With Transparent braces, the brackets are clear or tooth-colored, not metal. (With both methods, there’s still a metal wire that runs across the patient’s teeth that’s held in place using elastic bands.)

This difference in the color of the brackets really does help to make it less obvious to others that a person is wearing braces, especially at a distance. And that’s why ceramic braces are a very popular treatment option.

“Clear” braces serve as a cosmetic alternative to traditional metal braces by blending in more with the natural colour of the teeth or having a less conspicuous or hidden appearance. Typically, these brackets are made of ceramic or plastic materials and function in a similar manner to traditional metal brackets. Clear elastic ties and white metal ties are available to be used with these clear braces to help keep the appliances less conspicuous. Alternately, clear braces can be self-ligating, meaning the wire clips into the bracket without the need for ligatures. Clear braces have a higher component of friction and tend to be more brittle than metal braces. This can make removing the appliances at the end of treatment more difficult and time consuming.