Choosing braces is one of the first real decisions a family makes once an orthodontist says treatment would help. At Sunshine Smiles Dental & Braces in Broken Arrow, our orthodontists offer three types of braces: traditional metal, ceramic (tooth-colored) and champagne braces. Each one moves teeth with the same bracket-and-wire approach. Where they differ is how they look, how much care they ask of you, and how they fit your budget. Knowing those differences before your consultation makes it easier to ask the questions that matter to you.
If you would rather skip brackets altogether, we also offer clear aligners, and we compare them with braces further down the page.
What Types of Braces Do We Offer in Broken Arrow?
All three of the braces we offer use small brackets bonded to the front of the teeth and a wire that guides them into position over time. The brackets are what change from one type to the next.
- Traditional metal braces use small stainless brackets. You can choose colored bands for them and change the colors as treatment goes on.
- Ceramic (clear) braces use brackets that match the natural color of your teeth, so they are harder to notice in conversation and in photos.
- Champagne braces are a metal-style bracket with a warm, golden tone instead of silver. They give a softer look while working the same way metal braces do.
Our braces overview covers how treatment changes for kids, teens and adults. This page stays focused on the brackets themselves and how to pick between them.
How Do Metal, Ceramic and Champagne Braces Compare?
Here is a side-by-side look at the three options. Your orthodontist will confirm which ones suit your bite during the exam.
| Type | Look | Care needed | Often a good fit for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metal braces | Silver brackets with colored bands you can swap | Very durable; standard braces care | Families who want the most cost-effective, time-tested option |
| Ceramic (clear) braces | Tooth-colored brackets that blend in | A little more care, since ceramic can be slightly more delicate | Teens and adults who prefer a low-profile look |
| Champagne braces | Warm, golden-toned brackets | Standard braces care | Patients who want something softer than silver without fully hiding their braces |
Are Metal Braces Still a Good Choice?
Yes. Metal braces remain the most time-tested way to straighten teeth, and they are often the most cost-effective option we offer. Modern metal brackets are smaller, sleeker and more comfortable than the bulky braces many parents remember from their own school years.
Metal brackets are also very durable. That matters for younger patients and for anyone who plays sports, where a sturdier bracket gives some peace of mind. Kids and teens can pick band colors to match their mood, an outfit or a favorite sports team. If you want results without extra fuss, metal braces are a reliable place to start.
Who Are Ceramic (Clear) Braces Best For?
Ceramic braces, often called clear braces, work the same way metal braces do, but the brackets are tooth-colored, so they are much less noticeable. They suit teens, adults and anyone who would rather their braces stay in the background.
The trade-off is care. Ceramic can be slightly more delicate than metal, so patients need to be a little more careful about what they bite into. If you are comfortable following the food guidelines your orthodontist gives you, ceramic braces offer the strength of traditional braces with a quieter look.
What Are Champagne Braces?
Champagne braces are a metal-style bracket with a warm, golden tone in place of the usual silver. They work as well as metal braces and suit a wide range of skin tones.
Patients usually pick champagne braces when they want their braces to look a bit softer and more polished but do not mind that they are visible. Ceramic and champagne braces are both among the lower-profile options we offer adults, and they work just as well as metal.
How Do Braces Compare With Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners are not a type of braces. They are a series of removable trays that move teeth in small steps. Our practice offers several aligner systems, including Invisalign, and we design them from a digital 3D scan. Aligners can be a good choice for people who want a nearly invisible, removable option. But they only work when they are worn for most of the day, and not every case is a good match for them.
Braces are fixed in place, so there is nothing to remember to put back in after a meal. For some younger patients that makes treatment more predictable. If you are deciding between the two, our clear aligners page explains the brands we offer, and your orthodontist can tell you during the exam whether aligners are a realistic option for your bite.
How Do I Choose the Right Type of Braces?
There is no wrong answer here. Most families narrow it down with four questions:
- Lifestyle: How much attention can you give to food choices and bracket care? If you play contact sports or want the sturdiest bracket, metal is often the practical pick.
- Smile goals: Your orthodontist looks at your bite, crowding and jaw growth to see which options will treat your case well.
- Budget: Metal braces are usually the most cost-effective. Our team will go over the cost of each option at your consultation.
- Personal style: Do you want to show off band colors, blend in with ceramic, or add a little warmth with champagne?
For children, the choice often comes after an early check. Our braces for kids page explains why age 7 is a good time for a first orthodontic visit. Teens can read about schedules, sports and band colors on our braces for teens page.
What Happens at a Braces Consultation in Broken Arrow?
Your first orthodontic visit at our office on W Stone Wood Dr is free. Here is what to expect:
- A review of your dental and medical history
- Digital X-rays and a 3D scan with our intraoral scanner, so there are no messy impressions
- An exam with one of our orthodontists, Dr. Christopher Trockel or Dr. Martin Trockel
- Time to talk through metal, ceramic and champagne braces and clear aligners for your specific case
- A clear explanation of cost, insurance and payment options before anything starts
Both of our orthodontists hold DDS and MS degrees, completed their orthodontic training at Nova Southeastern University, and are members of the American Association of Orthodontists. When the timing is right, we offer same-day starts, so you may be able to begin treatment at the same visit.
How Much Do Braces Cost in Broken Arrow?
Cost depends on the type of braces you choose and how complex your case is, so we give you a personal estimate at your consultation rather than a general price. We offer low down payments and flexible payment plans, and our team will review your insurance coverage and file claims for you. Our patient resources page explains the financial side in more detail.
Frequently Asked Questions About Types of Braces
Do all three types of braces work equally well?
Metal, ceramic and champagne braces all use brackets and wires to move teeth. Your orthodontist will tell you if your case calls for a particular option. For many patients, the decision comes down to look, care and cost.
Can my family get checkups and braces at the same office?
Yes. Sunshine Smiles has a general dentist, Dr. Priscila Jelsing, DDS, alongside our two orthodontists, so cleanings and checkups happen in the same Broken Arrow office as orthodontic visits.
What happens after my braces come off?
You move into retainers, whichever type of braces you wore. A retainer holds your teeth in their new positions, and your orthodontist will explain how and when to wear yours.
Do you see patients from outside Broken Arrow?
Yes. Families come to us from across the Tulsa area, including Tulsa and Bixby.
Does your staff speak Spanish?
Yes. We have Spanish-speaking staff, so families can talk through their braces options in Spanish.
Schedule a Free Braces Consultation in Broken Arrow
The best way to choose between metal, ceramic and champagne braces is to see what your own teeth need. Book your free orthodontic consultation with Sunshine Smiles Dental & Braces, or call or text (918) 918-1815. We will look at your smile, listen to your goals and walk you through every option, with no pressure.