Gold braces are traditional braces with gold-colored brackets and wires. They move teeth exactly the way metal braces do and are equally effective, but they give your smile a warm, standout look. Garcia Orthodontics offers gold, metal and clear ceramic braces.
Most people picture braces as silver, and plenty of patients love that classic look with colorful elastics. But some patients, especially teens and adults who like to stand out, want something different. Gold braces are for anyone who sees their braces as part of their style rather than something to hide. This guide explains what gold braces are, how they compare with other types and how to decide whether they are right for you.
What Are Gold Braces?
Same design as traditional braces
All braces share the same basic parts. Brackets are bonded to each tooth and connected by a thin archwire, which is regularly adjusted to guide teeth into better positions. Elastics hold the wire in the brackets. Gold braces follow that same design, so the treatment itself is the same as with traditional metal braces.
A gold-colored finish
The difference is the color. Gold braces use gold-colored brackets and wires, which creates a bold, warm look that stands out in a crowd. Our types of braces page describes them as a great way to show off your personality and add some fun to treatment.
Equally effective
Gold braces are equally as effective as metal braces. You choose the look; Dr. Garcia’s treatment plan is what moves your teeth.
How Do Gold Braces Compare With Metal and Ceramic Braces?
| Feature | Metal braces | Clear ceramic braces | Gold braces |
|---|---|---|---|
| — | — | — | — |
| Look | Classic silver, optional colored elastics | Tooth-colored, less visible | Gold-colored, bold and warm |
| Effectiveness | Proven for the full range of issues | Effective, larger and more brittle brackets | Equally as effective as metal braces |
| Who often chooses them | Kids, teens and adults | Older teens and adults with cosmetic concerns | Patients who want to stand out |
| Placement | Upper and lower teeth | Often upper front teeth only | Upper and lower teeth |
| Hygiene | Standard braces care | Needs extra attention to hygiene | Standard braces care |
Metal braces
Traditional metal braces are the most common option and the most cost-effective. They are made of high-grade stainless steel, sleek and comfortable, and you can add colored elastics.
Clear ceramic braces
Ceramic braces blend with your teeth, which makes them popular with older teens and adults. They are larger and more brittle than metal braces and require more attention to oral hygiene, so at our office we tend to place them on the upper front teeth rather than the lower teeth.
Gold braces
Gold braces sit at the other end of the spectrum from ceramic. Instead of blending in, they are meant to be seen.
Who Usually Chooses Gold Braces?
Teens who want a signature look
Many teens treat braces as a style statement. Gold braces give them something unique in school photos and on social media, and they still work exactly like traditional braces.
Adults who want something different
Some adults decide that if they are going to wear braces, they want them to look intentional. Gold can complement jewelry and personal style in a way silver does not.
Patients who need braces rather than aligners
Some bites are better treated with braces than with Invisalign. If braces are the right choice for your case but you don’t love the idea of silver, gold offers another option.
What Is Treatment With Gold Braces Like?
Placement
Brackets are bonded to your teeth and the wire is placed, just as with metal braces. You may feel pressure and some soreness for the first days while your teeth start to move.
Adjustments
Braces patients generally visit every four to six weeks so Dr. Garcia can adjust the wire and keep teeth moving on schedule.
Care at home
Care is the same as with other braces. Brush at least twice a day, floss regularly and avoid hard, crunchy, chewy and sticky foods like popcorn, nuts, hard candy and caramel. Our braces FAQ has more detail on what to avoid.
Retainers
When treatment is finished, you will wear a retainer to keep your teeth in their new positions, just like any braces patient.
Can You Customize Gold Braces?
Elastic colors
Many patients enjoy choosing elastic colors at each adjustment. Ask the team which colors are available and how they pair with gold. Our braces page even has a “color my braces” tool so you can preview combinations.
Mixing your look for events
If you have a big event coming up, like a quinceañera, a graduation or a wedding, mention it before your adjustment. The team can help you choose elastic colors that look great in photos.
Are Gold Braces Right for You?
Questions to ask yourself
- Do I want my braces to be noticed, or would I prefer them to blend in?
- Am I comfortable with a bold look for the length of treatment?
- Does my case call for braces rather than Invisalign?
Talk it through at your consultation
At your consultation, Dr. Garcia will explain which types of braces fit your case and help you choose between metal, ceramic and gold. Learn more about braces in Miami before your visit.
How Do Gold Braces Look in Photos?
Gold braces photograph with a warm tone that many patients find flattering, especially against tanned skin and in Miami’s bright sunlight. Because they are meant to be seen, patients who choose gold tend to smile more freely in pictures rather than trying to hide their braces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are gold braces made of real gold?
Gold braces use gold-colored brackets and wires. Ask the team at your consultation about the specific materials used for your braces.
Do gold braces work as well as metal braces?
Yes. Gold braces are equally as effective as traditional metal braces.
Can adults get gold braces?
Yes. Gold braces are an option for patients who want a distinctive look, whatever their age.
Do gold braces require special care?
No. Care is the same as with other braces: brush, floss and avoid hard, sticky and chewy foods.
Find Your Style at Garcia Orthodontics
Whether you want your braces to blend in or shine, we have an option for you. Request a consult at our Kendall office and ask Dr. Garcia about gold braces for your smile.
