Clear Braces vs Metal Braces: Pros, Cons & Cost 

Braces help straighten teeth and improve the way the upper and lower teeth fit together. Two common choices are metal braces and clear braces, also called ceramic braces.

Both types use brackets and wires to move teeth into better positions. The main difference is how they look and what materials they use. Ceramic braces use tooth-colored or clear brackets, while metal braces use stainless steel brackets.

At Palm Valley Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics (PVPD), our Pediatric Orthodontics Team provides age-appropriate care for children and teens. 

If your child may need braces, book an appointment with our team so we can check their teeth, bite, and dental development and help you understand the right treatment options.

Read: Cleaning A Mouthguard: Tips, Tricks, And Deep Cleaning

Let’s discuss the main types of braces, pros and cons, cost, and health benefits.

What Are Clear Braces?

Clear braces are also called ceramic braces. They work much like traditional metal braces, but they use tooth-colored or clear brackets that blend in with the teeth.

Clear braces can treat many of the same orthodontic problems as metal braces, including crooked teeth, crowded teeth, gaps, overbites, underbites, and some bite problems.

They are popular with teens and older children who want less noticeable braces.

Clear braces are not the same as clear aligners. Clear braces stay attached to the teeth and use brackets and wires. Clear aligners use removable plastic trays.

Pros of Clear Braces

Clear braces offer several benefits, especially for children and teens who want a less noticeable orthodontic treatment. Here are the main advantages to consider. 

1. Less Noticeable

The biggest benefit of clear braces is their appearance. The ceramic brackets blend more closely with the natural color of the teeth.

This can make braces less noticeable when your child smiles.

2. Work Like Traditional Braces

Clear braces use brackets and wires to move teeth gradually. They can treat many of the same orthodontic problems that metal braces treat.

Your orthodontist will decide if ceramic braces can treat your child’s specific dental problem.

3. Can Help Improve the Bite

Clear braces can help correct problems such as overbites, underbites, crossbites, gaps, and crowded teeth when they are suitable for the child’s treatment plan.

Better tooth alignment can also make brushing and cleaning between teeth easier.

Cons of Clear Braces

Clear braces also have a few drawbacks that parents should know before choosing them. These include their strength, cost, staining, and suitability for certain treatments. 

1. Can Break More Easily

Ceramic brackets are more fragile than metal brackets. They can break more easily if your child eats hard or sticky foods or does not follow the orthodontist’s care instructions.

2. Can Cost More

Clear ceramic braces often cost more than metal braces. The final price depends on the treatment plan, treatment length, location, insurance, and orthodontic office.

3. Can Stain

The ceramic brackets themselves resist staining, but the clear or tooth-colored parts that hold the wire can stain.

Dark foods and drinks can make these parts look less clear. Good brushing and regular dental care can help keep braces clean.

4. May Not Work for Every Patient

Ceramic braces can treat many orthodontic problems, but they do not fit every treatment plan.

Your orthodontist will look at your child’s teeth, bite, jaw growth, and treatment needs before recommending them.

What Are Metal Braces?

Metal braces are the traditional type of braces. They use stainless steel brackets, wires, and small elastic bands to move teeth into better positions.

The orthodontist attaches the brackets to the teeth and places a wire through them. The wire applies gentle pressure that slowly moves the teeth.

Metal braces remain fixed to the teeth throughout treatment, so your child does not need to remember to put them back in.

Pros of Metal Braces

Metal braces offer several practical benefits, including strength, treatment flexibility, and often a lower cost. Let’s look at the main reasons families choose them. 

1. Strong and Durable

Metal braces use strong materials and are less likely to break than ceramic brackets.

This can make them a good choice for children and teens who may have trouble following food or care rules.

2. Treat Many Orthodontic Problems

Metal braces can treat a wide range of tooth and bite problems. They can help move crooked teeth, close gaps, reduce crowding, and improve bite alignment.

Your orthodontist will choose the right type of braces based on the problem they need to correct.

3. Usually Cost Less

Metal braces often cost less than ceramic braces. However, the total price varies from patient to patient.

Your orthodontic office can give you a cost estimate after checking your child’s teeth and creating a treatment plan.

4. Children Can Choose Fun Colors

Metal braces use small elastic bands that come in many colors.

Children and teens can choose their favorite colors or change them during their adjustment visits.

Cons of Metal Braces

Metal braces work well for many children, but they also have some drawbacks. Here are the main things to consider before choosing them. 

1. More Noticeable

Metal braces stand out more than ceramic braces. The brackets and wires remain visible when your child smiles.

Some children like the look of colorful braces, while others prefer a less noticeable option.

2. Can Feel Uncomfortable at First

Your child may feel some soreness after getting braces or after an adjustment. This discomfort usually improves as the mouth gets used to the braces.

The orthodontic team can explain simple ways to make your child more comfortable.

3. Need Care Every Day

Food can get stuck around brackets and wires. Your child needs to brush carefully and clean between the teeth to keep the teeth and gums healthy.

Your orthodontist can show your child how to brush and floss with braces.

Clear Braces vs Metal Braces: What’s the Difference?

Feature	Clear Braces	Metal Braces
Material	Ceramic or tooth-colored material	Stainless steel
Appearance	Less noticeable	More noticeable
How they work	Brackets and wires move teeth	Brackets and wires move teeth
Durability	More fragile	More durable
Staining	Some parts can stain	Less affected by staining
Cost	Often higher	Often lower
Treatment	Suitable for many orthodontic problems	Suitable for many orthodontic problems

Both options can work well. Your orthodontist should choose the option that fits your child’s dental needs, not just their appearance preference.

Clear vs Metal Braces: Which Is Better?

There is no single best type of braces for every child.

Clear braces may suit a child who wants a less noticeable treatment. Metal braces may suit a child who needs a strong and often more affordable option.

Your orthodontist will consider your child’s teeth, bite, jaw development, treatment needs, age, and ability to care for the braces before recommending an option.

Do Children Need an Orthodontic Checkup?

Parents do not need to wait until all of their child’s permanent teeth appear before asking about orthodontic care.

Children should have their first orthodontic checkup by age 7. This visit can help the orthodontist spot bite or tooth problems early and decide whether your child needs treatment now or later.

An early checkup does not mean your child will need braces right away. It gives the orthodontist a chance to watch how the teeth and jaws develop.

How Do You Choose Between Clear and Metal Braces?

Choosing braces depends on more than how they look. Consider your child’s dental needs, age, budget, daily habits, and personal preference before making a decision.

Dental Needs

Every child’s teeth and bite are different. Your orthodontist will check your child’s tooth alignment, bite, and jaw development to recommend the most suitable type of braces.

Child’s Age

Age can also affect the best choice. Younger children may benefit from the strength of metal braces, while older children and teens may prefer clear braces because they are less noticeable.

Your Budget

Cost can vary between clear and metal braces. Clear braces often cost more, so check your dental insurance and ask your orthodontist for the full treatment cost before starting.

Child’s Daily Habits

Both types of braces need good brushing and careful eating habits. If your child plays sports, ask the orthodontist about using a mouthguard that fits safely over the braces.

Child’s Preference

Your child’s comfort and confidence also matter. Some children enjoy choosing colorful bands with metal braces, while others prefer the less noticeable look of clear braces.

How Much Do Clear and Metal Braces Cost?

In Arizona, traditional metal braces typically cost around $3,000 to $7,000, while clear ceramic braces usually cost about $4,000 to $8,000. 

Some Arizona pricing data puts the average cost of complete metal braces at about $6,724.

Your child’s final cost may also depend on how long they need braces, the dental problem being treated, and the orthodontic office. 

Ask your orthodontist for a personal cost estimate after your child’s examination.

How Do You Care for Braces?

Good oral care becomes even more important once braces are in place. Brackets and wires create extra little spaces where food and plaque can hide, so your child needs to give their teeth a little more attention.

Have your child brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Some tips for cleaning teeth with braces can make the daily routine easier and help your child reach the areas around the brackets and wires.

Flossing matters too. Encourage your child to clean between their teeth every day, especially around the areas where food tends to get stuck. 

Learning to floss with braces can help them clean those harder-to-reach spots.

Keep sugary foods and drinks to a minimum, and stay away from hard or sticky foods that can loosen or break a bracket. Regular dental cleanings also help keep the teeth and gums healthy while your child wears braces.

A simple daily routine can go a long way. Keep brushing, flossing, and following the orthodontist’s instructions throughout treatment.

When Should You Talk to a Pediatric Dentist or Orthodontist?

Make an appointment if your child has crowded or crooked teeth, large gaps, an overbite, underbite, or crossbite. You should also schedule a visit if your child has trouble biting or chewing, or if their teeth do not meet properly. 

A dental or orthodontic checkup can help identify the problem and show you which treatment options may help.

Give Your Child a Healthy Smile at PVPD

Choose clear braces if your child wants a less noticeable option and their orthodontist says they are suitable. Choose metal braces if durability, treatment flexibility, and cost matter more.

Our dental team can check your child’s teeth, bite, and oral health and help you understand whether your child may benefit from orthodontic care. 

Book an appointment with PVPD today and give your child’s growing smile the care it needs.

People Also Ask

Which braces are easier to keep clean?

Both types need careful brushing and flossing. Your child should spend extra time cleaning around the brackets and wires to keep plaque and food from building up.

Can my child eat normally with braces?

Yes, but some foods can damage braces. Avoid hard, crunchy, and sticky foods, and cut firm foods into smaller pieces when needed.

Do clear braces need the same care as metal braces?

Yes. Both types need regular brushing, flossing, dental checkups, and careful eating habits throughout treatment.

Can braces fix crowded teeth?

Yes. Braces can move crowded teeth into better positions and create a more even smile. Your orthodontist will check the amount of crowding before choosing a treatment plan.

Can braces fix gaps between teeth?

Yes. Braces can gradually move teeth closer together to close certain gaps. Your orthodontist will first find out why the gap exists and decide which treatment will work best.

Can my child play sports with braces?

Yes. Children can usually continue playing sports while wearing braces. A properly fitted mouthguard can help protect the teeth, lips, cheeks, and braces during contact sports.