Types of Braces

If you're thinking about getting braces, you've probably already done some basic reading on the different types available out there.A brief Google search for "types of braces" will give you a ton of results, and it can all make your head spin.In reality, only some of the braces you see will actually be offered by your local orthodontist. That's because although orthodontics is a part of the dental profession (orthodontists are dentists but with 2-3 years of extra specialist training), it's private companies that create the actual braces. So as with any private industry, companies compete with each other to market and sell their product.In North America, there are less than a handful of companies that actually manufacture braces, with many being built in the heart of America's Midwest, such as American Orthodontics in Sheboygan, Wisconsin.It's the job of these manufacturers to come up with new and innovative technology to supply marketers and distributors, who then pass them on to orthodontists.Most companies market several types of braces, and some even market certain types as being their own when they're actually made by one of their competitors.Orthodontists are always getting approached with the newest and latest in technology, but it's their job to see through the sales pitch, do the research, and only offer the products that will best serve their patients. For that reason clinical research is completed on the various types of braces to ensure patients are receiving the best treatment.So when you're shopping around for an orthodontist you shouldn't be surprised to find different brands being offered. But keep in mind clinical research has yet to show that any one brand is better than the other.So, now that we know how certain braces make it to your orthodontics office, let's take a look at the most popular types of braces on the market in North America today, as well as their pros and cons.


Metal bracesThese were once the first and only choice in braces. Today's version are smaller and more comfortable than they used to be. They've all also stood the test of time and they're proven to work quickly and effectively.Some popular brands of metal braces include: Victory Series, Damon, In-Ovation and Ormco Mini's.Ceramic bracesMade of translucent (clear) material, ceramic braces are less visible than metal braces. They work just the same as metal. However, in most cases they work faster and on more people than Invisalign, and you don't have to come in for visits two times a month like you do with Invisalign.Some popular brands of ceramic braces include: Mystique, made by GAC; and Clarity and Transcend, made by 3M Unitek.InvisalignA relatively recent introduction to the marketplace, these clear aligners were an instant hit because they are pretty much invisible throughout treatment. However, Invisalign has major limitations and can only be used on minor orthodontic problems, so don't be surprised if your orthodontist doesn't offer them to you as an option.So far, there is only one common brand of clear aligner braces, and we're pretty sure you know what it is.Lingual (behind the teeth) bracesNewer to the market, lingual braces are braces that are placed behind the teeth, so in most cases they are even less visible than Invisalign. They are more demanding for the orthodontist to use and tend to be used in treating less complicated cases. They also tend to be mechanically less efficient.Now armed with a little bit of info on the braces market and the different types and brands of braces, you can go about the research on your ideal braces. Just keep in mind your orthodontic is a trained professional and at the end of the day, we advise you trust them to make the decision on what will work best for your unique orthodontic situation.