CE Eligible Article By Matthew Standridge, DDS, FAGD, FICOI O rthodontic treatment has evolved considerably since the introduction of fixed appliances, with innovations aimed at improving efficiency, patient experience, and clinical outcomes. Self-ligating (SL) brackets, which incorporate a built-in clip or door to secure the archwire without the need for elastomeric or metal ties, have gained prominence since their modern resurgence in the 1990s. The brackets eliminate the force degrada-tion and hygiene issues associated with traditional ligatures, as demon-strated in studies showing a 29% to 63% force decay in elastomeric ties within the first 24 hours. 1 SL systems are broadly catego-rized into passive and active types, each with distinct mechanisms that influence friction, force applica-tion, and tooth movement. Passive SL brackets, such as the Damon system, employ a sliding door that holds the archwire loosely, mini-mizing friction and allowing for relatively free tooth movement during initial alignment phases. Active SL brackets employ a flexible clip that exerts gentle pressure on the archwire, particularly when larger wires are used, providing superior control over torque and rotation. The active interaction enhances biomechanical precision, making these systems preferable in cases requiring detailed finishing. This article explores the multi-faceted benefits of SL brackets, drawing from clinical studies, systematic reviews, and practical insights. The author favors active systems for their balance of low fric-tion in early treatment stages and controlled force in later phases. Benefits of Self-Ligating Brackets SL brackets offer several advan-tages over conventional twin brack-ets with elastomeric ties, as supported by both anecdotal clini-cal experience and empirical research. Key benefits include short-ened treatment times, decreased appointments, reduced friction with lightened forces, improved patient comfort and hygiene, enhanced practice profitability, and improved biomechanical control. 6 Winter 2026 JAOS
Journal of the American Orthodontic Society Winter 2026: Page 6
