Pictures of different types of braces for teeth
The main types of braces are metal fixed braces, ceramic fixed braces, lingual braces, and clear removable aligners.
What are the main types of braces and aligners?
The main types of braces are metal fixed braces, ceramic fixed braces, lingual braces, and clear removable aligners.
How do fixed braces differ from removable aligners?
Fixed braces use bonded brackets and an archwire, while aligners use a planned series of removable thermoplastic trays.
How do orthodontic appliances move teeth?
All orthodontic appliances move teeth through bone remodeling. Choice depends on bite complexity, hygiene, appearance, speech, and reliable tray wear.
What happens during an orthodontic assessment?
An orthodontic assessment includes photographs, scans or impressions, and a bite examination. Compare cleaning, eating, adjustment, attachment, and retention requirements.
When should you arrange an orthodontic assessment?
Seek assessment for crowding, difficult cleaning, protrusion, or bite discomfort. Facial trauma or a wire causing significant injury needs prompt care.
Frequently asked questions
Can this be treated at home?
All orthodontic appliances move teeth through bone remodeling. Choice depends on bite complexity, hygiene, appearance, speech, and reliable tray wear.
What changes the treatment choice?
Fixed braces use bonded brackets and an archwire, while aligners use a planned series of removable thermoplastic trays.
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.