A Less Noticeable Way to Straighten Your Smile
Ceramic braces offer the strength of traditional braces with a more discreet appearance. Instead of metal brackets, ceramic braces use clear or tooth-colored brackets that blend in more naturally with your smile.
At Santa Monica Orthodontics, Rehana Khan, DDS, MS, provides ceramic braces in Santa Monica, California, for teens and adults who want effective orthodontic treatment without the look of traditional metal braces. Dr. Khan will evaluate your teeth, bite and goals to determine whether ceramic braces are the right option for your smile.
Call 310-393-3344 or request an appointment to schedule a ceramic braces consultation at Santa Monica Orthodontics.
What Are Ceramic Braces?
Ceramic braces work much like traditional braces. They use brackets and wires to apply gentle pressure to the teeth and gradually guide them into better alignment. The main difference is appearance.
Traditional braces use metal brackets, while ceramic braces use clear or tooth-colored brackets that are less noticeable on the teeth. This makes them a popular choice for patients who need braces but want a more subtle treatment option.
Some patients search for ceramic braces as “clear braces.” While they are not the same as removable clear aligners, ceramic braces can be a good option for patients who want fixed orthodontic treatment with a less visible look.
Who Is a Candidate for Ceramic Braces?
Ceramic braces may be a good fit for patients who want the control of braces but prefer a more discreet appearance. They are often popular with teens and adults who are concerned about how metal braces may look during treatment.
Ceramic braces may help correct concerns such as:
- Crooked teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Gaps or spacing between teeth
- Rotated teeth
- Overbite, underbite or crossbite concerns
- Open bite concerns
- Teeth that have shifted after previous orthodontic treatment
Not every patient is the right candidate for ceramic braces. Dr. Khan will consider your bite, treatment complexity, oral hygiene habits and lifestyle before recommending ceramic braces, traditional braces, Invisalign® clear aligners or another orthodontic option.
Benefits of Ceramic Braces
The biggest benefit of ceramic braces is that they are less noticeable than metal braces while still offering the fixed control of brackets and wires. This can make them a strong option for patients who want a balance between effectiveness and appearance.
Benefits of ceramic braces may include:
- A more discreet appearance than traditional metal braces
- Clear or tooth-colored brackets that blend with the smile
- Fixed treatment that does not rely on removable trays
- Strong control for many alignment and bite concerns
- An option for teens and adults who want less visible braces
- A useful alternative when clear aligners are not the best fit
During your consultation, Dr. Khan can explain whether ceramic braces can predictably meet your treatment goals.
Ceramic Braces vs. Traditional Braces
Ceramic braces and traditional braces work in similar ways. Both use brackets and wires to move the teeth. The difference is that traditional braces use metal brackets, while ceramic braces use clear or tooth-colored brackets.
Traditional braces may be recommended for patients who want a durable and practical option, or for cases where metal brackets are the better clinical choice. Ceramic braces may be preferred by patients who want braces that are less noticeable in photos, conversations and daily life.
Dr. Khan can help you compare both options and choose the one that fits your orthodontic needs and appearance preferences.
Ceramic Braces vs. Invisalign Clear Aligners
Ceramic braces and Invisalign clear aligners are both more discreet than traditional metal braces, but they are very different treatments. Ceramic braces are fixed to the teeth, while Invisalign treatment uses removable clear aligners.
Invisalign may be a good option for patients who want removable trays and can wear them consistently as directed. Ceramic braces may be better for patients who need fixed orthodontic control or who may not be ideal candidates for removable aligners.
As a Top 1% Diamond Invisalign Provider, Dr. Khan can help you compare Invisalign clear aligners, ceramic braces and other orthodontic options honestly.
What to Expect With Ceramic Braces
Your ceramic braces treatment begins with an orthodontic consultation. Dr. Khan will evaluate your teeth, bite, jaw relationship and smile goals. Treatment planning may include digital records, photos, scans or imaging when appropriate.
If ceramic braces are recommended, the brackets will be bonded to the front of your teeth and connected with an orthodontic wire. You will visit our office throughout treatment so Dr. Khan can monitor your progress and make adjustments as your teeth move.
Our team will also show you how to care for your braces, what foods to avoid and how to keep your smile clean during treatment.
How to Care for Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces require careful brushing and flossing, just like traditional braces. Because the brackets are less noticeable, it is especially important to keep them clean so your smile stays healthy throughout treatment.
To care for ceramic braces:
- Brush carefully around brackets and wires
- Floss daily using the tools recommended by our team
- Avoid hard, sticky or chewy foods that can damage braces
- Limit foods and drinks that may stain elastic ties
- Keep scheduled orthodontic visits
- Call our office if a bracket or wire becomes loose
If something breaks or feels uncomfortable, visit our orthodontic emergencies page or call our office for guidance.
Do Ceramic Braces Stain?
The ceramic brackets themselves are designed to resist staining, but the small elastic ties used with braces may discolor over time. This is one reason good oral hygiene and smart food choices are important during treatment.
Our team will give you instructions to help keep your braces looking as clean and discreet as possible. Elastic ties are also changed during adjustment visits.
How Long Do Ceramic Braces Take?
Treatment time with ceramic braces depends on your alignment, bite, case complexity and how your teeth respond to movement. Many ceramic braces cases take a similar amount of time as traditional braces, but your timeline will be personalized to your needs.
During your consultation, Dr. Khan can provide a more accurate estimate based on your treatment plan.
How Much Do Ceramic Braces Cost?
The cost of ceramic braces depends on the complexity of your case, expected treatment length and your orthodontic needs. During your consultation, our team can review your estimated cost, insurance benefits and available payment options.
You can also visit our financial options page to learn more about making orthodontic treatment more manageable.
Why Choose Santa Monica Orthodontics for Ceramic Braces?
Rehana Khan, DDS, MS, completed a three-year orthodontic residency and earned a Master of Science in Orthodontics from Loma Linda University. She has over 20 years of experience as an orthodontic specialist and has treated thousands of orthodontic cases involving braces and clear aligners.
At Santa Monica Orthodontics, treatment planning may include iTero digital scanning, CBCT/3D imaging when appropriate, digital photography and digital treatment planning. These tools help Dr. Khan evaluate your teeth, bite and jaw relationship before recommending treatment.
If ceramic braces are not the best option for your smile, Dr. Khan can also discuss traditional braces, lingual braces, clear aligners or Invisalign treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ceramic Braces
Are ceramic braces the same as clear braces?
Many patients use the term clear braces when referring to ceramic braces. Ceramic braces use clear or tooth-colored brackets, but they are different from removable clear aligners.
Are ceramic braces better than metal braces?
Ceramic braces are less noticeable than metal braces, but metal braces may be more durable in some cases. The better choice depends on your treatment needs, lifestyle and appearance preferences.
Can adults get ceramic braces?
Yes. Many adults choose ceramic braces because they want fixed orthodontic treatment with a less noticeable appearance.
Can teens get ceramic braces?
Yes. Some teens may be good candidates for ceramic braces. Dr. Khan will evaluate your teen’s needs and oral hygiene habits before recommending the best option.
Do ceramic braces hurt?
Ceramic braces may cause temporary soreness after they are placed or adjusted. This is normal and usually improves as your mouth adapts.
Will I need retainers after ceramic braces?
Yes. Retainers help maintain your results after ceramic braces. Our team will explain your retention plan when active treatment is complete.
Schedule a Ceramic Braces Consultation in Santa Monica
If you want straighter teeth with braces that are less noticeable than metal brackets, ceramic braces may be a good option. Santa Monica Orthodontics can help you compare ceramic braces, traditional braces, Invisalign treatment and other orthodontic options.
Call 310-393-3344 or request an appointment online to schedule your ceramic braces consultation in Santa Monica, CA.