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May 29, 2024

Orthodontic Braces: Types Explained & How They Work

Have you ever thought of how orthodontic braces can change your smile and improve your dental health? Braces are designed to correct dental issues like crooked teeth, gaps, overcrowding, and bite problems. They work by shifting teeth into their correct positions.

Today, with the advancement in orthodontic treatment, there are many types of orthodontic braces. They are suitable for different dental and personal needs. Therefore, understanding how each type of orthodontic braces works is essential in selecting the right one.

In this guide, we’ll explore the various types of braces and what you can expect during your orthodontic journey.

Why Wear Dental Braces?

Before learning about the different types of braces, it’s important for you to understand why orthodontic braces are used. Braces can correct several dental issues, like:

  • Crooked Teeth: Aligns teeth properly for better oral health and appearance.
  • Overcrowding: Makes room by gently spacing teeth.
  • Gaps: Closes unwanted spaces between teeth.
  • Bite Issues: Fixes bite problems like deep bite, overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite.

4 Types of Dental Braces

There are multiple types of braces available, each with unique benefits. Choosing the right one depends on your dental condition, age, lifestyle, and budget.

  • Traditional Metal Braces
  • Ceramic Braces
  • Lingual Braces
  • Clear Aligners (Invisalign)

1. Traditional Metal Braces

Traditional metal dental braces are the most widely used. These type of braces have been in use for decades.

How They Work:

  • Brackets and Wires: The brackets are attached to the teeth, and the wire goes through them and is attached with a small rubber band. The various wires used have different purposes in the course of the treatment to get the teeth to the final position.
  • Elastic Bands: These are small bands or ligatures that hold the wire against the brackets. Kids and teens like to select from a wide range of colored ones.

Pros:

  • Metal braces are very effective in correcting complicated dental problems.
  • They are relatively less expensive than other braces.
  • Smaller and sleeker brackets make them more comfortable.

Cons:

  • You may have to restrict your diet as you cannot eat sticky or crunchy foods.
  • It can cause discomfort and irritation.

2. Ceramic Dental Braces

Ceramic dental braces function similarly to traditional metal braces but use tooth-colored or clear ceramic brackets that blend with the teeth, making them less noticeable.

How They Work:

  • Brackets and Wires: The pretty much work in the same way as metal braces. The main difference is the material of the brackets.
  • Aesthetic Appeal: The clear or tooth-colored brackets make these dental braces less easy to see. Although you can still see the braces.

Pros:

  • Less noticeable than metal dental braces.
  • Effective for complex dental issues.
  • Advanced ceramic materials that resist staining better.

Cons:

  • More expensive than metal dental braces.
  • The brackets can stain if not properly cared for.

3. Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are placed on the inside (tongue side) of the teeth, making them invisible from the outside.

How They Work:

  • Hidden Placement: The brackets and wires are attached to the back of the teeth, functioning like traditional braces but hidden from view.
  • Custom Fit: These dental braces are custom-made to fit the inside surfaces of your teeth.

Pros:

  • Invisible from the outside.
  • Effective for most dental issues.

Cons:

  • More difficult to clean, putting the teeth at a higher risk for tooth decay.
  • Can cut your tongue and they often affect speech.

4. Clear Aligners (Invisalign)

Clear aligners are a modern dental solution to traditional dental braces. The most popular one is Invisalign, although there are other brands as well.

How They Work:

  • Custom-Made Trays: The treatment involves a series of custom-made, clear plastic trays that fit over your teeth. You wear each set of aligners for about two weeks before moving to the next set.
  • Gradual Adjustment: Each aligner set moves your teeth slightly until they reach the desired position.

Pros:

  • Virtually invisible.
  • Removable for eating, brushing, and flossing.
  • Comfortable with no metal parts to cause irritation.

Cons:

  • Requires discipline to wear them 20-22 hours a day.
  • Not suitable for very complex dental issues.
  • Can be more expensive than traditional dental braces.

What to Expect During Treatment

Irrespective of the type of braces that are selected, there are common elements in the orthodontic treatment process:

  1. Initial Consultation: In this part of the treatment, the orthodontist will examine your teeth and X-ray them. He/she will also advise on the most suitable treatment that is required in your case.
  2. Fitting the Braces: This is a one- to two-hour process. In this part of the treatment, the dentist bonds the braces to your teeth and places the arch wire. In the case of Invisalign, the dentist may add a few knobs on your teeth that are tooth-colored and assist in the proper movement of your teeth.
  3. Adjustments: Regular check-ups with the dentist are essential every 4-8 weeks. In this part of the treatment, the dentist adjusts the braces so that everything is working properly. In the case of Invisalign, the dentist may provide you with a few aligners that are changed at home and then returned to the clinic for check-ups.
  4. Oral Hygiene: Maintaining proper oral hygiene is essential. This is quite challenging with braces, but it is important in preventing cavities and other oral diseases.
  5. Dietary Restrictions: Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods that can damage braces. This is not a problem with Invisalign because the aligners are removed during meals, but it isn’t as easy to snack on the move, because you have to brush your teeth before putting your aligners back in.

Post-Treatment Care: Retainers and Monitoring

Your journey does not end when you remove the braces or the last tray of aligners.

Retainers

Your retainers are important in ensuring you maintain your newly aligned teeth. You may opt for either removable retainers or fixed ones. The main aim of retainers is to prevent your teeth from moving back to their original positions. Therefore, you should wear them as recommended by your orthodontist.

Remote Monitoring Tools

Today, many orthodontists offer remote monitoring tools. This technology is ideal for patients with clear aligners.

Conclusion

Today’s orthodontic options are more flexible, comfortable, and discretion than ever before. Whether it’s traditional metal braces or more advanced clear aligners, there’s a choice that’s right for your individual needs and lifestyle. It’s better for you to know more about these types of orthodontic appliances as it ensures your child achieves a healthy and beautiful smile. Never hesitate to consult with an experienced dentist in order to know what is the most appropriate step to take.

FAQs

The best type of braces varies according to individual needs. In most cases, metal braces are the best when the problem is serious, while ceramic and lingual braces are the best when discretion is needed, as with Invisalign.

There is no particular type of braces that is the fastest, as the speed of correction depends on the individual’s dental situation. In most cases, metal braces are the fastest when the problem is serious.

For minor dental situations, Invisalign is the best, as it is the quickest. However, the duration of the correction depends on the situation, as the simpler the situation, the faster the correction, regardless of the type of braces.

For minor situations, Invisalign is the quickest, while metal braces are quicker when the situation is serious, as they correct the problem faster.

Yes, days 2 and 3 are the most uncomfortable with braces, as the teeth start moving, causing discomfort, pain, and pressure, which usually go away.

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Picture of Dr. Catherine Mentesana, DDS

Dr. Catherine Mentesana, DDS

With 24 years of experience, Dr. Catherine Mentesana, DDS, delivers compassionate, advanced dental care to help patients achieve lasting healthy smiles.