Clear ceramic braces are fixed braces with clear or tooth-colored brackets, so they straighten teeth just like metal braces but are far less noticeable. They can handle complex bite correction that clear aligners may not, and Dr. Ron Hessamfar offers them at all three ABSC offices in Northern Virginia.
If clear aligners would suit you better, we will tell you. Your first consultation is free.
Adjustments every 4 to 6 weeks
Typical treatment: 18 to 36 months
Free consultation at all three offices
Clear ceramic braces, also called clear braces or tooth-colored braces, work the same way as metal braces. A small bracket is bonded to each tooth and a thin archwire applies gentle, controlled pressure that moves your teeth into place over time.
The difference is the bracket material. Instead of stainless steel, the brackets are made of clear or white ceramic that blends with the natural color of your teeth. Dr. Hessamfar uses premium white ceramic brackets from 3M Unitek.
Because they are fixed to your teeth, clear braces are not the same as clear aligners such as Invisalign, which are removable plastic trays. Clear braces are a strong choice when your bite correction is too complex for aligners but you still want a discreet look.
For many teens and adults, yes. Clear braces give you the treatment power of fixed braces with a far more discreet look. Here is an honest look at both sides.
The ceramic brackets themselves are highly stain-resistant. The clear elastic ties that hold the wire in place are what can discolor, especially if you often drink coffee, tea or red wine, eat strongly colored foods or smoke. A few habits keep your braces looking their best:
See our full guide to living with braces.
Both are discreet, but they work differently. Clear braces are bonded and wired, and only your orthodontist removes them. Clear aligners are removable custom plastic trays that you change every few weeks.
| Clear ceramic braces | Clear aligners | |
|---|---|---|
| How they attach | Bonded to your teeth and wired | Removable custom trays |
| Best for | More significant correction and bodily tooth movement | Mild to moderate correction |
| Daily routine | Nothing to remember; extra care when brushing | Trays changed every few weeks and worn as directed |
| Cost | Usually in a similar range, depending on your case | |
When teeth need significant bodily movement, aligners may not be effective enough and fixed clear braces are the better option. Compare with Invisalign clear aligners.
Clear braces suit you if you need more correction than aligners can provide but want braces that are less visible than metal. They can treat most of the same bite and alignment issues as metal braces, including crowding, spacing, overbite, underbite and crossbite.
Clear braces are especially popular with adults and older teens who want discreet treatment at work, at school or in social settings. Learn more about orthodontic treatment for adults and braces for teens.
Clear braces usually cost more than metal braces because of the ceramic material. The exact cost depends on how complex your case is, and we review every cost with you before treatment begins.
Clear braces and Invisalign are typically in a similar price range, depending on your case. Most dental insurance plans that cover braces also contribute to clear braces, and flexible payment plans are available.
Your consultation is free, with no obligation, at any of our three offices. Book online.
Dr. Hessamfar examines your teeth and bite and takes X-rays if needed.
He explains whether clear braces, metal braces or clear aligners will work best for your case.
You get a clear treatment plan, timeline and cost, then decide in your own time.
Clear ceramic braces are fitted and adjusted at all three ABSC offices, using the same 3M Unitek brackets.
Serving Loudoun County families, including Brambleton, Broadlands, South Riding, Sterling and Leesburg.
Serving Prince William County families, including Lake Ridge, Dale City, Dumfries and Manassas.
Serving the City of Alexandria, including Del Ray and Old Town, plus nearby Springfield and Annandale.
We also welcome families from across Fairfax County, including Reston, Herndon, Chantilly, McLean and Tysons. See our area pages for Loudoun County, Prince William County and Fairfax County.
See every option side by side on our braces overview.
Great experience from beginning to end.
Careful HandsAmazing people and service!!
Juli Presleybest of best nice, sweet, great people they also get me right.
Imani SandresIt is a clean and comfortable place the staff are great and helpful had a great experience
ibn jerziLook no further!! Two of my children and I have received treatment with Dr. R. His office is run efficiently, staff is pleasant and pricing is fair. Dr. R is... read more
T. J.After watching my children be transformed, I decided it was my turn for a midlife glow up! The best practice in town.
Vivian Crater⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I only visited the Ashburn location once, but I had a great experience. Dr. Ron Wah was the same doctor I’ve seen before, and as always, he was very kind,... read more
Celia OrellanaMy son and my family have been going here for a couple of years and its amazing would recommend!
senait jemanehI’ve been on my orthodontic journey for roughly 4 years, getting my braces off this past June. The staff has treated my family and me with a persistent unwavering kindness... read more
simone craterThe brackets blend with your tooth color and are hard to see in everyday conversation. The archwire is still metal, though a tooth-colored wire may be available.
The ceramic brackets resist staining, but the clear elastic ties can discolor. We replace the ties at each adjustment, and good brushing and flossing are the best protection.
Yes. They use the same bracket-and-archwire system, treat the same range of problems and typically take a similar amount of time.
Yes, usually, because of the materials. Cost depends on your case, financing is available, and most insurance plans that cover braces also contribute. See cost and financing.
Typically 18 to 36 months, depending on how complex your case is. You will get a personal estimate at your consultation.
Clear braces are bonded to your teeth and wired, and only your orthodontist removes them. Clear aligners such as Invisalign are removable trays changed every few weeks. Braces suit more significant correction; aligners suit mild to moderate cases.
Yes. Clear braces are one of the most popular options for adults who want discreet, fixed treatment.
Yes. Dr. Hessamfar will advise on the best set-up for you at your consultation.
Yes. Clear ceramic braces are available at our Ashburn, Woodbridge and Alexandria offices, using the same 3M Unitek brackets.
