Discover a modern approach to orthodontic treatment at Caruso Orthodontics
If you or your child is considering braces, you may have heard about self-ligating braces and wondered how they differ from traditional braces.
At Caruso Orthodontics, we offer American Orthodontics’ Empower® bracket system, an option that combines modern bracket technology with the personalized care needed to create a healthy, beautiful smile.
Empower braces are designed to hold the orthodontic wire using a built-in closing clip rather than the small elastic ties traditionally used with braces. This difference may offer some practical advantages during treatment.
But what does that mean for you as a patient? Let’s take a closer look.
What Are Self-Ligating Braces?
Traditional braces use small brackets attached to the teeth. An orthodontic wire runs through these brackets and applies gentle, controlled forces to move teeth into their desired positions.
With conventional braces, small elastic bands, often called ligatures, are typically used to hold the wire in place.
Self-ligating braces work in a similar way, but they use a built-in clip or door to secure the wire.
Empower® braces use this built-in mechanism, eliminating the need for conventional elastic ligatures on the brackets.
The goal is to give your orthodontist another way to manage tooth movement while providing a treatment experience that is comfortable, efficient, and tailored to your individual needs.
See Empower braces in action
Watch this patient-focused overview from American Orthodontics to see how Empower® self-ligating braces work.