When you think of braces, you probably think of metal brackets and wires covering teeth. While metal braces are still standard, there are now plenty of other materials and options for braces.
Metal
Metal braces are made of strong, lightweight materials, including titanium and alloy. They do not rust or set off metal detectors. Metal braces are the most common type of braces, and they are often the least expensive option. One downside is that they are the most noticeable on your teeth.
With metal braces, orthodontists glue metal brackets to the teeth, and then a metal wire connects them. Elastics, which come in various colors, hold the wire to the brackets.
Ceramic
Ceramic braces are similar to metal braces in their appearance and function. The main difference is that the brackets are tooth-colored or clear to help them blend in with the color of your teeth.
Ceramic braces are less noticeable than metal braces. However, they are more expensive, and certain foods and drinks can stain them over time. In addition, they do not bond as well to the teeth, so you may need more repairs throughout treatment.
Lingual
Lingual braces use the same material as metal braces; however, instead of adhering them to the outside of the teeth, the orthodontist places them on the inside (lingual side) of the teeth.
The apparent benefit of lingual braces is that they are not visible from the outside. They are more challenging to access, which means you could have trouble keeping them clean. It also means your orthodontist’s job is a little more complicated, so your adjustments could take longer and be more expensive.
Not everyone is a good candidate for lingual braces, though. For instance, your bite may make it impractical in some cases because you would bump and break brackets too frequently.
Self-Ligating
Self-ligating braces look like traditional metal braces, except that instead of elastics holding the wire in place, the bracket itself is fitted with a spring-loaded door to hold the wire. Since there is a built-in wire holder, orthodontist adjustments are a little faster. The brackets may be metal or clear.
One study found that those with self-ligating braces felt more comfortable than those with conventional braces, but the difference was not statistically significant.
On the other hand, these types of braces tend to cost more.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners straighten teeth with clear, removable retainers. The most recognizable brand name of these devices is Invisalign.
Clear aligners work by wearing a clear tray over your teeth. Throughout your treatment, you will replace trays with new ones. Each new tray fits slightly differently until your teeth have moved into the desired position. You change trays more frequently than you would get adjustments with conventional braces, as often as every two to three weeks.
Clear aligners, while convenient because you can remove them to eat and clean, can be more costly than traditional braces. In addition, they are reserved for more minor misalignments and will not work for serious orthodontic problems or children.