Clear braces are a fixed orthodontic treatment that uses tooth-colored ceramic brackets in place of metal ones. For patients who need the precision of bracket-and-wire treatment but prefer a less visible appliance, they are a clinically sound option.
At Starling Orthodontics in Brentwood, TN, Dr. Craig Starling offers clear braces for both teens and adults as part of a specialty orthodontic practice focused entirely on creating healthy, lasting results.
This page explains how clear braces work, who they are appropriate for, what treatment involves, and how to take the next step if you are considering them. Continue reading to find out whether clear braces are the right fit for you.
Clear braces treatment at Starling Orthodontics follows a structured sequence from the first appointment through the end of active treatment. Each stage has a defined purpose, and patients are informed of what to expect before anything begins.
Treatment starts with a consultation and records appointment. Our team evaluates your teeth, bite, and jaw to develop a complete clinical picture. That information forms the basis of your treatment plan, which is specific to your case.
Once treatment begins, ceramic brackets are bonded to your teeth. The team explains how to care for your braces and what to expect in the days following placement. To learn more about how braces work at a clinical level, see our article on the science behind braces and how orthodontic treatment transforms smiles.
Throughout treatment, you return for periodic adjustment appointments. These visits allow us to assess how your teeth are responding, make any necessary modifications, and address questions. The office is located at 1177 Old Hickory Blvd, Suite 201 in Brentwood, which is accessible for patients throughout the area.
Progress is monitored at every appointment. Adjustments are made based on how your teeth are moving, and your treatment plan is updated as needed to keep things on track toward your final result.
Treatment length with clear braces varies from person to person. The complexity of your tooth movements, your bite, and how your teeth respond over time all factor into how long treatment will take. Some cases are more straightforward; others require more time to reach the intended result.
At your consultation, our team will evaluate your teeth and give you a realistic estimate of what your treatment timeline might look like. That estimate is based on your specific situation, not a general average.
Throughout treatment, you will return to our Brentwood office for periodic adjustment appointments. These visits allow us to monitor your progress, make any necessary modifications, and confirm that your teeth are moving as planned. Staying consistent with these appointments is an important part of keeping your treatment on track.
If you have questions about what to expect during treatment, our team is glad to walk you through the process before you make any decisions.
The cost of clear braces varies from patient to patient. Treatment fees depend on the complexity of your case, the length of treatment, and other factors that can only be assessed through an in-person evaluation.
Starling Orthodontics works with many orthodontic insurance plans and can help you understand what your coverage may include. Financing options are also available for patients who prefer to spread the cost of treatment over time. The team will walk you through what applies to your situation so you can make an informed decision.
A few things to know going in:
Starling Orthodontics is a specialty orthodontic practice located at 1177 Old Hickory Blvd, Suite 201 in Brentwood, TN. Because the practice focuses exclusively on orthodontic treatment, every aspect of care — from the initial evaluation to the final result — is handled within that specialty. There are no competing disciplines or divided priorities.
Dr. Craig Starling leads treatment at the practice. He completed his Certificate in Orthodontics at Vanderbilt University and his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the Medical College of Virginia, and he brings that clinical background to every case evaluated here.
Patients seen at this practice include teens and adults with a range of alignment concerns. Clear braces are one of several treatment options available, and the approach to each case is based on what the clinical evaluation shows — not a predetermined recommendation.
A few things that describe how care is delivered here:
If you have questions about whether clear braces are appropriate for your situation, the right starting point is a consultation with Dr. Starling.
How are clear braces different from clear aligners?
Clear braces are ceramic brackets bonded directly to your teeth and connected by a wire, similar in mechanics to traditional metal braces. Clear aligners are removable plastic trays worn over the teeth. The two approaches work differently and are suited to different clinical situations. Learn more about how orthodontic treatment works.
Will clear braces stain?
The ceramic brackets are stain-resistant. The elastic ties that secure the wire can pick up pigment from certain foods and beverages, but those ties are replaced at each adjustment appointment, so any discoloration is temporary.
Can adults get clear braces?
Yes. Clear braces are a common choice for adults who want effective orthodontic treatment with a less visible appearance. Age is not a limiting factor in candidacy for clear braces.
Are clear braces as effective as metal braces?
For most cases, clear ceramic braces follow the same clinical mechanics as metal braces and produce comparable results. Whether clear braces are appropriate for your specific tooth movements is something Dr. Starling evaluates at your consultation before making any recommendation.
How do I know which treatment is right for me?
That determination is made after a clinical evaluation. Dr. Starling reviews your teeth, bite, and overall orthodontic needs before recommending any specific treatment. A consultation is the appropriate first step.
If you've been considering clear braces and want to understand whether they're the right option for your situation, a consultation at Starling Orthodontics is the right place to start. You'll have the opportunity to ask questions, review your records together, and get a clear picture of what treatment would involve before making any decisions.
To schedule a consultation, contact our office online or call us at (615) 507-1660. We're glad to help you find the path forward that makes sense for your smile.
Please call (615) 507-1660 or click below to schedule your appointment online.
Please call (615) 507-1660 or click below to schedule your complimentary orthodontic consultation online.
