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Ceramic Braces vs. Metal Braces

more than smiles

Sherman & Balhoff Orthodontics
January 27, 2022

What are Ceramic Braces?

Ceramic braces, also called clear braces, use clear or tooth-colored brackets made of polycrystalline alumina that blend in with the teeth, making them subtler and less noticeable than metal braces. The connecting wire can also be tooth-colored to further decrease the visibility of ceramic braces.

Ceramic braces are often preferred over metal braces by older teens and working professional adults who want to straighten their teeth without the appearance of metal braces. Invisalign is also a great option for this if their treatment plan will allow it.

They tend to stain more easily, due to the lighter color of the brackets, so avoiding dark beverages like coffee and red wine is important. In addition, they generally cost more than traditional metal braces.

The Materials of Ceramic & Metal Braces

 

Ceramic braces and metal braces use a similar design to achieve straight teeth and a healthy smile, but the major difference is the material the brackets are made from.

Metal braces use brackets made of medical-grade stainless steel, while ceramic braces use a polycrystalline alumina that can either be clear or the same color as your tooth. The stainless steel is extremely noticeable against the white of your teeth, so ceramic brackets are appealing for their discreet appearance. They are also called clear braces, since the brackets can be transparent.

The flexible metal archwire that connects the brackets can also be made of a lighter color for ceramic braces, including white, silver, or a frosted tone that matches the brackets. The combination of tooth-colored brackets and archwire means that your ceramic braces may be nearly invisible to others, which makes this option popular for working adults or college students who want straight teeth without the “metal mouth” look.

There are genuine cosmetic benefits to ceramic braces, but there are also drawbacks when compared to metal braces. Ceramic braces are less durable than metal braces, as the bracket material isn’t as strong as stainless steel. Studies have found clear/ceramic braces are more than twice as likely to break off or fracture as metal brackets. This makes care and compliance extremely important: you can’t eat any crunchy foods or hard candies with ceramic braces, for risk of breaking.

Ceramic brackets are also more likely to stain, due to their lighter color. Ceramic or clear braces users should limit their intake of dark foods and beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, ketchup, curries, etc. All of these can stain or discolor the clear or tooth-colored brackets. As a solution, you can drink through a straw or brush your teeth immediately afterwards to reduce the risk of staining.

If ceramic braces are placed on lower front teeth, the bracket can cause wear and tear of the enamel on the back side of the upper row of teeth when biting or chewing food, due to the abrasive nature of the material from which they are constructed. For certain patients, especially those with excessive overbite, it may be more effective to get metal braces on the bottom teeth.

Finally, another big difference is cost: ceramic or clear braces almost always cost more than metal braces, due to the more delicate, expensive material the brackets are made from. Ceramic braces cost between $3,000 and $7,000, whereas metal brackets cost between $1,700 to $6,000. This price includes the appliance, the cost of in-office visits to the orthodontist, and follow-up care like retainers.

To summarize: the biggest advantage of ceramic/clear braces is the discreet, subtle appearance, since they blend in so seamlessly with your smile. While there are certain disadvantages that may make metal braces more attractive, for many people, this cosmetic feature is the most important, so ceramic braces are the clear choice!

PROS & CONS

Ceramic Braces: Pros

      • Discreet clear or tooth-colored brackets are nearly invisible to others

      • Same effective, reliable technology as metal braces

      • Increased confidence from improved smile without the “metal mouth” look

      • Lower cost than Invisalign clear aligners for a similarly discreet look

      • May be more comfortable than metal braces, smoother feel of brackets

Ceramic Braces: Cons

      • More delicate and more likely to break than metal brackets

      • Higher cost than metal braces

      • More likely to stain due to lighter colored brackets

      • May cause damage to the top teeth when worn on the bottom teeth. We recommend our patients don’t wear ceramic on their bottom teeth because of this.

Who Should Get Ceramic Braces?!

 

If you are interested in straightening your teeth but don’t want the look of metal braces, ceramic braces are a great option. They are preferable to metal braces for many older teens and adults, who want a discreet orthodontic option. For working professionals or college students, ceramic or clear braces provide all the effectiveness of metal braces, without the “metal mouth” appearance that we often attribute to younger teens.

Because ceramic braces stain more easily, they are best for those responsible enough to avoid certain foods and beverages and care for their braces properly. And due to their higher price point, those interested in ceramic braces should consider whether it is worth the cost for the benefit of discreet treatment.

Ceramic or clear braces aren’t for everyone, but if you’re looking for reliable, effective orthodontic care you may want to consider ceramic braces. Click the button below to schedule a consultation with our specialists to learn the best treatment options for you.


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We love it when our patients smile, and we love it even more when want they want to tell the world! Check out what our patients have to say about their 5-star experience with us.
Kandace L.
Truly the kindest staff you will ever meet. They genuinely make my day so much better every time I have to come in for an appointment. Very personable and easy to make an appointment with. I go to them as an adult, but I would definitely recommend anyone who has children to take them here!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that our team has made such a positive impact on your visits. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we look forward to seeing you again!
Ben K.
The best orthodontic group there is! My treatment plan was very smooth and Dr. Kramer made sure to take his time to explain everything to me. They also made sure that my braces were never bothering me and that I was at comfort while getting my smile fixed. I still have my braces on currently, but so far it’s worth every penny. I have see very good results and I have only had my braces on for 10 months. I can’t wait to see the final result.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback, Ben! We’re thrilled to hear that your experience has been positive and that Dr. Kramer provided the care and explanations you needed. Looking forward to the final result of your treatment!
Cassandra C.
I transferred my care to this location after moving and I’m impressed ! They’re very kind and professional. The office is so cute. I definitely recommend !
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback, Cassandra! We're thrilled to hear you feel welcomed and impressed by our team. Your recommendation means a lot to us. We look forward to seeing you again!
Alicia C.
My daughter just got braces at Sherman and Balhoff Prairieville's office. We are very pleased with the way the entire process. The staff are excellent! Very friendly, caring, and professional. They took great care of us by explaining every part of the process, and that put all our concerns to rest. I will always highly recommend Sherman and Balhoff. They're the best!!!!!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We’re thrilled to hear that you and your daughter had a positive experience with our team. Your recommendations mean a lot to us. We look forward to seeing you again!
Rebecca
Five of our children have received treatment from Dr. Balhoff. We wouldn’t go anywhere else. The entire staff at Sherman and Balhoff Orthodontics has been wonderful.
Response from the owner:Thank you for trusting us with your family! We love having all of you here.
Gannon B.
It was easy to make an appointment and I was seen quickly by their professional and knowledgeable staff.
I had a great experience and would highly recommend them to any family or friends.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your review Gannon!! Patients like you make our day brighter!
MDU U.
From the very first time you walk though the door, it is a wonderful experience. The staff are all friendly, kind and knowledgeable. We have a wonderful experience every time and cannot recommend this practice highly enough.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind review. Having wonderful people like you in our office makes our days spectacular!
Davia W.
The absolute best! We were recommended by my children’s dentist and the office was directly next door (Prairieville location). The entire office staff is amazing and very personable which had me sold from the consultation. My son started treatment in Aug 2024 and so did I Dec 2024. The reviews definitely match the experience and I’d recommend over and over again!!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your wonderful review, Davia! We're thrilled to hear that you and your son have had such positive experiences with us. Our team strives to provide exceptional service, and your recommendation means the world to us. We look forward to continuing to support you both throughout your treatment!
Carly D.
After having my braces off for only 7 months from a previous orthodontist, I switched to S&B after not being happy with my results and incomplete treatment. One of the best decisions I've made. Great with time management, quick and easy appointments, friendly staff. Definitely recommend.
Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your positive experience, Carly! We're thrilled to hear that switching to Sherman & Balhoff Orthodontics has made such a difference for you. Our team is dedicated to providing efficient and friendly service, and your recommendation means a lot to us. We look forward to continuing to support your orthodontic journey!
Scott D.
I recently completed my second go-round with braces (my first was many years ago as a teenager), as a 60 year old patient of S&B.
I want to express my most sincere appreciation for the results I see when I look in the mirror...the results have exceeded my expectations.
Additionally, I was very impressed with the way I was treated (as a patient) each and every time I had an appointment.
Yet, I believe one of the most impactful (and unexpected) memories of this journey was the way I felt each time I left the building (at the end of each appointment.) With no exception, each time I was there, I felt a genuine teamwork atmosphere. To the person, they not only expressed care for me (the patient) but they expressed care for each other (the employee.)
Thank you, S&B, for not only leaving me with a visual example of success but, moreover, an emotional example of success.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words about us and our staff. We work diligently day in and day out to provide the best patient experience possible, so it’s wonderful to hear when we meet our goals!
Allison K.
They are amazing with everyone. My daughter just had braces put on in May and they have been wonderful with questions, etc.
Response from the owner:Allison thank you for your kind words about us and our staff. We work diligently day in and day out to provide the best patient experience possible, so it’s wonderful to hear when we meet our goals!
Dana G.
I used Sherman and Balhoff myself as an adult and now my daughter is a patient there. They are the best and go above and beyond for their patients. Dr. Sherman even came back after closing because my daughter was having an issue with her bite after getting her braces put on. He was so very nice and professional. I would recommend them to anyone.
Response from the owner:Dana thank you for your kind words! Your vote of confidence in our practice is why we do what we do!
Spunky E.
I only been in for first appointment and so far it has been great. The facility is great and the staff is all fantastic!
Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to leave us a great 5-star review!

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