Ceramic Braces
Sherman Oaks, CA

We can improve the look of your smile, while also improving your bite, without the obvious look of traditional metal braces. If you are considering braces, but afraid of how they will look, ceramic braces may be the right answer. During your consultation at Dougherty Orthodontics, we can review and discuss the wide range of options along with their pros and cons. Together, we can find the right fit for your desired look, your time and your budget.

Ceramic braces work with the same bracket and wire system as traditional braces, the difference is in the product being used. Ceramic braces use clear brackets and can even use a clear or tooth colored wire, making them considerably less noticeable in your mouth.

Benefits Of Ceramic Braces

Patients love their ceramic braces because they are:

  • Less Noticeable: Their clear design allows the brackets to blend in with your natural teeth, making them considerably less noticeable. This is ideal in patients who would prefer a more discreet method of straightening their teeth. Many of our adult patients who work in a professional position prefer this discretion.
  • Faster than Clear Aligners: Having your teeth straightened with specific and direct control from Harry L. Dougherty DDS, MS and Dr. Dougherty means faster results than you can get from clear aligners. Less time means a better smile faster.
  • Less Painful: A common complaint from most metal braces wearers is metal occasionally scratching their soft tissue, sometimes even cutting. Ceramic braces don’t have the same harsh edges that metal do. They should be much more comfortable for your soft tissue.

Downside Of Ceramic Braces

As with all products that offer choices, there are some cons to ceramic braces. Some of the most common we encounter include:

  • Staining: The ceramic brackets will not stain or discolor, but the elastic bands can stain. We will change your bands at each appointment helping you keep your bands cleaning looking.
  • More Expensive: Ceramic brackets are a little more expensive than metal brackets, but you may need to wear them for many months, so is the expense worth the daily look for many months? That is a personal decision and may vary per patient.
  • Length of Time: Orthodontic treatment with ceramic brackets often require the wearer to wear them longer than metal brackets, but shorter than other clear methods such as aligners.

Our patients have found considerable benefits to their ceramic brackets. A question that often arises is the durability of ceramic brackets versus metal brackets. The answer to that is; metal brackets are never going to break though they may become loose or dislodged, and ceramic brackets rarely break or come loose. If you experience any breakage or dislodging, we are happy to help restore the system with a simple office visit.

If ceramic braces sound like a good orthodontic option to you, give our office a call at (818) 986-6223 to learn more.