Clear Braces & Braces Colors - Berkeley | Ferrari Larios Orthodontics

Your Berkeley & Bay Area Experts in Modern Braces.

At FLO, our approach to braces is holistic, personalized, and airway-focused. We focus on jaw development, airway health, and overall function — creating beautiful smiles that support long-term well-being.

We offer many different types of braces in order to help treat your specific needs. This includes traditional metal braces, which come in many popular colors such as black braces, silver braces, red braces, and blue braces.

We also offer "clear braces" if you are looking for something for something a little more subtle, but don't want worry about Invisalign® clear aligners. Clear braces, which are actually tooth-colored ceramic braces, may be a good option for you if you are worried about you or your child losing Invisalign® trays too often.

While Invisalign® and braces are equally effective when worn regularly, sometimes your needs would be better suited with a fixed solution, such as braces if wearing Invisalign® trays proves to be too difficult. Read more about about our Invisalign® philosophy.

And yes, we offer a full orthodontic color wheel so you can choose the perfect colors to express yourself!

We are pioneers in holistic maxillofacial health

Ferrari Larios Orthodontics was one of the first orthodontic practices in the Bay Area to combine braces with 3D imaging. Our practice combines traditional braces with cutting-edge 3D imaging and a non-extraction philosophy, ensuring that your treatment is customized and comprehensive. We provide care for patients in the San Francisco Bay Area - ranging anywhere from right here in Kensington, Berkeley, Oakland, Albany, and El Cerrito all the way to the San Jose in the South Bay as well as SF and beyond on the Peninsula.

Get a 360-degree view of your oral wellness

No matter the tool we use as dentists and orthodontists, be it Invisalign or braces, your needs are unique. We look at the big picture, carefully considering your teeth, jaws, airway—and overall health—to ensure an ideal orthodontic treatment plan.

Why choose FLO for braces?

Braces remain the gold standard for comprehensive tooth and jaw alignment in complex cases or where patient compliance with aligners may be a challenge. But what makes Ferrari Larios Orthodontics stand out?

Airway-centric, whole-body orthodontic approach
3D imaging and customized treatment planning
Non-extraction philosophy that preserves your natural jaw structure
Clear braces, ceramic braces, and traditional metal braces are all options for your treatment
A full range of braces colors including gold, white, pink, teal, purple and many more

What are the differences between the main braces options?

Metal Braces: Classic, durable, and effective.
Ceramic Braces (aka. Clear Braces): Low-visibility, tooth-colored option with similar effectiveness to metal braces.
Lingual Braces: Brackets on the back of the teeth, which are discreet, but it is often more expensive, more uncomfortable, and more difficult to maintain good oral hygiene.

What issues can braces correct?

Braces treatment at FLO can address a wide range of orthodontic issues including:

Crowding and spacing problems
Overbites, underbites, cross-bites, and open bites
Jaw alignment issues
Support for palate expansion and airway improvement
Guide jaw development for better facial balance and sleep health

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Braces are for everyone.

Kids: Correct crowding, spacing, and bite issues early. Guide jaw development and support airway health to address sleep-disordered breathing concerns, such as sleep apnea.

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Teens: Address misaligned teeth, improve bite alignment, create beautiful smiles. Increase confidence and improve oral health at the same time.

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Adults: Straighten teeth, correct bite, and improve aesthetics. Address issues like TMJ discomfort and jaw misalignment.

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Frequently asked questions about braces

Braces FAQs

Orthodontic treatment can enhance oral health, improve bite function, and contribute to an attractive smile. It may also address issues related to airway health and overall well-being.

Braces involve metal or ceramic brackets and wires, while Invisalign® uses a highly designed plastic to move teeth. See our treatments page for more information.

Your treatment time will be assessed at the exam and is not longer with clear aligners versus braces, unless compliance is an issue. The length of time is determined by the doctor and depends on the severity of malocclusion.

The average orthodontic treatment duration varies but typically ranges from 12 to 24 months. Individual cases may be shorter or longer based on complexity and patient compliance.

The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that a child has their first exam at age 7, however we believe in starting earlier if symptoms related to sleep disordered breathing are present. Please contact our office or fill out our health history form so that our doctors can determine if your child would benefit from early treatment.

Yes, we may offer orthodontic devices to help manage mild to moderate sleep apnea. These devices reposition the jaw to keep the airway open during sleep, promoting better breathing.

Treatment for TMJ/TMD may include orthodontic intervention, such as diagnostic imaging, splint therapy, and collaboration with other healthcare providers. A comprehensive evaluation is necessary to determine the most suitable approach for your case.

The initial appointment is approximately 30 minutes for the exam and 30 minutes for the records, which we advise to be completed before the exam to save you time and to make the most out of your initial visit.

During the initial exam, we conduct a comprehensive assessment, which includes a discussion of your medical and dental history, an examination of your teeth and bite, and an X-ray, photos, and a digital scan if the records are taken the same day. This information helps us formulate a personalized and thorough treatment plan.

As with any treatment at Ferrari Larios Orthodontics, we'll start with digital imaging and a consultation to learn more about your orthodontic goals. Our state-of-the-art iTero Lumina 5D scanners and iCAT CBCT x-ray machine give us a complete 3D view of your teeth to ensure a customized treatment. If you and the doctors decide that clear aligners are the best path forward, Dr. Claire Ferrari and Dr. Alena Larios will create a customized set of trays for you to wear. As your treatment progresses, we'll check in regularly and make any necessary adjustments to ensure optimal results.

Costs vary based on case complexity and treatment length. Our team provides a detailed estimate and helps maximize your insurance coverage.

Orthodontic treatment by a qualified orthodontist or dentist who specializes in airway orthodontics can improve airway health - braces alone by your dentist can’t. Orthodontists may use devices such as palatal expanders in conjunction with braces or Invisalign® to realign teeth and address underlying breathing and airway issues. Consulting a specialized orthodontist is crucial for effective treatment.