Types of Braces: Which Orthodontic Treatment Is Right for You?

Last reviewed: April 2026 · Based on current clinical protocols at DenCos, Hoofddorp

What are the different types of braces?

Modern orthodontics offers several treatment options, each with distinct advantages depending on your case, lifestyle, and goals. The four main types are traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, and clear aligners (Invisalign). A comparative analysis of braces and aligners found that both achieve 88–90% success rates in correcting malocclusion, with Invisalign averaging shorter treatment times (18 vs 24 months).

At DenCos in Hoofddorp, Dr. Jing Guo — registered specialist orthodontist (PhD 2011) with Invisalign Diamond Apex Status (top 1% in Europe) — offers all orthodontic options and recommends the most effective approach for each patient. Approximately 85% of DenCos patients are treated with Invisalign, though fixed braces remain the right choice for certain complex cases.

This article compares each type of braces, explains when each works best, and helps you understand which treatment may be right for your situation.

How do metal braces work?

Traditional metal braces are the most established orthodontic system. Metal brackets are bonded to each tooth, connected by an archwire that applies continuous pressure to move teeth into alignment. The orthodontist adjusts the wire tension every 4–6 weeks.

Advantages:

• Effective for all case types, including severe crowding, large bite discrepancies, and complex rotations
• Strongest control over tooth torque (root positioning) — a systematic review confirmed braces are more effective than aligners in controlling teeth torque and occlusal contacts
• No compliance requirement — fixed in place 24/7
• Lower cost (€1,500–€2,500 in the Netherlands)

Considerations:

• Clearly visible metal brackets and wires
• Can irritate cheeks and lips, especially in the first weeks
• Food restrictions — avoid hard, sticky, and crunchy foods
• More frequent appointments (every 4–6 weeks)
• Average treatment duration of 24 months

At DenCos, when Dr. Guo recommends metal braces, she uses self-ligating brackets that require less force and can reduce discomfort compared to traditional tied brackets. Fixed braces are particularly effective for patients with severe overbites or complex rotations that require precise torque control.

What are ceramic braces?

Ceramic braces function identically to metal braces but use tooth-coloured or clear brackets instead of metal. The brackets blend with the natural colour of your teeth, making them significantly less visible than metal — though the archwire remains noticeable.

Advantages:

• Less visible than metal braces — popular with adults and teenagers
• Same treatment effectiveness as metal braces for most case types
• Fixed in place — no compliance issues

Considerations:

• More expensive than metal braces (typically 10–20% higher)
• Ceramic brackets can stain with coffee, tea, or curry
• Slightly larger than metal brackets, which some patients notice
• Brackets can chip if excessive force is applied

Ceramic braces are a good middle ground for patients who want a less visible fixed appliance but whose case is not suitable for aligners. At DenCos, Dr. Guo discusses this option during the initial consultation when patients express concern about aesthetics but need fixed appliance treatment.

What are lingual braces?

Lingual braces are fixed brackets placed on the inner (tongue-side) surface of the teeth, making them completely invisible from the front. They are custom-made for each patient using 3D digital impressions.

Advantages:

• Invisible from the front — no visible brackets or wires
• Effective for complex cases, similar to traditional braces
• Fixed in place — no compliance issues

Considerations:

• More expensive than both standard braces and Invisalign — Align Technology notes lingual braces tend to be more expensive than Invisalign treatment
• Can affect speech initially (lisp) due to tongue contact with brackets
• More difficult to clean around brackets on the tongue side
• Longer appointment times for adjustments
• Not all orthodontists offer them

At DenCos, most patients who prioritise invisible treatment choose Invisalign over lingual braces. Invisalign offers similar aesthetics (nearly invisible) with greater comfort, easier hygiene, and no speech impact. However, Dr. Guo can discuss lingual options for patients with specific requirements.

How does Invisalign compare to all other braces?

Invisalign uses a series of custom-made clear plastic aligners that gradually move teeth into the desired position. Each aligner is worn for 1–2 weeks before switching to the next in the series. A systematic review and meta-analysis concluded that clear aligners had an advantage in segmented tooth movement and shortened treatment duration compared to fixed appliances.

At DenCos, Dr. Guo's Diamond Apex experience (3,000+ cases treated with Invisalign) means the range of cases treatable with aligners is broader than at most practices. Using ClinCheck AI treatment planning and iTero 3D scanning, she achieves results with Invisalign that historically required fixed braces — including complex bite corrections, extractions, and interdisciplinary cases.

Can children get Invisalign instead of braces?

Yes. Invisalign First is specifically designed for children aged 6–10 who have mixed dentition (a combination of baby and adult teeth). Unlike standard Invisalign, Invisalign First focuses on jaw development, arch expansion, and creating space for incoming permanent teeth — the goals of Phase 1 orthodontic treatment.

Invisalign First aligners include:

• Eruption compensation — the aligner accommodates teeth that are still growing in
• Arch expansion — gently widens the jaw to reduce future crowding
• Mandibular advancement — can guide lower jaw growth in some Class II cases
• Precision wings — features specific to growing patients

A review in the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics documented Phase I treatment using Invisalign First for dentoalveolar expansion and arch development, with patients achieving alignment goals while avoiding more invasive approaches like primary tooth extraction and maxillary expanders.

At DenCos, Dr. Guo treats children with both Invisalign First and traditional braces, recommending the best approach based on the child's specific dental development and cooperation level. For children from Hoofddorp, Haarlemmermeer, Haarlem, and surrounding areas, extended opening hours (Tuesday–Thursday until 18:30) make after-school appointments convenient.

How do you choose the right orthodontic treatment?

The best treatment depends on your clinical needs, aesthetic preferences, lifestyle, and budget. Here is a simplified guide:

Choose Invisalign if you:

• Want a nearly invisible treatment
• Prefer to remove aligners for eating and cleaning
• Have mild to complex crowding, spacing, or bite issues
• Value fewer appointments (every 6–8 weeks)
• Want to preview your result with a ClinCheck 3D simulation

Choose fixed braces if you:

• Have a severe malocclusion requiring precise torque control
• Prefer a fixed appliance with no compliance requirement
• Are on a tighter budget (metal braces cost less)
• Need treatment that works independently of wear-time discipline

At DenCos, Dr. Guo (BIG 19918762902) evaluates every patient individually with an iTero 3D intraoral scan during the first consultation. She never recommends Invisalign when braces would deliver a better result — and vice versa. As a certified Invisalign Mentor (one of five in the Netherlands) and Diamond Apex provider, she has the expertise and experience to recommend the most effective approach for patients from Amstelveen, Amsterdam, Leiden, Aalsmeer, and beyond.

Diamond Apex Status also means DenCos receives up to 52% discount on aligners and retainers from Align Technology — the highest volume discount in the Netherlands — keeping Invisalign pricing competitive with traditional braces.

Next step

Not sure which type of braces is right for you? Book a consultation at DenCos in Hoofddorp. Dr. Guo will evaluate your teeth with an iTero 3D scan, discuss all available options, and recommend the most effective treatment for your case — all in your first visit. You can also call 023-792 0463 or visit the contact page.