Types of dental braces

Removable (removable) braces – recommended for children with primary or mixed teeth (both primary and permanent). They should be worn 12–14 hours a day for 1.5–2 years. They correct jaw irregularities and only slightly straighten the teeth. If a child has crooked teeth, after correcting the malocclusion (with removable braces), a fixed brace is placed, designed to straighten the teeth. It’s important to remember that removable braces correct minor irregularities than fixed braces.

Fixed braces (which have various components inserted by a dentist and can only be removed by the dentist) are used on permanent dentition. They can correct the slightest misalignment of the teeth, but also treat severe malocclusions. It consists of brackets (small bones) attached to the “front” of each tooth. Furthermore, a thin wire—an archwire—is threaded through the brackets, which exerts a specific force on the teeth, moving them relative to each other or rotating them around their axis. The brackets that attract the most attention in braces can be made of various materials: metal, porcelain, or crystal. Almost completely invisible (but also the most expensive) are brackets made of translucent crystal. However, a happy medium can be found and inconspicuous ceramic brackets, i.e., porcelain or crystal, are placed on the front teeth, and metal ones on the side teeth. Young people often choose to attach colorful, playful ligatures to the brackets. These are replaced at each check-up.

Types of orthodontic appliances – which one to choose?

Modern orthodontics offers a variety of solutions tailored to the patient’s age, malocclusion, and aesthetic expectations. Choosing the right orthodontic appliance has a significant impact not only on the effectiveness of treatment but also on the comfort of the process.

Below, we present the most important types of orthodontic appliances, along with their uses, advantages, and differences.

Removable appliances are a solution primarily used for children who still have primary teeth or mixed dentition (i.e., both primary and permanent teeth).

How does it work?

Its main purpose is to:

correct jaw defects

influence the development of facial bones

prepare the oral cavity for further treatment

Unlike fixed braces: straighten teeth only to a limited extent

How long does it need to be worn?

• Approximately 12–14 hours a day
• for a period of 1.5–2 years

Consistency is key here – the results depend largely on the patient’s (and parents’) cooperation.

When is it used?

• Early orthodontic treatment in children
• Minor and moderate malocclusions
• Preparing for treatment with fixed braces

In practice, after treatment with removable braces, it is often necessary to wear fixed braces to precisely align the teeth.

Fixed braces are the most commonly used orthodontic solution – for both adolescents and adults.

Construction and operation

It consists of:

• brackets bonded to the teeth
• an orthodontic archwire (a thin wire) that exerts a controlled force
• additional elements (e.g., ligatures)

The archwire:

• moves the teeth
• rotates them
• sets them in the correct position

What can it treat?

Fixed braces allow you to:

• correct minor irregularities
• treat complex malocclusions
• achieve highly precise results

Types of fixed braces

Depending on the material and aesthetics, there are several variants:

Metal braces

• the most classic and durable
• most frequently chosen for their effectiveness
• the most visible

Ceramic (porcelain)

• less visible – matched to the color of your teeth
• more aesthetic than metal

Crystal (sapphire)

• almost transparent
• very aesthetic
• often chosen by adults

Another popular solution is a combination of:

• aesthetic front brackets
• metal back brackets (to optimize costs)

colored ligatures – braces with character

Colored elastic bands (ligatures) are especially popular among younger patients.

• they can be changed at each visit
• allow you to personalize the appearance of your braces
• add a slightly “lighter” touch to your treatment

This is a small detail that often increases motivation for treatment.

Removable or fixed braces – what to choose?

Choosing the right appliance depends on several factors:

• patient’s age
• type and severity of the defect
• aesthetic expectations
• compatibility (especially in children)

Key differences:

The final decision is always made by the orthodontist based on diagnosis.

Summary

Modern orthodontic appliances allow for the effective treatment of both minor and severe malocclusions.

• Removable appliances are ideal for children and support jaw development.
• Fixed appliances provide precise and lasting results.
• Modern solutions offer increasingly greater comfort and aesthetics.

However, the most important aspect is the individualized treatment method – only then can the best results be achieved.