There are various types of braces, such as metal, ceramic, and clear braces. They come in different colours, such as black, red, and blue. Their purpose is to correct teeth and jaw misalignment in children and adults. Invisalign braces use a clear plastic that is almost invisible to the eye.


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Braces have become the standard treatment for various dental issues, such as crooked, crowded, and gapped teeth. Due to several advancements in orthodontic treatment, a variety of braces are available to help patients with treatments.
Types of Braces Comparison Table
Metal or Self-Ligating braces | Ceramic braces | Lingual braces | Clear aligners / Invisalign | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Cell | Metal: ![]() ![]() Self-Ligating: ![]() ![]() | ![]() ![]() | ![]() ![]() | ![]() ![]() |
Fix bite | Yes - perfect results | Yes - perfect results | Yes - perfect results | Difficult to achieve perfect bite |
Treatment | Complete control of tooth movement | Complete control of tooth movement | Complete control of tooth movement | Less control as patient can remove aligner |
Visibility | Visible | Less visible | Invisible | Almost invisible |
Movement | Can move teeth with no limitations | Can move teeth with no limitations | Can move teeth with no limitations | Limited ability to move teeth |
Eating | Minor restrictions | Minor restrictions | Minor restrictions | No restrictions because they can be removed |
Speech | Minor interference but get better with time | Minor interference but get better with time | Takes longer to improve speech | Takes longer to improve speech |
Colour | Stainless steel | Teeth colour | Stainless steel | Clear plastic |
Types of Braces Comparison Table (As Image)


types of braces
Several braces are available in South Africa, each with unique features and benefits, each designed to cater to various orthodontic needs.
1. Metal Braces


Metal braces are the most popular and widely used type due to their simplicity and design. They contain stainless steel bands, brackets, elastics, and wires that shift teeth over time.
Bite:
Can achieve perfect results
Treatment:
Orthodontist in complete control of tooth movement
Visibility:
Visible
Movement:
Can move teeth with no limitations
Eating:
Minor restrictions like no hard candy
Speech:
Minor interference but gets better with time.
Colour:
Stainless steel but you can colour your braces by using different coloured elastics that fit around the brackets.
More about metal braces
Metal braces are universally recognised as a tried and tested solution for orthodontic treatments and have maintained their status as a go-to solution for common dental issues.
Metal braces used to be bulky and uncomfortable. However, orthodontic improvements have transformed them, making them more comfortable and less noticeable.
They are made from high-grade stainless steel. During installation, they are attached to each tooth with a glue substance. Each bracket is then linked to the next bracket using an archwire. The wires are fastened to the brackets using elastics.
The treatment typically involves checkups every 4 weeks with an orthodontist who may replace the wire with a new one to gradually move the teeth. Each time the wire is replaced, a thicker wire is used so that the teeth shift into the shape of the archwire. These gradual changes ensure the teeth become more aligned over time.
Metal braces are not removable and remain fixed to the teeth throughout the treatment. This has the benefit that the patient cannot remove them. Therefore, the treatment period is often shorter when compared to removable braces like clear aligners which are removable.
Oral health must be maintained during treatment to ensure the teeth remain healthy and that no cavities are introduced throughout the treatment. Flossing is highly recommended for maintaining a clean mouth during the treatment.
Advantages
- Metal braces are good at fixing many orthodontic issues.
- They do not interfere with speech.
- Patients can choose from a variety of elastic colours to personalise their braces.
- Metal braces remain fixed on the teeth and thus ensure the patient cannot remove them during the treatment - This ensures that teeth are under consistent gentle pressure and this shortens the treatment period.
- Metal braces are the most affordable option.
Disadvantages
- Brushing and flossing are more challenging because you cannot remove the braces. Flossing is tricky because you must floss below and above the archwire for every tooth.
- Metal braces are more visible when smiling and talking.
2. Ceramic Braces


Ceramic braces are very similar to metal braces. Their brackets, wires, and ligatures are tooth-coloured, matching the colour of your teeth, which makes them less noticeable.
Bite:
Can achieve perfect results
Treatment:
Orthodontist in complete control of tooth movement
Visibility:
Less visible
Movement:
Can move teeth with no limitations
Eating:
Minor restrictions like no hard candy
Speech:
Minor interference but gets better with time.
Colour:
Same colour as your teeth to disguise them.
More information on ceramic braces
Ceramic braces are made from clear or tooth-coloured materials which make them less noticeable than metal braces. They blend with your teeth, providing a natural look.
Ceramic braces work like metal ones, using brackets and wires to adjust teeth. They’re often more comfortable because the brackets are smoother, reducing irritation.
Cleaning them regularly prevents stains. They can be more brittle than metal braces, so avoiding hard or sticky foods is essential to prevent damage.
Ceramic braces have become more affordable. They offer a great balance of aesthetics and functionality, making them a popular choice.
Advantages
- Ceramic braces are less noticeable.
- Good at treating misaligned teeth.
Disadvantages
- Ceramic braces cost more than traditional metal braces. Discover more information about the price of braces.
- Ceramic braces are a little more prone to breakage when compared to metal braces.
- The can be more susceptible to staining.
3. Lingual Braces


Lingual braces are like traditional braces but are placed on the back surfaces of your teeth, making them virtually invisible to others.
Bite:
Can achieve perfect results
Treatment:
Orthodontist in complete control of tooth movement
Visibility:
Invisible
Movement:
Can move teeth with no limitations
Eating:
Minor restrictions like no hard candy
Speech:
Takes longer to improve speech.
Colour:
Stainless steel.
More about lingual braces
Lingual braces are a specialised orthodontic option. They’re not very common because few specialists choose to learn how to apply them. These braces are placed on the inner surface of the teeth, next to the tongue and palate, making them nearly invisible.
Lingual braces have the advantage of being hidden. If you want to straighten your teeth without visible metal brackets, lingual braces are an excellent choice.
They’re particularly appealing to adults with complex orthodontic needs who prefer a discreet solution due to their job or lifestyle.
Advantages
- Lingual braces remain almost invisible.
- They are permanently affixed to your teeth, ensuring consistent treatments because the patient cannot remove them.
Disadvantages
- Lingual braces are more expensive due to their difficult placement behind the teeth. This makes it harder for the orthodontist to work in your mouth.
- The wires and brackets that are placed on the inside of the teeth may cause discomfort to your tongue.
- Lingual braces can present speech difficulties due to their position near the tongue.
- In some cases, lingual braces may require a longer treatment duration.
4. Clear Aligners and Braces


Clear aligners, also known as "invisible braces" or "clear braces", use a set of custom plastic molds to straighten your teeth over time.
Bite:
Difficult to achieve a perfect bite
Treatment:
Orthodontist not in complete control of tooth movement because patient can remove aligner
Visibility:
Almost invisible. Can be removed on special occasions.
Movement:
Limited ability to move teeth. More suitable for small and intermediate corrections.
Eating:
No restrictions because they can be removed before eating
Speech:
Takes longer to improve speech.
Colour:
Clear plastic
More about clear aligners and braces
Clear aligners have revolutionised orthodontic treatment. They offer a discreet alternative to traditional braces. Invisalign, a leading brand, often serves as a generic term for clear aligners, known for its advanced technology.
Clear aligners, like Invisalign, use customised plastic trays, similar to slim sports mouth guards. These trays gently guide misaligned teeth into the correct position. The trays are removable and almost invisible.
Clear aligners are for those who had orthodontic treatment in their youth and now need minor adjustments. They suit people with mild to moderate dental issues, such as misalignment, overbites, or gaps between front teeth. It's tempting to take the aligners off so we advise clients to wear them for as long as possible. However, clear aligners have limits when dealing with complex orthodontic problems.
Advantages
- Clear aligners are almost invisible due to their transparent appearance.
- They can be easily removed which allows you to eat or clean your teeth comfortably.
- In some cases, clear aligners can achieve faster results.
- Fewer visits to the orthodontist are required
- Appointments for clear aligner adjustments are typically shorter than those for traditional braces because trays are printed before the patient arrives and just need to be fitted.
- Clear aligners are generally more comfortable than braces.
Disadvantages
- Clear aligners are not suitable for all types of treatments.
- Clear aligners must be removed before eating or drinking. This can be difficult depending on the social circumstance. For example, pulling off your aligner in front of your collegues when trying to eat a snack in a boardroom.
- Maintaining the clarity of aligners demands diligent cleaning.
- They must be worn for 18 to 20 hours every day to achieve optimal results.
5. Self-Ligating Braces


Self-ligating braces look similar to traditional metal braces, but instead of using ligatures (tiny elastic bands), these braces use a built-in system to hold the archwire in place.
Bite:
Can achieve perfect results
Treatment:
Orthodontist in complete control of tooth movement
Visibility:
Visible
Movement:
Can move teeth with no limitations
Eating:
Minor restrictions like no hard candy
Speech:
Minor interference but gets better with time.
Colour:
Stainless steel.
More information on self-ligating braces
Self-ligating braces are almost the same as traditional braces. The main difference is that special brackets secure the archwire instead of elastics. This benefit makes the treatment more efficientand the braces easier to adjust. Because elastics are not used, appointment times are reduced.
The brackets feature a sliding mechanism that allows the archwire to move smoothly during adjustments and eliminates the need for elastic bands.
Advantages
- Self-ligating braces offer a practical orthodontic solution for addressing teeth misalignment.
- They are less noticeable.
- Smaller brackets improve comfort.
- Requires fewer visits as there are no elastic bands that need to be replaced.
Disadvantages
- Self-ligating braces dont exert as much pressure as metal braces, which can result in less precision during orthodontic correction.
- Treatment progress can in some cases be slower as the locking door on the brackets can sometimes break or loosen.
What type of braces should you select?
Choosing the right braces is an important step in orthodontic care. Here’s what to keep in mind:
1. Your Apearance
For those wanting less visible braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, or clear aligners are good options. These are less noticeable and sometimes nearly invisible. Your orthodontist can explain the pros and cons and the treatment time.
2. Budget and Cost
Cost is a big factor. Orthodontic treatment is an investment, but you can discuss a budget with your orthodontist. Lingual braces are the most expensive due to custom work. Ceramic braces are cheaper but still more than metal ones.
3. Complexity of Your Treatment
The type and complexity of dental issues matter when choosing the right treatment. You need braces that can handle even the most challenging misalignments.
4. Orthodontist Experience
Choosing orthodontic treatment impacts your look and lifestyle for a long time. It’s crucial to consult with an orthodontist to find the right braces that align with your dental goals.
Braces help achieve perfect teeth alignment and a bright smile. They’re suitable for adults, kids, and teens wanting straight teeth. Whether you choose metal braces, ceramic braces, or clear aligners, consulting with an experienced orthodontist is a start.