self-ligating braces are fixed orthodontic braces that use a built-in clip or sliding door to hold the archwire. They are designed to reduce or replace the need for elastic “O-rings” or wire ties used with conventional brackets. They are commonly used in orthodontic treatment to align teeth and correct bite relationships (malocclusion). They can be part of treatment for teens and adults, depending on the case and clinician preference.

lingual braces are orthodontic braces placed on the tongue-side (lingual) surfaces of the teeth. They use brackets and wires to guide teeth into a more aligned position over time. Because they sit behind the teeth, they are less visible from the front than traditional braces. They are commonly used in comprehensive orthodontic treatment for adults and teens.

ceramic braces are fixed orthodontic appliances that use tooth-colored (ceramic) brackets to move teeth over time. They are commonly placed on the front surfaces of teeth and work with an archwire and elastic ties or clips. They are often chosen when a less noticeable brace appearance is preferred compared with metal brackets. They are used in orthodontic treatment for alignment, bite correction, and spacing management.

metal braces are fixed orthodontic appliances made of metal brackets and wires that attach to the teeth. They are used to move teeth gradually to improve alignment and bite (how the upper and lower teeth fit together). metal braces are commonly used in orthodontic treatment for children, adolescents, and adults. They are placed and adjusted by dental professionals trained in orthodontics.

fixed appliances are dental or orthodontic devices that are attached to teeth and are not meant to be removed by the patient. They are most commonly used in orthodontics to move teeth and correct bite relationships. They can also describe fixed dental restorations (such as crowns and bridges), depending on context. In everyday dental use, the term often refers to “braces” made of brackets, wires, and supporting components.

braces are orthodontic appliances used to guide teeth and jaws into improved alignment. They are most commonly used in orthodontic care for crowding, spacing, and bite problems. Most braces systems use bonded brackets and a wire to apply controlled forces over time. They can be provided in several designs and materials depending on the clinical situation.

functional appliance therapy is an orthodontic approach that uses an appliance to influence jaw position and muscle function while teeth and jaws are developing. It is most commonly used to manage certain bite relationships, especially when the lower jaw sits back relative to the upper jaw. Appliances may be removable (worn by the patient) or fixed (attached by the clinician). It is typically part of a broader orthodontic plan that may also include braces or clear aligners.

growth modification is an orthodontic approach that aims to influence jaw growth while a patient is still growing. It is commonly used to help reduce jaw-size discrepancies, such as an upper jaw that appears too far forward or a lower jaw that appears too far back (or vice versa). It typically involves orthodontic appliances that guide growth and tooth position over time. It is most often discussed in pediatric and adolescent orthodontics, when skeletal growth is still active.

interdisciplinary ortho-surgery is coordinated care that combines orthodontics (tooth movement) and jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) to improve bite, facial balance, and function. It is used when braces or clear aligners alone cannot fully correct skeletal jaw differences. Treatment is planned and delivered by a team, commonly an orthodontist and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. It is most often discussed for adults, but it can also be relevant for selected teens after growth assessment.

surgical orthodontics is a coordinated treatment that combines orthodontics (tooth movement) with jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery). It is used when braces or aligners alone cannot fully correct a bite because the jaw position or jaw size is the main problem. Treatment is typically planned and delivered by an orthodontist and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon working together. It is commonly used for significant overbites, underbites, open bites, facial asymmetry, and related functional concerns.