Types of Dental Braces

With an increased awareness in oral dental health care, not only has the number of people going regularly to the dentist increased, but, even dental technology has evolved many folds.One of the most common dental treatments that children and teenagers (and nowadays even adults) undergo is dental braces. There are different options in the type of dental braces available. The different types are:

1)Metal/traditional braces:

These are the most common type of dental braces made of stainless steel. There are metal brackets attached to the tooth surface with the help of a dental cement and these brackets are attached together with the help of a metal archwire. The orthodontist puts bands, which are changed frequently, with the help of which the teeth move to their corrected position.

Pros:

- Least expensive type of braces.

- Treatment time shorter compared to lingual braces and clear aligners(discussed later).

- Different coloured bands give kids a chance to express themselves.

Cons:

- Least esthetic type of braces.

2) Ceramic braces:

These are similar to metal braces, except that the brackets are ceramic or tooth coloured and not metallic , making it more esthetically pleasing.

Pros:

- More esthetic than metal braces.

- Move teeth faster as compared to clear aligners.

Cons:

- More expensive than metal braces .

- Brackets can stain easily if not taken care properly.

3)Lingual braces:

These are braces placed lingually or from the tongue area, that is, from inside .The brackets and archwires are both placed lingually.

Pros: 

- Not visible from the outside.

Cons:

- More expensive than metal and ceramic braces.

- Difficult to clean and maintain.

- Not effective in complicated cases.

- Difficult and time consuming to make adjustments.

- More uncomfortable for the patient in the beginning.

4)Clear aligners:

These are clear, transparent, plastic like aligners which are customised for each patient. A set of 18 to 30 such aligners are given to the patient, changing each set after 2 weeks as per the instructions given.

Pros:

- Most esthetic, almost invisible.

- Patient can eat or drink what they want.

Cons:

- Most expensive.

- Will not work for complicated cases.

- Mostly given to teenagers and adults( not for children).

- Treatment may take longer time.

- Easy to misplace and costly to get it replaced.