Types of Braces: Fixed and Removable Braces

Almost all of us have gone through or have witnessed someone close to us go through a dental treatment for crooked or misaligned teeth. People are now more conscious and don’t shy away from orthodontic treatments to get a perfect smile. It is very important to be aware of the different types of braces available so that an informed decision can be made.

Removable vs Fixed Teeth Braces

Fixed braces are ideal for patients who need a long-term treatment. They are also suggested for children as removable braces are not ideal for young children. Fixed braces are put and removed by the dentist only. These braces give accurate results and allow the teeth to be positioned at the correct position.

Patients going through a fixed braces treatment should pay attention to what they eat. Fixed braces are bonded to the teeth and the bonds can loosen or come out when hard food items like nuts and candies are eaten. Patients should also take good care of their oral hygiene and thoroughly brush their teeth at least thrice a day.

Removable braces can be removed by the patient. They are recommended for adults and teenage patients as the patients need to be careful while putting or removing the braces. They are not suitable for children as the braces may become damaged and lose their efficacy. Children are likely to lose the removable braces if they are not careful.

Removable braces are recommended for patients with mild teeth alignment issues and are successful in horizontal teeth alignment (left or right). Fixed braces have shown better result for inward and outward alignment of teeth.

Types of Fixed and Removable Braces

1) Fixed Braces: There are four types of fixed braces options:

• Metal Braces: These are the most common type of braces and are very popular among children and teens. They are successful in aligning crooked and misaligned teeth. They are made with stainless steel brackets and are fixed on the teeth with the help arch wires. Patients can choose from different colour options to enhance their looks. These braces are fixed in the position where the teeth should be positioned post treatment. They are fixed in way that they apply pressure on the teeth to move in the desired position over a period of time.
• Ceramic or Clear Braces: Ceramic braces are similar to metal braces but noticeable as they are made transparent ceramic brackets. They are popular as they are not that visible. The metal or ceramic arch wires are inserted into the brackets to bring the teeth to the correct position. Their performance and time duration is similar to the traditional metal braces.
• Lingual Braces: Lingual braces are different from other fixed braces as they are placed on the inner surface of the teeth. Lingual braces are discreet, invisible and help in teeth positioning. People of all ages can go for these braces if their teeth are firm, and the periodontal tissues are intact. Patients may initially face some issues like speech problems and tongue irritation. With time these issues get automatically resolve.
• Self-ligating Braces: These fixed braces are updated version of the traditional braces which used elastic or O-rings. Use of elastics make the metal braces treatment uncomfortable and slow. Self-ligating braces are made in a way that they hold and lock the wire in place. The slide mechanism of the self-ligating braces holds the wire in the form of a gate. In this treatment, the teeth can move freely and in a comfortable manner. Self-ligating braces are more hygienic and are available in both metal and ceramic variants.

2) Removable Options: There are following two types of removable braces options:

• Removable Braces: These braces are made with acrylic plates and steel wires. They are useful in resolving dental issues like cross bite, teeth spacing, crooked teeth, etc. Patients that go for removable braces can achieve teeth movement via dentist activated stainless steel springs. They need to visit the dentist every few weeks to activate the springs. Wires in the braces push or pull the teeth in the correct position.
• Clear Aligners: Clear aligners are the most advanced version of the traditional braces. They are removable and almost invisible devices that help in teeth alignment. These aligners are customised transparent trays that gradually move the teeth in the correct position. The patient goes through multiple aligner trays throughout the treatment and each tray moves the teeth in a particular position. The patients should wear the aligners for a minimum of 20 hours and should remove them before meals and before cleaning the teeth.