Most Recent Evidence About Self-Ligating Braces as of 2013 Are Self-Ligating brackets better?

At MCO Orthodontics, we still do not use self-ligating brackets because there is not enough evidence regarding their superiority.  Recently, the AJODO, our association journal, had both sides in a point and counterpoint.  At this time, the evidence in the strongest studies shows no difference in self-ligating brackets such as Damon, Empower, and SmartClip compared to traditional braces.

Friction that is commonly measured in these self-ligating studies trying to support their superiority is usually a first order friction (force of an elastic on top of the wire) rather than a second order (binding at the corners of the brackets).  For orthodontic purposes, the binding is the important factor, and this has not been studied by proponents of self-ligating brackets.

You might wish to read both of the arguments and make your own decision.

http://journals.elsevierhealth.com/periodicals/ymod/article/PIIS0889540612010256/fulltext

http://journals.elsevierhealth.com/periodicals/ymod/article/PIIS0889540612010268/fulltext

Our office wants to use the best treatment options for our patients and we are at the forefront of modern orthodontics, but as orthodontics is a science, we do need to rely on the strongest evidence when deciding on which options to offer.