Assured Dental Care is a dental clinic in Andheri West, Mumbai, where self-ligating braces are one of the fixed brace options for straightening teeth and correcting the bite. They work like other fixed braces, with a bracket on each tooth and a wire that is adjusted at regular visits. The difference is how the wire is held. Instead of small elastic bands, each bracket has a built-in clip or door that holds the wire, so there are no separate ties.
Your care is led by Dr. Shreya Shah, Chief Dentist, who examines your teeth, gums and bite first and explains honestly what self-ligating brackets can and cannot do, because some of the claims made for them have not been confirmed by studies. If you are looking for a dentist in Andheri West for braces, the first step is an examination and X-rays, followed by a clear explanation of the options.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Shreya Shah, Chief Dentist. Last reviewed 9 October 2026. Registered with the Maharashtra State Dental Council (registration A 30472, 2015). Dr. Shah is also the treating dentist at this clinic.
Self-ligating braces at Assured Dental Care in Andheri West, Mumbai are fixed braces whose brackets have a built-in clip to hold the wire, instead of elastic ties. Dr. Shreya Shah examines your teeth first and explains the evidence honestly. Studies have not shown clear differences in treatment time or pain, and retainers are worn afterwards.
Examination and X-rays start at your first visit, subject to availability.
A built-in clip holds the wire, so there are no small bands to change or to stain.
You are told what studies show about treatment time, pain and cleaning, not only what is claimed.
In fixed braces a thin wire runs through a bracket on each tooth, and the wire has to be held in the bracket. Ordinary brackets use a small elastic band or a fine wire tie for this. Self-ligating brackets have a built-in clip, door or slide that closes over the wire. The wire moves the teeth in the same way, and it is changed and adjusted at regular visits.3
Several advantages have been claimed for self-ligating brackets, such as faster treatment, less pain and fewer visits. When researchers combined the results of studies, they did not find clear differences from ordinary brackets in treatment time, number of visits, pain, root shortening or gum health. Some small differences, such as fewer elastic ties to clean around, may matter to some people.1
The choice of bracket matters less than a careful examination and a good plan. Metal brackets are described on the metal braces page, and tooth-coloured ones on the ceramic braces page. Our braces treatment page compares all the types, and clear aligners are the removable alternative.
Self-ligating braces hold the wire with a built-in clip, and studies have not shown clear advantages over ordinary brackets.
Dr. Shreya Shah decides this only after an examination and X-rays. These are the general patterns.
Decay is dealt with by a filling beforehand, and swollen gums need gum treatment first. People who would prefer removable trays can read about Invisalign.
Self-ligating braces suit many mouths, and an examination and X-rays show whether yours is ready.
The right choice depends on your teeth, your bite and how you clean. Dr. Shah explains the options and the evidence.
Fixed brackets with a built-in clip. They need no elastic ties, and have not been shown to be faster or less painful.
FixedBrackets with small elastic ties. They are widely used and well studied, and colours of ties can be chosen.
FixedRemovable clear trays suit simpler cases, and a minor problem may need a short plan or none.
After discussion| Compare | Self-ligating braces | Ordinary braces | Clear aligners |
|---|---|---|---|
| How the wire is held | Built-in clip | Elastic ties | Not applicable |
| Treatment time | No clear difference shown | No clear difference shown | Depends on the case |
| Pain | No clear difference shown | No clear difference shown | Mild soreness |
| Colours to choose | Few | Yes, ties | No |
| Depends on wear by you | No | No | Yes |
The choice of bracket matters less than the plan, and we explain what each option does and does not do.
Treatment has a planning stage, an active stage and a retainer stage. Your plan may have more or fewer steps.3
The steps are the same as with other fixed braces, with a clip in place of ties.
Dr. Shah examines your teeth, gums, bite and jaw joints and takes X-rays. Decay and gum disease are treated first.
Photographs, impressions or a scan are taken. Dr. Shah explains the problem, the plan, the likely time and what is asked of you.
If the teeth are crowded, space may be made by removing a tooth or polishing small amounts of enamel between teeth. This is discussed first.
The teeth are cleaned and dried and a bracket is bonded to each tooth with adhesive set by a light.
The first wire is placed in each bracket and the clip or door is closed over it. There are no elastic ties.
You are shown how to brush around brackets and under the wire. Good cleaning is needed for the whole of treatment.
Every few weeks the clips are opened, the wire is changed or adjusted and the clips are closed again. Progress is checked.
When the teeth reach the planned position, the braces are removed, the teeth are cleaned and retainers are fitted.
Cost depends on your evaluation. Self-ligating braces are planned for each person, so no single figure applies to everyone.
A crowded smile and a bite problem are different jobs. When the examination and X-rays are finished, Dr. Shreya Shah lists the stages, and she explains what each one involves before you choose whether to proceed.
Call 08806796696 or message us on WhatsApp. Go to a hospital emergency department if you struggle to breathe or swallow, or if swelling spreads to your eye or neck. If a clip or wire is causing pain, phone us, and see dental emergency treatment for other urgent problems.
Cleaning every day and wearing retainers matter at least as much as the type of bracket.
These braces do the same job as other fixed braces, and we are clear about what is and is not proven.
Your first visit is for talking, examining and planning. Nothing is fitted that day.
Bring any X-rays or orthodontic records from before and a list of your medicines. Mention decay, gum trouble, jaw joint pain, grinding and any reaction to metal jewellery, and think about how you will fit cleaning and visits into your routine.
Call 08806796696 to book.
Examination before bracesHonest about the evidenceReferral when needed
Dr. Shah describes what she finds in everyday words and talks through each choice, and the decision rests with you. If dental treatment makes you anxious, tell us at the start so that we can go at a pace that suits you. We would rather you ask every question before treatment than leave with doubts, so please bring a list.
Teeth, gums, bite and X-rays are reviewed, and decay and gum disease are dealt with before any tooth moves.
You hear what studies show on treatment time, pain and cleaning, and where they show nothing.
Self-ligating braces, ordinary braces and aligners are set next to each other, so that you choose with the facts.
If a case calls for training beyond what the clinic has, Dr. Shah says so and passes it to a suitably trained orthodontist.
These are patient reviews of the clinic and Dr. Shah, copied word for word from the clinic’s Google Business Profile. They describe the experience of visiting the clinic and are not evidence of how any treatment will turn out for you.
“Most relaxing dental clinic I have ever been to,and I have been to a few.what I liked the most of Dr Shreya gave me 3treament options and I was explained pros and cons of everything.”
“Dr. Shreya is really friendly and welcoming, she keeps helps you stay comfortable throughout the procedures”
“Me and my family have been visiting Dr Shreya for a few years now. She makes us feel very comfortable and at ease. She is always accommodating us on urgent basis when required. Would recommend her.”
Assured Dental Care is a dental clinic in Andheri West, Mumbai, next to Lallubhai Park in Parsi Colony. You can book a self-ligating braces evaluation with Dr. Shreya Shah by phone or WhatsApp. The map shows the exact location of the clinic. If your problem is urgent, please call before you travel so that we can arrange the earliest visit available. Please bring any earlier reports.
Straight answers to what patients ask before they book. If your question is not here, call or message us.
Self-ligating braces are planned for each person, so the cost is given only after your evaluation. It depends on the type of bracket, how much the teeth must move, how long treatment is expected to take, whether teeth must be removed or space made, the adjustment visits, the X-rays and records and the retainers afterwards. After the examination, Dr. Shreya Shah explains the plan and the cost of each stage before you decide.
Ligating means tying the wire to the bracket. In ordinary braces, a small elastic band or a fine wire does this. In self-ligating braces, each bracket has a built-in clip or door that holds the wire, so no separate ties are needed. The wire is then adjusted in the same way as with other fixed braces.
Claims of faster treatment have been made, but systematic reviews of the studies have not found clear differences in treatment time or the number of visits compared with ordinary brackets. How long treatment takes depends mainly on how far the teeth must move and how closely the plan is followed.
Reviews have not found a clear difference in pain between self-ligating and ordinary braces. Teeth and gums are usually sore for a few days after fitting and after adjustments with either type, and this settles.
With no elastic ties, there is less around each bracket for plaque to cling to, and some people find them easier to clean. Studies have not shown a clear difference in gum health, so careful cleaning is needed with every type of braces.
Yes. Teeth tend to move back after any braces, so retainers are worn afterwards. How long and how often is explained at the end of treatment.
Both exist. Metal ones are the most common and strongest. Tooth-coloured versions look less obvious but can be more fragile. Dr. Shah explains which suits your teeth and your bite.
Anyone with untreated decay or gum disease, poor cleaning that has not improved, or who cannot attend adjustments should wait. People with a metal allergy should tell us before treatment. A complex bite may need an orthodontist's opinion, and Dr. Shah explains referral if it applies.
If your teeth are crowded, gapped or do not meet well, an examination and X-rays show which kind of braces suits you. If another clinic has already given you a plan, we are glad to give a second opinion. Call or message us in clinic hours and we will confirm a time.
Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 7:30 PM.
Read this for all the braces types and aligners compared.
Read this for ordinary metal brackets with colour ties.
Read this for braces fixed behind the teeth.
See all dental treatments at Assured Dental Care, or read about our general dentist in Andheri West.
Written and reviewed by: Dr. Shreya Shah, Chief Dentist, Maharashtra State Dental Council registration A 30472. Last reviewed 9 October 2026. Dr. Shah is also the clinic’s treating dentist, and this page describes treatment that Assured Dental Care provides.
On the review date, Dr. Shah read the whole page and checked each clinical statement, timeline and warning sign against the sources listed below. The page is next reviewed within six months, and sooner if a source or the clinic’s process changes. To report an error, call or message the clinic using the details above.
This page is general information for patients. It is not a diagnosis or a substitute for an examination by a dentist. Treatment, timelines and outcomes vary from person to person.
