All about the fitness and health lifestyle
All about the fitness and health lifestyle

6 Types of Braces You Can Opt For

Last Updated:
December 18, 2022
Author:
Kay Nicole

6 Types of Braces You Can Opt For

Braces are dental tools that align, crowd or straighten teeth that are crooked or out of place. They gradually straighten and fix your teeth to have a normal bite as you wear them. Some people also get braces to get a perfect smile. What you might not know is that there are multiple types of braces to select from.

Typically, you can wear braces at any age, however, many people postpone orthodontic treatment until adulthood due to cost, inconvenience, or lack of diagnosis. Getting braces can be costly, time-consuming, and inconvenient, but they have a high percentage of success and do more for your oral health than merely giving you a beautiful smile.

There are various types of braces for different ages and purposes. Let's learn about them:

1. Damon Braces

Damon braces have a similar function to other orthodontic systems for straightening teeth, but the main distinction between this treatment and others is the method used to straighten teeth. In this, braces shift teeth using archwires and brackets and use a self-ligating technique to join archwires to brackets rather than the elastic ties often used with traditional braces.

Additionally, there are two varieties of Damon braces: metal and transparent. The metal brackets are of polycarbonate and stainless steel. The transparent ones, called Damon Clear, are made of ceramic and come in tooth-colored or translucent options.

Damon Clear is essentially invisible because neither metal clamps nor elastic ties are present. As implied by the term Clear, patients receive clear braces. If you prefer this one, check Damon ceramic braces cost and go for the one that suits your budget.

Although this self-ligating device is not new, its use has grown since some orthodontists assert that it offers better clinical results. 

2. Ceramic Braces

The teeth can be realigned, adjusted, and straightened using ceramic braces like conventional metal braces. Although ceramic braces are a popular alternative to traditional metal braces, they closely resemble wire-and-bracket attachments. 

They are composed of translucent materials, and some versions even have wires that match your teeth to further camouflage making a significant impact. The brackets are slimmer and come in clear or tooth-colored options. The wire could also be visible. Because of this, older clientele and professionals who prefer to cover up their braces rather than flaunt them often choose ceramic. The premium materials used in these braces aren't harsh, so your gums or mouth's sides won't get irritated by them. 

However, there is no escaping the truth that ceramic braces nearly always cost more money. It is partly attributable to the better materials utilized, although it's important to note that ceramic braces sometimes take longer to produce the desired outcomes. 

3. Metal braces

The most popular type of braces worldwide are metal or traditional braces. In this, metal brackets are bonded to the front surface of the teeth to move teeth using metal wires. These brackets have a proven track record of delivering excellent outcomes.

The elastic ties, available in various colors, are used to secure the wire to the braces. At your sessions every 4 to 8 weeks, the orthodontist adjusts the wire to reposition the teeth. Metal braces are sturdy and provide excellent control because of the materials' strength. These are usually popular among children and teenagers. However, they are more likely to be uncomfortable, and the material always leaves you with a metallic aftertaste.

4. Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are different from all other braces. The back, or lingual side, of your teeth—closest to your tongue—is where the brackets, wires, and elastic bands that make up your braces are all attached, making them invisible unless you open your mouth widely.

They offer total imperceptibility, comprehensive personalization of your unique teeth, and improved functionality and versatility in some people. Lingual braces placed behind the teeth are particularly well suited for adults who want invisible braces but have complicated orthodontic requirements. The use of braces behind the teeth among teenagers who care about appearance has grown.

Some patients describe slight tongue discomfort and speech irregularities. Particularly if you utilize specially constructed ones, lingual braces are typically more expensive than labial braces. Although prices differ across orthodontists, geographic locations, and the amount of work required, some might have you paying twice as much for ready-made lingual braces as for labial braces.

5. Clear Aligners

Clear braces are invisible braces for correcting crooked teeth and bad bites. They are a removable, nearly indiscernible alternative to braces designed for comfort and versatility.

As an alternative to traditional braces, clear aligners assist in moving teeth into the correct position. 

They lack metal wires and brackets but employ a progressive force to control tooth movement, similar to traditional braces. 

Furthermore, each person's mouth is fitted with a unique set of aligner trays made of a sturdy plastic material that is BPA-free

6. Self-ligating Braces

Self-ligating braces are a bit different from traditional braces. The archwire is fastened to the brackets with a built-in system of self-ligating bracing, which is distinct from conventional braces and uses tiny elastic bands or metal ties to secure the brackets. 

Self-ligating braces still necessitate adjustments, just like conventional braces do. Your orthodontist will assess your development during these adjustments and may also change or replace your archwire.

Your teeth can move into their new positions more gradually if adjustments are made to the force applied to them. They can treat various dental issues, including crowding, an open bite, an overbite, a crossbite, gaps, etc. 

Conclusion

When determining the types of braces that will suit you best, it’s viable to approach an orthodontist. They’ll help you choose braces based on your preference and the state of your teeth, as each has differing advantages and disadvantages. Oral health significantly impacts our overall well-being. Hence, it’s crucial to pay heed to any dental issues. 

magnifiermenu linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram