Self-ligating braces look like conventional braces and are placed relatively the same way. The exception is that self-ligating braces don’t use elastics (rubber bands), or metal ties. Instead this system uses special clips or brackets with a spring-loaded door. The brackets maintain pressure on the archwire, helping move your teeth along at a steady pace.http://www.dentalbrace.net/ortho-brackets/self-ligating-brackets/