There are five main types of orthodontic braces available today for every budget and specific needs. Here are the main ones:
- Metal braces, also known as traditional braces are the most common type of braces. They are made of metal and are attached to the teeth with brackets and wires. Metal braces are effective and affordable, and they can be removed at the end of treatment. The traditional ones are kept in place with colorful ligatures.
- Ceramic braces are made, as the name implies, of ceramic and are less visible than metal braces. They are also more expensive. Ceramic braces are a good option for people who want to improve their smile without being too obvious about it.
- Self-ligating braces use a bracket system that allows the wires to move themselves into position. The best known self-ligating braces are Damon. Their “sliding doors” mechanism allows the bracket to stay on the wire without the need of ligatures (hence the name self-ligating). The patient does not need to go to the orthodontist as often for adjustments and the brackets tend to show less than the traditional ones. Self-ligating braces are more expensive than metal braces, but they can save time and money in the long run.
- Lingual braces are placed on the back of the teeth, making them less visible than other types of braces. Lingual braces are a good option for people who are self-conscious about their smile. However, they can be more difficult to clean and maintain than other types of braces. The most famous brand is Incognito, which are made from gold.
- Clear aligners are removable trays that are used to straighten the teeth. Clear aligners are a good option for people who want to improve their smile without having to wear braces. However, they can take longer to work than other types of braces and are not suitable for more complex cases. The best known clear aligners system is called Invisalign.
The best type of braces for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. It is important to talk to your orthodontist about the different types of braces available and to choose the one that is right for you.
Here is a comprehensive list of all the different types of braces and their main advantages.
Types Of Orthodontic Braces
Traditional Metal Braces
Also known as standard braces or traditional metal braces. These are the cheapest braces type, the classics. We’ve known them since we were kids: metal braces, big brackets (the metal pieces that stick to your teeth) and colored elastics.
Traditional metal braces are the most common type of braces and have been the first type to ever be created. They are made of metal and are attached to the teeth with brackets and wires. Metal braces are effective and affordable, many orthodontists still rely on them. The patients are very creative with the elastics colors, making their braces look cool, during the orthodontic treatment.
Orthodontic braces work by applying pressure to the teeth, which gradually moves them into the desired position. The brackets are attached to the teeth with an adhesive, and the wires are threaded through the brackets and tightened regularly to apply pressure to the teeth.
TRADITIONAL BRACES PROS AND CONS
- PRO: one of the most inexpensive orthodontic treatments;
- PRO: widely used, doesn’t require an extra specialization, and they are still VERY effective in treating orthodontic patients;
- CON: needs ligatures (you can choose interesting colors, but it can still be an issue);
- CON: the brackets tend to be a little bigger than the self-ligating metal braces;
SELF LIGATING BRACES
Self-ligating braces are a type of orthodontic treatment that uses a special type of bracket to hold the archwire in place. The brackets have a small door that opens and closes to allow the archwire to slide through. This eliminates the need for elastic bands or metal ties, which can be uncomfortable and difficult to keep clean.
Self-ligating braces are similar to traditional metal braces in many ways. They are both effective in straightening teeth and can be used to correct a variety of orthodontic problems. However, self-ligating braces are often considered to be more comfortable and easier to maintain than traditional braces.
One of the best known brand of self ligating braces is Damon.
SELF LIGATING BRACES PROS AND CONS
- PRO: smaller brackets, less visible
- PRO: no need for elastics
- CON: a more expensive option than traditional braces
- CON: may take longer to straighten the teeth
- CON: may not be as effective for some orthodontic problems
CERAMIC BRACES
Ceramic braces are a type of orthodontic treatment that uses ceramic brackets to hold the archwire in place. Ceramic braces are made of a strong, durable material that is similar to the color of your teeth. This makes them less visible than traditional metal braces, which can be a major advantage for some people.
Ceramic braces are also more comfortable than traditional metal braces. The brackets are smaller and lighter, and they do not cause as much irritation to the gums. Ceramic braces are also less likely to stain your teeth.
However, ceramic braces are more expensive than traditional metal braces. They also may take longer to straighten the teeth.
CERAMIC BRACES PROS AND CONS
- PRO: less visible than metal braces
- CON: ideal for less crowded teeth. For complex orthodontic cases, we advise patients to opt for more effective options.
LINGUAL BRACES
Lingual braces are a type of orthodontic treatment that uses brackets and wires that are placed on the back of the teeth. This makes them less visible than traditional braces, which are placed on the front of the teeth.
Lingual braces work in the same way as traditional braces. The brackets are attached to the teeth with an adhesive, and the wires are threaded through the brackets and tightened regularly to apply pressure to the teeth. This pressure gradually moves the teeth into the desired position.
Lingual braces are a good option for people who want to improve their smile but do not want their braces to be visible. They are also a good option for people who have crowded teeth or who have difficulty keeping their teeth clean with traditional braces.
There are some disadvantages to lingual braces, including:
- They are more expensive than traditional braces
- They can be more difficult to clean
- They may take longer to straighten the teeth
- They may not be as effective for some orthodontic problems
Overall, lingual braces are a good option for people who want to improve their smile and are looking for a less visible way to do so.
INCOGNITO LINGUAL BRACES
Dirk Wiechmann, a German orthodontist, invented the Incognito lingual braces in 2000. He was the first to develop a system of lingual braces that were made of custom-fitted brackets and wires. This made them much more comfortable and less visible than traditional metal braces.
Wiechmann’s invention was a major breakthrough in the field of orthodontics. It made it possible for people to straighten their teeth without having to worry about their braces being visible. Incognito lingual braces are now one of the most popular types of orthodontic treatment available.
DID YOU KNOW?
Incognito braces are made of a gold alloy. This alloy is strong and durable, and it is also biocompatible, meaning that it does not cause any irritation or inflammation. The gold alloy is also very thin, which makes the braces less visible than traditional metal braces.