A common worry is that tooth-coloured braces must be weaker at moving teeth than metal ones. In most cases they are not. Both use the same kind of wire and the same biology, so for the majority of bites the end result depends on the plan and the person carrying it out rather than the bracket colour. Where the two really differ is in day-to-day living: how they look, how they cope with knocks, how they suit the lower teeth and what they cost.
Side by side
| Ceramic | Metal | |
|---|---|---|
| How they look | Tooth-coloured, blend in at speaking distance | Silver, clearly visible |
| Bracket size | Slightly bulkier | Smaller and lower profile |
| Coping with knocks and hard food | Brittle, can chip or crack | Very tough |
| On the lower teeth | Can wear the upper teeth if they bite on them | Less abrasive |
| Staining | Clear ties may yellow between visits | Not a concern |
| Relative cost | Usually higher | Usually lower |
Sport, hard food and heavy bites
Ceramic chips more easily than stainless steel. Anyone playing contact sport should wear a mouthguard with any braces, and our article on cleaning mouthguards and night guards covers keeping one in good condition. People who clench or grind, or who often bite into hard food, may find metal brackets need fewer repairs.
The lower teeth are a special case
On the lower front teeth, the upper teeth often close down onto the brackets. Ceramic is harder than enamel, so in that position it can wear the biting edges of the upper teeth. This is why ceramic brackets are often placed on the upper teeth only, with metal on the lower teeth, which also tend to be less visible when you talk and smile. It is a common compromise that keeps most of the visual benefit.
Living with each kind
Ceramic brackets are a little larger, which some people notice against the lips in the first couple of weeks. Cleaning is equally important for both: food and plaque collect around every bracket, and an interdental brush or floss threader is usually needed as well as a toothbrush. Clear elastic ties on ceramic braces can pick up colour from turmeric, coffee, tea and red wine, but they are changed at every adjustment. Our guide to what to expect with braces covers the daily routine in more detail.
What affects the cost
Ceramic brackets cost more to make and can take a little longer to place and remove, so ceramic braces are usually priced higher than metal. The bigger factors are the complexity of the bite and the length of treatment, which is why a figure is only meaningful after an assessment. Fees are generally spread across treatment, and many practices offer payment plans. You can see current options on our deals page.
Other discreet options
Ceramic braces are not the only way to keep treatment low-key. Removable clear aligners suit many adults with mild to moderate crowding or spacing, and our comparison of braces and aligners for adults explains where each fits. Lingual braces sit on the inside surfaces of the teeth and are hidden from view, as described in our lingual braces guide.
Common questions
Do ceramic braces take longer?
Direct comparisons are limited. Factors known to affect treatment time include the complexity of the bite, bracket breakages and how well elastics and appointments are kept up.
Can ceramic braces stain my teeth?
No. The brackets and ties may discolour, but the teeth underneath do not stain from the brackets. Poor cleaning around brackets, though, can leave white marks on the enamel.
Is it worth mixing ceramic and metal?
Often, yes. Ceramic on the upper teeth and metal on the lower teeth keeps the most visible teeth discreet while avoiding wear on the upper teeth and keeping cost down.
If you are not sure which approach suits your teeth, our guide on ways to straighten crooked teeth is a useful overview. Our team at Lumi Dental can assess your bite and discuss whether braces or clear aligners suit you, with referral to a registered orthodontist for complex cases.
