Do Self-ligating brackets increase the efficiency of orthodontic treatment?

Abstract

Self-ligating brackets have become increasingly established in orthodontics in recent decades. While proponents haveprofessed overwhelming advantages of self-ligation, most notably a reduction in treatment time and a reduced requirement for extractions, there has been little convincing evidence to support many of these claims. In this review the evidence concerning the influence of self-ligating brackets on the efficiency of orthodontic treatment is considered.