In: Braces (Clear & Traditional)
There are now five main orthodontic options. Here is how they compare on the trade-offs that matter for adults and teens.
Traditional metal braces
Metal brackets bonded to the front of teeth, connected by an archwire that the orthodontist tightens periodically. Cost: $3,000-$5,500. Treatment time: 12-24 months typical. Strengths: Most efficient for complex cases, lowest cost, durable, predictable. Limitations: Visible, food restrictions, harder to keep clean. Best for: Children and teens, complex tooth movement, severe crowding, jaw-discrepancy cases.
Ceramic (clear) braces
Same mechanism as metal, but with tooth-colored ceramic brackets. Cost: $4,000-$6,500. Treatment time: 12-24 months. Strengths: Less visible than metal, similar effectiveness for most cases. Limitations: Slightly more fragile (can chip), can stain if you smoke or drink dark beverages constantly, slightly more expensive. Best for: Adults wanting aesthetics without going to clear aligners.
Lingual (behind-the-teeth) braces
Custom brackets bonded to the BACK of teeth. Cost: $5,000-$10,000+ - the most expensive option. Treatment time: 12-24 months. Strengths: Completely invisible from the front. Limitations: Tongue irritation initially, slightly affects speech for first weeks, harder to clean, requires specialty-trained orthodontist. Best for: Adults whose careers preclude visible orthodontics.
Clear aligners (Invisalign and similar)
Removable, transparent plastic trays that progressively straighten teeth. Cost: $3,500-$6,500. Treatment time: 6-18 months for most cases. Strengths: Aesthetic, removable, no food restrictions. Limitations: Compliance-dependent (must wear 20-22 hours/day), less effective for severe rotation or vertical movement. Best for: Mild-to-moderate cases, adults, athletes. See our full Invisalign guide.
How to choose
Decision tree:
- Severe complexity, lots of tooth movement: Metal braces.
- Moderate complexity, want aesthetics: Ceramic braces or Invisalign (case-dependent).
- Mild crowding, want minimal lifestyle change: Invisalign.
- Career-driven need for invisibility: Lingual braces.
- Budget-driven decision: Metal braces.
- Compliance concerns: Fixed appliance (any type of braces) over Invisalign.
We discuss all options at the consultation. The right answer is patient-specific.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does treatment take with each type?
- Treatment time depends more on case complexity than appliance type. A mild case with any appliance is 6-12 months; complex cases run 18-30 months regardless of appliance.
- Which is most painful?
- All cause similar pressure-soreness for 2-5 days after adjustment. Metal brackets cause more cheek and lip irritation initially; aligners cause less.
- Can adults still get braces?
- Absolutely. About a third of orthodontic patients today are adults. Treatment works at any age - bone remodels just slightly slower.
- Do I need a referral to an orthodontist?
- For complex cases, yes. Many general dentists provide Invisalign and limited orthodontic treatment for straightforward cases - we discuss whether your case is best handled in-house or referred.