Though many people still picture a "mouthful of metal" when they think of braces, there are now many more options available. Dental braces work by applying pressure to the teeth so that they move gradually into a new position. The pressure usually comes from a metal wire attached to tiny brackets placed on each tooth. These brackets are what used to create the "metal mouth". However modern brackets are much smaller and are glued on the front of each tooth. Added pressure is applied to the teeth using rubber bands called ligatures. They can be made to look more attractive using different colors or gimmicks. In addition to the much-improved traditional braces, there are now many more options: - Mini Braces: Smaller than traditional braces - Clear Braces: Porcelain braces with tooth-colored brackets - Lingual Braces: Placed behind the teeth to be less noticeable - Removable Braces: Similar to mouthguards and made of clear plastic Whichever types of braces you choose, they all work in the same way and help you have straighter teeth which leads to better dental health and a great smile.