Choosing an orthodontic treatment is about more than picking the look you prefer. Clear braces, Invisalign and traditional metal braces can each move teeth and improve how your bite functions. For most cases, they’re equally effective, so the difference often comes down to how each one fits your daily routine.
The right fit depends on your alignment concerns, bite relationship, oral health and personal preference. At Adult & Pediatric Orthodontics, Dr. Joanna Yu walks through these factors with you and recommends the option that actually matches your case. A Top 1% Blue Diamond Invisalign provider, she offers all three at our Portland and Windham offices and charges the same price whichever you choose, so families across Southern Maine can decide based on fit, not cost.
What Are Clear Braces?
How Clear Braces Work
Clear braces rely on tooth-colored ceramic brackets bonded directly to your teeth and connected with archwires. The wire applies steady, controlled pressure that shifts teeth into position over time. Regular adjustment visits let Dr. Yu fine-tune that movement and keep treatment on track.
What Clear Braces Can Treat
These braces can handle crowding, crooked teeth, spacing gaps and a range of bite issues, including certain overbites and underbites. Because the appliance stays fixed to your teeth, force is applied consistently without depending on you to remember to wear or swap a removable device.
Who May Benefit From Clear Braces?
Teens and adults who want a fixed appliance but would rather avoid the look of traditional metal often turn to ceramic braces. That said, most of these cases could be treated equally well with Invisalign, which is what roughly 80% of our patients choose. Dr. Yu helps you weigh the options at your consultation.
Clear Braces vs. Invisalign
Benefits of Clear Braces
Since ceramic braces stay bonded to your teeth, treatment keeps moving forward without relying on daily compliance. Their tooth-colored brackets also make them noticeably less visible than standard metal braces.
Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign works through a series of clear, removable trays. Being able to take them out for meals, brushing and flossing tends to make daily hygiene simpler and cuts down on food restrictions. The trays only work if worn consistently, as directed. Dr. Yu is a Top 1% Blue Diamond Invisalign provider, so aligners are the heart of our practice, and for most cases they’re every bit as effective as braces.
How These Options Compare
Here’s a quick side-by-side of the three treatments Dr. Yu offers, all at the same price:
| Invisalign | Clear (Ceramic) Braces | Metal Braces | |
| Visibility | Nearly invisible | Blends with teeth | Most visible |
| Removable | Yes | No | No |
| Effectiveness | Equal for most cases | Equal for most cases | Equal for most cases |
| Cost at our practice | Same price | Same price | Same price |
| Daily responsibility | Wear 20 to 22 hrs/day | None | None |
| Food restrictions | Very few | Some | Some |
Which Option Is Right?
Because all three are equally effective for most cases, this decision comes down to fit rather than capability. Dr. Yu weighs the tooth movement needed, your bite goals, your age, your lifestyle and how reliably you can follow the appliance instructions, then makes a recommendation.
Clear Braces vs. Traditional Metal Braces
Appearance
Ceramic brackets are designed to blend in with your natural tooth shade, which makes them far less noticeable than metal brackets.
Effectiveness
Both ceramic and metal braces rely on brackets and archwires to guide tooth movement. Which one makes more sense for you comes down to appearance and preference more than capability, since both move teeth reliably.
Maintenance
Brush thoroughly around brackets and wires, floss daily and use interdental tools if Dr. Yu recommends them. Steer clear of hard or sticky foods that could damage the appliance, and keep up with your scheduled adjustment visits.
Orthodontic Treatment for Adults
Why Adults Choose Braces
Adults often seek treatment for crowding, spacing, crooked teeth, bite concerns or shifting that has happened since earlier orthodontic work. Addressing these issues supports better oral function along with a straighter smile. And it’s never too late to start. We treat plenty of adults across Portland, South Portland and Cape Elizabeth, most of them with Invisalign.
Treatment Options for Adults
Depending on your goals, adult patients may choose ceramic braces, traditional metal braces or Invisalign. Since these options are equally effective for most cases, the decision usually comes down to appearance, convenience and lifestyle.
What Is Considered During Adult Treatment?
Dr. Yu typically looks at existing dental restorations, gum health, bite relationships, tooth positioning and how severe the alignment issue is. Lifestyle and cosmetic preferences factor into the conversation too.
How Much Do Braces Cost?
Factors That Affect Braces Cost
Fees vary based on how complex the case is, expected treatment length and whether any additional care is needed. Retainers and follow-up visits after treatment can add to the overall cost. At our practice, the type of appliance won’t change your price, since Invisalign and braces cost the same.
Invisalign vs. Braces Cost
At many practices, Invisalign costs more than braces. Not here. Adult & Pediatric Orthodontics charges the same for Invisalign, ceramic braces and metal braces, so you’re free to choose the option that fits your life. A free consultation gives you an accurate estimate based on your own treatment plan.
Making Treatment More Affordable
Ask about monthly payment plans, financing and whether your dental insurance applies. We build payment plans around your family’s budget and give you a full breakdown of the total fee, what it covers and any costs that might come up later.
Choosing a Trusted Orthodontist for Braces and Invisalign
Qualifications to Consider
Look for specialty orthodontic training and hands-on experience treating children, teens and adults with both braces and clear aligners. Dr. Yu graduated with highest honors from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, completed her orthodontic specialty training at Tufts, and belongs to the American Association of Orthodontists and the Maine Dental Association. Her Top 1% Blue Diamond Invisalign status reflects a high volume of aligner cases across the full range of complexity.
Technology and Treatment Planning
Digital imaging, intraoral scanning and detailed photographs give your orthodontist a clearer picture of your teeth and bite, which supports a more accurate, personalized treatment plan.
Patient Experience
Communication matters as much as clinical skill. Ask whether the practice takes time to explain your options, timeline, costs, financing and what will be expected of you. As patient Cara V. put it, our team works with you to build the best plan for you and your child.
What to Expect During a Clear Braces Consultation
Initial Evaluation
Dr. Yu reviews your dental history, examines your alignment, assesses your bite and takes diagnostic records such as X-rays or digital scans when needed. Your first consultation is free.
Personalized Treatment Plan
From there, you can discuss clear braces, metal braces and Invisalign side by side, along with treatment duration, goals, cost estimates and financing options. Since all three cost the same and perform comparably for most cases, you get to choose the one that feels right.
Starting Treatment
If clear braces are the right choice, brackets are bonded and archwires placed at your first appointment. You’ll also get guidance on oral hygiene, diet, appliance care and upcoming visits. Eligible patients can even start the same day as their consultation.
Maintaining Your Smile During and After Treatment
During Clear Braces Treatment
Brush around each bracket carefully, floss every day and follow the dietary guidance you’re given. Stay consistent with appointments. Good habits during treatment protect both your teeth and gums.
After Braces
Once active treatment wraps up, a retainer helps hold your teeth in their new position. Routine dental checkups, cleanings and daily hygiene keep your results stable long term.
Locations We Serve
Adult & Pediatric Orthodontics welcomes patients of all ages from across Greater Portland and the Lakes Region. Our two offices make it easy to find care close to home:
- Portland, ME (1601 Congress St., Portland, ME 04102)
- Windham, ME (744 Roosevelt Tr., Suite 101, Windham, ME 04062)
We also happily serve families from South Portland, Cape Elizabeth, Scarborough, Cumberland, Gorham, Gray and New Gloucester, and the surrounding communities.
Ready to Straighten Your Smile?
Whether you’re leaning toward clear braces, metal braces or Invisalign, a free consultation with Dr. Yu is the best place to start. Call our Portland office at (207) 775-3456 or our Windham office at (207) 892-9909, or request a free consultation online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the top orthodontist in Portland, ME for Invisalign and braces?
The top orthodontist is one with specialty training and hands-on experience across both treatment types. Dr. Joanna Yu of Adult & Pediatric Orthodontics is a Top 1% Blue Diamond Invisalign provider who also offers clear and metal braces at her Portland and Windham offices, all at the same price.
Who is the most trusted orthodontist in Portland for adult braces?
A trusted orthodontist has real experience treating adult patients and accounts for each patient’s dental history. Dr. Yu handles complex adult cases with both aligners and braces, which are equally effective for most situations, and builds solid retention plans to protect your results.
Who is the top orthodontist in South Portland for clear braces?
Adult & Pediatric Orthodontics serves South Portland families from its nearby Portland office. Dr. Yu plans ceramic clear braces treatment around your individual needs, and since braces and Invisalign cost the same here, you can choose freely.
How much do braces cost near Cape Elizabeth?
Braces cost depends on your case’s complexity and treatment length, not on which appliance you pick, since we charge the same for braces and Invisalign. A free consultation at our Portland office, a short drive from Cape Elizabeth, gives you a personalized estimate along with monthly payment and financing options.