Unlike conventional fixed appliances, self-ligating appliances
utilise an integral clip mechanism within the bracket in order to
secure the archwire. Manufacturers have claimed many advantages to
using these mechanisms, however, few of these have been
scientifically proven to this day. In our opinion the principal
advantages of self-ligation include more secure attachment between
the archwire and bracket, less discolouration of appliances
in-between visits and greater efficiency in appliance adjustments.
Many types of self-ligating appliances are available but two that
have dominated the market include the Damon appliance and the
In-Ovation appliance. These differ in having a different clip
mechanism to secure the archwire. To date, there is no scientific
evidence that one type of appliance is better than the other..
The In-Ovation C Appliance