Ceramic and metal braces straighten teeth the same way, with brackets and wires applying steady pressure. The real differences are appearance, durability and upkeep. Ceramic blends in with your teeth; metal is tougher and lower maintenance. At our offices, both cost the same.
How do ceramic and metal braces work?
Both are fixed braces. Small brackets are bonded to the front of each tooth and an archwire runs through them. Over time the wire guides the teeth into their planned positions, and at check-ups every 6 to 8 weeks the wire may be changed or a bracket adjusted. The mechanics are identical, which is why treatment results are comparable. What changes is the material the brackets are made of and how that material looks and behaves day to day.
What are metal braces made of?
Our traditional metal braces use high-grade stainless steel. Stainless steel is strong, will not rust or corrode, and is safe in water. Metal brackets are also slim and very hard to damage, which makes them the workhorse of orthodontics.
What are ceramic braces made of?
Our Clarity clear ceramic braces use durable ceramic brackets that blend in with the natural color of the teeth. They are designed for comfort, with rounded brackets that minimize irritation to the lips and cheeks.
How do ceramic and metal braces compare?
| Metal braces | Ceramic braces | |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Visible silver brackets; colored ties optional | Tooth-colored brackets that blend in |
| Durability | Very strong; rarely break | Durable, but ceramic is more brittle than steel |
| Staining | Brackets do not stain | Brackets resist stains; clear ties can discolor |
| Comfort | Slim and smooth | Rounded brackets designed for comfort |
| Typical treatment time | 12 to 36 months, depending on the case | 12 to 36 months, depending on the case |
| Cost at Premiere Orthodontics | Same price as all braces | Same price as all braces |
Which braces are less noticeable?
Ceramic, clearly. Because the brackets are tooth-colored, they are much harder to spot in conversation and in photos. They are not invisible: you can still see them up close. Metal braces are more noticeable, but many kids and teens enjoy that, because you can choose from a range of colors at each adjustment and change them as often as you like.
What if I want something even more discreet?
If no visible brackets at all is the goal, clear aligners may be the better fit. We offer Invisalign and clear aligners for kids, teens and adults. Not every bite is suited to aligners, which is one of the things the exam sorts out.
Are ceramic braces as strong as metal braces?
Ceramic brackets are durable, but ceramic is a harder, more brittle material than stainless steel. That means a ceramic bracket is a little more likely to chip or crack if you bite something very hard. Metal brackets are the most forgiving option for patients who play contact sports, who are likely to be tough on their braces, or whose bite places heavy force on certain teeth.
Does that change what I can eat?
Not much. The food rules are the same with either type: avoid hard, sticky and chewy foods that can knock off a bracket or bend a wire. Our life with braces guide lists what to eat in the first week and which foods to avoid. With ceramic, it is simply worth being a little more careful with ice, hard candy and popcorn kernels.
Do ceramic braces stain?
The ceramic brackets themselves resist staining. The small elastic ties that hold the wire can pick up color from coffee, tea, red sauces, curry and dark sodas, especially in the weeks before they are replaced at your next adjustment. Keeping them looking clean comes down to a few habits:
- Brush after meals, or at least rinse with water when you cannot brush
- Go easy on coffee, tea, cola and other dark drinks, or use a straw
- Avoid smoking and vaping, which discolor ties quickly
- Keep up with every adjustment visit, since that is when ties are replaced
Are ceramic or metal braces easier to keep clean?
Day-to-day hygiene is the same with both. Brush around every bracket after meals, floss under the wire with a threader or a water flosser, and keep seeing your dentist for regular cleanings during treatment. The difference is what neglect looks like: with metal braces, plaque mostly shows on the teeth, while with ceramic braces it can also show as dull or yellowed ties. A quick rinse after coffee or a meal goes a long way toward keeping ceramic ties clear between visits.
Is one type faster or more effective?
No. Both types move teeth the same way, and treatment length is driven by your bite, not by the bracket material. Our ceramic braces page notes that treatment can take anywhere from 12 to 36 months: minor, mostly cosmetic cases sit at the shorter end, while complex bite problems take longer. Wearing elastics and appliances as instructed has a bigger effect on timing than the choice between ceramic and metal.
Do ceramic braces cost more than metal braces?
At many practices they do. At Premiere Orthodontics they do not. Our cost of braces page explains that all orthodontic treatments are offered at the same price, with low monthly payments and low or no down payment. That takes cost out of the decision, so you can choose based on what suits you.
Financing and insurance
We offer 0% interest in-house financing, accept outside financing with CareCredit or LendingPoint, and accept all PPO insurance plans, HMO and DeltaCare, with a Medicaid discount available. Our team files your claims. The full set of options is on our financing and insurance page.
Who should choose ceramic braces, and who should choose metal?
Ceramic is often a good fit if you:
- Are an adult or older teen who wants braces to be less noticeable at work or in photos
- Want fixed braces rather than removable aligners, but with a subtler look
- Are comfortable taking a little extra care with hard foods and dark drinks
Metal is often a good fit if you:
- Are a younger patient, or play contact sports (with a mouthguard either way)
- Want the most durable, lowest-maintenance option
- Like the idea of choosing colors at each visit
Dr. Battle will talk through both at your first visit and recommend what works best for your bite. Whichever you choose, completing treatment with us includes our Lifetime Guarantee and free professional teeth whitening for life.
Frequently asked questions
Are ceramic braces more painful than metal braces?
No. Getting braces placed does not hurt, and any soreness in the first week or two is the same with either type. Over-the-counter pain relievers usually take care of it.
Can I switch from metal to ceramic partway through treatment?
It is sometimes possible, but it means rebonding brackets and is not routine. It is better to decide at the start, which is why we go through both options at your consultation.
Can I get braces the same day as my consultation?
Often, yes. We offer Same Day Braces, so many patients leave their complimentary consultation with their braces already on.
Do ceramic braces work for every bite?
They work for most cases that metal braces treat. In bites that put heavy force on particular teeth, Dr. Battle may suggest metal brackets on those teeth for durability.
Book a complimentary exam in Winter Springs, Oviedo or Waterford Lakes
The quickest way to choose is to see both up close and hear what your bite needs. Dr. Battle is a board-certified orthodontist treating kids, teens and adults in Winter Springs, Oviedo and Waterford Lakes. Request a complimentary exam and we will help you decide.
