Teeth braces are widely used to correct poor bites, straighten teeth, close teeth gaps and to allow enough room in between teeth. They are fitted by dentists and orthodontists. However, what you may not know is that there are different types of braces available. Planning to get braces? Find out the different types of braces available and which are right for you.

Metallic braces

These are the most traditional types of braces available. They feature a design that consists of metal brackets, usually made of stainless steel. They have a simple outlook and work just like any other type of braces. They keep teeth in their right positions, gently tugging them accordingly. If you are allergic to the chrome found in stainless steel, you can have your braces coated with gold to make them more tolerable.

Ceramic braces

Ceramic braces are increasingly becoming popular. They contain brackets that are the same colour as enamel. The upside to this design is that the ceramic brackets camouflage well with the teeth. This makes them less conspicuous compared to metallic braces. Ceramic braces are quite popular with adults who are more self-conscious about their appearance, be it at the workplace or when socialising.

Clear braces

Clear brackets almost resemble ceramic brackets. The difference is that they have clear plastic brackets. These are even less conspicuous compared to the ceramic design. They also feature a thin arch wire that is more difficult to spot from afar. This makes clear braces the best pick for anyone feeling shy about getting braces installed.

Multi-coloured braces

In terms of appearance, one can also get multi-coloured braces. Unlike ceramic and clear braces that strive to hide their existence, multi coloured seek attention. They have brackets  featuring different colors, e.g. brown, green, blue, etc. These types of braces are a favourite with children who view them as a fashion statement, more than dental appliances. As a result, multi-coloured braces may be more acceptable to younger patients.

Lingual braces

Lingual braces are different from other types of braces in terms of their placement. Unlike other braces that are installed on the outer surface of the teeth, lingual braces are installed at the back of the teeth. The advantage to this mode of placement is that the braces are not as noticeable. However, lingual braces are not as effective as normal braces. This means you may have to wear them for a longer period to attain the same correction.

Not sure what type of braces you should select from the above? Talk to your dentist or orthodontist (someone like Perfect Smiles Orthodontics) and get the right advice.