Clear Ceramic Braces in Durham, NC

Clear ceramic braces give you the precision of traditional braces with a far more discreet look. At Hoopes Orthodontics, we take that a step further with American Orthodontics Radiance® clear brackets on your upper teeth, crafted from a single crystal of grown sapphire, so the teeth people notice first when you smile stay front and center, not your braces.

Our board-certified orthodontist, Dr. Tom Hoopes, welcomes teens and adults from Durham, Chapel Hill, and across the Triangle. And because our practice is doctor-owned, Dr. Hoopes is with you at every step. No handoffs to assistants. No rushed appointments. Just consistent, expert care from someone who's invested in how your smile turns out.

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What Are Clear Ceramic Braces?

Clear ceramic braces work just like traditional braces: small brackets are bonded to the front of each tooth and connected with a thin archwire. At each visit, Dr. Hoopes adjusts the wire, and its steady, gentle pressure moves your teeth into their ideal position over time. Not every clear bracket is made the same way, though. Many ceramic brackets are formed from fused ceramic powder. Ours are different.

Radiance® Sapphire Braces: Not Your Average Ceramic Braces

Technically, Radiance brackets belong to the ceramic family. But instead of being molded from ceramic powder, each one is cut from a single crystal of pure, grown sapphire and then heat-polished until it's smooth and glass-clear. According to American Orthodontics, the manufacturer, that single-crystal structure is what gives Radiance its clarity and strength.

Here's what that means for you:

  • Nearly invisible. Once bonded, the bracket lets the natural color of your tooth show through.

  • Designed to stay clear. The sapphire bracket itself is designed to resist staining, so it keeps its clarity through treatment.

  • Strong and dependable. Sturdy tie wings and a smooth, polished finish help the bracket hold up to everyday wear while keeping treatment on track.

  • Comfortable. The polished surface is smooth against your lips and cheeks.

  • A secure bond with a predictable removal. Radiance's patented base is designed to hold firmly through treatment, then come off in a controlled way when it's time to finish.

Dr. Hoopes can show you a Radiance bracket at your consultation so you can see (and hold) the difference for yourself.

Clear on Top, Strong on Bottom: How We Pair Your Brackets

At Hoopes Orthodontics, Radiance clear brackets are offered for the upper arch. On your lower teeth, we pair them with traditional silver or champagne-toned Iconix® brackets, a balance of discretion and durability.

What Can Clear Ceramic Braces Treat?

For most orthodontic needs, clear ceramic braces are just as effective as metal braces. They can correct:

  • Crooked or crowded teeth

  • Gaps and spacing issues

  • Overbite (upper teeth extend too far forward)

  • Underbite (lower teeth sit in front of upper teeth)

  • Crossbite (upper and lower teeth don't align properly)

  • Open bite (front teeth don't meet when the mouth is closed)

  • Jaw alignment and bite function problems

Beyond the look of your smile, correcting these issues helps protect your teeth from uneven wear, makes hard-to-reach areas easier to keep clean, and can ease jaw discomfort. Dr. Hoopes will let you know whether clear ceramic braces are the right fit for your specific case.

getting braces on

Are Clear Ceramic Braces Right for You?

  • Adults. One in four orthodontic patients in the US is an adult, and clear braces are one of the most popular choices for professionals who want effective treatment without a prominent metallic look in meetings, interviews, and photos.

  • Teens. Older teens who want a more discreet look for school, sports, and big events often love clear brackets. Some teens prefer the personality of silver braces with colored elastics, and that's a great choice too.

Who might prefer something different? If you want no hardware on your teeth at all, Invisalign may be a better fit. If your bite needs the extra control of fixed braces, or you'd rather not rely on remembering to wear aligners, clear braces are worth a close look. Either way, Dr. Hoopes will give you an honest recommendation, not a sales pitch.

Your Clear Braces Journey at Hoopes Orthodontics

We walk with you through every phase, from your first hello to the day you leave wearing your retainer and a brand-new smile.

  • Step 1: Your Free Consultation.

  • Step 2: Your Custom Treatment Plan.

  • Step 3: Braces Placement.

  • Step 4: Regular Adjustments.

  • Step 5: Braces Removal and Your Retainer.

girl clear braces happy

How Much Do Clear Ceramic Braces Cost in Durham, NC?

Every smile is different, so the cost of clear ceramic braces depends on the complexity of your case, the length of your treatment, and your bracket choice. We partner with a wide range of insurance providers, including Delta Dental, and during your complimentary consultation, we'll walk you through your coverage and out-of-pocket costs so there are no surprises.

Clear Braces for Patients in Durham, Chapel Hill, and the Triangle

Our doctor-owned practice is located on Fayetteville Road in Durham, and we proudly welcome patients from Durham, Chapel Hill, and the surrounding Triangle area. No referral is needed.

Ready for a Smile That Feels Like You?

Every great smile starts with a single conversation. Contact us and schedule your complimentary consultation with Dr. Hoopes, and let's talk about what's possible for yours.

Frequently Asked Questions About Clear Ceramic Braces

  • Clear ceramic braces are fixed braces that use clear or tooth-colored brackets instead of metal. They work the same way as traditional braces, but blend in with your teeth for a more discreet look.

  • For most orthodontic needs, yes. Clear braces use the same brackets-and-wire approach and can treat crowding, gaps, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites. Dr. Hoopes will confirm what's best for your case.

  • At Hoopes Orthodontics, Radiance clear brackets are offered for the upper teeth and are paired with traditional silver or Iconix® champagne brackets on the lower teeth. Dr. Hoopes can confirm the best combination for your smile.

  • The Radiance bracket itself is designed to resist staining. The elastic ties and the teeth around the brackets can pick up color from foods and drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine, so good brushing and keeping your adjustment appointments help a lot.

  • Most braces treatment at Hoopes Orthodontics takes between 12 and 24 months, depending on the complexity of your case. Dr. Hoopes gives you a realistic timeline at your consultation.

  • Neither is better for everyone. Clear braces are fixed, so they work around the clock without you having to remember anything. Invisalign is removable and has no brackets. We'll help you choose the one that fits your bite and your lifestyle.

  • Placement is painless. Mild soreness for a few days after placement or adjustments is normal and usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers and soft foods.

  • Yes. A custom retainer holds your teeth in their new positions while the surrounding bone and tissue stabilize. Retainers are always included at the end of treatment, and we provide clear wear instructions.