Short answer: Types of braces are divided into fixed and removable. Fixed systems include metal brackets, tooth-colored ceramic brackets, lingual brackets bonded to the inner surface of the teeth and self-ligating brackets that do not use elastic ties. The removable option is custom-made clear aligners. Which one is suitable is determined through an orthodontic exam based on the structure of the teeth and jaws, age, lifestyle and aesthetic expectations.
When you decide on orthodontic treatment, one of the first questions you face is which appliance will be used. The range of types of braces today is quite wide: there are different options, from classic metal brackets to tooth-colored ceramic brackets, and from lingual systems bonded to the inner surface of the teeth to clear aligners that contain no brackets at all. Each has its own advantages and limitations. In this article, we cover all the options on a single page and outline a general framework for which may be more suitable for whom.
How are types of braces classified?
Braces are basically divided into two groups: fixed systems bonded to the teeth and removable systems that the patient can put in and take out. In fixed systems, small parts called brackets are bonded to the teeth, and an archwire running through these brackets applies force to the teeth. The most common example of removable systems today is clear aligners.
Bracket systems are themselves divided into groups by material (metal, ceramic), the surface they are placed on (outer or inner surface) and how the wire is attached to the bracket (with elastic ties or self-ligating). Below, we look at these options one by one.
What kind of option are metal brackets?
Metal brackets are a fixed system made of stainless steel; they have been used in orthodontics the longest and are effective across a wide range of cases. The brackets are bonded to the front surface of the teeth, and the archwire is attached to the brackets with small colored or clear elastic ties.
- Strengths: They are durable, provide predictable results in complex tooth movements and have a low risk of breaking.
- Limitations: They are highly visible; they can irritate the inside of the cheeks and lips in the first weeks; cleaning around the brackets requires care.
Today's metal brackets are designed to be much smaller and thinner than in the past. They are frequently chosen for patients for whom aesthetic concerns are not a priority, especially those with complex crowding or bite problems.
Who are ceramic (clear) brackets suitable for?
Ceramic brackets are fixed brackets that work on the same principle as metal brackets but are made of a tooth-colored or translucent material, so they attract less attention. Because they blend in with the teeth when seen from a distance, they are chosen by adults and teenagers who are concerned about visibility.
Ceramic brackets have some features to keep in mind. They can be slightly bulkier than metal brackets, and because they are brittle, they call for care with hard foods. Since ceramic material is hard, in bites where the lower teeth touch the upper brackets, it can cause wear on the opposing teeth; the orthodontist takes this into account in planning. The brackets themselves do not change color, but the elastic ties holding the wire can become stained by coffee, tea and foods with coloring, and they are replaced at checkup appointments.
How are lingual brackets different?
Lingual brackets are a fixed system that is almost invisible from the outside because the brackets are bonded to the inner surfaces of the teeth on the tongue side. Although they stand out in terms of invisibility, placing them and getting used to them require more experience and patience than other systems.
- Since the brackets are close to the tongue, effects on speech and a feeling of irritation on the tongue may be more noticeable in the first weeks.
- Because they are on the inner surfaces of the teeth, cleaning requires more careful brushing.
- They may not be suitable for every tooth structure and bite type; there may be limitations, especially with short crown height or a deep bite.
- The brackets are mostly custom-made, which can lengthen the preparation process.
What do self-ligating brackets offer?
Self-ligating brackets are a fixed bracket system that holds the archwire with a small clip on the bracket instead of an elastic tie. Both metal and ceramic versions are available.
Since no elastic ties are used, it is said that less plaque may build up around the brackets and that changing the wire at checkup appointments is more practical. Some patients report feeling lighter pressure due to less friction. However, scientific studies do not clearly show that self-ligating brackets significantly change the total treatment time or the quality of the results compared with conventional brackets. For this reason, the main factor in the choice is the orthodontist's assessment based on the case and their own clinical experience.
How do clear aligners differ from other types of braces?
Clear aligners are a removable orthodontic method that moves the teeth step by step with a series of custom-made transparent aligners, without using brackets or wires. At our clinic, this treatment is provided only with the Invisalign system. We have explained the basic principles of the method in detail on our what are clear aligners page.
The standout features of clear aligners are:
- They have low visibility and do not attract attention in social or professional life.
- Since they are removed during meals, food restrictions are largely eliminated.
- Brushing and flossing can be done as usual.
- Since treatment is planned digitally from the start, the movement of the teeth can be seen in advance.
On the other hand, for aligners to be effective, they need to be worn about 20–22 hours a day. For people who think they cannot maintain the discipline of wearing them, fixed systems may be more suitable. In addition, attachments, elastics or additional aligners may be needed for some complex movements.
Which one is right for you?
The type of braces that suits you is determined by an orthodontist after an exam, based on the condition of your teeth and jaws, your age, your daily habits and your aesthetic expectations. No single system is right for everyone.
As a general roadmap, you can think about the following questions:
- How important is visibility to you? If it is important, ceramic brackets, lingual systems or clear aligners come into consideration.
- Do you have the discipline to wear an appliance consistently? With clear aligners, the result depends largely on patient compliance.
- How complex is your problem? For some skeletal and multidirectional tooth movements, fixed systems may be more suitable; however, the range of uses for clear aligners has also expanded with technology.
- Do you play sports or a musical instrument, or have a job that involves a lot of speaking? These habits can influence the choice.
For those undecided between treatment with brackets and clear aligners, our article clear aligners or braces, in which we compare the two methods from different angles, may help. As for the treatment fee, since it varies depending on the chosen method and the scope of the case, it is provided in writing after the exam and planning.
Which types of braces require retention after treatment?
Whichever system is used, a retainer needs to be worn after orthodontic treatment ends so that the teeth keep their new positions. This is an integral part of treatment. The retainer may be a fixed inner wire, a removable clear retainer or a combination of both, and the wearing schedule is determined by the orthodontist.
Exams for choosing braces in Ankara
Which option suits you needs to be understood from the actual condition of your mouth, not from comparisons on the internet. At our clinic in Park Oran Ofis next to Panora Mall in Çankaya, our orthodontist evaluates your teeth and jaw relationship and explains the options that suit you along with their pros and cons; to make an appointment, you can use our contact page.
Frequently asked questions
Which type of braces gives faster results?
The main factor determining treatment time is the complexity of the case and patient compliance rather than the system used. Scientific studies do not clearly show a marked difference in duration between bracket types. The estimated duration is shared by the orthodontist after the exam and planning.
Do ceramic brackets change color?
The ceramic bracket itself generally does not change color. The elastic ties holding the wire, however, can become stained over time by tea, coffee and foods with coloring. Since these ties are replaced at checkup appointments, the staining is not permanent.
Can clear aligners replace brackets in every case?
The range of uses for clear aligners is quite wide, but they may not be suitable for every case. In some complex skeletal problems and in situations where the patient's compliance with wearing aligners is likely to be low, fixed systems may be preferred. Suitability is determined through an orthodontic exam.
Do lingual brackets affect speech?
Since lingual brackets are positioned close to the tongue, there may be a slight change in speech and a feeling of irritation on the tongue in the first weeks. In most people, this decreases as they get used to them. If you have a job that involves a lot of speaking, it is helpful to mention this to your orthodontist at the exam.
