What are the Different Types of Braces?

Braces are helpful in improving your smile. Fixed braces are used to correct the alignment of the teeth with wires and brackets, so that they look neat and attractive.

There are numerous types of braces such as metal braces, lingual braces, clear braces, ceramic braces and Invisalign. The type of braces selected depends on the condition of the patient and the clinician’s level of experience and training.

The dentist will decide what kind of braces are suitable based on their initial examination and consultation.

Here we shall discuss briefly about the different types of braces which you can consider:

Conventional metal braces are still the most widely used. With technological advancements, less conspicuous oral appliances have been brought to market.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners or “invisible” braces consist of a series of transparent plastic aligners which are worn over the teeth. Clear aligners work by applying light pressure to the teeth as the plastic material attempts to spring back to its original shape.

Clear aligner treatment has gained popularity as it is more comfortable and convenient compared to conventional braces.

Clear aligners are removable appliances which can be removed by the patient whenever they eat or clean their teeth but diligent wear and monitoring visits with your dentist are still required for a successful outcome.

Clear aligners are extremely popular among teenagers who want to straighten their teeth without having braces show up in pictures of them at prom or school events.

Invisalign is a brand of clear aligners.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces consist of ceramic brackets joined with coated metal wires. Ceramic brackets work in the same way as metal brackets do.

Ceramic braces are usually more costly compared to metal braces. The ceramic brackets are less obvious than metal brackets, and are a popular choice for adult orthodontic patients.

Lingual Braces

These braces are placed on the surfaces of the teeth facing the tongue, hence the name lingual “of the tongue”. There has been an increased interest in lingual braces because these braces can be situated behind the teeth and are the only truly invisible option for orthodontic treatment.

Lingual braces tend to cause more speech impediments and ulcers compared to conventional braces because they are positioned on the inside of the arch.