Types of Braces
- Home
- Types of Braces
Orthodontic Solutions for Straighter, Healthier Smiles
Braces are a well-known orthodontic treatment that can fix teeth that are out of alignment, problems with the bite, and problems with the jaw. Richmond Heights Dental Arts has a variety of braces for kids, teens, and adults. Each choice is meant to make both the mouth and the smile look better, helping patients get smiles that are confident and well-balanced.
The type of braces you need depends on your dental needs, lifestyle, and how you want your teeth to look. Our dental team will work closely with you to find the best orthodontic treatment for your smile.
Why Are Braces Important?
Teeth that aren’t straight are more than just a cosmetic issue. Having crooked or crowded teeth can make you more likely to:
- Cavities and gum disease
- Problems with cleaning teeth well
- Wear on teeth that isn’t even
- Pain in the jaw or problems with the bite
- Problems with speech
Orthodontic treatment helps straighten teeth and jaws, which makes them work better, feel better, and stay healthy for a long time.
Common Orthodontic Issues Treated with Braces
Braces fix:
- Teeth that are too close together or too far apart
- Spaces between teeth
- Overbites and underbites
- Crossbites
- Open bites
- Problems with jaw alignment
Braces work at any age, but getting treatment early can stop problems from happening later.
Types of Braces Available
Modern orthodontics has a number of different types of braces, so patients can pick the ones that work best for them and their way of life.
Traditional Metal Braces
Metal braces are the most common and best way to straighten teeth.
Features:
- Made of high-quality stainless steel
- Put metal brackets and archwires on
- Changed from time to time to help teeth move
Benefits:
- Works very well for complicated orthodontic cases
- Strong and dependable
- Most of the time, the cheapest choice
- Good for kids, teens, and adults
Metal braces today are smaller, more comfortable, and work better than they used to.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces work like metal braces, but they are made to be less noticeable.
Features:
- Brackets that are tooth-colored or clear
- Blend in with your real teeth
Benefits:
- Less noticeable than metal braces
- Works well for cases that are moderate to complex
- A lot of teens and adults like it.
Ceramic braces need a little more care to keep them from getting stained, but they look great.
Self-Ligating Braces
Self-ligating braces use special brackets that don’t need elastic bands.
Features:
- The archwire is held in place by built-in clips.
- Less friction when teeth move
Benefits:
- Less need for changes
- Cleaning is easier
- In some cases, shorter treatment times
- A more comfortable experience
You can get these braces in metal or ceramic.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces go on the back of the teeth, on the tongue side.
Features:
- Not seen
- Made to fit each tooth perfectly
Benefits:
- Not visible at all from the front
- Works well for a lot of orthodontic cases
Lingual braces may take longer to get used to and don’t work for everyone.
Clear Aligners (When Applicable)
Clear aligners are trays that are clear and can be taken out. They slowly straighten teeth.
Features:
- Aligners that are made just for you to wear over your teeth
- Changed every few weeks
Benefits:
- Almost not there
- Can be taken off for eating and cleaning
- Easy and comfortable
- Great for alignment problems that aren’t too bad.
Adults who want a discreet way to straighten their teeth often choose clear aligners.
Choosing the Right Type of Braces
There are a few things that determine what kind of braces are best for you:
- How bad the alignment problems are
- The patient’s age
- Aesthetic likes and dislikes
- Things to think about when making a budget
- Habits of living and cleaning your mouth
Our dental staff will look at your smile and talk to you about all the options you have so you can make an informed choice.
What to Expect During Orthodontic Treatment
Usually, orthodontic treatment includes:
- A full exam and digital imaging
- Planning treatment that is unique to you
- Putting on braces or aligners
- Regular appointments for adjustments
- The retention phase after treatment
Treatment time varies, but it usually lasts between 12 and 24 months, depending on the needs of each person.
Caring for Braces
Taking care of yourself properly makes treatment work:
- Brush your teeth after every meal.
- Use orthodontic tools to
- floss every day.
- Stay away from foods that are hard, sticky, or chewy.
- Go to regular visits to get adjustments.
- After treatment, follow the instructions for how to wear your retainers.
Good oral hygiene can help keep your teeth and gums healthy while you get braces.
Orthodontics for Children, Teens, and Adults
Braces work for people of all ages. Early evaluations help children’s jaws grow in the right way, and teens and adults benefit from better function and appearance. You can always make your smile healthier.
Why Choose Richmond Heights Dental Arts for Orthodontic Care?
- Customized orthodontic treatment plans
- New tools and methods
- A comfortable, patient-centered space
- dentists with a lot of experience
- There are different ways to pay.
We promise to make orthodontic care easy to get to and comfortable for all of our patients.
Schedule an Orthodontic Consultation Today
Our team is here to help if you or your child are thinking about getting braces. Call Richmond Heights Dental Arts today to set up an appointment for an orthodontic consultation and find out what kind of braces will work best for your smile.
Contact Us
We encourage you to contact us with any questions or comments you may have. Please call our office or use the quick contact form below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, ceramic braces and clear aligners can be very effective for many cases. However, severe bite or alignment issues may respond best to traditional metal braces.
Absolutely. Many adults choose braces to improve oral health, appearance, and confidence. Modern orthodontic options make treatment more comfortable and discreet than ever.
Some patients experience temporary speech changes, especially with lingual braces or clear aligners. This usually improves within a few days as your mouth adjusts.
To protect your braces, avoid:
- Sticky foods (gum, caramel)
- Hard foods (ice, nuts, popcorn kernels)
- Chewy candies
Soft foods are recommended after adjustments.
Most patients visit every 4–8 weeks for adjustments or progress checks. Regular visits are important to keep treatment on track.