Clear and ceramic braces in Chiang Mai
Clear braces work like metal braces, but the brackets are tooth-colored ceramic, so they are less visible. At Kitcha Dental Clinic, orthodontists offer ceramic braces and Damon self-ligating braces, and explain which suits your bite.
- Open every day, 09:00–20:00
- Opposite Chiang Mai Gate
- Coordinators in English and Thai
Ceramic, Damon or metal braces
Ceramic braces
Tooth-colored ceramic brackets. The wire is held by small elastic rings, which can be clear so they show less.
Damon self-ligating braces
Brackets with a built-in clip that holds the wire, so no elastic rings are needed.
Metal braces
Metal brackets on the teeth, joined by a wire. The standard fixed braces.
All three move teeth in the same way, with brackets and a wire. Your orthodontist explains which suits your bite and how visible you would like the braces to be.
Are clear braces right for you?
- You would like fixed braces that are less visible than metal.
- You prefer braces that stay on your teeth, rather than aligners you take out and put back yourself.
- You can come back to the clinic about every 4–6 weeks for adjustments.
Clear braces are suitable for most bite problems that metal braces can treat. Your orthodontist confirms this after an examination and X-rays.
Would you like to know which braces suit you?
Book an orthodontic consultation. Your orthodontist examines your teeth and bite and explains the options, the likely treatment time and the fee before you decide.
What happens, and how many visits
Planning and treatment before braces
Panoramic and cephalometric X-rays and a study model or digital scan are taken to plan treatment. Any cleaning, fillings or extractions your plan needs are done first.
Placing the braces
Your orthodontist bonds the brackets to your teeth and places the wire. With ceramic braces, elastic rings hold the wire; with Damon braces, the clip in each bracket holds it.
Adjustment visits
You come back about every 4–6 weeks. Your orthodontist checks progress, changes the wire or elastic rings and keeps the teeth moving in the planned direction.
Removing the braces and retainers
When the teeth are in position, final X-rays are taken, the brackets are removed and retainers are made to keep the teeth in place.
Treatment time depends on your bite and usually ranges from about 6 months to two years. Your orthodontist gives you an estimate before you start. Because braces need regular visits, tell us if you live outside Chiang Mai so the visits can be planned.
Living with braces
Your teeth may feel tender for a few days after the braces are fitted and after adjustments. Brush carefully around each bracket, clean between your teeth every day, and avoid very hard or sticky foods that can loosen a bracket.
If a bracket comes loose or a wire pokes your cheek, contact the clinic and we will arrange a time to fix it.
Cost of clear braces
Orthodontic fees are per case and depend on the type of braces and how complex your bite is. Your orthodontist confirms the fee for clear or Damon braces at the consultation, and the prices page lists our orthodontic price ranges.
Prices on our prices page are shown as ranges. Your final fee depends on what the examination finds, and may include additional items — such as a rubber dam or special materials — when your treatment needs them. Your dentist explains these before treatment.
Who treats you
Clear and Damon braces are planned and fitted by our orthodontists, dentists with postgraduate training in orthodontics. Every orthodontic case at the clinic is treated by an orthodontist.
Clear braces FAQs
What is the difference between ceramic and Damon braces?
Both use brackets and a wire. Ceramic braces have tooth-colored brackets and use small elastic rings to hold the wire; Damon braces are self-ligating, with a clip in each bracket instead of elastic rings. Your orthodontist explains which suits your case.
Do clear braces work as well as metal braces?
Clear braces move teeth in the same way as metal braces and are suitable for most bite problems. Your orthodontist confirms whether they suit your case after an examination and X-rays.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
It depends on how complex your bite is and on the type of braces or aligners, and usually ranges from about 6 months to two years. Your orthodontist gives you an estimate before treatment starts.
How often do I need to come in?
With braces, about every 4–6 weeks for an adjustment; with Invisalign, about every 6–8 weeks for a check and your next aligners. If you live outside Chiang Mai, ask us before you start so the visits can be planned.
Am I too old for braces?
There is no upper age limit, and many of our orthodontic patients are adults. Your gums and teeth are checked first, and any gum treatment or fillings are done before the braces go on. Many adults choose clear braces or Invisalign because they are less visible.
How much do clear braces cost?
Fees are per case and depend on the type of braces and how complex your bite is. Your orthodontist confirms the fee for clear or Damon braces at the consultation, and the prices page lists our orthodontic price ranges.
Book an orthodontic consultation
Tell us what you would like to change about your teeth or bite, and send a photo of your smile if you like. A coordinator replies in English or Thai and books a time with an orthodontist. Open every day, 09:00–20:00 (Thailand time).
Or email us at [email protected]
Content reviewed by Dr. Pawak Tungthangthum — DDS, Chiang Mai University; Master's Degree in Esthetic Restorative and Implant Dentistry (International Program), Chulalongkorn University · Last reviewed