Types of Braces: Which is Right for You?

Traditional Metal Braces

These are the most common types of braces and the ones that probably come to mind when you think of braces. They consist of metal brackets attached to the front of the teeth and are connected by a wire and secured with elastic bands

Pros

• Effective for treating a wide range of dental issues
• Effective for complex cases, including severe crowding, bite misalignments, and crooked teeth
• Durable since they're made from high-grade stainless steel
• Generally, more affordable than other braces options

Cons

• More noticeable than other types of braces
• May cause discomfort or irritation on the inside of the mouth, especially after adjustments
• Requires regular visits to the orthodontist for adjustments
• Must pay attention to oral hygiene to prevent plaque buildup around the brackets

Traditional metal braces are best for people with significant dental misalignments as well as those seeking a cost-effective and proven method.

Ceramic Braces

These function similarly to traditional metal braces, but use clear or tooth-colored materials for the brackets.

Pros

• More discreet than metal braces
• Less allergenic
• Effective for treating various dental issues

Cons

• More expensive than metal braces
• Ceramic material is more brittle and can break more easily
• The elastic ties used with the brackets are prone to staining, though the ceramic material itself is quite stain-resistant
• Requires careful maintenance to prevent discoloration

Ceramic braces are best for teens and adults who want an effective, but less noticeable, treatment option.

Lingual Braces

These are similar to traditional braces, but placed on the inside of the teeth. Note that the inside (tongue side) is called the "lingual" side. The braces are invisible from the outside.

Pros

• A discreet treatment option, since the braces are completely hidden from view
• Custom-made to fit the unique contours of your teeth
• Can address a wide range of dental misalignments

Cons

• May initially cause discomfort
• Can affect speech at first due to the placement on the tongue side of the teeth
• Can be challenging to clean and maintain
• Generally, more expensive because of the customization

Lingual braces are best for individuals who need orthodontic treatment but prefer an invisible solution, such as professionals and performers.

Clear Aligners

These are a series of custom-made, removable trays that gradually shift your teeth into place. Invisalign is an example of this type.

Pros

• A discreet treatment option because the trays are virtually invisible
• Removable which allows for easier eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing
• Comfortable because there are no metal brackets or wires to irritate the mouth

Cons

• Requires discipline. Trays must be worn 20-22 hours a day to be effective
• Typically not suitable for complex orthodontic cases, such as severe bite issues, significant tooth rotation, or large gaps, which may require the greater force and control of traditional braces.
• More expensive than traditional braces

Clear aligners are best for adults and teens with mild to moderate dental misalignments who prefer a discreet and comfortable option

Self-Ligating Braces

These are similar to traditional braces, but they use a sliding mechanism instead of elastic bands to hold the wire in place.

Pros

• May require fewer visits to the orthodontist for adjustments
• Some orthodontists find they can offer more efficient treatment, though studies show overall treatment time is often comparable to traditional braces
• Easier to clean

Cons

• More expensive than traditional braces
• Not suitable for all dental issues
• Not all orthodontists offer this option

Self-ligating braces are best for individuals who want a potentially quicker and more comfortable treatment option with fewer orthodontist visits.

Summary

Braces offer a range of benefits, including an improved smile and increased confidence. They can also help with better chewing and even improved speech clarity. But when it comes to straightening your teeth, choosing the right type of braces can feel overwhelming.

There are five main types of braces, all with different pros and cons: Traditional Metal Braces, Ceramic Braces, Lingual Braces, Clear Aligners, and Self-Ligating Braces. With each offering their own unique benefits and considerations, you'll want to choose the one that aligns with your lifestyle, aesthetic preferences, and dental needs.

By understanding the types of braces available, along with their good and bad points, it will help you make an informed decision when you talk to your orthodontist about which option works best for you.

Braces: Support for Your Oral Health as You Straighten

Braces help straighten your smile and correct misalignment, but brackets and wires can also create new areas for plaque to hide—making your smile more vulnerable to staining, tooth decay, and gum disease. A thorough oral care routine can help keep your mouth healthy to ensure you get the most out of your treatment while preventing oral health issues down the road.

When wearing braces be sure to:

• Brush 2X/day with an Oral-B iO Electric Toothbrush: It can be tough to clean around brackets and wires, allowing more opportunities for food particles and plaque to accumulate in. Its technology is designed to help you remove up to 100% more plaque than a regular manual toothbrush for healthier teeth and gums.
• Pair It with an Oral-B iO Gentle Care Replacement Brush Head: Braces can leave your smile feeling sore and sensitive. iO Gentle Care Brush Heads feature high-density dentist-inspired extra soft bristles in an optimized pattern to better adapt to teeth and gums while delivering a gentle clean.
• Protect Your Smile with Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste: Brush twice daily with a stannous fluoride toothpaste like Crest Pro-Health to help prevent cavities, reverse gingivitis (an early, reversible form of gum disease), and keep your smile strong.
• Amp Up Your Flossing Routine with Oral-B Water Flosser Advanced: When paired with traditional string floss, a water flosser can help remove even more food debris and plaque from hard-to-reach areas to help boost your gum care. Oral-B Water Flosser Advanced features customizable intensities and a targeted stream so you can more easily wash away leftover particles from brackets and wires.
• Rinse with Crest Pro-Health Mouthwash: Round out your brushing and flossing routine with an antibacterial mouthwash to rinse away leftover plaque and support gum health.
• Maintain a Balanced Diet: Foods high in sugars can increase plaque buildup, especially when wearing braces. Opt for fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to help limit plaque bacteria and keep your smile healthy.
• Visit Your Dental Professional Regularly: Keep up regular with orthodontic visits to keep braces properly adjusted. Additionally, it's important to go in for professional cleanings and checkups at least twice a year to better monitor your oral health.

Following a complete oral care routine while wearing braces can help keep your teeth and gums healthy, so when those brackets and wires do come off, you can confidently reveal your newly straightened, strong, bright smile.