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Treatment planning
Your findings are used to plan an appropriate orthodontic approach, with digital dental technology used where relevant.
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Braces placement
If self-ligating braces are selected, brackets are attached to your teeth and connected by an orthodontic archwire.
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Progress reviews
Scheduled appointments allow us to monitor tooth movement and manage your braces according to the treatment plan.
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Retention
After active treatment, retainers are generally used to help maintain the corrected tooth positions.
Orthodontic Expertise and Digital Support
Our dental team includes dentists with a special interest in braces as well as specialist orthodontic expertise. Dr. Rachel Ng Sue Lyn holds FICCDE (Orthodontics), while orthodontist Dr. Ng Chun Hown holds postgraduate qualifications including MDS Ortho (HK), MOrth RCSEd and MOrth RCPS (Glasg).
Where clinically appropriate, treatment planning can also be supported by our iTero Element Plus for 3D digital impressions, 3D CBCT imaging, panoramic X-rays, intra-oral photography and dedicated photography and smile-planning capabilities.
Discuss the Right Braces Option for You
An orthodontic assessment can help determine whether self-ligating braces, conventional braces or clear aligners are appropriate for your teeth and bite. Visit BestSmile Dental Clinic in Bayan Lepas, Penang to discuss your treatment options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily. They use different mechanisms to retain the archwire, but the appropriate system depends on your orthodontic condition and treatment requirements.
No. Self-ligating braces use fixed brackets and wires. “Invisible braces” commonly refers to clear aligners, which are transparent and removable.
Treatment time varies according to the complexity of your orthodontic condition, the amount of tooth movement required and your individual treatment plan. A more meaningful estimate can be provided after assessment.
