- Consult
- Records
- Bond
- Adjust
- Debond
- Retain
ceramic braces run the same mechanics as metal with tooth-coloured brackets that disappear at conversation distance. Modest premium — commonly $300–$800 over metal in Coquitlam. Ties can stain; brackets don’t.
Same engine, different finish
Mechanically identical to metal braces: brackets, wires, 6–8 week adjustments, comparable timelines, full case range. The difference is optics — translucent or tooth-coloured ceramic reads as nearly invisible in photos and meetings.
The practical fine print
- Ties can stain — coffee, curry and turmeric tint clear elastics by week three. The brackets themselves don’t stain, and ties are replaced free at every visit; pearl or smoke ties hide it best.
- Slightly bulkier and more brittle than metal — the food rules matter a touch more.
- Strategic mixing saves money — many patients run ceramic uppers (the teeth that show) with metal lowers.
Ceramic vs. Invisalign
Both are discreet; the fork is control vs. convenience. Ceramic handles the full fixed-appliance case range with zero compliance risk; Invisalign is removable and smoother but leans on the 22-hour rule and suits a somewhat narrower case range. Who chooses ceramic: working adults with complex cases, and teens who want discretion but know trays would live in a backpack — the full logic is in braces vs. Invisalign.
How it works at our practice
Most of our ceramic patients run tooth-coloured brackets on the upper front six or eight teeth and metal elsewhere — nearly all the discretion at a fraction of the premium. Ties are changed every visit so staining is temporary; we suggest smoke or pearl ties for coffee drinkers. Same mechanics, same timeline, same fee inclusions as metal.
Frequently asked questions
Do ceramic braces stain?
The brackets don't; the elastic ties can, with coffee, curry and turmeric. They're replaced every visit.
Are ceramic braces weaker?
Slightly more brittle; the food rules matter a little more. Breakages are uncommon with care.
Can I have ceramic on the bottom teeth too?
Yes, but the lower teeth are largely hidden by the lip, so most patients don't pay for it.
Ceramic or Invisalign for an adult?
Ceramic when the case needs fixed control; aligners when it suits plastic and wear-time is realistic. We price both.
Related reading
- Metal braces — the value choice
- Braces vs Invisalign — the bigger fork
- Adult braces — the grown-up decision
The bottom line
Braces-level control with a discreet look, for a modest premium that shrinks when only the front teeth are ceramic. The right choice when your case needs braces and your circumstances need discretion.
If it were our own family
Ceramic on the upper front eight and metal on the lowers, with smoke ties — the configuration we'd choose for ourselves as adults who needed braces rather than aligners. Rinse after coffee; ties change every visit anyway.
What people also search for
“Clear braces cost Coquitlam”
Metal plus $300–$800 for full ceramic; plus $200–$400 for upper-front ceramic only.
“Ceramic braces yellow”
The ties can tint with coffee and curry; the brackets don't. Ties are replaced at every adjustment.
“Ceramic braces vs Invisalign for adults”
Ceramic when the case needs fixed control; aligners when it suits plastic and wear-time is realistic.
The bottom line
Braces-level control with a discreet look, for a premium that shrinks when only the front teeth are ceramic. The right choice when the case needs braces and life needs discretion.