Different Types Of Braces

Braces are meant to suit specific needs and are designed differently for different age groups. Children's braces for example, could be more prominent in terms of color, while those for adults' tend to be subtle. The bracket sizes also differ. Most adult braces are bigger because their jaws are generally bigger than children's.

Children's Braces

They tend to be colored and more prominent. Some also have customized gaps to accommodate the eruption of permanent teeth.

Teenagers' Braces

According to the Australian Society of Orthodontics, the highest numbers of orthodontic patients are teenagers. Many orthodontists agree that puberty is the prime time for treatment of malocclusion. The whole body is changing rapidly at this time, so the orthodontists tap into this to align crooked teeth. A childhood, the jaws may still be delicate and at adulthood, correction may take longer because the facial bones are fully formed and set in place.

The orthodontic appliances made specifically for teenagers are a cross between adult and children's orthodontic appliances. Many teenagers are expected to opt for clear ones.

Adults' Braces

Most adults will go for invisible orthodontic appliances if their dental problems are not so severe. These make it impossible for people to know that they're straightening their teeth.

Under the general categories, there are specific types of orthodontic appliances, classified according to the technology used to manufacture them and material used.

Incognito

They are custom made for each patient and are self-ligating, meaning they do not require elastic bands.

Damon

These orthodontic appliances are some of the most comfortable because of the way they are designed. They are highly customized, fit perfectly and align malocclusion quicker than most other orthodontic appliances.

Lingual

These are so named because of their placement in the mouth. They go behind the teeth in the upper and lower jaw. They are practically invisible when you smile. They are also classified as 'invisible braces'.

According to material, the orthodontic appliances can either be metal, ceramic or porcelain.

Metallic Types

These are the earliest and most common form of the orthodontic appliances. They work faster than other aligners. However, they are associated with tears in the cheeks and problems with speech as elastic bands minimize tongue and jaw movement while the wearer is speaking. These however can be managed by salt gurgles and careful fixing and adjustment of the bands. The slight discomfort goes away after a few days, or with the application of wax.

There are also cases where patients are allergic to the nickel commonly present in many such orthodontic appliances, mixed with stainless steel.

Ceramic/Porcelain Varieties

They are clear, larger, but less visible than metal ones, because they are colored like the teeth. They cost more than metal types. They are very popular with adults because they are clear. The other great thing about them is that they are stain resistant. Sometimes, however, the wire used to bond the brackets is made of metal. The bands that anchor the arch wire are made clear to blend in with the rest of the brace.

They are more delicate than metal types, and may break when the wearer eats hard foods or is hit during rough sports. The treatment time is also longer than when using metal types.

With time, more of such orthodontic appliances are being developed. Creativity simply knows no bounds. Every patient may soon be able to find whatever suits their needs conveniently and ingeniously at the same time.


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Sam Whittle works at Corinna St Orthodontics. The clinic has made quite a name for themselves as orthodontists. They have all types of braces so no patient ever leaves dissatisfied. Visit http://cstorthodontics.com.au/types-of-braces/ for more info.