There are two main tooth types: coil and plastic tooth (also called Vislon®).

Coil zippers have teeth that are part of a continuous nylon coil that sits at the edge of the zipper tape.

Plastic tooth (Vislon®) zippers have individual teeth made of plastic that are clamped onto the edge of the zipper tape.

The slider is often marked on the backside with a C for coil and V for plastic tooth (Vislon®).