# Self-Ligating Braces Explained: Are They Faster Than Traditional Braces? Publisher: Virtual Consultant Online Author: Virtual Consultant Online Published: 2026-07-03 Updated: 0001-01-01 Canonical URL: https://virtualconsultant.online/blog/self-ligating-braces-explained Citation metadata: https://virtualconsultant.online/citation.json?url=https%3A%2F%2Fvirtualconsultant.online%2Fblog%2Fself-ligating-braces-explained Self-ligating braces are one of the most frequently discussed alternatives to conventional fixed braces — and also one of the most frequently misunderstood. The marketing around certain self-ligating brace systems (most notably Damon braces) has at various points made claims about faster treatment, less pain, and fewer extractions that have not always been supported by the clinical evidence. This guide cuts through the noise. We cover exactly what self-ligating braces are , how they differ mechanically from conventional braces, what the clinical evidence actually says about speed and comfort, who they are most suitable for, and what questions to ask if an orthodontist recommends them for your case. Key takeaway Self-ligating braces use a built-in sliding mechanism or clip to hold the wire rather than the elastic or metal ties used in conventional braces. This reduces friction between the wire and bracket. However, systematic reviews comparing self-ligating to conventional braces have not found consistent evidence of faster treatment times, fewer extractions, or meaningfully less pain. The practical advantages — slightly shorter adjustment appointments and no coloured ties to replace — are real but modest. For most patients, the choice between self-ligating and conventional braces is less important than the skill and experience of the orthodontist placing them. ## What Makes a Brace Self-Ligating? In conventional fixed braces, the orthodontic wire is held in the bracket slot using a small elastic tie (an O-ring) or a metal ligature twisted around the bracket wings. These ties create friction between the wire and the bracket as the wire tries to slide through the slot and guide the tooth into position. A self-ligating bracket has a built-in mechanism — either a spring clip or a sliding door — that closes over the wire and holds it in place without any separate tie. When the mechanism is open, the wire can slide freely through the slot; when closed, it is held securely. This fundamental difference in how the wire is retained has been the basis for a number of clinical claims about self-ligating systems. ### Passive vs active self-ligation Self-ligating brackets divide into two types: Passive self-ligation (e.g. Damon brackets): the clip holds the wire loosely, with no additional spring force on it. Low friction, but also low engagement — the wire can move freely in the slot. Active self-ligation (e.g. Speed brackets, In-Ovation): a springy clip or cantilever presses down on the wire, applying a light force. Higher engagement than passive, similar to a light tie, but without the classic O-ring friction. 1930s Self-ligating brackets have existed since the 1930s — Damon (launched 1990s) popularised them commercially but did not invent the concept No significant difference What systematic reviews consistently find when comparing treatment speed between self-ligating and conventional braces ~5 min Typical time saving per adjustment appointment with self-ligating braces — due to no tie replacement needed ## The Claims vs the Evidence ### Are self-ligating braces faster? This is the most prominent claim and the most thoroughly investigated. Multiple systematic reviews — the highest level of clinical evidence — have compared treatment duration between self-ligating and conventional brackets. The consistent finding: no statistically significant difference in total treatment time . A 2014 Cochrane Review and subsequent meta-analyses found that any speed differences observed in individual studies were small, inconsistent, and did not reach clinical significance when data was pooled. The speed of orthodontic treatment is primarily determined by biological factors — how quickly the bone remodels around moving teeth — not by the friction properties of the bracket. Both bracket types are limited by the same underlying biology. ### Do they require fewer extractions? Damon System literature in particular promoted the idea that low-friction brackets create arch expansion that creates space for crowded teeth without extractions. The clinical evidence does not support this as a general principle. Whether extractions are needed depends on the severity of crowding, the relationship between the teeth and the jaw, and the patient's facial profile — not on which bracket type is used. An orthodontist who recommends extractions for a specific case is not failing to use the self-ligating advantage; they are making a clinical judgment based on case-specific factors that bracket choice does not change. ### Are they less painful? Some studies have suggested that passive self-ligating brackets (which exert lower forces) may be associated with slightly less discomfort in the initial days after a wire change. The difference, where it exists, is small and typically measured in patient-reported pain scores that differ by modest amounts. Most patients find that orthodontic discomfort settles within two to three days of any adjustment regardless of bracket type. Exploring your brace options? Get a clinician's view 😀 A free virtual assessment lets you discuss which brace type suits your case before you commit to an in-person consultation. Start my free assessment → ## Practical Advantages That Are Real While the headline speed and pain claims are overstated in the evidence, self-ligating braces do offer some genuine practical benefits compared to conventional brackets: Genuine advantages Shorter adjustment appointments — no tie replacement needed, saving approximately 5–10 minutes per visit No coloured elastics to change — some patients prefer the cleaner appearance without O-rings Lower friction at the bracket-wire interface — may facilitate certain wire movements Available in ceramic (tooth-coloured) versions for a more discreet appearance Claims not well-supported by evidence Significantly faster overall treatment time Meaningfully less pain than conventional braces Elimination of extraction need for crowding Superior clinical results vs conventional braces ## Self-Ligating vs Conventional: Side-by-Side Factor Self-ligating Conventional Wire retention Built-in clip or door Elastic or metal tie Friction Lower Higher Treatment speed No consistent difference No consistent difference Adjustment time Slightly shorter Standard Coloured ties Not required Used at each appointment Cost Slightly higher (brackets more expensive) Slightly lower Clinical outcomes Equivalent Equivalent Important The most important factor in orthodontic treatment outcomes is not the bracket type — it is the skill, experience, and judgment of the orthodontist. A GDC-registered specialist orthodontist using conventional brackets will produce consistently better outcomes than a general dentist using any self-ligating system. When choosing a provider, ask about their specialist registration and case experience rather than focusing primarily on bracket type. The guide to choosing an orthodontist covers the key questions to ask at a first consultation. Get an Honest View on Your Treatment Options Whether self-ligating, conventional, or clear aligners are right for your case depends on your specific clinical picture. Start with a free virtual assessment to get a qualified clinician's view. Get My Free Assessment → ## FAQs ### What are self-ligating braces? Self-ligating braces are a type of fixed brace where the bracket holds the wire using a built-in clip or sliding door instead of elastic ties (O-rings) or metal ligatures used in conventional braces. This reduces friction between the wire and bracket. The most well-known self-ligating system in the UK is the Damon System, but many manufacturers offer self-ligating variants. They are available in metal and ceramic (tooth-coloured) versions. ### Are self-ligating braces faster than traditional braces? Systematic reviews and Cochrane evidence do not support the claim that self-ligating braces consistently produce faster treatment times than conventional braces. The speed of orthodontic tooth movement is primarily determined by biological factors — how quickly bone remodels around moving roots — rather than the friction properties of the bracket. Adjustment appointments may be slightly shorter with self-ligating systems (as no tie replacement is needed), but total treatment duration is not reliably faster. ### What are Damon braces? Damon braces are a brand of passive self-ligating brackets, manufactured by Ormco. They use a sliding door mechanism to hold the wire with minimal friction. The Damon System was heavily marketed from the late 1990s with claims about faster treatment, less pain, and fewer extractions. Independent clinical evidence has not confirmed these claims consistently, but Damon braces are a high-quality bracket system widely used by skilled orthodontists in the UK. They are available in metal and clear (ceramic) versions. ### Do self-ligating braces hurt less? Some studies suggest passive self-ligating brackets (which hold the wire with very light force) may be associated with slightly less discomfort in the first few days after a wire change, compared to conventional braces with tight elastic ties. The difference, where it exists, is small and short-lived. Most patients find that any orthodontic discomfort settles within two to three days after adjustments regardless of bracket type. ### Are self-ligating braces more expensive than conventional braces? Self-ligating brackets are slightly more expensive to manufacture than conventional brackets, and this is sometimes reflected in the overall treatment fee. In practice, the price difference is often modest — the bigger cost driver for fixed brace treatment is the complexity of the case and the number of appointments required, not the bracket type. Some practices charge the same for self-ligating and conventional systems. It is worth asking your orthodontist whether there is a cost difference and what clinical reason they have for recommending a particular bracket type for your case. ### What are self-ligating braces? Self-ligating braces are a type of fixed brace where the bracket holds the wire using a built-in clip or sliding door instead of elastic ties (O-rings) or metal ligatures used in conventional braces. This reduces friction between the wire and bracket. The most well-known self-ligating system in the UK is the Damon System, but many manufacturers offer self-ligating variants. They are available in metal and ceramic (tooth-coloured) versions. ### Are self-ligating braces faster than traditional braces? Systematic reviews and Cochrane evidence do not support the claim that self-ligating braces consistently produce faster treatment times than conventional braces. The speed of orthodontic tooth movement is primarily determined by biological factors — how quickly bone remodels around moving roots — rather than the friction properties of the bracket. Adjustment appointments may be slightly shorter with self-ligating systems (as no tie replacement is needed), but total treatment duration is not reliably faster. ### What are Damon braces? Damon braces are a brand of passive self-ligating brackets, manufactured by Ormco. They use a sliding door mechanism to hold the wire with minimal friction. The Damon System was heavily marketed from the late 1990s with claims about faster treatment, less pain, and fewer extractions. Independent clinical evidence has not confirmed these claims consistently, but Damon braces are a high-quality bracket system widely used by skilled orthodontists in the UK. They are available in metal and clear (ceramic) versions. ### Do self-ligating braces hurt less? Some studies suggest passive self-ligating brackets (which hold the wire with very light force) may be associated with slightly less discomfort in the first few days after a wire change, compared to conventional braces with tight elastic ties. The difference, where it exists, is small and short-lived. Most patients find that any orthodontic discomfort settles within two to three days after adjustments regardless of bracket type. ### Are self-ligating braces more expensive than conventional braces? Self-ligating brackets are slightly more expensive to manufacture than conventional brackets, and this is sometimes reflected in the overall treatment fee. In practice, the price difference is often modest — the bigger cost driver for fixed brace treatment is the complexity of the case and the number of appointments required, not the bracket type. Some practices charge the same for self-ligating and conventional systems. It is worth asking your orthodontist whether there is a cost difference and what clinical reason they have for recommending a particular bracket type for your case. ## References - Cochrane Review — Self-ligating brackets for orthodontic treatment (https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD009931.pub2/full) - Cochrane systematic review of randomised controlled trials comparing self-ligating and conventional brackets on outcomes including treatment duration, pain, and clinical results. Finds no consistent evidence of faster treatment time or meaningfully less pain with self-ligating systems compared to conventional fixed appliances. - British Orthodontic Society — Fixed appliances for orthodontic treatment (https://www.bos.org.uk/patients-parents/orthodontic-treatment/types-of-brace) - BOS guidance on types of fixed orthodontic appliances available in the UK, including self-ligating systems, covering how each works, what the evidence says about clinical outcomes, and what patients should consider when choosing between different brace types. - Oral Health Foundation — Types of brace (https://www.dentalhealth.org/braces-and-orthodontics) - Oral Health Foundation patient information on the different types of orthodontic braces available in the UK, including self-ligating systems, conventional fixed braces, and clear aligners. Covers what each type looks like, how it works, and what patients should discuss with their orthodontist when choosing. - Cochrane Review — Self-ligating brackets for orthodontic treatment (https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD009931.pub2/full) - Cochrane systematic review of randomised controlled trials comparing self-ligating and conventional brackets on outcomes including treatment duration, pain, and clinical results. Finds no consistent evidence of faster treatment time or meaningfully less pain with self-ligating systems compared to conventional fixed appliances. - British Orthodontic Society — Fixed appliances for orthodontic treatment (https://www.bos.org.uk/patients-parents/orthodontic-treatment/types-of-brace) - BOS guidance on types of fixed orthodontic appliances available in the UK, including self-ligating systems, covering how each works, what the evidence says about clinical outcomes, and what patients should consider when choosing between different brace types. - Oral Health Foundation — Types of brace (https://www.dentalhealth.org/braces-and-orthodontics) - Oral Health Foundation patient information on the different types of orthodontic braces available in the UK, including self-ligating systems, conventional fixed braces, and clear aligners. Covers what each type looks like, how it works, and what patients should discuss with their orthodontist when choosing.