ABSTRACT

During the last 10 years, a wide range of metal, plastic, and ceramic brackets, based on the straight-wire system, have become available. The latest advance in bracket improvement is the development of self-ligating brackets in orthodontics. The principal aim behind the development of self-ligating brackets was faster ligation which leads to a reduction of chair time spent. With the introduction of elastomeric ligatures, this incentive greatly diminished. Recent designs of self-ligating brackets provide not only less friction but also full archwire engagement. This review aims to scope the history of self-ligating brackets, their treatment efficiency and clinical advantages.