The most distinctive feature of a self-ligating bracket is that the archwire is held in the bracket by a small clip, rather than by a coloured or clear elastic tie as with the other type of braces – conventional braces. This doesn't mean that no elastics are used during treatment with self-ligating braces. One example is the elastic chain (power chain). It's a row of several small round elastic rings joined together, and when it's placed over the braces you feel a pulling force that moves the teeth towards each other. This chain is used to close gaps between the teeth. Other elastics you can expect to wear during treatment are intermaxillary elastics, which run between the upper and lower jaws. They hook onto specific brackets in the mouth, and the patient puts them in and takes them out. They can be used to correct the bite, to tighten the contacts between the teeth and to help with certain tooth movements.
This answer is for general information. Your own case needs an examination by an orthodontist.