4 Types of Braces to Align Your Teeth
From teenagers taking the first step to adults finally prioritizing themselves—braces are for everyone. And today, they’re not just one-size-fits-all metal tracks. Whether you’re looking for something discreet, quick, or budget-friendly, there’s a treatment that fits your smile—and your lifestyle.
At Affinity Dental Clinics, we offer four of the most popular orthodontic options: Traditional Metal Brace, Self-Ligating Braces (Metal or Clear), Lingual Braces and Invisalign® Clear Aligners. Here’s a breakdown to help you choose the right one for you.
1. Traditional Metal Braces
The Classic Choice
These are the braces most people are familiar with: silver brackets, metal wires, and colorful rubber bands (if you want). They’ve stood the test of time for a reason—they work really well, especially for complex issues.
✅ Pros:
- Most affordable option.
- Handles even the most severe bite and alignment problems.
- Fun color options (especially for kids and teens).
- Reliable and widely available.
❌ Cons:
- Highly visible.
- Uses molar bands that can feel bulky at first.
- Requires frequent visits (every 4–6 weeks).
- Brushing and flossing take more effort.
- May cause soreness after adjustments.
💬 Pain Level:
Mild to moderate discomfort, especially after tightening.
🎯 Indications:
Best for moderate to severe misalignment, overbites, underbites, crowding, and complex bite corrections.
📈 Effectiveness:
Very effective. Still considered the gold standard in comprehensive orthodontics.
2. Self-Ligating Braces (Metal or Clear)
Sleek, Smart, and Efficient
Self-ligating braces look a lot like traditional braces, but there’s a high-tech twist: they use clips instead of elastic bandsto hold the wire in place. This reduces friction, allows for smoother movement, and often means fewer visits to the dentist.
You can choose metal for durability or clear ceramic for a more subtle look.
✅ Pros:
- Faster treatment time in some cases.
- Fewer visits—no need to change rubber bands.
- Easier to clean due to the absence of elastics.
- Clear version is less noticeable.
❌ Cons:
- More expensive than traditional braces.
- Still somewhat visible (especially metal version).
- Slightly bulkier than Invisalign.
💬 Pain Level:
Typically less pressure than traditional braces = slightly more comfortable.
🎯 Indications:
Suitable for mild to moderate crowding, gaps, and bite problems.
📈 Effectiveness:
Very effective, sometimes faster depending on the case. Great balance of function and comfort.
3. Lingual Braces
Braces Behind Your Teeth
Want your braces completely hidden? Lingual braces are placed on the inside (tongue-side) of your teeth, so they’re invisible from the front.
They do everything traditional braces can—just out of sight.
✅ Pros:
- 100% invisible from the outside.
- Customized to fit the shape of your teeth.
- Great for adults, performers, or professionals.
❌ Cons:
- Harder to clean—plaque builds up easily behind teeth.
- Can affect speech—mild lisp during adjustment period.
- May cause tongue soreness or irritation.
- Most expensive fixed option—similar in cost to Invisalign.
- Not ideal for those with poor oral hygiene.
💬 Pain Level:
Can cause tongue discomfort and speech changes, especially early on.
🎯 Indications:
Works well for mild to moderate cases. Also suitable for many complex cases if oral hygiene is good.
📈 Effectiveness:
Just as effective as traditional braces—but requires high patient cooperation.
4. Invisalign® Clear Aligners
Virtually Invisible. Completely Modern.
No wires. No brackets. Just a series of clear, custom-fit trays that gradually move your teeth. You can remove them to eat, brush, or attend special occasions. It’s no wonder Invisalign is one of the most in-demand orthodontic options today.
✅ Pros:
- Practically invisible.
- Removable—eat what you want, brush like normal.
- Fewer emergencies—no broken wires or brackets.
- Smooth, comfortable fit.
❌ Cons:
- Most expensive option.
- Not suitable for very complex or severe cases.
- Requires discipline—must be worn 20–22 hours/day.
- Needs consistent tray changes and follow-up scans.
💬 Pain Level:
Very comfortable, but some soreness when switching trays.
🎯 Indications:
Best for mild to moderate alignment issues—crowding, spacing, rotations.
📈 Effectiveness:
Highly effective when used properly. Ideal for adults and teens who are compliant.
🧠 Summary Comparison Table
| Feature / Type | Traditional Braces | Self-Ligating Braces | Lingual Braces | Invisalign Aligners |
| Visibility | Most visible | Less visible (clear option) | Completely invisible | Virtually invisible |
| Price | 💰 Most affordable | 💰💰 Moderate to high | 💰💰💰 High | 💰💰💰💰 Most expensive |
| Pain/Discomfort | Moderate (wires, bands) | Less pressure, smoother | Tongue discomfort, speech | Mild soreness (tray changes) |
| Maintenance | High (bands, wires) | Easier (no elastics) | Difficult (tongue-side) | Easy (removable) |
| Visit Frequency | Regular (every 4–6 wks) | Fewer, quicker visits | Regular specialist visits | Remote check-ins + scans |
| Indications | Mild to severe cases | Mild to moderate | Mild to moderate (select severe) | Mild to moderate only |
| Effectiveness | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Ready to Smile More?
Choosing braces isn’t just about straight teeth—it’s about choosing something that fits your life. At Affinity Dental Clinics, our dentists will help you decide what works best for you—whether that’s reliability, comfort, invisibility, or flexibility.
📍 Visit us in Makati, BGC Stopover, BGC High Street, Alabang, Ortigas, Parañaque, or Cebu
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We’re here to help you smile with confidence.
