Self-ligating braces use a built-in clip on each bracket to hold the archwire in place, instead of the elastic ties used on conventional braces — a design difference that mainly affects chair time at each visit.
At PlanDental in Mahim West, the initial evaluation and dental health monitoring during treatment are provided by Dr. Hrishikesh Naik and Dr. Nisha Naik, both MDS in Prosthodontics and Implantology. Fitting and adjusting the braces themselves is coordinated with an orthodontist. Read more about the clinic before you book.
Patients usually book this for: wanting shorter adjustment visits crowded or crooked teeth comparing braces systems no elastic ties to replace
Self-ligating braces replace the elastic ties of conventional braces with a small built-in clip or door on each bracket that holds the archwire in place. This makes each adjustment visit somewhat quicker, since there are no ties to replace. Systematic reviews of the clinical evidence find shortened chair time and slightly less forward tilting of the front teeth are the well-supported advantages — the evidence does not consistently show a shorter overall treatment time compared with conventional braces.
Self-ligating braces work on the same bracket-and-archwire principle as conventional braces — the difference is purely in how the wire is held in the bracket slot. Instead of an elastic tie that an orthodontist ties and later replaces, a small built-in mechanism clips the wire in place. This is often marketed as making treatment significantly faster, but the clinical evidence is more measured: reviews of the research consistently find shorter chair time at each visit as the clearest benefit, with treatment duration overall not reliably different from conventional systems.
Built-in clip, shorter chair time per visit.
Most affordable, handles wide case range.
Tooth-colored, less visible brackets.
PlanDental assesses your teeth, bite, and gum health, and takes any needed records.
Your case is discussed with a coordinating orthodontist, who plans the bracket positions and wire sequence.
Self-ligating brackets are bonded to each tooth; adjustment visits are often quicker since there are no ties to replace.
A retainer holds the new position in place once active treatment ends.
Self-ligating braces generally cost somewhat more than conventional metal braces due to the bracket design, though exact cost still depends on case complexity and treatment duration. PlanDental doesn't publish a fixed figure here — call or WhatsApp for a referral and the coordinating orthodontist will confirm cost after assessment.
This section describes what affects cost, not a quotation. Actual cost is confirmed by the treating orthodontist.
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Mild soreness after bonding and after each adjustment is common.
Cleaning around the clip mechanism is part of routine oral hygiene.
Brackets are removed and a retainer is fitted.
Consistent retainer wear helps prevent teeth drifting back.
Overall treatment time is not reliably shorter than conventional braces, despite how it's sometimes marketed.
Generally costs somewhat more than standard metal braces.
Fitting and adjustment is coordinated with an orthodontist, not performed at PlanDental directly.
No overselling of "faster treatment" claims not supported by research.
Bracket work coordinated with an orthodontist.
Step-free walk-in access, Guru Nanak Road, Mahim West — no stairs.
Same Guru Nanak Road address, next to Citylight Cinema, for over a decade.
The clinical evidence doesn't consistently support a shorter overall treatment time. What's well-supported is shorter chair time at each adjustment visit, since there are no elastic ties to replace.
Self-ligating brackets have a built-in clip that holds the archwire in place, replacing the elastic ties used on conventional braces. The underlying treatment principle is the same.
Many patients find adjustment visits quicker and simpler, though day-to-day comfort is broadly similar to conventional braces.
Generally, yes — somewhat more than standard metal braces, mainly due to the bracket design.
Yes — they treat a similar range of case complexity to conventional braces, as assessed by your orthodontist.
PlanDental provides the initial evaluation and ongoing dental health monitoring during treatment. Fitting and adjusting the braces is coordinated with an orthodontist.
1. Systematic review on self-ligating vs. conventional brackets: initial pain, number of visits, treatment time — PubMed. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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Disclaimer: Information provided on this page is for educational purposes only. Individual treatment plans and outcomes vary based on clinical evaluation by a qualified dentist or orthodontist.