In terms of outward appearance, self-ligating braces are much the same as conventional styles in that they use a bracket and wire system. However, the modern technology used means that no elastic bands or metal ties are required to keep the straightening archwire in place.

Where fixed braces use elastic bands around the brackets, self-ligating brackets have a small clip mechanism which holds the arch wire in place.  The elastic bands on fixed braces can cause friction which could result in longer treatment times, but as these elastic bands aren’t needed with self-ligating braces treatment times can be significantly shorter.