• Arthessarat Sirisa-Ard DDS, DClinDent (Orthodontics), MRACDS

The conventional fixed orthodontic appliances have been used to treat number of patients
effectively for a long time. However, the popularity of using self-ligating brackets has increased
considerably over the last few years. Many advantages of using self-ligating brackets have
proposed. These include minimized applied force from the appliance with reduced friction, favorable
physiologic tooth movement, less treatment time, longer treatment intervals with fewer appointments,
chair time saving, less patient discomfort, improved oral hygiene, etc. However, self-ligating brackets
cost higher than conventional appliances. They also have more bulky profile due to their complicated
mechanical design and their clip or slide possibly susceptible to breakage during the treatment.
This review summarizes and discusses current evidences on the efficacy of self-ligating versus
conventional orthodontic fixed appliances that has been claimed and published in various aspects
including friction, active vs passive self-ligating brackets, treatment time, rate of alignment and space
closure, chair time, arch dimension and lower incisor inclination, bracket failure rate, treatment
stability, patient discomfort, oral hygiene and apical root resorption.

(CU Dent J. 2018;41:81-96)