There are several types of braces available, but all of the various types will use the same methods to gradually shift the teeth into their proper positions. Traditional braces will use brackets that are adhered to each tooth and are connected with a wire that is flexible enough to match the curve of the teeth but will gently pull the teeth into alignment along that curve. There will also be small elastics that are placed over the wire onto the bracket to help hold the wire in place. The wire will exert constant but gentle pressure onto the teeth to gradually move them into the proper position, with each appointment with the orthodontist including an adjustment to the wire, or switching out the wire, to provide slightly more pressure as the teeth continue to move into their new positions.

Metal braces are the most common type of orthodontic braces, with the brackets and wire being composed of stainless steel, but they also use small rubber elastics to hold the wire in place. The metal braces are fairly visible, and patients can choose the color of the elastics, with many patients opting for either clear or tooth-colored elastics to make them less noticeable. Ceramic braces are very similar to metal braces, but use ceramic in place of stainless steel, resulting in a more neutral tone for the braces so they end up being less visible than metal braces, with the brackets being similar to the natural tooth-tone. Other types of braces include lingual braces, which are also a type of metal braces but are placed on the back of the teeth instead of the front for a more conspicuous appearance. Another type of metal braces includes self-litigating braces, which have metal brackets and wire, but don’t require the small elastics to ensure that the wire is properly held in place.

Metal braces are one of the most used orthodontics treatments to align the teeth, with them being a great option to adjust the alignment of teeth with a variety of problems, including individual teeth being turned or out of place as well as underbites, overbites, and crossbites. They are the best option among all other alignment orthodontic treatments for more complex or severe cases and will end up being the most affordable option for these cases. Also, being composed of stainless steel makes metal braces the most durable of orthodontic options, meaning less time and money is spent repairing the various components that are required to provide beautiful results. When well-cared for, metal braces can provide some of the fastest results as well. Metal braces are a constant treatment as well, meaning they cannot be removed unless done so by an orthodontist so they will continue to work until the treatment is completed, making it often a more effective treatment option than removable aligners.

Metal and ceramic braces will vary in appearance, cost, and durability. The most noticeable difference between the two will be that ceramic braces are less visible on the teeth than metal braces, making them a more desirable option for patients who are looking for a more discrete alignment option. Because of the color of the brackets, ceramic braces also tend to be more susceptible to staining, making the pigmentation of foods something that patients will want to keep in mind during their treatment. Ceramic braces will almost always be more expensive than metal braces, but the final costs will heavily depend on the course of treatment and number of teeth that are involved in the treatment. Metal braces will be the most durable option for braces, with ceramic just generally being a weaker material, and patients being twice as likely to encounter issues with the ceramic braces needing repairs versus with metal braces.

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