Surfs Up Self-Ligating Braces

Bethany Hamilton has become a source of inspiration to millions. At the age of thirteen, Bethany lost her left arm to a 14-foot tiger shark, an accident that many believed would end her career as a rising surf star. One month after the attack, Bethany returned to the water and within 2 years had won her first National title. Soul surfer, Bethany Hamilton, has become an embodiment of self-confidence. Bethany didn’t let losing an arm or wearing braces hold her back from enjoying what she loved. Hamilton battled the waves and crooked teeth with self-ligating braces. Channel your inner soul surfer this summer, and don’t let braces hold you back from doing what you love.

What are self-ligating braces? Well, this relatively new orthodontic treatment doesn’t use elastic or metal ligatures to attach an arch wire to brackets. Self-ligating braces brackets have a built-in component that closes around the wire to keep it attached. Self-ligating braces have a few notable advantages to take advantage of:

1. Self-ligating metal brackets reduce friction between brackets and wires by eliminating use of ligature ties, reducing total treatment time.
2. Because no friction is involved using metal or elastic ligatures, self-ligating braces allow teeth to move freely, causing less pain during the extent of orthodontic treatment.
3. Metal and elastic ligatures associated with conventional braces can also accumulate bacteria and plaque, often become discolored with different foods and beverages. By eliminating these ligatures, the self-ligating braces can lead to better oral health throughout your orthodontic treatment.

While self-ligating braces have the ability to reduce duration time, are less painful, and can lead to better oral hygiene throughout orthodontic treatment, self-ligating braces do have the potential to be slightly more costly than their traditional counterparts. Though Bethany Hamilton straightened her smile with self-ligating braces, traditional and clear braces remain excellent options for orthodontic treatment.

Whether surfing, swimming, or enjoying the beach, don’t let your orthodontic treatment hold you back from enjoying your summer. For questions regarding self-ligating, traditional or clear braces, give Casthely Orthodontics & Dental a call today, we would love to hear from you this summer!