Discreet Orthodontic Treatment Without the Metal

Gone are the days when straightening your teeth meant a mouth full of visible metal brackets. Today, patients in North York and Barrie have several excellent options for achieving a beautiful smile without the traditional look of braces.

At The Wireworks, Dr. Eggert Boehlau offers two main categories of clear orthodontic solutions: ceramic (aesthetic) braces and clear aligners. Each has its strengths, and understanding the differences can help you choose the right option for your smile.

Option 1: Ceramic (Aesthetic) Braces

Ceramic braces — also called aesthetic braces or clear braces — work exactly like traditional metal braces but use tooth-coloured brackets that blend with your natural teeth. They're one of the most popular discreet options for patients who need the precision of fixed braces without the metallic appearance.

Advantages of Ceramic Braces

• Nearly invisible — tooth-coloured brackets blend with your enamel
• Precise control — ideal for complex cases that need the accuracy of fixed brackets
• Always working — no temptation to remove them (unlike aligners)
• Effective for all ages — works well for teens and adults alike
• Cost-effective — typically less expensive than clear aligner therapy for complex cases

Best For

Ceramic braces are ideal for patients with moderate to severe alignment issues who want a discreet look but need the power of fixed brackets. They're especially popular with working professionals and older teens who want to keep a low profile during treatment.

Option 2: Active Aligner Therapy (Clear Aligners)

Active Aligner Therapy uses a series of custom-made, completely transparent trays that fit over your teeth. You wear each set for 1-2 weeks, and your teeth gradually shift into position. At The Wireworks, all aligners are designed and 3D-printed in-house using our Kinetica 3D digital lab.

Advantages of Clear Aligners

• Virtually invisible — most people won't notice you're wearing them
• Removable — take them out for eating, brushing, and special occasions
• Comfortable — smooth plastic with no brackets or wires to irritate your mouth
• Easy oral hygiene — brush and floss normally since there's nothing bonded to your teeth
• Made in-house — faster turnaround and adjustments than outsourced aligner brands

Best For

Clear aligners work best for patients with mild to moderate alignment issues who value flexibility and discretion. They're a favourite among adults and image-conscious teens.

Ceramic Braces vs. Clear Aligners: Quick Comparison

Can You Combine Both?

Yes! One of the unique advantages of working with Dr. Boehlau at The Wireworks is the ability to combine treatment approaches. Some patients start with fixed braces for complex movements and transition to aligners for fine-tuning. Others use partial braces on a few teeth alongside aligner therapy. Because everything is managed in-house, these hybrid approaches are seamless.

Why Choose a Specialist for Clear Braces?

Many general dentists now offer clear braces and aligners, but there's a meaningful difference between a general practitioner and a board-certified orthodontist like Dr. Boehlau. With over 30 years of specialized experience, Dr. Boehlau can identify the best approach for your specific case — including situations where a general dentist might miss a complication.

The Wireworks serves patients from across the GTA and Simcoe County, with convenient offices in North York (near Yorkdale, on Dufferin Street) and downtown Barrie.

Book Your Free Consultation

Not sure which clear braces option is right for you? That's exactly what a consultation is for. Dr. Boehlau will assess your teeth, discuss your goals and lifestyle, and recommend the best path to your perfect smile — with no obligation.

Book your free consultation today at our North York or Barrie office.