Types of Braces in Berkeley, CA

Braces use brackets and wires to move teeth into place and are the most reliable way to correct crowding, spacing, and bite problems. Berkeley Family Orthodontics offers metal, ceramic (clear), and self-ligating braces, and Dr. Robert Iezman helps each patient choose the option that fits their smile, budget, and lifestyle.

Braces have straightened smiles for generations, and today’s braces are smaller, smoother, and more comfortable than the ones you may remember. At Berkeley Family Orthodontics, Dr. Robert Iezman has spent 38 years fitting braces for Berkeley children, teens, and adults, and he will take the time to explain every option before you decide. Whether you want the proven strength of metal, the discreet look of ceramic, or a modern self-ligating design, the goal is the same: a healthy bite and a smile you are proud of. If a removable option appeals to you instead, ask about clear aligners.

Metal Braces

Metal braces are the most common and most versatile choice, and for good reason. Made from strong, lightweight stainless steel, they handle everything from simple crowding to complex bite corrections, and they are usually the most affordable option. Modern brackets are far smaller than braces of the past, and kids and teens love personalizing them with colored elastic ties at each visit. For many patients, metal braces are also the fastest way to get a challenging case moving in the right direction.

Ceramic (Clear) Braces

Ceramic braces work just like metal braces, but the brackets are tooth-colored or clear, so they blend in with your smile. They are a popular pick for adults and older teens who want a more discreet look while still getting the full strength of fixed braces. Ceramic braces are a great middle ground for patients who want their treatment to be subtle but whose bite is better suited to braces than to removable aligners.

Self-Ligating Braces

Self-ligating braces use a small built-in clip instead of elastic ties to hold the wire in place. That design can mean fewer parts to break, appointments that go a little quicker, and easy cleaning. They come in both metal and clear versions. During your consultation, Dr. Iezman will tell you whether a self-ligating system offers any real advantage for your particular case, or whether a traditional bracket is the better tool for the job.

Braces or Clear Aligners: How to Choose

Many patients ask whether they should get braces or Invisalign clear aligners. Braces are fixed to your teeth and work around the clock, which makes them ideal for complex bites and for younger patients who might forget to wear a removable tray. Aligners are removable and nearly invisible, which many adults and responsible teens prefer. Neither option is “better” for everyone. The right choice depends on your bite, your daily habits, and your goals, and Dr. Iezman will give you an honest recommendation rather than a one-size-fits-all answer.

Daily Life With Braces

Knowing what to expect makes the first few weeks easier.

• Soreness: It is normal for your teeth to feel tender for a few days after braces are placed or adjusted. Soft foods and an over-the-counter pain reliever help, and the ache fades quickly.
• Eating: Skip hard, sticky, and chewy foods (ice, hard candy, caramel, popcorn, and gum) that can break a bracket or bend a wire. Cut crunchy foods like apples and carrots into small pieces. Our braces care guide has full food lists.
• Cleaning: Brush after meals and floss daily. Braces trap food, so good habits prevent the white spots and cavities that can form around brackets.
• Sports and instruments: You can absolutely keep playing. Wear a mouthguard for contact sports, and give wind or brass instruments a short adjustment period.

Braces Cost and Financing in Berkeley

We believe in talking about cost openly. In the Berkeley area, metal braces generally run between about $3,000 and $7,000, with ceramic braces often a little higher, depending on how complex your case is and how long treatment takes. You will get a real, personalized fee after Dr. Iezman examines your teeth.

To make treatment affordable, Berkeley Family Orthodontics offers in-house, no-interest payment plans with monthly payments starting around $300 and a modest down payment (often around $1,500). We accept HSA and FSA funds and will help you make the most of any orthodontic insurance benefits. See our financing page for details.