1. Metal Braces
2. Ceramic Braces
3. Self-ligating Braces
4. Esthetic Orthodontic Options
5. Invisalign & Clear Aligners
6. Lingual Braces

Dentistry has come so far. Conventional metal braces are not the only option, yet the majority of patients still love this type of braces. Oral hygiene and flossing with these braces need a little bit of practice to master.

Digital technology has also improved the traditional metal braces. Digital metal braces are similar to the traditional option with improvements in how orthodontists precisely place the brackets on the teeth and use custom programmed archwires.

Metal braces come with various colors of elastic ties that hold archwires in place. 

• Patients that are interested in colored braces
• When esthetics are not the main concern
• Patients with very complex treatment and not interested in lingual braces

• Damon braces
• GC braces
• American Orthodontics braces
• 3M braces
• Ormo mini diamond
• SPEED braces

Ceramic brackets, also known as clear braces, were the first attempt to create cosmetic orthodontic options. Tooth-colored elastic bands hold the wire in these brackets.

The wires for clear braces are metal, so this esthetic option is partially a cosmetic choice.

Due to the physical properties of ceramic material, most of ceramic braces actually have a larger profile compared to metal braces. Some patients are not comfortable with this treatment option. Also, the tooth-colored elastic bands can stain and turn the brackets all yellow.

• Patients that are looking for a partial cosmetic orthodontic appliance.
• Patients that like to mix and match metal braces with clear braces.

• 3M ceramic clear braces
• AO radiance PLUS braces
• Lightforce braces
• Damon Clear
• Clarity (Advanced and SL)

One type of metal or ceramic braces is self-ligating braces. These braces are easier to clean. Claims suggest that self-ligating brackets offers shorter treatment time and less friction of archwires, yet this was scientifically rejected.

Digital braces can be combined with self-ligating braces, which offers a great option for orthodontic treatment with fewer appointments.

• Patients that don’t want colored braces.
• Patients that are looking for fewer appointments or virtual appointments (tele-orthodontics).
• Patients that like to maintain great oral hygiene during their treatment.

• Damon Smile
• Speed Braces
• In-Ovation

Adults and some teens mostly look for cosmetic options when it comes to orthodontic treatment. Lingual braces and clear aligner plastics (Invisalign) are invisible forms of braces.

Clear aligner treatment also known as Invisalign braces is an esthetic orthodontic treatment. Invisalign treatment is basically an orthodontic treatment rendered by aligners or plastic trays. Aligner treatment time depends on complexity of dental problems. For example, correcting deep overbite with Invisalign takes slightly longer than lingual braces.

Invisalign treatment or aligner therapy is a good option for patients of all ages, assuming they are a good fit.

• Patients that are committed to wear their aligner plastics 20-22 hours per day.
• Patients that like to remove their appliances when they can.
• Patients that are not interested in braces.
• Patients that are interested in an esthetic option but can’t afford lingual braces.

• Invisalign
• Spark Aligners
• Suresmile Aligners
• 3M Clarity
• ClearCorrect

Lingual braces are the ultimate esthetic option of orthodontic treatment. These braces are placed in the back of your teeth and discretely move your teeth. There are many differences between lingual braces vs Invisalign. The main differences are compliance and the cost of lingual braces.

• Patients that are not interested in challenges associated with Invisalign (wearing the aligners or losing the aligners).
• Patients that are looking for truly invisible orthodontic treatment.

• SureSmile by OraMetrix
• Incognito by 3M
• Harmony
• Alias by Ormco
• Brava by BRIUS
• Inbrace
• Breezy braces by InBrace