How much do ceramic braces cost in Australia?

The cost of braces is front of mind for many Australians considering orthodontic treatment. So, we are setting the record straight about how much you should expect to pay for braces or clear aligner treatment in Australia. While traditional braces are still the most common form of orthodontic treatment for young people, we are seeing an increase in Australian who are looking for a more subtle treatment alternative.

For many, clear aligners are the first things that come to mind. This is no surprise as it is a discreet and effective way to straighten teeth. But clear aligner treatment does have some limitations when compared to traditional braces as many complex tooth movements can’t be performed without a fixed appliance.

That’s where ceramic braces come in…

What are ceramic braces?

Ceramic braces are similar to metal braces, but they use clear or tooth coloured brackets, rather than grey or metallic silver. When paired with a white arch-wire and clear brackets, their appearance is virtually invisible. As a result, they’re often referred to as clear braces and are a popular choice among appearance-conscious adults.

As ceramic braces share a similar design to traditional metal braces, they actually function in the same way. However, treatment times may be lengthier due to the extra friction in the system. Saying that, ceramic braces do move teeth faster than clear aligners due to being a fixed appliance.

How much do ceramic braces cost?

Average prices in Australia can vary by state, however ceramic braces may cost anywhere from $6500 – $9500 for a full 18-24 month treatment period. Shorter, or more limited treatments involving only some of the teeth may cost significantly less than this and complicated or lengthy treatments may exceed this range. This is slightly more expensive than metal braces due to the materials used. It’s important to talk to your orthodontist about cost, payment plans and if part of your treatment can be covered by health insurance during your first consultation. This will ensure that you and your family feel financially prepared for your orthodontic treatment.

Do ceramic braces stain?

Orthodontic patients often ask if ceramic braces stain your teeth. The good news is that ceramic brackets do not stain easily. However, the elastics used to hold the brackets to the wire can become stained if they are not looked after.

Here are some things you can do to keep your ceramic braces clean:

1. Brush and floss after every meal
2. Avoid food and drink that are notorious for staining teeth such as wine, coffee, and coloured soft-drink
3. Do not smoke
4. Attend your regular orthodontic and dental check-ups

As the cost of ceramic braces will vary from practice to practice, you can visit multiple orthodontists to compare prices so you find the right orthodontic solution for you and your family.

Use our find an orthodontist tool to find a specialist orthodontist that is convenient for you.

All price ranges quoted are indicative only, and do not take into consideration other mitigating factors such as the type of malocclusion being treated, the duration of ‘full treatment’ for a particular case or limited treatment solutions. Orthodontics Australia recommends you consult a specialist orthodontist before commencing any form of orthodontic treatment. You can request a detailed quote from your orthodontist to understand the full cost of treatment, including regular monitoring appointments to ensure your treatment is progressing safely and as expected.