Self-ligating braces in Palma de Mallorca
Self-ligating braces are fixed braces that hold the wire with a small built-in clip, instead of the elastics or ties used on conventional braces. They are smaller, create less friction and make check-ups quicker.
We fit them for teenagers and adults at our clinics in Palma, in metal or clear aesthetic versions, using systems such as Damon. Your first visit is free and you can finance your treatment.
A built-in clip holds the wire
Metal or clear ceramic versions
Quicker, with no ties to change
First visit and diagnosis
Book your free first orthodontic consultation
We assess your case, explain whether self-ligating braces are the best option and give you a detailed quote.
Leave us your details and we will call you back within three hours.
What are self-ligating braces?
Like any braces, they are bonded to the teeth and connected by a wire that moves them. The difference is how the wire is held: instead of elastics or wire ties, each bracket has a small door or clip that keeps it in place.
With no elastics squeezing the wire, it slides with less friction and the force on the teeth is lighter and more constant. The best-known system is Damon, which comes in metal and aesthetic versions.
Who are they for?
They are suitable for teenagers and adults, and correct the same problems as conventional braces:
- Crowded, rotated or crooked teeth.
- Gaps between the teeth.
- Crossbite and open bite.
- Overbite and problems with how the arches fit together.
Whether self-ligating braces or another technique is best depends on the case, and we assess it at your first visit.
Pros and cons of self-ligating braces
No elastics
There are no ties to change, and nothing to stain or discolour over time.
Less friction
The wire slides more freely and the force is lighter and more constant, which many patients notice as less discomfort.
Quicker check-ups
Changing the wire only takes opening and closing the clip, so appointments are shorter and can sometimes be spaced a little further apart.
Easier to clean
Without elastics, the bracket has fewer nooks where plaque and food can build up.
Smaller
They are slightly more discreet and comfortable than conventional braces.
Worth bearing in mind
They cost a little more than conventional metal braces, and the total length of treatment depends mainly on how complex the case is, not on the type of bracket.
Metal or aesthetic self-ligating braces
Self-ligating braces come in two versions:
Metal
The most common and affordable version. Although they are visible, they are smaller than conventional metal braces.
Aesthetic
Made from a clear ceramic material that blends in with the tooth colour, such as Damon Clear. They are much less visible than metal ones and cost a little more.
Self-ligating braces at our clinics in Palma
Orthodontics
Udemax Miramar
Outpatient department, Hospital Juaneda Miramar
Camí de la Vileta, 30 · 07011 Palma
- Monday to Thursday
- 9:00–13:00 · 16:00–20:00
- Friday
- 9:00–20:00
By car
Paid parking at the Hospital Juaneda Miramar car park, a one-minute walk away, plus street parking. There is also free parking on Camí de la Vileta, about a 10-minute walk away.
Go to the car parkBy bus
EMT bus routes 6, 8 and 29, stopping at "Policlínica", in front of the hospital.
View bus routeBy taxi
Taxi ranks at Camí de la Vileta, 51 and Carrer de Pasqual Ribot, 1.
Orthodontics
Emardental
Carrer d’Alfons el Magnànim, 2, ground floor
Bons Aires · 07004 Palma
- Monday to Thursday
- 9:00–13:00 · 16:00–20:00
- Friday
- 9:00–13:00
By car
Street parking and the Santa Pagesa underground pay car park (Carrer d’Ausiàs March, 26), a 4-minute walk away. There is also a pay car park at s’Escorxador, about a 5-minute walk away.
Go to the car parkBy bus
EMT bus routes 12, 20, 24 and 40, stopping at "Pl. d’Abú Yahya", "Alfons el Magnànim" or "31 de desembre".
View bus routeBy taxi
Taxi rank at Plaça d’Abú Yahya, 2.
Orthodontics
Arcdental
Carrer de Sevilla, 8, ground floor
Son Dameto · 07013 Palma
- Monday and Wednesday
- 16:00–20:00
- Tuesday
- 9:00–13:00 · 16:00–20:00
- Thursday
- 13:00–19:00
- Friday
- 15:00–19:00
By car
Street parking and the pay car park at Hospital Juaneda Miramar, a 3-minute walk away. There is also free parking on Camí de la Vileta, about a 10-minute walk away.
Go to the car parkBy taxi
Taxi ranks at Carrer de Son Espanyolet, 58 and Carrer de Pasqual Ribot, 1.
What is treatment with self-ligating braces like?
Diagnosis
We carry out a study with photographs, X-rays, cephalometry and a 3D scan to analyse the position of the teeth and jaws and rule out bone problems.
We use it to plan the movements and give you a plan with timeframes and a quote.
Fitting and check-ups
We fit the braces using indirect bonding: we position them on a model of your mouth and transfer them to the teeth with a transfer tray.
At check-ups we open the clip, change or adjust the wire and close it again. If the bite needs correcting, elastics between the arches can also be used.
Retention
When the braces come off, we fit a fixed retainer behind the teeth or a removable one to wear at night, so the teeth don't move back.
Do they shorten treatment?
It is one of the most common questions. Self-ligating braces make check-ups more comfortable and quicker, but studies have not shown that they clearly shorten the total length of treatment: what matters most is how complex the case is. As a guide, it usually takes between 12 and 24 months.
If you are looking for the most affordable treatment, conventional metal braces work just as well. If you want something discreet, take a look at sapphire braces or invisible orthodontics.
Caring for self-ligating braces
Although they are easier to clean than conventional braces, they still trap food. During treatment:
- Brush after every meal and use interdental brushes to clean around the braces and under the wire.
- Avoid very hard or sticky foods, which can dislodge a bracket or open a clip.
- Wear a mouthguard if you play contact sports.
- If you notice an open clip or a wire rubbing, let us know.
- Don't miss your check-ups, even though they are shorter.
Frequently asked questions about self-ligating braces
What is the difference between self-ligating and conventional braces?
Conventional braces hold the wire with elastics or ties; self-ligating braces use a built-in clip. This reduces friction, makes check-ups quicker and makes cleaning easier. Both correct the same problems.
Are they less painful?
Many patients notice less discomfort, because the force is lighter and more constant. Even so, it is normal to feel pressure for the first few days and after each adjustment.
How long does treatment take?
It depends on how complex the case is. As a guide, it usually takes between 12 and 24 months. At your first visit we give you the estimated timeframe for your case.
How much do self-ligating braces cost in Palma?
A little more than conventional metal braces, and the aesthetic version more than the metal one. At your free first visit we give you a detailed quote, and you can finance your treatment.
How often are the check-ups?
It depends on the case, but they are usually every few weeks and shorter than with conventional braces, because there are no ties to change.
Are they a good option for adults?
Yes. For adults who want more discreet fixed orthodontics, the clear aesthetic version is a good alternative.
Who will treat you
Treatment with braces is led by Dr Cristina Martínez-Almoyna Rifá, who works alongside periodontics or oral and maxillofacial surgery when a case requires it.
