The main types of braces are traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, self-ligating braces, lingual braces, and clear aligners like Invisalign, and the right one depends on your bite, your age, and how visible you want treatment to be.
Braces and aligners are the two most common ways to straighten teeth, and braces treat a wider range of bites and tend to work faster, while aligners typically handle light to moderate alignment issues. Knowing that difference before a consultation helps you ask better questions.
Orthodontics is not only for kids. Children should have a first orthodontic visit by age 7, and 1 in 3 orthodontic patients today is an adult. That means a wide range of people are choosing between the same options.
Below, I walk through each type, who it tends to suit, and how to compare them side by side.
Key Takeaways
- There are five main options: metal braces, ceramic braces, self-ligating braces, lingual braces, and clear aligners. They differ in visibility, removability, and the range of bites they can correct.
- Metal and ceramic braces treat the widest range of bites. Ceramic is less noticeable but can cost more, and metal may be more durable.
- Clear aligners suit light to moderate alignment issues. They need to be worn at least 22 hours a day to stay on schedule.
- Self-ligating braces use a built-in clip instead of elastic ties, and lingual braces sit behind the teeth. Not every office offers them.
- Age is not a barrier. Kids should have a first visit by age 7, and 1 in 3 orthodontic patients is an adult.
- Your orthodontist makes the final call after an exam. I offer metal braces, ceramic braces, and Invisalign, and your first visit is a free consultation.
What Are Metal Braces, and Who Are They Best For?
Metal braces use brackets bonded to each tooth and a wire that gradually guides teeth into position, and they are known for their efficacy and affordability. They can correct a wide range of problems, including crowding, gaps, and overbites or underbites. Metal braces tend to be a good fit for:
- Kids and teens: Younger patients respond well to treatment while the jaw is still growing.
- Complex bites: Because braces treat a wide range of bites, they are often the go-to for significant crowding or bite correction.
- Budget-conscious families: They are typically the most affordable fixed option.
- Active patients and athletes: Metal is generally more durable than ceramic, which holds up better to daily wear.
- Patients who prefer no removable trays. Braces stay on the whole time, so there is nothing to lose or forget to wear.
The main tradeoff is visibility, since the brackets show when you smile. If that matters to you, ceramic braces are the next option to consider.
Are Ceramic Braces Less Noticeable, and Do They Work as Well?
Ceramic braces are less noticeable than metal braces and work in a similar way, using brackets and wires to gradually guide teeth into place. The brackets are tooth-colored or clear, so they blend in with your teeth. They are popular with teens and adults who want a fixed appliance without the metal look, and they tend to move teeth faster than clear aligners. A few things to weigh:
- Durability: Metal braces may be more durable, which matters for patients who play contact sports.
- Cost: Ceramic braces can cost more than metal, depending on the case.
- Availability: They are not the right choice for every bite, so your orthodontist has to confirm they fit your case.
At Matthew Ronconi Orthodontics, I offer both metal and ceramic braces, so we can compare them on your own teeth during your consultation. If fewer adjustment visits matter more to you than the look of the brackets, the next option is worth a look.
How Do Self-Ligating Braces Differ From Traditional Braces?
Self-ligating braces hold the wire with a built-in clip or door instead of the small elastic ties that traditional braces use. This design minimizes friction and generally allows more time between appointments. The brackets can be made of stainless steel or ceramic, so you still get to choose between a more durable look and a more discreet one.
Otherwise, they work much like traditional braces, with brackets and a wire gradually moving teeth into position. For busy families juggling school and work schedules, fewer visits can be a real convenience. Not every orthodontic office offers this system, so it is worth asking what is available before you commit. And if you want braces that no one can see at all, there is one more type to know about.
Can Braces Be Hidden Behind Your Teeth?
Yes. Lingual braces are mounted on the back sides of the teeth, which makes them virtually invisible, and they effectively correct many orthodontic issues. They suit patients for whom appearance is the top priority, such as adults who want the strength of fixed braces without anyone seeing them.
Because they sit behind the teeth, lingual braces are not the right fit for every patient or every practice, and your orthodontist has to evaluate your case first. Keep in mind that “invisible braces” is a broad term. It can refer to clear aligners, ceramic braces, or lingual braces, so ask which one someone means.
Are Clear Aligners Like Invisalign the Right Choice?
Clear aligners are a good fit for teens and adults with light to moderate alignment issues who want a nearly invisible, removable option. They are sets of clear trays custom-formed to your teeth, and each one is typically worn for about a week at a time, at least 22 hours a day. Aligners tend to work well for:
- Common alignment concerns. They are used for gapped or crowded teeth, overbites, underbites, open bites, and crossbites.
- Patients who want a flexible routine. You take them out to eat, drink, brush, and floss, so daily life stays close to normal.
- Adults and older teens who want a discreet look. There are no brackets or wires to show when you smile.
The tradeoff is range and discipline. Because aligners are removable, they can be lost, they tend to work more slowly than braces, and they treat a narrower set of cases. They are also not necessarily faster than braces, and patients who wear them inconsistently will see slower progress.
As an Invisalign Certified Provider at Matthew Ronconi Orthodontics, I personally review each patient’s progress at every visit, which lets me catch a tray that is not tracking before it costs you time.
How Do the Types of Braces Compare Side by Side?
Metal, ceramic, self-ligating, and lingual braces treat a wide range of bites, while clear aligners are best for light to moderate cases, and the main differences come down to visibility and whether you can remove them.
This table pulls the five options together as a starting point for your conversation with an orthodontist, based on general guidelines from orthodontic specialists.
| Type | Visibility | Best For | Removable | Range of Cases |
| Metal braces | High | Kids, teens, complex bites | No | Wide range |
| Ceramic braces | Low | Teens and adults who want a discreet fixed option | No | Wide range, case dependent |
| Self-ligating braces | Low to high (metal or ceramic) | Patients who want fewer visits | No | Wide range |
| Lingual braces | Very low | Adults who want hidden treatment | No | Many cases, needs evaluation |
| Clear aligners | Very low | Teens and adults with light to moderate issues | Yes | Light to moderate |
This table reflects general guidelines, not a clinical recommendation. Case complexity varies by patient, so always confirm your options with a licensed orthodontist.
Use the table to narrow your list, then let an exam settle it. Your bite and goals matter more than any single row.
Who Decides Which Type of Braces You Get?
Your orthodontist decides, working with you, after examining your teeth, jaws, and bite. Only a qualified orthodontist can assess your needs and recommend the best treatment option, and no amount of online reading replaces that evaluation. Orthodontists weigh factors such as age, jaw imbalances, and differences in tooth size when choosing an approach. A thorough first visit usually covers:
- A look at your bite and jaw alignment: This shows how complex your case is, which is the biggest factor in whether braces or aligners fit.
- Your goals and lifestyle: Appearance, comfort, sports, and how you feel about removable trays all shape the choice.
- Timeline and cost: This is the time to ask what treatment would look like and how payment works.
Your first visit at Matthew Ronconi Orthodontics is a free consultation, and my team can walk you through it in English or Spanish. Some patients arrive knowing exactly what they want and others have no idea where to start. Both are fine, and I would rather answer every question up front than have you guess.
What Happens After You Choose a Type of Braces?
Once you choose, treatment follows a set path: a diagnosis, a fitting appointment, regular adjustments, and then a retainer. Your first one to two visits cover tests and measurements to confirm the plan, and the details differ a bit depending on what you pick:
- Metal, ceramic, and self-ligating braces: The fitting appointment is usually the longest visit of the process. After that, you return for adjustments every 4 to 12 weeks, and most people wear braces for 12 to 24 months.
- Clear aligners: A quick digital scan comes first, and then the trays are made and can take up to 6 weeks to arrive. Regular check-ins continue throughout so your orthodontist can confirm your teeth are moving as planned.
Every option ends the same way, with a retainer. Everyone finishing orthodontic treatment should wear one to keep their teeth from shifting back, and wearing it as directed protects the results you worked for.
The frequency usually decreases over time, but your orthodontist will tell you what fits your case.
How Do You Choose the Right Type of Braces?
The right type of braces comes down to your bite, your age, and how much you want treatment to show. Metal and ceramic braces cover the widest range of cases, self-ligating and lingual braces suit more specific preferences, and clear aligners trade range for a removable, discreet option. Start with what matters most to you, whether that is appearance, convenience, or the complexity of your bite, and let an exam confirm which one fits.
If you are still deciding between the two most common paths, Invisalign vs. braces breaks that choice down further. And if you want to know what the day-to-day looks like once treatment begins, see what to expect when wearing braces.
Ready to Find Out Which Type Fits You?
I would like to look at your teeth, answer your questions, and walk you through your options with no pressure. Call Matthew Ronconi Orthodontics at (831) 422-7424, or book online to schedule your consultation.
Patients have voted my practice Best Orthodontist in the Monterey County Weekly Readers’ Poll four years in a row, and I would be glad to earn your trust too.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main types of braces?
The main types of braces are traditional metal, ceramic, self-ligating, and lingual braces, with clear aligners like Invisalign as a removable alternative. Each one differs in visibility, comfort, and the range of bites it can correct. An orthodontist can tell you which one fits your case after an exam.
Which type of braces works best for kids and teenagers?
The type of braces that works best for kids and teenagers is often metal braces, because they treat a wide range of bites and are generally durable. Ceramic braces are a good option for teens who want a less visible look, and Invisalign works for teens who will reliably wear their trays at least 22 hours a day.
Are clear aligners as effective as braces?
Clear aligners are effective for light to moderate alignment issues, but braces treat a wider range of bites and tend to work faster. During your consultation, I will tell you whether aligners can fully correct your bite or whether braces are the better choice.
How long does treatment with braces take?
Treatment with braces takes 12 to 24 months for most people, depending on how complex the bite is. Adults may take longer because adult teeth are more firmly set in the jaw, and aligners are not necessarily faster than braces. After your exam, I give you a timeline based on your own bite.
Do ceramic braces cost more than metal braces?
Ceramic braces can cost more than metal braces in some cases, depending on the materials and how long treatment takes. I go over your full cost and payment options during your consultation, and financing is available through CareCredit.
Can adults get braces, or is orthodontic treatment only for kids?
Adults can get braces, and 1 in 3 orthodontic patients today is an adult. Many adults choose ceramic braces or Invisalign for a more discreet look, though metal braces remain an option. Dental issues like cavities may need treatment before braces can begin.
What is the difference between self-ligating braces and regular braces?
The difference between self-ligating braces and regular braces is how the wire is held in place. Traditional braces use elastic ties, while self-ligating braces use a built-in clip or door that reduces friction and generally allows longer gaps between appointments. Not every office offers them, so ask what your orthodontist uses.
