Self-Ligating Brackets with O-Ring Ligs

[lajp]

So I have self-ligating brackets (the 3M Unitek) with a mix of ceramic and metal. Ceramic on top with the top six (teeth 1, 2, and 3 on UL and UP) with the remainder being metal. Bottom is all metal. BUT, I also have lig ties? Is that because there are some brackets that are not self-ligating and I just don't know it? I mean I'm fine with it because I'm so glad I get to choose some colors (hot/neon pink right now).

But why do I have ties on them if they are self-ligating? Are there brackets that aren't self-ligating and I just didn't/don't know it? Or is it just to reinforce the wire staying put?

I have two steel/metal ties on the bottom front teeth (tooth #1 on LL and LR). *They count teeth weirdly in ortho compared to the standard 1-32 you see in dentistry.

Let me know if you have similar experiences or have any hunches as to why this is. I want more colors! Lol.

[Mpkh]

Self lighting brackets will not have ligatures. Ligatures are used in non self ligating braces to hold the wire in place. Self lighting braces are able to hold the wire in place without the help of ligatures.

Perhaps you have powerchains?

[lajp]

Yeah I'm not sure why I have o-rings/ligs on the sides; it's fine with me because yay for colors (that's what it's all about, when your younger but even now the colors are still an exciting perk lol).

I have self-ligating ceramic on the UL and UR teeth 1-3. Self-ligating metal on the bottom but do you think I might have traditional metal brackets on the teeth towards the back since I have the color ties? I do have two metal ligs on the front bottom teeth (#1's) to reinforce because I have two wires shoved in there so they are more prone to popping out apparently. Makes sense though.

Let me know what you think with the pics. Thanks!

[Mpkh]

I think this is something that you should ask your orthodontist. I haven’t seen ligatures on self ligating brackets, and I haven’t heard of anyone with a mix of self ligating and traditional braces.

[Jester321]

I can’t speak in any official capacity as to why those have ligatures on them, but I don’t believe those would have any effect on a self-lighting bracket.

My ortho’s office (they use Damons) offers the option of having colored ligs if you want them just because and have good hygiene. However, only on the front teeth, not the back ones like you have.

[lajp]

That makes sense to have them as an extra offer under the circumstance of good oral hygiene since the traditional ligs are higher maintenance (honestly I don’t know how “kids” manage all this; albeit, I know some friends of mine did have terrible oral hygiene during braces treatment).

I’ll try to ask them next time. I’m just curious. Thanks for your input!

[Jblackrose]

I have ligatures on my "social teeth" like some one said it just if you want them. Got pink since it's my youngest favorite color. She could care less so I'm almost 40 walking around with pink braces. *hangs head*