Clear braces straighten teeth just like metal braces, but they’re far harder to spot because the brackets are tooth-colored. Most people won’t notice them in photos, at school, or in a meeting. That mix of real, doctor-controlled results and a low-key look is exactly why so many teens and adults in Brooklyn choose them. At Hanson Place Orthodontics in Downtown Brooklyn, Dr. Yakov Eisenberger, Dr. Rahul Gulati, and Dr. Arthur Kammerman fit clear braces regularly. This guide covers the pros, what drives the cost, and how to tell if they fit you.
Key takeaways
- Clear braces (also called ceramic braces) work like metal braces but use tooth-colored brackets that blend in.
- They fix crowding, gaps, and many bite problems, not just simple cases.
- They stay on your teeth full time, so there are no trays to lose or forget.
- They usually cost a bit more than metal braces, though insurance and payment plans can help.
- The brackets resist stains, but the small elastic ties can discolor; good brushing keeps them clear.
- Want to see if they fit? Request an appointment or call (718) 550-5816.
What are clear braces?
Clear braces are braces made with ceramic brackets. Ceramic is a strong, tooth-colored material. The brackets bond to the front of your teeth, a thin archwire connects them, and that wire slowly guides your teeth into place. Underneath the cosmetics, the mechanics are identical to metal braces.
The American Association of Orthodontists lists ceramic braces as one of the main types of braces used today. They move teeth the same way metal braces do. The big change is simply the look. From a few feet away, most people only see your smile, not your hardware. Cleveland Clinic notes that ceramic brackets apply the same steady pressure as metal ones, which is why they don’t trade results for discretion.
What are the pros of clear braces?
Here are the five benefits patients bring up most:
- They’re hard to spot. The brackets match your tooth color, so in photos and video calls they blend right in.
- They work on tougher cases. Clear braces can correct crowding, gaps, and many bite issues. Because they stay bonded on, your orthodontist keeps full control of every tooth.
- Nothing to take out or lose. Unlike removable aligners, clear braces work 24 hours a day. There’s no tray to misplace at lunch and no daily wear count to hit.
- They can feel smooth. Ceramic brackets have rounded edges, and Healthline notes they’re often a good option for people with metal sensitivities.
- They support your confidence during treatment. Many teens and adults feel more at ease smiling while their teeth are still moving.
How do clear braces compare to metal braces and aligners?
Each option has its place. Here’s a quick side-by-side to frame the trade-offs.
On a small screen, swipe left or right to compare all options.
| Feature | Clear (ceramic) braces | Metal braces | Clear aligners |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Low, tooth-colored | High, silver metal | Lowest, clear trays |
| Removable? | No, always working | No, always working | Yes, must wear 20 to 22 hrs/day |
| Handles complex cases? | Yes | Yes | Depends on the case |
| Bracket staining | Brackets resist stains; ties can discolor | No staining concern | Trays can discolor |
| Cost | Usually a bit more than metal | Usually lowest | Varies by case |
| Best for | Teens and adults who want braces without the metal look | Kids and anyone wanting the classic option | Patients able to follow the prescribed wear schedule |
Not sure which fits? The Hanson Place team offers all three, so you get the option that fits your teeth rather than the only one on the shelf.
How much do clear braces cost?
Cost depends on your case, not a flat price tag. Clear braces usually run a little more than metal braces because the ceramic material and brackets cost more to produce. Here’s what shapes your number:
- How far your teeth need to move. Small fixes take less time and cost less.
- Treatment length. Longer plans mean more adjustment visits and more materials.
- Insurance. Many dental plans cover part of orthodontic care; the ADA treats braces as a common, proven treatment, and many insurers do too.
- Payment plans. Hanson Place Orthodontics offers financing, so ask about it at your visit.
The only way to get a real figure is an exam. Your consultation includes a clear quote for your exact case rather than a phone estimate.
What happens when you get clear braces? (step by step)
The process is simple. Here’s what to expect at Hanson Place Orthodontics .
- Consultation and scan. The doctor examines your teeth and takes digital scans, no goopy molds.
- Custom plan. Your orthodontist maps out how each tooth will move and how long treatment should take.
- Bonding day. The ceramic brackets are bonded to your teeth and the archwire goes in. This visit usually takes about an hour or two.
- Check-ups. You return every 6 to 10 weeks for quick adjustments, which is also when discolored ties get swapped.
- Braces off, retainer on. The brackets come off and you get a retainer to hold your new smile in place.
Are clear braces right for you?
Clear braces are a great fit if you want steady, doctor-controlled results without a mouth full of metal. They suit teens who worry about school photos and adults who meet clients all day.
One honest note: clear braces reward good brushing habits. The small elastic ties around each bracket can pick up color from coffee, tea, red wine, or curry. Brush after meals and the ties stay clean, and your orthodontist replaces them at each visit anyway. The ceramic brackets themselves resist staining well, so the front of your teeth stays clear.
Office and contact:
- Address: One Hanson Place, Suite 702, Brooklyn, NY
- New patients: (718) 550-5816
- Current patients: (718) 622-2695
- Book online: request an appointment, or read more on the practice’s Brooklyn reviews page
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the pros of clear braces?
They straighten teeth as effectively as metal braces while staying far less visible, they stay on full time so there’s nothing to lose, and their smooth ceramic brackets suit patients who want a discreet, doctor-controlled option.
Do clear braces work as well as metal braces?
Yes. They use the same wire-and-bracket system, so they can correct crowding, gaps, and bite problems just like metal braces.
Do clear braces stain or turn yellow?
The ceramic brackets resist stains. The small elastic ties around them can discolor from dark foods and drinks, but they’re replaced at each adjustment visit.
How long do clear braces take?
It depends on your teeth. Simpler cases finish faster and bigger fixes take longer. Your orthodontist gives you a real timeline at your consultation after reviewing your scan.
Are clear braces more expensive than metal braces?
Usually a bit more, since ceramic costs more to produce. Insurance and payment plans can help close the gap.
Are clear braces better than Invisalign?
Neither is universally “better.” They fit different people. Clear braces work nonstop and handle a wider range of cases; aligners come out for meals but require 20 to 22 hours of daily wear.
Can adults get clear braces?
Yes. Clear braces are one of the most popular choices for adults precisely because they’re so hard to see.
Do clear braces hurt?
Expect mild soreness for a day or two after bonding and after adjustment visits. It eases quickly and feels similar to any braces.
What foods should I avoid with clear braces?
Skip hard, sticky, and crunchy foods that can damage brackets, and go easy on coffee, tea, red wine, and other heavy stainers that can tint the elastic ties.
Will I need a retainer after clear braces?
Yes. A retainer holds your results and keeps teeth from drifting back after treatment ends.
Ready to see clear braces for yourself?
If you want straighter teeth without the metal look, clear braces in Brooklyn are a short visit away. Dr. Eisenberger, Dr. Gulati, and Dr. Kammerman will check your smile, walk you through every option, and give you a real cost for your case. Call Hanson Place Orthodontics at (718) 550-5816 or request an appointment online. You’ll find the office at One Hanson Place, Suite 702, in Downtown Brooklyn.
