Choosing braces is a big decision for your family. Kids are busy, teens care about appearance, and adults want something discreet that fits work and social life. If you are searching for the different types of braces in New Zealand, you will see plenty of options, each with its own pros and cons.
Here is the short version. The best appliance is the one that matches your bite, lifestyle and goals after a Specialist Orthodontist assessment. At Eden Orthodontics, we offer a full range of braces and clear aligners, and we explain the differences in plain English so you can choose with confidence.
If you would like personalised advice, you can book a consult and we will guide you through options that fit your goals, routine and budget.
Main types of braces we offer
Modern orthodontics is about choice. At Eden Orthodontics, we use several appliance types, each designed with different priorities in mind, such as appearance, comfort, speed or customisation.
Core options include:
Metal braces
Ceramic (tooth-coloured) braces
LightForce™ braces
Lingual (inside) braces
Clear aligners such as Angel Aligners or Invisalign®
Below, we outline how each option works, what it looks like and who it may suit.
Metal braces, a reliable all-rounder
Metal braces are the classic option most people imagine. They use metal brackets on the front of the teeth with a wire that is adjusted over time.
Metal braces may suit you if you:
Want a proven, versatile appliance for a wide range of bite issues
Are not too worried about brackets showing when you smile
Prefer something fixed so you do not have to remember to wear it
Modern metal braces are smaller and lower-profile than older styles. Many kids and teens enjoy choosing coloured modules for a bit of fun at each visit.
Ceramic braces, a more discreet fixed option
Ceramic braces work in a similar way to metal braces, but the brackets are tooth-coloured or clear so they blend more with your smile.
Ceramic braces may suit you if you:
Prefer a quieter look for school, work or events
Want fixed braces but would like them to be less noticeable
Are happy to care for your braces carefully to keep them looking their best
Ceramic braces are popular with older teens and adults who want a balance between appearance, predictability and value.
LightForce™ braces, customised 3D-printed brackets
LightForce™ braces use 3D-printed brackets that are customised to each tooth. Your Specialist Orthodontist plans your treatment digitally, then the brackets are designed to match that plan.
LightForce™ braces may suit you if you:
Want a highly customised fixed-brace option
Like the idea of digital planning for your smile
Are looking for a modern approach that can support efficient tooth movement
Because the brackets are planned to fit your teeth and treatment path, LightForce™ braces can help support precise tooth positioning.
Lingual braces, behind-the-teeth discretion
Lingual braces fit on the inside surfaces of your teeth, close to your tongue. From the front, they are not usually visible.
Lingual braces may suit you if you:
Want your orthodontic treatment to be as hidden as possible
Speak in public or appear in photos or video often
Prefer a fixed appliance but do not want brackets on the front of your teeth
Lingual braces can take some getting used to, especially for speech and tongue comfort at the start, but many patients value the near-invisible look.
Clear aligners, removable and low-profile
Clear aligners such as Angel Aligners or Invisalign® use a series of near-invisible plastic trays that fit snugly over your teeth. You change to a new set of aligners as your teeth move.
Clear aligners may suit you if you:
Want a discreet option that is hard to spot in photos and conversation
Prefer something you can remove for eating, brushing and special occasions
Are confident you can wear your aligners as directed each day
Aligners are popular with adults and image-conscious teens. At Eden Orthodontics, we plan aligner treatment with 3D scans and can use tools such as Dental Monitoring for suitable cases so you can have some check-ins from home.
How we help you choose the right type of braces
Every mouth and lifestyle is different, so we do not believe in one-size-fits-all recommendations. When you visit Eden Orthodontics, we:
Take records such as photographs and a 3D iTero scan, and radiographs where appropriate
Assess your bite, tooth positions, growth pattern and gum health
Ask about your priorities, for example appearance, comfort, treatment time and budget
Talk through each suitable option, for example metal braces, ceramic braces, LightForce™ braces, lingual braces, Angel Aligners or Invisalign®
We will explain the pros and cons in plain English and help you weigh up factors like visibility, cleaning, food choices, comfort and daily routine.
Appearance, comfort and lifestyle, what to think about
When comparing types of braces, it helps to consider a few practical questions:
Visibility. Do you mind brackets being seen when you smile, or do you want the most discreet option? Ceramic braces, lingual braces and clear aligners are usually less noticeable than traditional metal braces.
Daily routine. Are you prepared to brush more carefully around fixed brackets, or would you prefer removable aligners that you take out to eat? Aligners need commitment to wear time, while fixed braces stay on 24/7.
Speech and comfort. Lingual braces can affect speech and tongue comfort at first. Aligners and front-of-tooth braces may feel different in the early weeks but most people adjust quickly.
School, work and sport. Teens in contact sports may need a mouthguard with braces. Adults who present or sing may lean towards aligners or lingual solutions for discretion.
We will talk through these points with you and, if helpful, show you sample appliances so you can see and feel the differences.
Treatment time, what to expect across options
Treatment length depends more on your bite and goals than on the appliance alone. However, some patterns are common:
Simple alignment of front teeth may finish more quickly than complex bite correction
Severe crowding, large gaps or jaw-related issues may take longer regardless of appliance type
Customised systems such as LightForce™ braces or well-planned aligner cases can help support efficient movement when used correctly
At your consultation, we will give you an estimated treatment time range for each suitable option, so you can plan around school terms, work and life events.
FAQs, straight answers about brace types
Which type of braces works fastest?
The most efficient option depends on your individual case. In many situations, metal braces, ceramic braces, LightForce™ braces and aligners can achieve similar timelines when planned carefully. We will recommend the option that balances speed with stability and appearance for you.
Which braces are least visible?
Clear aligners and lingual braces are usually the least visible. Ceramic braces are more discreet than metal braces because they blend with your teeth.
Are aligners as effective as braces?
For many mild to moderate cases, Angel Aligners or Invisalign® can be as effective as braces when worn as instructed. Some complex bites may still be better suited to fixed braces. We will advise you after a full assessment.
Are there age limits for different types of braces?
We treat children, teens and adults. The main question is not age, but which appliance suits your teeth, gums, growth pattern and lifestyle best.
If you have more detailed questions, we are happy to cover them during your consultation.
Why choose Eden Orthodontics for brace options
Specialist Orthodontist care with experience across metal braces, ceramic braces, LightForce™ braces, lingual braces, Angel Aligners and Invisalign®.
A full menu of modern options so we can match the appliance to your bite, lifestyle and appearance preferences.
Clear explanations in plain English, so you understand the pros and cons of each choice.
A friendly, family-focused approach with flexible appointment times for kids, teens and adults.
Next step
The best way to find your ideal type of braces is to meet our team. Book a consultation at Eden Orthodontics in Mt Eden for a 3D scan, a full Specialist Orthodontist assessment and a personalised treatment plan. We will walk you through each suitable option, answer your questions and help you choose braces or aligners that fit your smile, your schedule and your life.
