self lighting braces & mini screws?

[mel2012]

can someone please tell me what the difference is with these braces & what are mini screws used for? thanks (.I haven't started treatment yet im just emailing a few different ortho's to get an idea of what treatment may be best for me. The first recommended extractions & fixed train tracks and the 2nd one is suggesting self lighting braces & mini screws.) my case is severe but i decided against jaw surgery.

[klobird]

Let's see---self-ligating braces are also fixed braces--mine are called Damon braces. They don't have the rubber bands around each bracket (aka ligs or ligatures). And if you get the full metal deal, they are smaller than the ceramic braces.

Mini-screws are aka "tads". They are mini-screw anchors placed in the jaw that hold elastics or wires more solidly and individually placed than an elastic hook.

Good luck!