How to Compare Types of Braces for Teeth

Braces, or orthodontia appliances, are used to straighten crooked teeth and place them in better alignment in your jaw. Overcrowded or misaligned teeth can lead to tooth decay, periodontal disease, and future loss of teeth. An incorrect bite may cause wear and tear on teeth and can lead to pain and problems in the jaw. Teeth that are crowded are difficult to clean and can lead to decay and gum disease. Braces for the teeth can correct all of these conditions.

There are five main types of braces to choose from. It is good idea to compare them in effectiveness, cost, visibility, speed and the pain involved with treatment.

Instructions

1. Compare the effectiveness of each type of dental braces. Metal and titanium braces are the most effective on difficult cases of crooked teeth and misaligned jaws. The metal brackets are glued to the front of the teeth. They are normally made of silver, stainless steel, or titanium. People who are allergic to other metals use titanium braces.

   Clear ceramic braces are also glued to the front of teeth, they have a tendency to break and are therefore not as effective.

   Lingual braces are brackets glued to the back of your teeth; this makes it more difficult for the dentist to manipulate and move the teeth, so they are not as effective.

   Invisible braces are clear, stiff rubber molds made for your teeth every couple of weeks; they are only used for uncomplicated orthodontia needs.

2. Compare the cost of the five types of braces. Metal braces are the traditional type of braces used for orthodontia; they are also typically the least expensive type of braces, although titanium braces are the most expensive type. Clear, lingual and invisible braces are in the middle as far as price range.

3. Compare the visibility of the braces or how well the braces are hidden in your mouth. Metal and titanium braces are the most visible braces on your teeth. Titanium is slightly lighter in color than regular stainless steel. Clear braces are less visible, and they are now made from ceramics that do not stain, which is a plus. Invisible braces are like a clear mouthpiece covering your teeth, they are hardly visible when you wear them and they can be removed for special occasions. Lingual braces are metal and glued to the back of the teeth, so you can't see them at all, unless you tip your head way back.

4. Compare the speed of treatment in each of the common brace types. Invisible braces treatment is usually the shortest, but only because the cases for which they are appropriate are less complicated. The other types of orthodontia braces are all about equal in treatment length, except that clear ceramic brace treatments can take longer if they break too often.

5. Compare the painfulness of the different types of braces. All of the braces have the same amount of pain associated with moving and manipulating the teeth. Lingual braces tend to cause the most pain to the tongue.

References

• Delta Dental: Braces
• Think Quest: Braces
• Washingtonian: Braces