Metal and clear ceramic braces work the same way, with brackets and a wire that gently guide teeth into place. Metal is the most durable; ceramic uses tooth-colored brackets for a lower profile. At our Albany office, both cost the same as Invisalign.
Families in Albany have a lot of choices on Western Avenue, and one of the first decisions after hearing “braces” is which kind. Kids often want colored elastics, teens weigh school photos and sports, and adults think about meetings and client calls. At Efros Orthodontics, we offer two kinds of braces, traditional metal and clear ceramic, and our doctors talk through both at every free consult. Here is how to decide.
How Do Braces Work?
Brackets, wire and gentle pressure
Braces use brackets bonded to the front of each tooth with a non-toxic adhesive, connected by a thin archwire and held in place with small elastics. Steady, gentle pressure guides teeth into better positions over time, and our doctors adjust the wire at regular visits to keep teeth moving on schedule.
More than straight teeth
Braces correct bite misalignment, crowding and spacing, problems that can make chewing and speaking uncomfortable and that tend to get more expensive to fix the longer they’re left alone. Our braces in Albany page lists what braces can treat, including overbites, underbites, crossbites and jaw alignment issues.
Nothing to lose
Braces aren’t removable. That sounds like a drawback until you consider there’s nothing to forget, lose or leave in a restaurant napkin. A couple of weeks in, most patients stop thinking about them.
What Are the Benefits of Metal Braces?
The most durable option
Traditional metal braces use stainless steel brackets and are the most durable option. They handle the most complex cases, which is why they’re still the most common choice for kids and teens.
Reliable for complex bite correction
At our Albany office, metal braces remain the most reliable option for complex bite correction and are our most requested treatment for younger patients.
Colored elastics
Metal braces come with colored elastics, which most younger patients treat as the best part. Picking new colors at each visit keeps kids engaged.
What Are the Benefits of Clear Ceramic Braces?
Tooth-colored brackets
Clear braces work exactly like metal ones, but the brackets are made from a ceramic material tinted to blend with your natural tooth color. Several shades are available, so we can match yours closely.
A lower profile
From a conversational distance, ceramic braces are hard to notice. That’s why teens and adults who want a lower profile often choose them.
The same effectiveness
Because ceramic and metal braces work the same way, the choice is about how visible you want them to be and how they fit your daily life.
How Do Metal and Clear Braces Compare?
| Factor | Metal braces | Clear ceramic braces |
|---|---|---|
| — | — | — |
| Appearance | Visible stainless steel; colored elastics | Tooth-colored brackets matched to your shade |
| Durability | Most durable option | Durable with a little extra care |
| Complex cases | Handle the most complex cases | Suitable for many cases |
| Most common for | Kids and teens | Teens and adults wanting a lower profile |
| Price at Efros | Same as Invisalign | Same as Invisalign |
Which Option Fits Your Family?
For kids
Metal braces are the most common choice for younger patients. They’re durable and effective, and colorful elastics make treatment fun. Early evaluations for children around age seven let our doctors decide whether to start treatment now or wait.
For teens
Teens split between the fun of colors and the subtlety of ceramic. Our braces for teens in Albany page explains the teen experience in more detail.
For adults
Many adults choose ceramic braces for work and social life, while some choose metal for more complex correction. Our braces for adults in Albany page covers adult treatment. If you’re weighing braces against clear aligners, our doctors can compare both at your consult.
What Does Treatment Look Like at Our Albany Office?
Timeline
Most Albany patients wear braces between eighteen and thirty months, depending on the bite.
Adjustment visits
Adjustments are quick, and we space them so families in Guilderland, Voorheesville and Altamont aren’t driving in constantly.
Office hours and location
Our Albany office at 2021 Western Avenue sits right on Route 20 with parking at the door, an easy stop from Pine Hills, Westmere, Guilderland or downtown. Appointments are available Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Families nearby can also read about care in Pine Hills.
How Do You Care for Each Type of Braces?
Food choices
Skip sticky candy, popcorn kernels and hard foods that can break brackets. With ceramic braces, it also helps to be mindful of coffee, tea and dark sauces that can discolor the elastics.
Cleaning
Brush around every bracket after meals and floss daily with a threader or orthodontic floss. Good hygiene keeps teeth healthy under the braces.
Staying on schedule
Keeping your adjustment appointments and calling if a bracket loosens helps treatment finish on time.
How Much Do Braces Cost in Albany?
Same price, same options
At Efros Orthodontics, braces and Invisalign are priced identically, so you can choose the treatment that fits your life, not your budget.
Payment plans and insurance
We offer personalized 0% interest payment plans for up to three years, with monthly payments as low as $99 in some cases. We’re in-network with most major insurance plans. Our patient resources page has details.
Discounts
We offer discounts for siblings, military personnel, teachers and first responders.
What Happens at Your First Albany Visit?
Your first visit is a free, no-obligation consultation that takes about an hour. After you check in and complete forms, we take any necessary X-rays and may use our iTero scanner to create a detailed 3D model of your teeth. One of our doctors reviews everything with you and discusses whether treatment is recommended now or whether it’s better to monitor development. If braces make sense, you can typically schedule your start for a later date, with same-day starts available in some cases.
Book a Free Consult at Our Albany Office
Your first visit is a free consult with our doctors: X-rays, a digital scan and a straight recommendation, at no cost and no obligation. Visit our Albany location or request a free consult to compare metal and clear braces in person.
