Advances in Self Ligating Brackets: An Overview

Self-ligating brackets (SLBs) have emerged as a widely used alternative to conventional orthodontic brackets, featuring a built-in mechanism that eliminates the need for elastomeric or wire ligatures to hold the archwire in place. This review summarizes the current evidence on the clinical performance, advantages, and limitations of SLBs. Key purported benefits include reduced frictional resistance, shorter treatment times, improved patient comfort, and enhanced oral hygiene. However, clinical findings remain mixed, with several studies reporting no significant differences in treatment outcomes, discomfort, or duration compared to conventional systems. Additionally, SLBs are associated with higher costs and may present challenges related to bracket bulk and mechanical complexity. Despite their growing popularity, SLB selection should be tailored to individual patient needs, treatment goals, and orthodontist experience. Further long-term randomized controlled trials are needed to establish definitive clinical guidelines.