Can be used in all ages - treatment starts usually after the baby teeth are lost, but sometimes even before – they are bonded to teeth. There are different kinds : metal (the special types are antiallergic and golden based), aesthetic (composit, porcelain or sapphire). Irrespective of their materials, the same tooth movements can be achieved with each type.
As to their function, the brackets can be traditional or self-ligating, the latter having it’s own treatment philosophy: the Damon technique. It works with less force and less friction , thus it is more gentle to the teeth. The low amount of force is in the biologic zone, which enhances bone remodelling, thus there is more chance of avoiding extractions. This type of appliance also comes in metal and aesthetic form, and the visits to the surgery are needed less often during the treatment.

Here we can mention the plates and the bimaxillar appliances. These appliances can do some tooth movements, and influence the growth of the jaws. They are used in treating children, and employ growth in achieving results. In adults, it is only the Invisalign type of removable appliance that can treat teeth successfully. These are clear trays and must be worn all the time. Not all malocclusions can be treated by Invisalign.

The Incognito lingual appliance is a custom-made fixed type of brace, bonded to the lingual surface of the teeth. It is made from gold alloy, the archwires are also custom-made, using computer technique for precise alignment.

At the end of active treatment, to conserve the results, retainers are needed. They can be plates, trays or bonded wires.