Braces

Metal braces/Traditional braces

These are the metal brackets and wires that most people picture when they hear the word “braces.” However, modern brackets are smaller and less noticeable than the notorious “metal-mouth” braces than many adults remember. Plus, new heat-activatedarchwires use your body heat to help teeth move more quickly and less painfully than in the past.

Pros: Least expensive type; colored bands give kids a chance to express themselves 
Cons: Most noticeable type of braces

 

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are the same size and shape as metal braces, except that they have tooth-colored or clear brackets that blend in to teeth. Some even use tooth-colored wires to be even less noticeable.

Pros: Less noticeable than metal braces; move teeth much faster than clear plastic aligners (Invisalign) 
Cons: More expensive than metal braces; Brackets can stain easily if patients don’t care for them well