When most people think of braces, they picture metal brackets and wires on a teenager's teeth. But braces have come a long way, and they're not just for looks. They are powerful tools used to correct dental issues that affect everything from your bite to your long-term oral health.
In this post, we'll cover everything you need to know about teeth braces, what they are, how they work, the different types, and what to expect if you or your child needs them.
Key Takeaways
✔ Teeth braces correct alignment, bite, and spacing issues, improving both appearance and function.
✔ There are multiple types—metal, ceramic, lingual, and clear aligners—each with its own benefits.
✔ Braces apply gentle pressure to shift teeth, with treatment times ranging from 12 to 24 months.
✔ While braces can cause mild discomfort, they're generally easy to manage with care and soft foods.
✔ Proper hygiene and regular adjustments are key to successful treatment.
✔ Braces offer long-term benefits, from better oral health to boosted confidence.
✔ Consult with an orthodontist to find the best option for your dental goals and lifestyle.
What Are Teeth Braces?
Teeth braces are orthodontic devices designed to gradually move teeth into their correct positions. They apply gentle, steady pressure over time to shift teeth into proper alignment. Braces can correct crowding, gaps, misalignment, and bite issues, improving both function and appearance.
Braces aren't just cosmetic—they help prevent serious dental problems down the road by correcting how your teeth and jaws fit together.
Types of Braces
There are 4 types of braces. They include:
1. Metal Braces
These are the traditional, time-tested option—stainless steel brackets bonded to the front of the teeth and connected by wires. Despite being the most visible type, metal braces are still widely used because they're effective for nearly every orthodontic case, including complex ones.
Pros:
✔ Strong and durable
✔ Usually the most affordable option
✔ Great for kids and teens
Cons:
✖ Highly visible
✖ May cause irritation early on
2. Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces work just like metal ones, but the brackets are clear or tooth-colored, making them far less noticeable.
Pros:
✔ More discreet than metal braces
✔ Suitable for teens and adults who want a subtler look
Cons:
✖ Slightly more fragile than metal
✖ Can stain if not properly cared for
3. Lingual Braces
These braces are attached to the back (lingual side) of your teeth, making them virtually invisible from the front.
Pros:
✔ Invisible when you smile
✔ Custom-made for your teeth
Cons:
✖ More difficult to clean
✖ May affect speech in the beginning
✖ Generally more expensive
4. Clear Aligners (Invisalign)
Clear aligners are removable trays that fit snugly over your teeth and are changed every 1–2 weeks as your teeth gradually move.
Pros:
✔ Virtually invisible
✔ Removable for eating and brushing
✔ Comfortable, with no wires or brackets
Cons:
✖ Requires discipline—must be worn 20–22 hours a day
✖ Not ideal for severe misalignment
✖ Higher cost depending on the case
Why Do People Get Braces?
Braces are used to correct a variety of dental and jaw issues, including:
- Crooked or crowded teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite
- Jaw misalignment
- Speech problems caused by misaligned teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting properly
Left untreated, these issues can lead to wear and tear on teeth, gum disease, jaw pain, and even tooth loss. Braces fix the problem at its source.
How Do Braces Work?
Braces work by applying consistent, gentle pressure to slowly move teeth into the desired position. This pressure causes the bone around your teeth to reshape, allowing your teeth to shift.
Key components include:
- Brackets: Bonded to each tooth and act as anchors
- Archwires: Connect the brackets and apply pressure
- Elastics or bands: Help with jaw alignment and specific tooth movements
If you're using clear aligners, each tray is slightly different, gradually guiding your teeth into place.
What Is the Process of Getting Braces?
Here's a step-by-step process on how to get braces:
1. Consultation
Your orthodontist will examine your mouth, take X-rays or 3D scans, and discuss your treatment options. They'll recommend the type of braces best suited to your needs.
2. Application
For traditional braces, brackets are glued to the teeth and connected with wires. Clear aligners are custom-made and delivered in sets.
3. Adjustments & Checkups
Every 4 to 6 weeks, you'll visit the orthodontist for adjustments—tightening wires, changing elastics, or receiving your next set of aligners.
4. Removal & Retainers
Once your teeth are aligned, the braces are removed and you'll be fitted for a retainer, which keeps your new smile in place.
How Long Do You Need to Wear Braces?
Treatment length depends on the complexity of your case, but most people wear braces for 12 to 24 months. Some may require a shorter or longer period.
Factors that influence treatment time:
✔ Severity of misalignment
✔ Age (teeth move faster in younger patients)
✔ Type of braces
✔ Patient compliance (especially with aligners or elastics)
Are Braces Painful?
Getting braces isn't painful, but some discomfort is normal, especially after they're first placed or adjusted.
You may experience:
- Tenderness in teeth and gums
- Minor irritation from brackets or wires
- Pressure when biting
This usually lasts a few days and can be managed with soft foods, ice packs, and over-the-counter pain relief like ibuprofen.
Benefits of Braces
Below are some of the reasons why getting braces is a good idea:
1. Improved Alignment and Function
Braces correct alignment issues, improving your bite and reducing the risk of uneven wear on teeth.
2. Easier Cleaning and Hygiene
Straight teeth are easier to brush and floss, helping prevent cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
3. Boosted Confidence
A straight smile often leads to higher self-esteem—especially for teens and adults who were once self-conscious about their teeth.
4. Prevents Future Dental Issues
Correcting misalignment now can help avoid more serious and costly problems in the future, like TMJ disorders or tooth damage.
Caring for Your Braces
Whether you have traditional braces or aligners, good oral hygiene is a must.
Here's how to care for your braces:
- Brush after every meal to prevent food from getting trapped
- Floss daily using threaders or special orthodontic floss
- Avoid sticky, hard, or chewy foods (gum, popcorn, caramel)
- Wear a mouthguard when playing sports
- Keep up with dental cleanings every 6 months
Following these habits helps keep your teeth healthy throughout treatment.
Final Thoughts
So, what are teeth braces? They're not just for straightening your smile—they're essential tools for improving function, comfort, and oral health.
Whether you're 12 or 42, braces can be life-changing. The process may take time, but the results are worth it: a healthier bite, better hygiene, and a smile you'll be proud to show off. See these dental cavity statistics for more on dental health
If you or your child might need braces, schedule a consultation with an orthodontist to explore your options. The sooner you start, the sooner you'll see results.
