How Many Types of Braces Are There?

The four common types of dental braces are traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, self-ligating braces and lingual braces. These different types of braces are fixed appliances. Clear aligners are removable trays rather than braces, but people often compare them with fixed braces when choosing orthodontic treatment. People call clear aligners removable braces or invisible braces, although aligners are not braces.

These options differ in appearance, how they hold and guide the teeth, daily care, wear requirements, cost and the orthodontic issues they can manage. Both braces and aligners can straighten teeth and correct misaligned teeth. A dental assessment by a dentist or orthodontist is needed to determine which option may suit your teeth and bite.

Different Types of Braces for Teeth at a Glance

Option	Fixed or removable	Visibility	Main consideration
Metal braces	Fixed	Visible	A durable option that can manage a wide range of tooth movements
Ceramic braces	Fixed	Less noticeable than metal	Tooth-coloured brackets are more brittle than metal brackets
Self-ligating braces	Fixed	Metal or tooth-coloured options	Built-in clips hold the wire, but do not necessarily shorten treatment
Lingual braces	Fixed behind the teeth	Usually hidden from the front	Cleaning, tongue comfort and speech may take time to adjust
Clear aligners	Removable	Clear but not invisible	Consistent daily wear is essential, and not every case is suitable

Each option in detail

Metal

Traditional metal braces are the most common type of fixed braces. Traditional metal braces use high-grade stainless steel brackets and an arch wire. Dentists may also place metal bands around selected back teeth. Small elastic bands often hold the arch wire in conventional brackets, while additional rubber bands may be prescribed to help change the bite.

Once fitted, the brackets and wires apply controlled forces that move teeth gradually. These traditional metal braces can straighten crowded or crooked teeth and guide them towards the correct position. Metal braces can treat many problems, including crowded teeth, gaps, and some overbites, underbites, and crossbites. Whether metal braces are suitable depends on the required movements and the health of your teeth and gums.

When wearing braces, avoid chewing gum if advised. Brushing and flossing support oral hygiene and oral health throughout your mouth and help reduce tooth decay. Your dentist or orthodontist adjusts the wires as treatment progresses.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces work like traditional metal braces but use brackets made from clear materials or tooth-coloured ceramic. Unlike traditional braces, they are less noticeable from the front, although the arch wire may still be visible.

Ceramic braces use components that are more brittle than metal brackets. Clear elastic bands can also discolour over time, especially with strongly coloured food, drinks or smoking. Whether ceramic braces can be used on all teeth depends on the bite and treatment plan. An orthodontist can assess whether ceramic braces suit the movements.

Self-Ligating Braces

Self-ligating braces are fixed braces that use a clip or small door built into each bracket to hold the arch wire. Traditional braces usually use elastic or metal ligatures. Self-ligating brackets are available in metal and some tooth-coloured materials. Self-ligating braces still require daily brushing, flossing and oral hygiene.

The bracket design can shorten the time needed to change a wire. The clip may create less friction, but less friction does not guarantee faster movement or less discomfort. Research has not consistently shown faster treatment, fewer appointments, fewer trips to the clinic or less discomfort with self-ligating braces. Self-ligating braces and traditional braces both require an individual treatment plan.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are fixed to the back surfaces of the teeth, facing the tongue. They are usually difficult to see from the front. Some lingual braces are custom-made for the individual patient, while others are not.

The position can make cleaning more demanding. Some people notice temporary tongue irritation or changes in speech while their mouth adjusts. After an assessment, the dentist can discuss referral to an orthodontist when appropriate.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners use a planned series of transparent, removable trays. Each tray guides specific tooth movements before you wear the next tray. Although sometimes called removable braces, aligners are not braces. You remove the aligners to eat, drink anything other than water, brush, and floss.

Most patients are instructed to wear aligners for about 20 to 22 hours a day. Clear aligners can manage many cases of crowding, spacing and bite misalignment, sometimes with tooth-coloured attachments or elastics. When suitable, the trays can help straighten selected teeth. They are not suitable for every patient or every tooth movement. Your dentist or orthodontist may recommend attachments or elastics when needed.

TEETH @ Tiong Bahru provides Invisalign clear aligners and OneSmile clear aligners. For a focused comparison, see clear aligners versus braces.

Which Type of Braces May Suit You?

No single option is appropriate for everyone. Children may also need timing and growth considerations that differ from those for adult braces. Read more about braces for kids and the conditions braces can treat.

Are Retainers a Type of Braces?

Retainers are not included among the five options above. They are usually used after active treatment to hold the teeth in their new positions. Learn about retainers after braces.

Types of Braces and Prices at TEETH @ Tiong Bahru

Treatment

Fee range, inclusive of GST