Types of braces pictures
Braces include metal, ceramic, lingual, and clear-aligner systems; an examination determines which can move your teeth and correct the bite.
The short answer
The main types of braces are metal fixed braces, ceramic fixed braces, lingual braces placed behind the teeth, and clear aligners. Pictures show appearance, but an examination determines which appliance can move the teeth and correct the bite.
How do brackets and archwires hold fixed braces?
Fixed braces use brackets bonded to enamel and an archwire held by ligatures or clips. Ceramic brackets use tooth-coloured material, lingual braces attach to the tongue side of teeth, and aligners use a sequence of removable thermoplastic trays.
What does an orthodontic assessment need to examine?
An orthodontic assessment includes the bite, tooth positions, gum health, available space, jaw relationship, and records such as photographs or radiographs when indicated. The clinician then selects mechanics, attachments, elastics, or extractions if needed.
When should biting or cleaning problems be assessed?
Seek orthodontic assessment if teeth are difficult to clean, crowded, protruding, or causing biting problems. Treat active decay and gum disease before starting tooth movement.
Which appliance suits my movement and daily routine?
Ask which appliance corrects your specific movement, how it will affect speech and cleaning, what foods or habits need changing, and what retainers are required afterward.
Frequently asked questions
Which braces are least visible?
Clear aligners and ceramic or lingual braces are designed to reduce visible metal, but suitability depends on the tooth movement required.
Do braces only straighten teeth?
They also coordinate the upper and lower bite, which can require movements beyond what a photograph reveals.
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.