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Clear Braces vs Metal Braces
Same mechanics, different material. The choice comes down to visibility, cost and how rough you are on things.
The honest comparison
Both use brackets bonded to the front of your teeth and a wire that moves them. The bracket material is the only real difference, and it changes four things.
Four differences that matter
Appearance
Ceramic is shaded to your enamel and reads as almost invisible at conversation distance. Metal is metal.
Cost
Ceramic costs more. The same payment plans apply, from $149 a month at 0% interest.
Durability
Ceramic is strong but more brittle than steel. Contact sport and hard food need a little more care.
Treatment time
Comparable for most cases. Any difference comes from the case, not the bracket.
What about the ties staining?
The ceramic brackets themselves do not stain. The small elastic ties that hold the wire can pick up colour from coffee, tea, red wine and curry. They are replaced at every adjustment, so it is temporary rather than permanent.
If invisibility is the whole point for you, lingual braces remove the question entirely by going behind the teeth.
Book your free consultation
Tell us how to reach you and our team will call to find a time that works. New patient requests only.
Prefer to talk now? Call (210) 714-5525.
Common questions
Are clear braces worth the extra cost?
If how treatment looks would change whether you go through with it, yes. If it would not, metal is the better value and does the same job.
Do clear braces break more easily?
Ceramic is more brittle than steel, so it is a bit less forgiving of hard food and contact sport. We provide a free custom mouthguard for our patients who play.
Can I have clear on top and metal on the bottom?
Yes, and plenty of patients do. The upper teeth show most, so that combination gets most of the appearance benefit at a lower cost.
Ready to start? Your consultation is free.
Exam, digital scan and X-ray at no cost, at either San Antonio office. You will leave knowing your options and what treatment would cost.