Self-ligating brackets: A comprehensive review

Abstract

The concept of self-ligating systems is not new, with the first designs dating back to the 1930's. Since then, numerous concepts have appeared especially since the 1970's. Both clinician and patient benefit from reduced chair side time and faster treatment progress. Each inventor of self-ligating brackets has found that they allow greater patient comfort, shorter treatment time, reduced chair time, and more precise control of tooth movement. This article highlights current knowledge regarding the origin, the stepwise development and the recent concepts in use of self-ligating brackets in day today clinical practice.