Oral Hygiene

Ceramic Braces: What Are They and How Do They Work

This blog has been reviewed and approved by Dr. Stephanie Gans.

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Ceramic braces are another type of orthodontic braces and, when compared with traditional metal braces, they usually provide a more subtle, natural appearance. You can also personalize ceramic braces with colored elastic bands, much like metal braces. There are advantages and disadvantages to choosing ceramic braces, and your orthodontist or dentist can walk you through the key differences. Many people opt for ceramic braces because the brackets are whiter or clearer and are designed to blend with the natural shade of the teeth, though this option can be slightly more expensive. Keeping ceramic braces clean is essential. Along with brushing and flossing every day, adding a water flosser to your routine can help dislodge plaque and food particles from tight spaces around brackets and wires.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Ceramic braces are a type of orthodontic braces used to straighten teeth. They are usually white, clear, or tooth-colored and tend to look more natural than metal braces.
• Metal and ceramic braces work in similar ways but are made from different materials and offer distinct aesthetics. Talk with your dentist or orthodontist to decide which braces are best for you.
• You can add color to ceramic braces with elastic bands; however, most people choose clear or white bands so their braces blend in with their teeth.
• Ceramic braces often cost about $1,000–$2,000 more than traditional metal braces. Check with your dental insurance for a more accurate estimate.
• To keep ceramic braces looking clean, establish strong daily oral hygiene habits and consider using a water flosser to help clean around the brackets and between teeth.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• What Are Ceramic Braces?
• Ceramic Braces vs. Metal – Which Is Better?
• Ceramic Braces with Color
• Ceramic Braces Price and Cost
• How to Keep Ceramic Braces Clean
• Ceramic Braces vs. Invisalign
• Cleaning Your Braces with Crest
• FAQs
• Sources

You probably know that braces are used to straighten teeth and correct bite issues. What you may not know is that there are different types of braces, including ceramic braces. Many adults favor ceramic braces instead of traditional metal braces because they are less noticeable and tend to blend in more naturally with the teeth. As with any orthodontic option, there are pros and cons to ceramic braces. In the end, your orthodontist or dentist is the best person to guide you on whether ceramic braces are a good fit for your needs.

What Are Ceramic Braces?

Ceramic braces are orthodontic appliances that attach to your teeth to gradually straighten and align them, enhancing both the look and function of your smile. Your dentist or orthodontist may recommend braces if you have crowding, gaps, or bite alignment issues. Ceramic braces are one of the available options and work in much the same way as conventional metal braces. The brackets on ceramic braces are made from tooth-colored or clear materials, allowing them to blend in more seamlessly with your natural teeth. This provides a more discreet and natural-looking appearance compared to the shiny metal brackets used in standard braces.

Ceramic Braces vs. Metal – Which Is Better?

Both ceramic and metal braces are designed to move teeth into better alignment using brackets and wires, but they differ in appearance, durability, and cost. It’s important to talk with your orthodontist or dentist about all your options so you understand how each type of braces might suit your particular case. While they have different looks and features, neither type is automatically “better,” they simply offer different benefits. Both kinds of braces require diligent cleaning and strong oral hygiene habits.

• Ceramic Braces: These braces are intended to blend with the natural color of your teeth. The brackets often have a whitish or clear look and are less noticeable when you smile. However, ceramic materials can be more prone to chipping or breaking than metal. In many cases, ceramic braces come with a slightly higher overall cost as well.

• Metal Braces: These are the traditional silver-colored braces most people recognize. Your orthodontist or dentist can use colored elastic bands on the brackets to add a bit of flair or personal style. Metal braces may sometimes be recommended for more complex orthodontic situations because of their durability.

Your choice between ceramic braces and metal braces usually depends on your budget, the complexity of your dental condition, and how visible you want your braces to be. Your dentist or orthodontist will help you weigh these factors to determine which type is right for you.

Ceramic Braces with Color

Just like metal braces, ceramic braces can be customized with colorful elastic bands in nearly any shade you prefer. Even though ceramic braces are best known for their subtle look, you still have the option to add color if you want to stand out. The brackets on ceramic braces are usually white or tooth-colored, and the wires are often silver, white, or light in color so they blend with the brackets and teeth. If you’re interested in adding color, ask your orthodontist or dentist what color options are available for ceramic braces and what they recommend based on your goals for appearance.

Ceramic Braces Price and Cost

In most cases, ceramic braces are more expensive than standard metal braces. The added cost typically falls in the range of about $1,000–$2,000 or more above the price of traditional metal braces.

Your dental office and your dental insurance provider can give you more detailed information about the total cost of ceramic braces, how they compare with metal braces, and what portion may be covered by your plan.

How to Keep Ceramic Braces Clean

Maintaining good oral hygiene is especially important when you have ceramic braces, both to keep your teeth healthy and to prevent staining or discoloration of the brackets. Brushing and flossing thoroughly every day is essential. It’s also helpful to brush your teeth and rinse your mouth with water after each meal to remove any trapped food particles from around your teeth and braces. Use the tips and tools below to help keep your ceramic braces clean and support overall oral health.

Ceramic Braces vs. Invisalign

Ceramic braces and Invisalign both aim to straighten teeth and correct alignment issues, but they use different methods. Ceramic braces rely on fixed brackets and wires that remain on your teeth throughout treatment. Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners that are switched out regularly as your teeth move. Each approach has its own advantages, and the best choice depends on your lifestyle, oral health, and treatment goals. Your dentist or orthodontist can compare ceramic braces vs. Invisalign with you and recommend the option that best fits your needs.

Cleaning Your Braces with Crest

Braces are highly effective at straightening your smile and addressing misalignment, but the brackets and wires also create extra spaces where plaque can accumulate. This can increase the risk of staining, tooth decay, and gum disease. A complete oral care routine helps keep your mouth healthy so you can get the most from your orthodontic treatment and reduce the likelihood of future oral health problems. When you’re wearing braces, be sure to:

• Protect your mouth with Crest: Make sure to brush twice a day with a stannous fluoride toothpaste like Crest Pro-Health Advanced Deep Clean Toothpaste. Crest toothpaste formulated with stannous fluoride fights cavities and tooth decay, strengthens enamel, fights sensitivity, and provides lasting protection against plaque buildup with twice-daily brushing.

• Rinse with Crest Pro-Health Multi-Protection Mouthwash: Complete your brushing and flossing routine with an anti-gingivitis/anti-plaque mouthwash. Rinsing with Crest Pro-Health Mouthwash helps kill germs, wash away remaining plaque, and support gum health.

• Brush 2X/day with an Oral-B iO Electric Toothbrush: Cleaning fully around brackets and wires can be challenging, and food particles and plaque can easily build up in those areas. Brushing twice a day with an Oral-B electric toothbrush can remove up to 100% more plaque than a regular manual toothbrush, promoting healthier teeth and gums.

• Pair It with an Oral-B iO Gentle Care Replacement Brush Head: Braces can sometimes cause your mouth to feel sore or sensitive. iO Gentle Care Brush Heads feature high-density, dentist-inspired extra soft bristles arranged in an optimized pattern to better adapt to teeth and gums while still delivering a gentle, effective clean.

• Use String Floss: Flossing once a day removes plaque and trapped food between teeth. Adding flossing to your routine can help flush away remaining particles and plaque from hard‑to-reach areas, giving you an extra layer of protection and promoting healthier gums.

• Maintain a Balanced Diet: Sugary snacks and drinks can lead to extra plaque buildup, particularly when you have braces. Choose more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to help limit plaque-causing bacteria and keep your smile healthier.

• Visit Your Dental Professional Regularly: Continue to attend regular orthodontic appointments so your braces stay properly adjusted. It’s also important to schedule professional cleanings and dental checkups at least twice a year to closely monitor your oral health throughout treatment.

Following a complete oral care routine while wearing braces helps keep your teeth and gums in good condition. Then, when the brackets and wires are finally removed, you can confidently reveal a straighter, stronger, and brighter smile.