Blend In With
Ceramic Braces
Clear braces, or ceramic braces, use the same basic treatment mechanism as metal braces but with brackets made from a clear ceramic composite that blends in with your teeth. This makes clear braces much less noticeable, giving you a discreet treatment option with the reliability and durability of traditional braces.
Giving You a Clear Alternative to Metal
3M ceramic braces from Henseler & Kocian Orthodontics are less noticeable on your teeth than metal braces. Many older teenagers and adult patients in Stillwater and Woodbury prefer this subtler option because you can achieve a great smile without the visibility of metal braces.
Also known as aesthetic braces, Dr. Steve Henseler and Dr. Paul Kocian use clear braces to straighten your teeth the same way as metal ones. They’ll attach the brackets directly to your teeth and leave them on for the duration of treatment.
Although the brackets aren’t completely invisible, they’re about the same size and shape as metal braces, so they’re just as comfortable and make your treatment less noticeable.
Differences Between Ceramic & Metal Braces
The primary difference between ceramic and metal braces is their appearance. However, there are some other differences to remember before choosing this treatment.
Ceramic braces are made from a different material than metal ones, making them more likely to chip or crack under too much pressure. We may recommend traditional braces if you need more severe corrections to give you the best results.
Maintaining Clear Braces
You may be worried about ceramic braces staining, but don’t worry—ceramic brackets won’t stain. However, the adhesive used to attach the brackets to the teeth and the clear elastic ties used to hold the wires in place can stain.
This can give an overall impression of discoloration over time. You can avoid things like coffee and tea, red wine, tomatoes, mustard, etc., to reduce the chance of any staining, but it isn’t necessary. Your orthodontics will change your elastics at every adjustment appointment to keep your smile shining bright.
If you maintain a good oral hygiene routine and follow the treatment plan designed by Dr. Henseler or Dr. Kocian, you shouldn’t worry too much about giving up your morning cup of coffee or evening glass of wine.
Cost of Ceramic Braces
The cost of your treatment at Henseler & Kocian Orthodontics will depend on the complexity of your orthodontic treatment. Your orthodontist will determine a treatment fee that fits your needs, and we’ll create a payment plan that fits your budget.
You’ll love to know that we offer flexible payment plans and automatic bank drafts to make payment convenient. We’ll even check with your Dental insurance company for orthodontic benefits and file your claims.
At our offices in Stillwater and Woodbury, ceramic brackets cost a little more than metal brackets. One of the most significant factors impacting your total treatment cost at Henseler & Kocian Orthodontics is the materials we use for your braces.
We need to factor in the work it takes to put your braces on, adjust them, and remove them into your total treatment cost. Placing and removing ceramic braces takes more attention and technique, so it can require more time.
Our treatment coordinators will be happy to review the cost with you at your free consultation at our office in Stillwater or Woodbury.
Best for Adults
After a thorough orthodontic evaluation with Dr. Henseler or Dr. Kocian, we can determine which treatment option will be best for you and your smile.
At Henseler & Kocian Orthodontics, we think ceramic braces suit adults and older teens better than children and younger teens. This is because ceramic brackets are more likely to break, and they're more expensive than metal brackets.
Schedule a free consultation at our office in Stillwater or Woodbury to learn if they may be right for you.