Clear Braces
Clear braces offer a discreet yet effective way
to straighten your teeth and enhance your smile.
The benefits of clear braces and aligners
Clear braces use ceramic brackets that blend with your teeth, providing the strength of traditional braces with a less noticeable look.
Nearly invisible
appearance
Clear braces use tooth-colored materials to blend in with your natural smile for a low-profile look throughout your treatment.
Reliable
teeth alignment
Because clear braces are fixed to your teeth, they work 24/7 to move your smile into place without the need to track daily wear time.
Tailored to
your smile
Your orthodontist customizes the placement of every bracket to achieve your specific smile goals efficiently.
Are Clear Braces Right for You?
Clear braces are most effective for teens and adults. Because these braces are made of ceramic material, they work best on teeth that have finished growing and are fully emerged. This treatment is an excellent option if you need to correct:
- Complex Bite Issues: Including overbites, underbites, and crossbites.
- Significant Crowding: When teeth need stronger, constant pressure to shift into place.
- Large Gaps: Closing spaces efficiently with fixed brackets and wires.
While clear ceramic braces offer a discreet look, they are more delicate than traditional metal braces. We recommend these for patients who prioritize aesthetics and can commit to a consistent care routine to protect the ceramic brackets throughout treatment.
Clear Braces vs. Traditional Metal Braces
While both brace systems use brackets and wires to straighten your teeth, clear braces offer a few advantages.
- Comfort: Both options use low-profile brackets, but the smooth ceramic surface of clear braces can be more comfortable for sensitive gum tissue.
- Durability: Metal braces are designed for maximum durability. Clear ceramic brackets are strong but can be more delicate and may require extra care during high-contact activities.
- Treatment Time: There is no significant difference in speed; both clear and metal braces typically achieve the same results within approximately 4 months.
- Cost: Clear braces are a premium aesthetic option. They typically cost slightly more than metal braces but are often comparable to the cost of clear aligners.
The Process for Clear Braces
Straightening your teeth with clear braces is a straightforward process managed by our experienced orthodontic team. We work with you at every step of the process:
- Initial Consultation: Your journey begins with a comprehensive exam. We use digital imaging and X-rays to assess your bite and jaw structure to confirm if clear ceramic braces are the right choice for you.
- Custom Treatment Plan: Your orthodontist maps out the precise movement of your teeth and provides an estimated timeline for your treatment.
- Bonding Appointment: We carefully bond the translucent ceramic brackets to your teeth and connect them with a thin archwire to begin applying gentle pressure.
- Regular Adjustments: Depending on the type of clear braces, you may need to visit your Western Dental office every few weeks. During these visits, your orthodontist adjusts the wires and monitors your progress to keep your treatment on track.
New to orthodontics? Start here.
Orthodontics is about more than just straightening teeth. It’s also about creating a healthy bite and supporting long-term oral health. Learn about different bite issues and how appliances like braces work to guide your smile into place.
Affordable payment
options for dental care
We accept most insurance plans, including Medi-Cal and Medicaid, and offer financing options to fit your budget. Whether you’re insured or not, we’ll help find a solution that works for you.
Why Choose Western Dental for Clear Braces
Hear what’s making our patients smile
I just finished my braces treatment here in Western Dental & Orthodontics! I couldn’t be more happier to have done the treatment here. The staff were so friendly, especially Ulan. He was friendly and took the time to know me. The whole team was amazing and it made this braces journey so worthwhile. They were also so timely which is something that I have struggled with past dentists. This whole journey was amazing and it happened so fast!
I just finished my braces treatment for a gap that i had and they were super professional with it. i highly recommend them. Ulan was a big help in the process and he was super friendly. Always had an answer to every question I had.
Great place with amazing staff. Daniel and his team (Angie, Reyna and Samantha) went above and beyond to help me during my son’s ortho visit. Provided me with all the information to make decisions for my son’s Ortho/braces treatment plan. I will be coming here for my daughter as well when her time comes. Thank you everyone!!
Clear braces & aligners FAQs
Clear braces work for both minor and major alignment needs, using the same method as metal braces. Clear aligners are a great option for mild to moderate changes, but may not be suitable for more complex cases.
Clear braces stay fixed to your teeth and use wires and brackets to shift them over time. Clear aligners are removable trays that gradually move your teeth with each new set.
Clear braces work just like traditional metal braces, except the brackets are less noticeable. Wires apply gentle pressure to shift your teeth over time. Your orthodontist will adjust your braces every 4–6 weeks until your smile is aligned.
Clear aligners are custom trays that fit snugly over your teeth. You’ll wear them for 18–20 hours a day, removing them to eat, brush, and floss. Your orthodontist will provide a series of trays, with each set gently shifting your teeth closer to alignment, usually over the course of 20 sets or more.
Insurance coverage varies by plan. Some providers may cover clear braces partially or fully. Western Dental also offers flexible payment options to help make treatment affordable.
The ceramic brackets are stain-resistant and will not discolor. While the clear elastic ties can be affected by dark foods, these are replaced at every adjustment appointment to keep your smile bright.