Different types of braces
Braces can be fixed or removable, with metal, ceramic, or clear aligner systems chosen for the teeth and bite.
The short answer
The main types of braces are fixed metal brackets, tooth-coloured ceramic brackets, lingual braces attached behind the teeth, and removable clear aligners.
How do different braces systems move teeth?
Each system moves teeth by applying controlled forces to the periodontal ligament and surrounding bone. Fixed braces use brackets, archwires, and elastic modules, while aligners use a series of custom thermoplastic trays that are changed according to the orthodontic plan.
What does an orthodontic braces assessment include?
An orthodontic assessment includes photographs, scans or impressions, bite records, and often dental radiographs. The clinician then matches the appliance to crowding, spacing, jaw relationship, tooth position, hygiene, speech, appearance preferences, and the need for predictable control of individual teeth.
When should you seek orthodontic assessment?
Seek orthodontic care when teeth are difficult to clean, the bite causes chewing or jaw problems, a permanent tooth is not erupting, or crowding and spacing are changing. During treatment, contact the practice for a loose bracket, poking wire, cracked aligner, or significant pain.
What should you ask before starting braces treatment?
Ask which movements the proposed appliance can control, how long daily wear must be for aligners, how hygiene will be managed, what retainers are needed afterward, and which teeth or restorations may affect the plan.
Frequently asked questions
Can home care solve this problem?
An orthodontic assessment includes photographs, scans or impressions, bite records, and often dental radiographs.
What will a dentist check?
Ask which movements the proposed appliance can control, how long daily wear must be for aligners, how hygiene will be managed, what retainers are needed afterward, and which teeth or restorations may affect the plan..
Who wrote this page
This library is published by Dental Nation, a licensed dental group practising in the United Arab Emirates. Pages are written and overseen by the same clinical team that treats patients in our clinics, and are held to a fixed editorial standard for safety and accuracy.
This page is patient education, not medical advice, and cannot replace an examination. Anything urgent — facial swelling, trauma, uncontrolled bleeding or severe pain — needs a dentist or emergency care now.