The field of orthodontics is constantly evolving and as a Surrey orthodontist, Dr. Sharma is all about staying on top of the latest advances. In keeping with his love of technology, Aura Orthodontics offers a wide range of innovative diagnostic and teeth straightening options such as metal braces, clear braces, lingual braces and Invisalign.

We know when you’re in the market for a stunning new smile, the number of treatment choices can be overwhelming. To help clear things up, we’ve created this visual guide to the different types of braces.

Your Visual Guide to Different Types of Braces

Traditional Metal Braces 

The Basics: Ahh, the tried and true option of the braces world. Traditional metal braces remain the most popular form of orthodontic treatment and they’re way smaller and more comfortable than ever. They typically consist of stainless steel brackets and archwires that are held in place with elastic bands. They can also be combined with things like a power chain, metal bands and forsus appliances depending on your needs.

Great For: Children, teens and adults

Fixes: Mild, moderate and severe spacing, overjet, crowding, underbite and crossbite

Pros:

• Allows you to mix and match your elastic colors to complement your style
• The most wallet-friendly option
• Can address the widest range of cases from straightforward to complex
• Straightens teeth faster than some other treatments

Cons:

• There are food restrictions
• The metal brackets and wires are noticeable

Clear Braces 

The Basics: The brackets of our clear braces are crafted from pure grown sapphire (fancy, huh?). Each crystal is heat polished so they’re extremely strong, clear and smooth. These are perfect for people with really white teeth as they’ll blend right in. Clear braces also use archwires and ligatures to move the teeth gradually into their new places.

Great For: Older teens and adults

Fixes: Mild, moderate and severe spacing, overjet, crowding, underbite and crossbite

Pros:

• Brackets are translucent so they’re less visible than metal braces
• Effective on a wide variety of cases including complex ones
• Works more quickly than some other options

Cons:

• Require more effort to keep clean as they can stain
• There are food restrictions

Ceramic Braces

The Basics: Like clear braces, ceramic braces can blend in with the teeth. Ceramic braces use brackets, archwire and ligatures, however, the brackets are made from a ceramic composite material that is either semi-translucent or tooth colored.

Great For: Older teens and adults

Fixes: Mild to moderate spacing, overjet, crowding, underbite and crossbite

Pros:

• The brackets are less visible than metal braces and the tooth-colored option is especially seamless on people whose teeth aren’t bright white
• Some patients find ceramic brackets are less irritating on the gums

Cons:

• Require dedicated oral hygiene to prevent staining
• Can’t withstand as much force as other materials so not always suitable for complex cases
• There are food restrictions

Self-Ligating Braces (Damon Braces)

The Basics: Damon braces are put on the teeth the same way as traditional metal braces and consist of brackets and wires, however, they don’t have elastics or metal ties. Instead, they are self-ligating and rely on a special slide mechanism that attaches the wires to the brackets. The mechanism moves with your teeth so you don’t need tightening and the braces work in less time.

Great For: Children, teens and adults

Fixes: Mild, moderate and severe spacing, overjet, crowding, underbite and crossbite

Pros:

• The brackets are sleeker and smaller than traditional metal braces
• Memory wire moves teeth more comfortably and quickly
• Tie-less so they require fewer appointments and no tightening
• Treat a wide variety of cases from simple to complex

Cons:

• There are food restrictions
• The metal variety is visible

Lingual Braces:

Lingual Braces: Again, lingual braces use a system of metal brackets and wires. Yet, the brackets are extremely small and placed on the back of the teeth facing the tongue. Because the process of putting them on is a little more involved, you’ll need to see an orthodontist with specialized training in lingual braces like Dr. Sharma.

Great For: Older teens and adults

Fixes: Mild to moderate spacing, overjet, crowding, underbite and crossbite

Pros:

• Most discreet and least visible of all treatment types since you can’t see the braces at all when you smile
• Completely customized to your mouth
• Mounted on the back of your teeth so no staining or discoloration will be evident

Cons:

• More expensive than many other options
• Harder to clean
• Can take a little longer to straighten teeth

Invisalign and Invisalign Teen

The Basics: Invisalign is the only treatment option with no brackets or wires. Instead, a series of clear, removable, plastic aligners are created according to your orthodontist’s specifications. Every few weeks, you put in a new set of customized aligners that will move your teeth a little more.

Great For: Teens and adults

Fixes: Mild to moderate spacing, overjet, crowding, underbite and crossbite

Pros:

• Nearly invisible
• The aligners are extremely comfortable and don’t irritate the cheeks or lips
• Super convenient since the aligners are removable
• Zero food restrictions
• Can brush and floss normally

Cons:

• Not all severe cases can be treated with Invisalign and Invisalign Teen
• It may take a little bit longer to straighten teeth than some other options

Contact Aura Orthodontics today for a free consultation at our Scottsdale, Guilford or Abbotsford orthodontic clinics. Dr. Sharma will evaluate your smile and needs to determine what type of braces will work best for you. Whichever treatment option you choose, you’ll be on your way to a healthy, beautiful smile.

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