What Are The Different Kinds of Braces?

Patients seeking straighter teeth and a better smile will be pleased to know that there are many orthodontic treatment options available on the market. You don’t have to be limited to traditional metal braces—there are many different types of braces available.

To help you choose the orthodontic treatment that best suits you, we will discuss the different types of braces available, as well as their many advantages and downsides.

1. Metal Braces (Traditional Braces)

Metal braces are the most common type of braces around the world, earning them the name of traditional braces.

Traditional metal braces use high-grade stainless steel brackets attached to teeth and connected with a wire. The wire is connected to the brackets with elastic bands. When an orthodontist wants to adjust a patient’s teeth, they will readjust the positioning of the wire.

Traditional braces need to be adjusted once every 4-8 weeks. When the wire is adjusted, elastic ties are also changed. You can choose from a wide range of colours for your elastics.

Traditional metal braces are a great way to fix misaligned teeth by repositioning the teeth slowly. However, most people feel self-conscious with traditional metal braces. The metal is very noticeable, so many patients are hesitant to open their mouths and show their teeth.

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2. Ceramic Braces

If you are searching for an affordable yet nearly invisible option, look no further than ceramic braces.

Ceramic braces are much like traditional braces, except they are made with tooth-coloured ceramic. The brackets are ceramic, but the metal wire remains to allow the dentist to adjust and influence tooth movement. While the metal wire is still visible, the overall appearance of ceramic braces is less obvious than traditional braces.

While ceramic braces are meant to blend into your natural teeth, this can change. The ceramic can stain depending on your dietary and brushing habits. So, if you do not care for them well enough, they can become darker than your teeth.

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3. Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are another type of clear braces. However, rather than using clear aligners, they use the same brackets and wires of traditional braces are placed on the back of your teeth instead of the front. The position of lingual braces makes them almost invisible when you smile.

Lingual braces are a good choice for patients who want to avoid the traditional look of braces without the expensive price tag of Invisalign. But, lingual braces can be a bit more difficult to wear and are more likely to catch food because they are located on the inside of your mouth.

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4. Clear Aligners (InvisalignⓇ)

Clear aligners are a revolutionary type of braces that allow patients to treat their dental issues without brackets and wires. These braces are popularly known as Invisalign braces.

Unlike the metal braces, Invisalign braces do not have wires that hold them in place. Instead, they use a series of small, clear trays that fit over your teeth, making them practically invisible. Aligners are custom-made to fit your teeth and slowly move them to the desired position. As you reach different milestones in your treatment, you can swap out your aligner for the next step.

The main benefit of Invisalign is that they are completely clear and can be removed. You can smile with confidence with your aligners and, when need be, you can remove them for special occasions or make eating much easier.

While many adults would prefer Invisalign for their treatments, orthodontists may suggest other options; Invisalign is the best treatment option for patients with minor to moderate dental problems.

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5. Self-Ligating Braces

Self-ligating braces work in the same way that traditional metal braces do, except the metal brackets have a built-in mechanism to hold the wire in place. So, you do not have to worry about the elastics or accidentally removing them when brushing or flossing.

Thanks to their innovative design, self-ligating braces require fewer adjustments. Adjustments also take less time, so you do not have to spend as much time visiting the orthodontist.

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Smile With Confidence

If you suffer from misaligned teeth, many types of braces can help remedy the issue. Reach out to us today to discuss your orthodontic treatment options.