Types of braces explained: Choose the right one for you

When it comes to achieving your dream smile, modern orthodontics offers a wide range of treatment options that combine aesthetics with comfort. From metal braces to clear aligners, lingual, and ceramic braces, each comes with its own pros and cons. While this variety has made teeth straightening more accessible, it can also make choosing the right option a bit overwhelming.

Don't let dental misalignment hold you back. In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down the different types of braces, covering treatment duration, appearance, effectiveness, cost, and more. By the end, you'll have the clarity you need to choose the right treatment and move closer to your ideal smile. Also, if you are an adult who wants orthodontic treatment, we will discuss clear braces for adults in detail below.

Types of braces

A perfectly aligned smile can be easily acquired with different orthodontic treatments. However, the choice entirely depends on the severity of your case and your personal preference. The following are the different types of braces with their pros and cons so you can make an informed decision.

Traditional braces

Traditional metal braces are the most well-known and time-tested method for straightening teeth. They use metal brackets and wires that are fixed to your teeth. These braces apply steady pressure to move teeth into the right position. Treatment usually takes 1 to 3 years. Metal braces can fix a wide range of issues- from small gaps to severe crowding and bite problems.

Pros of metal braces

Highly effective

Metal braces are great at fixing all kinds of alignment problems, from minor to severe. The brackets and wires are regularly adjusted to shift teeth into place, making them one of the most effective orthodontic options available.

Very durable

Metal braces are strong and built to last throughout the treatment. They're less likely to break compared to other types of braces.

Cost-effective

They're usually an affordable option when compared to most brace types. While they're more visible, they still deliver excellent results, making them a good value for money.

Cons of metal braces

Visible appearance

The silver brackets and wires are noticeable, which can make some people, especially teens and adults, feel self-conscious.

Food restrictions

You'll need to avoid certain foods like gum, popcorn, and hard or sticky snacks, as these can damage the braces or get stuck.

More effort for oral hygiene

Cleaning your teeth is trickier with metal braces. Food can get stuck and plaque can build up around the brackets, so brushing and flossing must be done carefully to prevent cavities or gum problems.

Ceramic braces

If you're looking for a way to straighten your teeth without the noticeable look of metal braces, ceramic braces offer a smart and less visible option. Ceramic braces use clear or tooth-colored brackets that blend into your teeth, making them less noticeable during treatment.

Pros of ceramic braces

Appearance

Ceramic braces are designed to blend in with your natural tooth color, making them much less noticeable than traditional metal braces. They offer a more discreet look, which is great for adults and teens who want a subtle treatment option.

Effectiveness

Despite their low-profile appearance, ceramic braces are just as effective as metal braces for most orthodontic issues. They're strong enough to handle a wide range of tooth movements and can be a reliable choice for moderate to complex cases.

Cons of ceramic braces

Staining

While the ceramic brackets themselves resist staining, the elastic bands that hold the wire in place can discolor from coffee, tea, or certain foods. Regular maintenance and avoiding stain-prone foods can help keep them looking clean.

Cost

Ceramic braces tend to be more expensive than metal braces. This is due to the materials used and the extra time often needed for adjustments during treatment.

Clear aligners

Clear aligners are custom-made, transparent trays designed to gradually shift your teeth into better alignment. Unlike traditional braces, they don't use brackets or wires. Instead, you wear a series of aligners that are swapped out every few weeks to keep your progress moving. They're removable, discreet, and have become a popular choice for adults and teens seeking a low-profile orthodontic solution.

Pros of clear aligners

Discreet

One of the biggest advantages of clear aligners is that they're nearly invisible when worn. Most people won't even notice you're wearing them, making them an ideal option for those who want to straighten their teeth without drawing attention. For instance, if you have a public-facing job, aligners can be right for you.

Comfortable

Since clear aligners are made from smooth plastic and custom-fitted to your mouth, they're generally more comfortable than braces. There are no metal wires or brackets to poke or irritate your gums and cheeks.

Faster treatment

In some cases, clear aligners can deliver results faster than traditional braces, especially for mild to moderate alignment issues. With consistent wear, treatment times can be shorter, sometimes as little as 4 to 6 months.

Wondering if you are eligible for a clear aligner treatment?

Take a Free Smile Assessment to find out today!

Am I A Candidate?

Cons of clear aligners

Suitability

Clear aligners aren't for everyone. They work best for mild to moderate alignment problems. More complex dental issues, like severe crowding or bite correction, may still require traditional braces.

Adherence to wear time

To get the best results, clear aligners need to be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day. This requires commitment and discipline. If you forget to put them back in after meals or remove them too often, it can delay your progress.

Lingual braces

Lingual braces are completely hidden from view—they're attached to the back of your teeth, so no one can tell you're wearing them. They are a perfect option for anyone who doesn't want to compromise their appearance during the treatment.

Pros of lingual braces

Visibility

Because they're placed behind the teeth, lingual braces are completely hidden from view—ideal for those concerned about appearance.

Effective for complex cases

Just like traditional braces, they can treat a wide range of orthodontic issues, from crowding to bite problems.

Teeth maintenance

Since they don't touch the front surface of your teeth, there's no risk of visible staining on the outer enamel.

Cons of lingual braces

Speech issues

You might experience a temporary lisp or discomfort as your tongue adjusts to the brackets.

Hard to maintain

Their position behind the teeth makes brushing and flossing a bit more challenging.

Higher cost

Lingual braces typically cost more due to their customization and the expertise required for placement and adjustments.

Discomfort

Since they are placed at the back of the teeth, they cause pain and discomfort, especially at the beginning of the treatment.

Types of braces explained

Here is a table of the different types of braces: ceramic braces / clear braces/metal braces, and lingual braces. The tabular formation will help you get a quick understanding of each type.

How to choose the right braces for you

Here are some of the factors to consider before choosing the right type of braces for you.

Age

Metal braces are usually a good fit for kids and teens since they're more accepting of them, while adults often lean toward less noticeable options like clear or lingual braces.

Dental requirements

If you have more complex alignment issues, traditional or lingual braces might be necessary. For minor to moderate concerns, clear aligners can also be the right approach for anyone wanting to straighten their smile.

Lifestyle

If you work in a role where appearance matters, you might prefer something less visible. If you're always on the move or play sports, you may benefit from braces you can remove.

Budget

Traditional metal braces are generally more affordable. Lingual or ceramic braces cost more but look better and are less noticeable.

Commitment and cleanliness

Clear aligners require consistent wear and regular cleaning. Since you can take them out, they also require a bit more dedication to use properly. If you are someone responsible who can adhere to the wear time and maintain aligners, you can go with a clear aligner treatment.

Start your teeth straightening journey from home!

Caspersmile provides high-quality, clear aligners that fit snugly to your teeth, ensuring maximum comfort.

Order Now

Teeth straightening with Caspersmile

Caspersmile offers hassle-free teeth straightening throughout the US. Among all the different types of braces, if you choose to opt for clear aligners, Caspersmile can be your provider. With our at-home teeth straightening services, you can achieve the smile of your dreams without any compromise on your dental health. By offering both day and nighttime clear aligner plans, get your teeth aligned in the best possible way.

Key features of Caspersmile Clear Aligners

Customized

Caspersmile clear aligners are custom-made according to each individual's dental structure. It helps to provide a better fit of aligners and helps get the desired results.

Gumline trimmed

In addition to the customization, our aligners are perfectly curated and gum-line trimmed. It helps to ensure a smooth smile journey without causing any discomfort to the gums.

Crystal clear

Caspersmile aligners are composed of BPA-free plastic that makes them barely visible. They are crystal clear, which makes them ideal for anyone wanting to perfect their smile without having any compromise to their appearance.

What do you get with Caspersmile

There is a range of aligner providers throughout the US. You must be wondering why you should opt for Caspersmile as your journey towards a happy, healthy smile. Here is why you should opt for Caspersmile Clear Aligners.

Affordable pricing

Teeth straightening shouldn't cost you a fortune. Get the smile of your dreams without the hefty price tags. Our aligner plans are affordable for all types of people. Moreover, if you need more flexibility, you can avail of our easy monthly installment plans.

24/7 smile specialists

We offer an at-home treatment, but that does not mean you cannot reach us for any queries. Our smile specialists are available throughout the smile journey.

Night only aligner plans

What better than getting your teeth straightened without the daytime hassle? With our nightonly clear aligner treatment plans, straighten your teeth while you sleep. With a wear time of only ten hours, you get your teeth aligned in just five to seven months.

How does it work?

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to begin your teeth straightening journey online.

Smile assessment

Start the treatment by taking a simple smile assessment online. The assessment includes all the basic questions to know the current situation of your teeth. Once you submit the assessment, our smile experts will check whether you are eligible for the clear aligner treatment. Once approved for a clear aligner treatment, you will receive an email consisting of the plan that could work best for you.

Impression taking

Once you opt for the plan of your choice, an impressions kit will be delivered to your doorstep. Our kit includes dental trays, putty, a cheek retractor, and gloves to help you create dental impressions. You can schedule a video call with our experts, who will guide you to make sure your impressions come out perfectly. After successfully taking your impressions, use the prepaid shipping label to send your impressions back to us.

Treatment plan

On receiving your dental impressions, our experts will devise a perfect treatment plan for you. Review and approve your 3D smile projection to proceed. Once approved, your clear aligners will be fabricated.

Smile journey

Get your aligners delivered to your doorstep and begin your treatment. You must ensure to wear your aligners as prescribed to achieve the best results within the given time frame.

Which is the right treatment for me?

Getting your teeth straightened once meant only one thing: metal braces. Fixed to your teeth for months or even years, they were the standard solution for dental misalignment. But orthodontics has come a long way. Today, you have multiple options to achieve a straighter, more confident smile—including ceramic, lingual, and clear braces (also known as clear aligners).

Each type has its own pros and cons, and the best choice depends on your lifestyle, budget, and the severity of your case. This guide breaks down all the options to help you make an informed decision.

At Caspersmile, we make teeth straightening simple with customized clear aligners designed just for you. Whether you're dealing with mild or moderate misalignment, you can fix it from the comfort of your home—no frequent clinic visits, no hassle. And with our affordable pricing, a picture-perfect smile is finally within reach.
So what are you waiting for? You're just one step away from the smile of your dreams.

FAQs

Which type of braces is most effective? +

Metal braces are known to be the most effective treatment option for mild, moderate, and even severe cases. However, other types, including clear aligners, can also help you achieve perfect teeth alignment.

What are the 3 categories of orthodontics? +

The three categories of orthodontics are preventive, interceptive, and corrective.

How much do braces cost without insurance? +

The average cost of braces ranges from $3,000 to $7,000. The cost may vary depending on the type of braces you choose, the severity of your case, and the treatment duration.

Is $6,000 too much for braces? +

The average cost of braces in the U.S. ranges from $3,000 to $7,000. The price may vary depending on the individual case and the length of treatment.

How have aligners become a popular treatment choice? +

Clear aligners are invisible, removable, and often offer a faster treatment option compared to other types of braces. Thanks to these discreet features, aligners have become a popular treatment choice among individuals of all ages.

Related blogs