Abstract
Orthodontic treatment has seen remarkable progress, particularly in bracket technology, enhancing efficiency, comfort, and oral hygiene. Self-ligating brackets (SLBs) have emerged as an alternative to conventional brackets (CBs), with claims of lower friction, shorter treatment time, better periodontal health, and reduced chairside visits. However, clinical studies yield mixed results, sparking ongoing debate. This narrative review examines the differences between SLBs and CBs in biomechanics, treatment duration, patient comfort, periodontal health, clinical efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and long-term stability based on recent research. The findings suggest that while SLBs offer certain benefits, they do not significantly surpass CBs in key treatment outcomes.