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Self-ligating braces

Are self-ligating braces better?

Are you wondering how self-ligating braces differ? They have no elastic ties and instead use brackets and clips to hold the wires in place, which helps them move teeth faster.

Self-ligating braces use a slide mechanism built into the bracket to hold the archwire. This method of straightening keeps the braces active and moves teeth at a faster pace. Plus, it means fewer adjustments and visits to the dentist.

Dental professional using an intraoral scanner on a patient in the treatment chair

Straighten teeth faster and more comfortably in London

Self-ligating braces use a slide mechanism built into the bracket to hold the archwire. This method of straightening keeps the braces active and moves teeth at a faster pace. Plus, it means fewer adjustments and visits to the dentist.

Self-ligating braces cost illustration

Self-Ligating Braces Cost

Self-ligating braces are a cost-effective alternative to Invisalign that still offers fast, precise results. Prices at Maida Smiles are inclusive of all adjustments throughout your treatment.

  • Both arches: £3,250
  • Single arch: from £1,625
  • 0% finance available over 12–36 months

An initial consultation is required to assess your suitability and provide a personalised treatment plan and quote.

Guide to self-ligating braces

Shorter orthodontist appointments

Advantages of self-ligating braces

  • Easier to clean: Ligatures easily trap food particles in and around brace brackets. Here, the absence of ligatures makes them easier to clean.
  • Less discomfort: As traditional braces require more regular tightening, it’s possible that with self-ligating braces, you could experience less discomfort.
  • Fewer orthodontic visits: As no individual ligatures need to be replaced during adjustment, opening and shutting self-ligating braces during regular adjustments is easier and less time-consuming.
  • Less pressure: Pressure is distributed more evenly through the teeth, making self-ligating braces more comfortable and less intense as a result.
  • Smaller: They’re smaller, less bulky and offer a more subtle treatment option to regular metal braces.

How much do self-ligating braces cost?

We charge £1,625 per arch for self-ligating braces at our London practice. Prices for both upper and lower arches are from £3,250 with 0% financing options available.

Are self-ligating braces faster?

In theory, self-ligating braces are faster, but the research does not support it. How long treatment takes, with any brace or aligner treatment, will depend on your specific condition. That said, self-ligating can speed up some areas of treatment.

How long do self-ligating braces take to straighten teeth?

Patients interested in self-ligating braces should expect to wear braces for 12 to 24 months.

Who can use them?

All patients, regardless of their age can opt for braces that use self-ligating brackets. They’re effective in treating all types of dental problems like crowding, open bites, overbites, crossbites, gaps and complex malocclusion cases.

Types of self-ligating brackets

  • Metal self-ligating braces: The most common material for self-ligating braces is metal, although, since self-ligating braces do not require elastics they take up less space and are more discreet even though they’re made up of metal.
  • Clear self-ligating braces: Patients have the option for clear self-ligating braces with ceramic brackets, which are more aesthetically pleasing. They adapt great to all tooth enamel shades and are more discreet, however, the wire used will still be metallic in the vast majority of cases.

Adult brace treatment options

The below treatment options successfully treat crooked, misaligned, and overcrowded teeth, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites. All treatments are also perfect for gapped teeth, although Invisalign cannot close gaps larger than 0.4mm.

Maida Smiles Dental Clinic patient care photo

Invisalign from £2,475 per arch

  • Removable up to 2 hours
  • 3-12 months
  • Mild to severe cases

Explore

Metal Braces – Maida Smiles Dental Clinic

Metal Braces £1,500 per arch

  • Fixed (coloured options)
  • 12-18 months
  • Mild to severe cases

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Ceramic Braces – Maida Smiles Dental Clinic

Ceramic Braces £1,750 Per arch

  • From £1,750 (one arch)
  • Fixed but tooth-coloured
  • 18-36 months
  • Mild to severe cases

Explore

Maida Smiles Dental Clinic patient care photo

Self-ligating £1,625 per arch

  • Fixed with brackets
  • 12-24 months
  • Mild to severe cases

Explore

Before and after photos of self-ligating braces treatment

What to Expect During Treatment

Because self-ligating brackets require no elastic ties, there is less friction on the archwire — meaning your teeth can move more freely and comfortably. Most patients find appointments shorter and less frequent compared to traditional braces.

Treatment times vary depending on the complexity of your case, but many patients achieve their desired result within 12–18 months. Your orthodontist will monitor progress at each visit and make precise wire adjustments as needed.

What we offer

Your local dentist for life, Maida Smiles Dental Clinic in Maida Vale,  is a cosmetic, restorative and dental implant clinic in the heart of  London that also serves patients with general, everyday smile concerns.  We’re here no matter your smile concern.

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Representative examples

Finance monthly examples displayed on this page are based on a £2,500 dental implant, no deposit:

  • 24 months: £114.54 per month. Total repayable: £2,749.06. 9.9% APR.
  • 36 months: £80.31 per month. Total repayable: £2,891.16. 9.9% APR

Subject to status. Terms and conditions apply.

Finance information

Maida Smiles Clinic has partnered with Tabeo Tech Limited to offer 0% dental finance over 12 months, with interest-bearing options available up to 36 months at a 9.9% APR beyond the initial 12-month period.

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