Salt Lake City
801-272-9900
Lehi
801-768-2100
Salt Lake City
801-272-9900
Lehi
801-768-2100
FREE CONSULTATION
801-272-9900
Salt Lake City
801-768-2100
Lehi
FREE CONSULTATION

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic Braces

It used to be that metal braces were the only act in town. If you wanted straighter teeth, you were locked into metal brackets and shiny silvery wires.

Trouble was, metal braces weren’t for everyone. People with metal allergies would end up with raw, inflamed cheeks and lips and often a rash around their mouth. This made metal braces a non-option for many. And even those without allergies but with sensitive mouths found their time in braces so miserable it was hardly worth it.

Then there were those who didn’t want to spend months or years with a “tin grin.” This included adults who weren’t thrilled by showing up at board meetings, product presentations, or other professional activities looking like they were fresh off the school bus.

Enter clear braces, which ushered in a new era of orthodontic care. These braces were far more discreet than metal braces and didn’t stir up allergies like metal did.

The first clear braces were used in the 1980s and were made of plastic. They promised exciting possibilities, but they stained easily. For those concerned about aesthetics, it was a toss up as to whether metal braces were really so much worse than stained plastic brackets.

The introduction of ceramic braces, which didn’t stain nearly as easily as plastic braces, brought the best of both worlds. Patients could choose between clear or tooth-colored brackets, and even the archwire could be made from clear or white materials. The result was a winning combination of the precision alignment capabilities of braces without the look or discomfort of metal braces.

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Why Our Adult Patients Love Ceramic Braces

  • Low-profile. While many people want braces to straighten their teeth and fix bite problems, not everyone can afford to look like they have braces on. Ceramic braces for adults or youth are the perfect option. With their clear or tooth-colored brackets and matching bands and wires, they’re hardly noticeable.
  • More stain-resistant than clear braces of the past. Ongoing technology makes tooth-colored or clear ceramic braces less susceptible to staining than ever. They do require more care than traditional metal braces, but with proper hygiene, you can keep them looking clean and clear from start to finish.
  • Comfortable. The ceramic material doesn’t cause allergies like metal does, and the gentle contours of the smaller ceramic brackets won’t catch on the insides of your mouth like metal brackets do. The result is a far more comfortable orthodontic experience.
  • Better than Invisalign for some patients. Many patients looking for discreet dental care inquire about clear aligners (Invisalign). While these are a great option for some patients, they don’t work for everyone. Some patients don’t get great results with Invisalign because the aligners aren’t permanent like braces are. The patients remove the trays more than they should, which delays progress significantly.Other patients may not qualify for Invisalign due to severe bite problems (crossbite, overbite, underbite, open bite, etc.); small, eroded, or misshapen teeth; or TMJ. For these patients, ceramic braces can provide the benefits of metal braces without the drawbacks.
  • More durable than other types of clear braces. Compared to plastic materials used for the original clear braces, ceramic is far less susceptible to chips and cracks. Today’s clear ceramic braces are impressively durable, so you don’t have to worry as much about compromising your brackets.

Are Ceramic Braces More Expensive?

If you’ve price-checked clear ceramic braces in Utah, you know that they are more expensive than traditional braces. Talk to our team at Smile Ranch for a quote on getting ceramic braces at our Salt Lake City and Lehi offices. We work with insurance providers and offer flexible payment plans to make tooth-colored and clear ceramic braces in Utah as affordable as possible.

Can I Get Self-ligating Braces in Clear or Tooth-colored Ceramic?

Have you heard about the new phenomenon known as self-ligating braces? These braces are often referred to as “Damon braces,” named for Dr. Dwight Damon who developed these comfortable, efficient braces.

Traditional braces have ligatures, or tiny rubber bands, that bind the brackets and wires together. But self-ligating braces are different. Instead of the usual brackets, they have sliding mechanisms that curve over the wire and tighten gradually as needed.

The sliding mechanisms are small, sleek, and comfy on the insides of the mouth. And because they tighten gradually, day by day, you don’t notice the pressure nearly as much as with traditional brace tightenings by the orthodontist.

Many patients are opting for self-ligating braces for the comfort they provide and for their efficiency. (Some studies show faster results with self-ligating braces because you don’t have to wait between tightenings—the tooth adjustments are ongoing.)

And the great news is self-ligating braces are available with clear ceramic hardware. It’s a big win for people who want a discreet braces experience. Damon braces have a smaller profile on the teeth and spare you from the “metal mouth” look.

How Long Will I Have to Wear my Clear Ceramic Braces?

Some studies have shown that traditional metal braces are slightly faster than ceramic ones due to the strength and durability of the metal, but in general, the efficiency of ceramic braces is comparable to metal braces.

The average time in braces is about 18-24 months, but there are many factors that can affect that range. These include:

  • Age. Kids’ teeth tend to move faster than adults’ because their mouths are still growing.
  • Complexity. Complex misalignment and bite problems will naturally require more time in braces than simple adjustments.
  • Compliance. Time in braces can be shortened or lengthened, depending on how compliant a patient is with their orthodontist’s recommendations. The best way to move treatment along efficiently is to practice good oral hygiene; wear rubber bands, removable appliances, etc., as directed; report any broken hardware immediately; and attend all your appointments.

How Do I Find the Best Orthodontist for Ceramic Braces?

If you’ve been searching “ceramic braces near me,” you’ve likely seen many options for clear ceramic braces in Salt Lake City and Lehi. We think Smile Ranch is the best option, but don’t just take our word for it. Glowing reviews from our patients speak to the quality of our work and our customer care.

As leading ceramic braces orthodontists for adults and children, here’s what sets us apart from the competition.

  • Experience. We’ve been serving Utah’s orthodontic needs since 1988. It’s hard to compete with the depth of experience that comes from this many years treating every orthodontic challenge under the sun. We’re proud to say that we’ve turned even the most complex bite problems into the most beautiful smiles. Whatever your starting place, we will help you achieve an outcome you will be thrilled with.
  • Training. While experience is critical, it must be paired with ongoing learning. Even the best orthodontists can lose their edge if they don’t stay current. Continuing education takes top priority at our offices. We’re always on the lookout for new techniques to improve the quality and efficiency of your ceramic braces experience.
  • An artist’s approach. We don’t get lost in the weeds of orthodontia. Instead, we take a holistic approach attuned to the artistry of your whole face. We take into account your jaw, your bite, and the structure of your face to create the most complementary smile possible. Orthodontics is both a science and an art. We don’t neglect the artistry of the process.
  • Technology. Having the latest and greatest equipment is an investment—one that not all orthodontists are willing to make. But at Smile Ranch, if there’s equipment or systems that could make us better, we’ll be among the first to adopt it. This is why we offer things like self-ligating braces and clear ceramic braces in our Salt Lake City and Lehi offices. It’s why we have cutting edge imaging technology and 3-D visualization programs for turning your mouth into the picture perfect smile. Our investments in technology pay off in better results for our patients. We wouldn’t do it any other way.
  • Affordability. Some people consider orthodontic care a luxury, but we don’t think it should be. We believe everyone should have access to a great looking smile and well-aligned bite. If you’re concerned about the cost of clear braces, talk to our team about insurance reimbursement and payment plans. We’ll do our best to work with your budget so you can get the right orthodontic care for your needs and lifestyle.
  • Easy scheduling. Orthodontic care should not dominate your life. Yes, you need to come in for periodic check-ups, but we know your life is busy. We’ll do all in our power to work around your schedule constraints so that you can get in easily and get out quickly.
  • Customer service. Once you get your tooth-colored or clear ceramic braces, you’ll be seeing more of us, and we want that to be a very pleasant experience. Our patients love our happy, upbeat staff, and we are confident you will, too. They also love the little things we do to help patients feel valued and respected in our office. This includes our legendary, fresh-baked cookies and our Smile Bucks rewards program. This program offers incentives like gift certificates for keeping appointments, complying with treatment plans, and even getting good grades in school.
  • Customized care. We are not a one-size-fits-all operation. We know that every person and every mouth is different. That’s why we offer options like our clear ceramic braces for adults, self-ligating braces, clear aligners, and more. We carefully evaluate your orthodontic needs and honor your preferences for the look and feel of your braces. The result is a treatment plan that is perfectly, uniquely you.

Your search for “ceramic braces near me” ends with Smile Ranch Orthodontics. Our track record over the past few decades and our tens of thousands of happy customers speak for themselves.

There’s no need to be self-conscious about your smile for one day longer. Thanks to ceramic braces, you can have the smile of your dreams without the discomfort or “tin grin” of metal braces. Come in for a consultation today, and we’ll show you what we can do.

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Smile Support Staff

With their extensive knowledge and friendly demeanor, our dedicated Orthodontic team ensures that every patient receives personalized attention and support throughout their orthodontic journey, making the path to a perfect smile as comfortable and smooth as possible. You can trust our exceptional orthodontic team to be your smile’s greatest advocates and partners in achieving the results you desire.

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Start Your Smile Journey Today!

At Smile Ranch Orthodontics, we’re ready to help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. Whether you’re an adult interested in Invisalign, a teen getting braces for the first time, or a parent seeking early intervention for your child, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Schedule your free consultation today and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile.

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Smile Ranch Google Reviews

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Tyra Anderson profile pictureTyra Anderson
20:28 23 Dec 25
I’m loving my experience at smile ranch so far!! I’m having braces for the second time in my life and now as an adult the process is much more intimidating. But they are so good to me here. I chose Smile Ranch because Dr Jensen and all the staff were the only office I consulted with that seemed willing to do and recommend what I needed instead of just telling me what they thought I wanted to hear. I can’t thank them enough!
noah cheskaa profile picturenoah cheskaa
23:49 22 Dec 25
My sister was in great care, the workers are so sweet and they gave is fresh cookies! Love it, will come again if needed.
Misty Hunsaker profile pictureMisty Hunsaker
22:21 18 Dec 25
We absolutely love Dr. Jensen and his entire team at Smile Ranch! He did my braces as an adult, and now my teenage son is going through treatment with them. Their patient care and commitment to education are truly top-notch. The assistants always take the time to explain what was done during each visit and what to expect next. As someone in the dental field, I trust them completely to perfect my family’s smiles. Thank you, Smile Ranch, for consistently exceeding our expectations!
Kristen Woodbury profile pictureKristen Woodbury
21:33 18 Dec 25
Everyone is so nice and friendly here. We've been so pleased with them. We're seeing great progress with the braces as well.
Alex Serote profile pictureAlex Serote
05:04 11 Dec 25
Could not recommend this outfit more. I had a wisdom tooth grow into a back molar. When I had the wisdom teeth out 7 years ago it left a huge hole in the molar, and for years I put off doing anything about it. Smile Orthodontics took the tooth out, did a root canal and bone graft and prepped me for an implant and the whole procedure was painless and they did a fantastic job. The nurses and doctor were incredibly professional and kind. If you’re on the edge about doing a dental procedure, CALL THEM. I seriously can’t thank them enough
Rachale Ottley profile pictureRachale Ottley
20:23 10 Dec 25
We LOVE this dentist! Even after moving we travel almost an hour to see JD. They are great with the kids and reasonably priced for out of pocket costs. They understand my child’s special needs surrounding her anxiety and each experience has been great.
Nora profile pictureNora
15:02 04 Dec 25
This place is great. So far the best Orthodontist I've been to because they have fair prices and even deals. They also give you points for having good grades, wearing their merch, and taking care of your teeth that you can use to earn Amazon gift cards. They even give out really good cookies after your appointment. (Like really good) The place has a homey feel and the people are all really sweet. It's something to look forward to instead of dread constantly! 😀
Kathy Jessop profile pictureKathy Jessop
22:44 31 Aug 23
Hands down the best orthodontist in Utah! The staff is so friendly and fun! Everyone in the office is very experienced in what they do.

My kids love going to their appointments. The office doesn’t feel like your typical dental office. It’s so much more welcoming with cute ranch decor, making you feel like you step out of the city and onto the ranch! So absolutely wonderful!

I can’t even express in words how much we love everything about this place! Seriously the best of the best!
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