Types of Braces

Very few people are lucky enough to be born with perfect teeth. Most of us will need braces at some point in our life. In this article, I aim to help you choose the most suitable option for you by discussing the different types of braces used in orthodontic treatment and alternatives such as clear aligners. Generally, the vast majority of the population needs orthodontic treatment. In this article, I will try to give brief information about the types of braces used in orthodontic treatment.

Traditional Metal Brackets

Traditional metal braces or brackets have become smaller, more aesthetic and lighter with the developing technology in recent years. It has been used safely for years among the types of braces. Metal braces are made of high quality stainless steel. The brackets are adhered to the teeth with a special material called composite. A thin wire called archwire passes through each bracket glued to the teeth. The teeth move slowly with the force applied by the archwire.

You can read more about orthodontic treatments with traditional metal braces in my article Metal Braces.

Small elastics or metal wires are used to attach the archwire to the bracket. Your doctor changes these elastics or metal wires every session. Some bracket types have a cover mechanism to hold the archwire to the bracket. There is no need to use elastic in these braces. The best example of this type of bracket, which we call self-ligating, is Damon braces.

Pros of Metal Braces

• Efficient and versatile
• No change in speech
• Appointment every 4-8 weeks
• Fun if you want colors
• Less dependent on patient compliance than Invisalign
• No waiting time to start
• Most affordable

Cons of Metal Braces

• Brushing and flossing are difficult
• The most aesthetically striking
• Not for patients with poor oral hygiene

Brands of Metal Braces

There are many brands of metal braces:

• Ormo Orthos
• American Orthodontics Mini Master
• Unitek Victory Series
• SPEED System
• Damon
• WildSmiles

Clear Braces

Clear braces or ceramic braces work in the same way as metal braces, except that they are made of transparent ceramic material. Since it is not metal, it has a more aesthetic appearance. Because it is more aesthetic, it is preferred mostly by adults. Oral hygiene gains extra importance when ceramic braces are used. It is a good choice for patients who do not want metal braces.

For more information about orthodontic treatments with clear braces, you can read my article on Clear Braces.

Ceramic brackets are more expensive than metal brackets due to the material they are made of.

Self-ligating Braces

Self-ligating brackets have been gaining popularity among orthodontists in recent years. Damon brackets are the most popular self-capped bracket system. The system is based on the principle of lower and prolonged force application. Although the follow-up appointments are 4-5 weeks with traditional braces, 6-7 weeks is sufficient with the Damon system. This means fewer visits to the doctor.

The treatment time of the Damon system is shorter because the teeth move painlessly and without the need for frequent activation due to the low friction.

Damon brackets are also available in two types: metal and ceramic.

Since they are special systems, they cost more than traditional metal brackets.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces, worn behind your teeth, offer a truly invisible orthodontic treatment. They are the least common of all types of braces. Although they require specialized skills that not all orthodontists have, they provide unique benefits that no other braces can provide.

You can read more about lingual orthodontic treatments in my article Lingual Orthodontics.

Advantages:

• Complete Invisibility: Perfect for adults who want discreet treatment.
• Full Customization: Brackets can be custom-made to your teeth, ensuring maximum comfort and efficiency.

Things to Consider:

Temporary Speech Impairment: Some patients may initially experience a slight lisp or tongue irritation, which usually subsides as your mouth adjusts to the braces.

Who it is for:

• Adults Seeking Discreet Treatment: Lingual braces are the best choice for anyone who wants to maintain their appearance during treatment.
• Teens with Appearance Concerns: This is a popular option for teens who want to straighten their teeth without noticeable metal braces.

If you are looking for a discreet but effective way to achieve a beautiful smile, lingual braces may be the perfect solution. Consult an orthodontist to discuss whether lingual braces are the right choice for you.

Clear and Removable Aligners

It is actually wrong to classify clear aligners as a type of braces. Clear aligners are polyurethane material produced individually. In these systems, it is tried to move the teeth with aligners that are changed every 2 weeks. Invisalign is the best known and most widely applied clear aligner system. There are also different brands of clear aligners such as iLigner, ClearCorrect. You can remove your aligner while eating and put it back on after brushing your teeth. If you think you can be a compliant patient, clear aligners may be the ideal treatment tool for you.

For more information about orthodontic treatment with clear aligners, you can read my article on Clear Aligners Treatment.

Costs of Treatment

Factors affecting the cost of orthodontic treatment are usually the difficulty of the case, the types of braces used and whether additional treatments will be required. The higher the aesthetic concerns and expectations, the higher the cost. Especially in adult patients, only orthodontics is not enough and additional treatments are involved.