Two different types of braces
The two broad types are fixed braces, which stay attached to teeth, and removable clear aligners, which move teeth through a series of trays.
The short answer
Fixed braces use bonded brackets and an archwire to apply force, while aligners use shaped thermoplastic trays changed through a planned sequence.
What is the direct answer?
An orthodontist assesses crowding, spacing, bite, jaw growth, roots, hygiene, and any need for attachments, elastics, or extractions before choosing an appliance.
What does this question mean?
An orthodontist assesses crowding, spacing, bite, jaw growth, roots, hygiene, and any need for attachments, elastics, or extractions before choosing an appliance.
Clean carefully around brackets, or wear aligners as prescribed and remove them for eating and brushing. Both approaches require reviews and retainers afterward.
What can you do next?
Seek an orthodontic review for a broken wire or bracket, jaw discomfort, difficulty biting, or an aligner that no longer seats fully.
Clean carefully around brackets, or wear aligners as prescribed and remove them for eating and brushing. Both approaches require reviews and retainers afterward.
When should you seek dental care?
Which appliance can move each tooth predictably, and how will bite correction and retention be handled?
Seek an orthodontic review for a broken wire or bracket, jaw discomfort, difficulty biting, or an aligner that no longer seats fully.
What should you ask the dentist?
scan
Clean carefully around brackets, or wear aligners as prescribed and remove them for eating and brushing. Both approaches require reviews and retainers afterward.
Frequently asked questions
Can this be managed at home?
Seek an orthodontic review for a broken wire or bracket, jaw discomfort, difficulty biting, or an aligner that no longer seats fully.
When should I arrange care?
Which appliance can move each tooth predictably, and how will bite correction and retention be handled?