Types of Braces: What Are Your Options?

When most people picture braces, they imagine the classic metal brackets and wires. And yes, those are still one of the most common options out there. But braces have come a long way in the past few decades, and today’s patients actually have several different types to choose from.

At Garfinkle Orthodontics, we help patients pick the option that best fits their lifestyle, goals, and treatment needs. Here’s a simple breakdown of the main types of braces and how they compare.

Traditional Metal Braces

These are the ones most people know. Small metal brackets are glued to the front of each tooth, and a thin metal wire connects them. Tiny elastic bands (called ligatures) hold the wire to each bracket, and those can come in fun colors that you swap out at every appointment.

Best for: Kids, teens, and adults who want a reliable, effective option that handles pretty much any type of case.

Pros:

• The most affordable braces option
• Highly effective for even complex cases
• Colored bands make appointments a little more fun (especially for kids)
• Extremely durable

Cons:

• The most visible option
• Can feel bulky at first
• Some food restrictions apply

Traditional metal braces have been the workhorse of orthodontics for decades. They’re smaller and more comfortable than they used to be, and they still get incredible results.

Ceramic (Clear) Braces

Ceramic braces work exactly the same way as metal braces, but the brackets are made from a tooth-colored ceramic material that blends in with your teeth. Some patients also opt for a clear or tooth-colored wire, which makes them even less noticeable.

Best for: Adults and older teens who want the effectiveness of braces without the visibility.

Pros:

• Much less noticeable than metal braces
• Just as effective for most cases
• Great option for professionals and adults

Cons:

• Slightly more expensive than metal braces
• The clear elastic bands can stain if you’re not careful (coffee, wine, curry)
• Ceramic brackets are a little larger than metal ones
• Slightly more fragile than metal

If you like the idea of braces but really don’t want them to be the first thing people notice, ceramic braces are a solid option.

Self-Ligating Braces

Self-ligating braces (sometimes called Damon braces) look similar to traditional braces but work a little differently. Instead of using elastic ties to hold the wire to each bracket, self-ligating brackets have a small built-in door or clip that holds the wire in place.

Best for: Patients who want fewer appointments and a slightly more comfortable experience.

Pros:

• Slightly less friction (which some patients find more comfortable)
• Appointments can sometimes be shorter
• Easier to keep clean (no elastic bands to trap food)
• Come in metal or ceramic versions

Cons:

• Typically more expensive than traditional braces
• Not dramatically different in results from traditional braces
• Still visible on the front of the teeth

The claims about self-ligating braces being significantly faster than traditional braces aren’t well-supported by research, but the everyday comfort and easier cleaning are real benefits some patients love.

Clear Aligners (Invisalign)

Not technically braces, but worth including because most patients are weighing them side by side with braces. Instead of brackets and wires, Invisalign uses a series of custom clear plastic trays that gradually shift your teeth.

Best for: Teens and adults with mild to moderate cases who want a nearly invisible option.

Pros:

• Nearly invisible when worn
• Removable for eating, brushing, and special occasions
• No food restrictions
• Fewer in-office appointments
• Comfortable to wear once you’re used to them

Cons:

• Requires 20-22 hours of wear per day
• Requires responsibility (they have to be worn consistently)
• Not ideal for very complex cases
• Aligners need to be removed for anything but water

Portland’s love of Invisalign is real, and for good reason. As Portland’s Top 1% Invisalign Provider, we’ve helped thousands of patients get great results with clear aligners. Our post on braces vs. Invisalign, which is right for you breaks down the comparison in more detail.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are metal braces placed on the back (tongue side) of your teeth instead of the front. They’re totally hidden from view, which is why some patients love them.

Best for: Adults who absolutely can’t have visible braces (public-facing careers, weddings, etc.) and aren’t candidates for Invisalign.

Pros:

• Completely invisible from the front
• Just as effective as traditional braces for most cases

Cons:

• Significantly more expensive
• Not offered by every practice (requires special training)
• Can affect speech and tongue comfort more than other options
• Harder to clean
• Adjustment period is