Ceramic braces work exactly like traditional braces: brackets bonded to the teeth, connected by an archwire that gradually guides each tooth into place. The difference is the material. Instead of stainless steel, the brackets are made of a clear or tooth-colored ceramic, so they blend in with your smile rather than standing out against it. At Sherman & Balhoff Orthodontics, clear ceramic braces are one of the types of braces we offer at all four of our offices in Baton Rouge, Prairieville, Central and Addis.
What Are Ceramic Braces?
Ceramic braces, also called clear braces, use brackets made from a ceramic material (polycrystalline alumina) that is either clear or matched to the natural color of your teeth. They have the same basic parts as metal braces: brackets, an archwire and small elastic ties (ligatures) that hold the wire in each bracket. The archwire itself can also come in a lighter shade, such as white, silver or a frosted tone, so the whole appliance is less noticeable in conversation and in photos.
Because the mechanics are the same, ceramic brackets have the same corrective ability as metal brackets. They can treat the same problems traditional braces treat, including crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites, open bites and jaw alignment issues. What changes is how the braces look, how they need to be cared for, and what they cost.
How Much Do Ceramic Braces Cost?
Ceramic braces almost always cost more than metal braces because the bracket material is more delicate and more expensive to make. Ceramic braces generally cost between $3,000 and $7,000, compared with $1,700 to $6,000 for metal braces. That price includes the braces themselves, your in-office visits and follow-up care such as retainers.
Your own fee depends on your case rather than on the bracket alone. The biggest factors are:
- Complexity of the bite. More severe crowding or bite problems usually mean more time in braces and more visits.
- Length of treatment. Simpler straightening takes less time than correcting how the upper and lower jaws meet.
- Additional appliances. Some patients also need a palatal expander, elastics or another appliance, which adds to the total.
You will get an exact figure before treatment starts. At your complimentary consultation we explain the cost, the expected time frame and your payment options. Payments can be set up monthly, and our team will build a customized payment plan with you. If you have dental insurance, we call to verify whether your plan includes orthodontic coverage and give you the forms you need to make the most of your benefits. For a quick estimate before you visit, try our online payment calculator or read our financial information.
Ceramic vs. Metal Braces: What Is the Difference?
Both options use the same system and can produce the same result. The choice usually comes down to appearance, durability and budget.
| Factor | Clear ceramic braces | Traditional metal braces |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear or tooth-colored brackets that blend in with the teeth | Stainless steel brackets that are easy to see; colored bands let you customize the look |
| Corrective ability | Same as metal | Same as ceramic |
| Durability | More delicate; brackets are more likely to chip or come loose | Very sturdy and durable |
| Staining | Light-colored brackets and ties can pick up stains from dark foods and drinks | Not a concern for the brackets |
| Lower teeth | Not recommended on the bottom teeth, where they can wear the upper teeth | Suitable for upper and lower teeth |
| Cost | Usually higher | Usually the most affordable option |
Traditional metal braces remain one of the most popular and affordable ways to straighten teeth, and they are hard to beat for durability. Ceramic braces make sense when a less noticeable look matters enough to you to justify the extra care and cost.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Ceramic Braces?
Ceramic braces are a popular choice for older teens and adults who want fixed braces without the look of metal, such as college students and working professionals. They tend to be the best fit for patients who:
- Want a discreet appliance but have a case that is better suited to braces than to aligners
- Are comfortable limiting coffee, tea, red wine and other staining foods and drinks
- Can reliably avoid hard and crunchy foods that could break a bracket
- Will keep up with brushing and their scheduled adjustment visits
There is one clinical limit to know about. Ceramic is a hard, abrasive material, and when ceramic brackets sit on the lower front teeth, the upper teeth can rub against them during biting and chewing and wear the enamel. For that reason, we recommend that patients do not wear ceramic brackets on their bottom teeth, and it matters most for patients with a deep overbite. Ceramic on the top teeth with metal on the bottom keeps the most visible part of the smile discreet.
If you are an adult weighing your options, our page on braces for adults explains what treatment involves later in life. Parents of teens can read about braces for teens.
What Happens at a Ceramic Braces Consultation?
Every treatment plan starts with a complimentary 60-minute initial consultation. One of our orthodontists examines oral development along with skeletal growth, airway and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) function. We take x-rays and photos, and our iTero scanner creates a digital 3D model of your teeth, so there are no messy impression molds.
From there we tell you whether ceramic braces are right for your bite, or whether metal braces, a ceramic-and-metal combination or clear aligners would serve you better. We cover how long treatment should take, what it will cost and how you can pay. Our orthodontists are Dr. Stephen L. Sherman, D.D.S., M.S., Dr. David A. Balhoff, D.D.S., Dr. Stephen L. Sherman Jr., D.D.S., M.S., and Dr. Kramer Sherman, D.D.S., M.S. Dr. Stephen L. Sherman is a Board-Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, and Dr. Kramer Sherman is a board-certified orthodontist. You can learn more on Meet Our Doctors.
How Do You Care for Ceramic Braces?
Ceramic braces need a little more attention than metal ones. A few habits make a big difference:
- Watch the stain-makers. Coffee, tea, red wine, ketchup and curries can discolor clear or tooth-colored brackets and ties. Drink dark beverages through a straw, or brush soon after.
- Skip hard and crunchy foods. Hard candy, ice and similar foods can crack or loosen a ceramic bracket.
- Brush and floss carefully. Food trapped around brackets is harder to see when the brackets match your teeth.
- Keep every adjustment visit. The archwire is tightened every few weeks to keep your teeth moving on schedule.
If a bracket does come loose or a wire starts poking, call us at (225) 769-1276. A loose bracket should be fixed promptly so it does not lengthen your treatment. Our emergency care page explains what to do in the meantime.
When your braces come off, retainers keep your results in place. We print retainers with our SprintRay 3D printer at each of our four locations. You can see more of the tools we use on our technology page.
Ceramic Braces or Clear Aligners?
Both are discreet, but they work differently. Ceramic braces are fixed to the teeth, so they work around the clock without you having to remember to wear them. Clear aligners are removable trays. We are an experienced provider of Invisalign and Spark aligners, and aligners let you eat freely and brush and floss normally, but they only work when worn as directed. Some bite problems are better handled with braces. At your consultation, your orthodontist will tell you which option fits your bite.
Which Baton Rouge-Area Offices Offer Ceramic Braces?
Clear ceramic braces are available at all four Sherman & Balhoff Orthodontics offices. Our offices keep different schedules, and we are not at every location every weekday, so call ahead or request your preferred office when you book.
- Baton Rouge: 8311 Bluebonnet Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70810
- Prairieville (Ascension Parish): 14154 LA Hwy. 73, Prairieville, LA 70769
- Central (East Baton Rouge Parish): 14465 Wax Rd., Central, LA 70818
- Addis (West Baton Rouge Parish): 6715 LA Highway 1 S., Addis, LA 70710
Ceramic Braces FAQ
Do ceramic braces cost less than clear aligners?
Usually. Ceramic braces generally cost less than Invisalign clear aligners for a similarly discreet look, while Invisalign generally costs more than traditional metal braces. Your own fee for any option depends on your case, and you get an exact figure at your consultation.
Are ceramic braces really invisible?
They are not invisible, but they are much less noticeable than metal. Combined with a lighter-colored archwire, clear or tooth-colored brackets can be hard to spot from conversational distance.
Are ceramic braces more comfortable than metal braces?
They can be. Ceramic brackets have a smoother feel than metal brackets. With either type, braces are not painful, but they do tend to cause some soreness after adjustment visits. Soft foods and a pain reliever for the first day or so usually ease it.
How long will I wear ceramic braces?
Treatment time depends on how much correction your teeth and bite need, not on the bracket material. We give you an estimated time frame at your consultation. Our braces FAQ answers more general questions.
Schedule a Complimentary Ceramic Braces Consultation
The best way to know whether ceramic braces fit your smile and your budget is to see one of our orthodontists. Request your complimentary consultation and choose the Baton Rouge, Prairieville, Central or Addis office, or call (225) 769-1276.