What This Guide Covers and Who It Is For
This guide compares the five main types of braces so you can understand which options may suit your teeth, lifestyle, and budget.
Orthodontic treatment corrects malocclusion, which is the clinical term for teeth that are crooked, crowded, or do not line up properly when you bite down. Braces apply controlled force to gradually move teeth into better positions. The right type of braces depends on the severity of your case, your age, your daily habits, and how visible you want the braces to be.
Whether you are a parent researching braces for a child or an adult considering treatment for yourself, this guide gives you practical details about each option. It covers how each type works, what it costs, and what to expect during treatment. For a broader look at the specialty, visit the orthodontics page.
Comparing the Five Main Types of Braces
Five types of braces are widely available today: metal, ceramic, lingual, self-ligating, and clear aligners. Each uses a different approach to move teeth, and each has trade-offs in comfort, appearance, effectiveness, and price.
Metal Braces
Metal braces are the most traditional type and remain widely used because they handle a broad range of orthodontic problems. They consist of stainless steel brackets bonded to the front of each tooth, connected by a metal archwire. Small elastic bands, called ligatures, hold the wire to each bracket.
The orthodontist adjusts the archwire at regular appointments to apply new force as your teeth shift. Modern metal brackets are smaller and lower-profile than older designs, which improves comfort. Metal braces are typically the least expensive option, and they can treat everything from mild crowding to complex bite problems like underbites, overbites, and crossbites. [1]
The main drawback is visibility. Metal braces are the most noticeable type. Some patients also find the brackets and wires irritate the inside of their cheeks, especially in the first few weeks. Orthodontic wax helps with this. Certain foods, including hard, sticky, or chewy items, need to be avoided to prevent bracket breakage.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces use the same bracket-and-wire system as metal braces, but the brackets are made of tooth-colored or clear ceramic material. This makes them less noticeable, especially from a conversational distance.
Ceramic braces handle most of the same cases that metal braces can treat. However, the ceramic material is slightly more brittle than steel. Brackets can chip or crack under heavy biting force, so ceramic braces may not be the best choice for severe bite corrections that require high force. [2]
Ceramic brackets can stain over time if exposed to certain foods and drinks, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and tomato sauce. Good oral hygiene and avoiding these staining substances help keep the brackets looking clean. Ceramic braces typically cost more than metal braces because the materials are more expensive to manufacture.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are bonded to the lingual surface, which is the back side of the teeth facing the tongue. Because they sit behind the teeth, they are virtually invisible when you smile or talk.
Each lingual bracket is custom-made to fit the unique shape of the back of your tooth. This custom fabrication increases both cost and the skill required to place and adjust them. Not every orthodontic practice offers lingual braces. Treatment may also take longer for some cases compared to traditional braces. [1]
Lingual braces can cause more initial tongue irritation than other types, and speech may be temporarily affected during the first few weeks as the tongue adapts. Cleaning is more difficult because the brackets are harder to see and reach. Patients who choose lingual braces typically prioritize appearance and are willing to accept these trade-offs.
Self-Ligating Braces
Self-ligating braces look similar to traditional metal or ceramic braces but replace the elastic ligature ties with a small built-in clip or door mechanism on each bracket. This clip holds the archwire in place.
The proposed advantage is reduced friction between the wire and bracket. Manufacturers suggest this allows teeth to move more freely and may reduce discomfort. Some orthodontists report that self-ligating braces require fewer and shorter adjustment appointments because there are no elastic ties to replace. [2]
Self-ligating braces come in both metal and ceramic versions. They can treat a similar range of cases as conventional braces. Cost tends to be slightly higher than traditional metal braces. Whether self-ligating braces produce faster results or less pain than conventional braces is still debated among orthodontic researchers, and results vary by individual case.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are a series of custom-made, removable plastic trays that fit snugly over your teeth. Invisalign is the most recognized brand, but several other manufacturers also produce clear aligner systems.
Each tray is slightly different from the one before it, gradually shifting teeth over two-week intervals. You wear the trays for 20 to 22 hours per day and remove them to eat, drink anything other than water, and brush your teeth. Clear aligners work well for mild to moderate crowding, spacing, and certain bite issues. [1]
For more severe or complex orthodontic problems, such as large overbites, significant skeletal discrepancies, or teeth that need substantial rotation, clear aligners may not be effective on their own. Some cases can use a combination of aligners and temporary fixed attachments, called buttons or attachments, to improve results. Compliance is critical. If you do not wear the trays the recommended number of hours each day, treatment will not progress as planned.
Clear aligners are popular among adults and teens who want a more discreet option. The removable design makes eating and oral hygiene easier than fixed braces. However, the removability also means you can lose a tray, which may delay treatment.
Practical Details: Age, Timing, and Preparation
Orthodontic treatment can begin at different ages depending on the problem, but certain timing guidelines help ensure the best results.
When to Start Treatment
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. [1] This does not mean braces will be placed at that age. Early evaluation allows the orthodontist to spot developing problems and determine the best time to start treatment.
Most children begin treatment between ages 9 and 14, when enough permanent teeth have erupted to allow effective tooth movement. Some cases benefit from early interceptive treatment, sometimes called Phase 1 treatment, which addresses specific issues like crossbites or severe crowding before all permanent teeth come in.
Adults can get braces at any age, provided their teeth and gums are healthy. Adult treatment has become more common, and all five types of braces are available to adult patients. Treatment in adults may take slightly longer because adult bone is denser than the bone in growing children.
How to Prepare
Before braces are placed, you typically need a dental cleaning and an exam to make sure there are no untreated cavities or gum disease. Any existing dental issues should be resolved first. The orthodontist will take X-rays, photographs, and either digital scans or physical impressions of your teeth to create a treatment plan.
If you are choosing between types, ask your orthodontist which options are realistic for your specific case. Not every type of braces works for every situation. The orthodontist can explain which types will effectively address your bite and alignment problems and how each option would affect treatment length.
What to Expect During Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment involves an initial appointment to place the braces or receive your first set of aligners, followed by regular adjustment visits over the course of treatment.
The Placement Appointment
For fixed braces (metal, ceramic, lingual, or self-ligating), the placement appointment typically lasts one to two hours. The orthodontist cleans and dries each tooth, applies a bonding agent, and attaches the brackets. An archwire is then threaded through the brackets and secured.
The process is not painful, but you may feel pressure. Some patients experience mild soreness for a few days after placement as the teeth begin to respond to force. Over-the-counter pain relief and soft foods help during this adjustment period.
For clear aligners, the initial appointment is shorter. The orthodontist may place small tooth-colored attachments on certain teeth to help the aligners grip. You receive your first set of trays and instructions on wear time and switching schedules.
Ongoing Adjustments and Monitoring
With fixed braces, you will visit the orthodontist every 4 to 8 weeks for adjustments. During these visits, the orthodontist replaces the archwire or adjusts it to continue guiding teeth into position. Elastic ties are replaced at each visit if you have conventional brackets.
With clear aligners, check-in visits are typically every 6 to 10 weeks. You switch to a new tray at home, usually every one to two weeks, following the orthodontist's instructions. The orthodontist monitors your progress and makes adjustments to the plan if needed.
Overall treatment time varies widely. Simple cases may take 6 to 12 months. Moderate cases often take 12 to 24 months. Complex cases can take 24 to 36 months or longer. These are general ranges, and your orthodontist will give you a more specific estimate after evaluation. [1]
Retention After Braces
After braces are removed or aligner treatment is complete, you will need to wear a retainer. Retainers hold teeth in their new positions while the bone and tissues stabilize. Without a retainer, teeth can shift back toward their original positions.
Retainers can be removable or fixed. A fixed retainer is a thin wire bonded to the back of the front teeth. A removable retainer looks similar to a clear aligner tray or uses a wire-and-acrylic design. Your orthodontist will recommend the type and wear schedule that fits your case. Most patients need to wear a retainer full-time for several months, then transition to nighttime-only wear. [2]
Cost Ranges and Insurance Considerations
The cost of braces depends on the type of braces, the complexity of your case, your geographic location, and the specific provider you choose.
Metal braces typically range from $3,000 to $7,000. Ceramic braces generally cost $4,000 to $8,000. Lingual braces tend to be the most expensive, often ranging from $8,000 to $13,000 due to custom fabrication and the specialized skill required. Self-ligating braces usually fall between $3,500 and $8,000. Clear aligners typically range from $3,000 to $8,000. These are national estimates, and costs vary by location, provider, and case complexity. [1]
Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of orthodontic treatment, often up to a lifetime maximum of $1,000 to $3,000. Coverage terms vary significantly between plans. Some plans only cover orthodontic treatment for patients under age 18. Review your specific insurance policy or call your insurer to understand your benefits before starting treatment.
Most orthodontic offices offer payment plans that spread the cost over the course of treatment. Some offer a discount for paying in full at the start. Ask about financing options during your consultation.
When to See an Orthodontist vs. a General Dentist
An orthodontist is the most qualified provider for diagnosing and treating misaligned teeth and bite problems.
All orthodontists are dentists, but not all dentists are orthodontists. After completing four years of dental school, an orthodontist completes an additional two to three years of full-time residency training focused exclusively on tooth movement, jaw growth, and bite correction. [1] This specialty training covers the biomechanics of all types of braces and the management of complex cases.
Some general dentists offer clear aligner treatment for straightforward cases. For mild spacing or minor crowding, this can be a reasonable option. However, if you have a significant bite problem, such as an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite, seeing an orthodontist is the safer choice. An orthodontist has the training to identify complications that could arise and to adjust the treatment plan accordingly.
You should also see an orthodontist if previous treatment has relapsed, if you have jaw pain related to your bite, or if a child has early signs of crowding or irregular jaw growth. The American Association of Orthodontists offers a directory to help you find a board-certified specialist in your area. [1]
Find an Orthodontist Near You
Choosing the right type of braces starts with an evaluation by a qualified orthodontist who can assess your bite, explain your options, and recommend the best approach for your specific situation. Use our directory on the orthodontics page to find an orthodontist near you and schedule a consultation.
Search Orthodontists in Your Area