Braces
Clear braces
Clear braces work just like metal braces, but the brackets are made of tooth-colored ceramic, so they are much harder to see. They are a popular choice for teens and adults who want fixed braces that blend in.
How clear braces work
Small ceramic brackets are bonded to your teeth and connected by a wire. Your orthodontist adjusts the wire at regular visits to move your teeth step by step, exactly as with metal braces.
Clear braces vs. metal braces
Both move teeth the same way. The differences are mostly practical:
- Clear brackets blend in with your teeth; metal brackets are more visible.
- Ceramic brackets can be a little larger and less tough than metal, so your orthodontist will tell you whether they suit your bite.
- The small elastic ties that hold the wire can pick up stains from coffee, tea and some foods; they are changed at your visits.
Clear braces vs. Invisalign®
Clear braces stay on your teeth all the time, so there is nothing to remember to wear. Invisalign aligners come out to eat and brush but need to be worn 20 to 22 hours a day. Your orthodontist will explain which options can reach your goals.
Your clear braces options
Clear braces at Behl Orthodontics are available to teens and adults, and you can choose how they’re put together:
- Clear brackets with clear or tooth-colored elastic ties, changed at each visit
- Self-ligating clear brackets, which hold the wire with a built-in clip instead of elastic ties, so there is less to stain
- Clear brackets on the upper teeth and metal on the lower teeth, which keeps the most visible teeth discreet and can lower the cost
Treatment time, visits and cost
Clear braces take about as long as metal braces: most comprehensive treatment takes about 18 to 24 months, and visits are usually every 6 to 8 weeks. Your orthodontist gives you your own estimate, and your plan may differ.
Clear braces usually cost more than metal braces. Comprehensive braces typically cost $5,500 to $7,500 for children and teens and $6,500 to $8,500 for adults, and you get the exact fee for each option in writing at your free consultation.
Caring for clear braces
Brush after meals and floss daily. To keep the ties looking clear, rinse or brush after coffee, tea, red sauces and curry, and avoid hard, sticky and chewy foods that can damage brackets.
