Orthodontic treatment involves the use of either fixed or removable braces to correct and straighten crooked teeth. Fixed braces consist of brackets that are attached to the teeth and wires that move and guide the teeth. The wires are held in slots cut into the brackets. Conventional brackets use a loop of wire or an elastic ring – known as ligatures – to hold the wire in the slot. Brackets that have a mechanical device built into them to hold the wire instead of a ligature are known as self ligating braces.

More recently, however, other advantages of a self ligating braces system have been claimed with new designs for brackets.

These claimed advantages are:

1. Complete and secure archwire engagement
2. Low friction between bracket and archwire
3. Less chairside assistance
4. Reduced time to change archwires
5. Reduced frequency of visits to the orthodontist to change wires
6. Promote better oral hygiene
7. Allow for better infection control.