Self-ligating Brackets

One of the orthodontic technologies that Dr. Catherine Oden Fulton employs is the self-ligating bracket with self-locking doors. Self-ligating means that the brackets do not need the little o-shaped rubber bands or metal tie wires (ligatures) to hold the arch wire in the bracket slot. When a bracket is self-locking, it does not bind an archwire or have unnecessary friction. Therefore, wires are able to fully express themselves. Dr. Fulton routinely uses Damon, GAC-Inovation and Speed brackets. Several companies have developed various techniques for holding the arch wire in place without ligatures. She also has many cases with the traditional edgewise brackets that use ligatures.

The Damon Braces System® was developed by orthodontist Dwight Damon, DDS using a "sliding door" technique, in conjunction with the Damon shaped low force wires. Dr. Catherine Oden Fulton credits Dr. Damon with increasing her knowledge concerning the sequencing of wires and various subtleties in the Damon Braces System. If you are interested in the Damon Braces System, please ask Dr. Fulton or a new patient coordinator for more information.

The GAC In-Ovation Bracket is another self-ligating bracket that Dr. Fulton uses in her practice. These brackets have a clean and sleek appearance that offer increased comfort. Dr. Fulton prefers low-friction brackets and light-force wires in her practice.

Click here to see a video of In-Ovation-R.

Speed Brackets are among the first of these innovative self-ligating brackets to be developed. They are a miniaturized self-ligating appliance, which offers overlapping benefits to both patients and orthodontists. Patients enjoy the benefits of improved hygiene, aesthetics and comfort while orthodontists benefit from timesavings in self-ligation and precision in tooth movement due to the action of Speed's Super Elastic Spring Clip. The Speed bracket continues to improve aesthetically and functionally. Dr. Fulton is very pleased with these brackets.