Metal Mouth Message Board

Is there any disadvantage of using ligature wires to tie in the arch wire, rather than elastics. I just prefer the cleaner look of the ligatures, on non self ligating brackets... but does anyone have any experience of either or both?
Thank you!

I am actually jealous of people with non-self-ligating at times because of the elastic ties. I currently have a lingual arch that uses traditional bracketed bands and my ortho uses wire ties on those. They have a tendency to poke my tongue and/or cause me to wonder what's stuck in my teeth even if I don't have anything stuck there.

I've never had a full mouth of wire ties, just on one tooth that was had the end of a lace back tie. It was such a pain to clean because they don't move. At least with elastics, they are a little flexible and you can get an interdental brush under easily.

I've had both during my treatment depending on the movement desired and currently have wire ligs (ties) on my upper arch. Not sure if I have a preference, but the wire ligs take much longer to apply and remove than the elastic variety and they seem to collect more food as well.

All the Best,

Jethro