Getting gold braces starts with finding an orthodontist who offers them, since not every practice stocks gold or champagne-colored brackets. Gold braces are a cosmetic upgrade to traditional metal braces, using stainless steel brackets coated in a gold or champagne-toned finish. They work exactly like standard braces but cost roughly $500 more for the gold plating, with total treatment running between $5,000 and $7,500.
How to Get Gold Braces From Your Orthodontist
Gold braces aren’t a separate type of orthodontic treatment. They’re standard metal brackets with a gold-colored coating, so any orthodontist can technically order them. The key is finding a practice that already carries a gold bracket system or is willing to order one for you.
Start by calling orthodontists in your area and asking whether they offer gold or champagne-colored brackets. Some practices list them alongside their other options (ceramic, lingual, clear aligners), while others may not advertise them but can still order them on request. One of the most widely available systems is Iconix by American Orthodontics, which uses a zirconia-based champagne finish over stainless steel. Your orthodontist doesn’t need to change their technique or prescription to use these brackets, so the barrier is really just whether they’re willing to stock or order them.
If your current orthodontist doesn’t offer gold braces, ask if they’d be open to ordering them before you switch providers. Many will accommodate the request since the brackets work identically to their standard metal ones. During your consultation, confirm the extra cost upfront so there are no surprises.
What Gold Braces Actually Are
Gold braces aren’t made of solid gold. They’re stainless steel brackets coated in a gold or champagne-toned layer that gives them a warm, metallic look instead of the typical silver. The Iconix system, for example, uses a proprietary zirconia finish that produces a “white gold” or champagne color designed to blend more naturally with teeth than silver brackets do.
The coating is purely cosmetic. Underneath, the brackets have the same strength and structure as regular metal braces, and your orthodontist uses the same wires, bands, and adjustment schedule. Treatment duration is no different, typically 18 to 24 months depending on your case.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
The total cost of gold braces ranges from about $5,000 to $7,500, which is comparable to traditional metal braces with a modest upcharge. Some clinics charge only an extra $500 for the gold plating, while others fold the difference into their overall pricing. The variation depends on your geographic area, the complexity of your case, and which bracket system the orthodontist uses.
Insurance treats gold braces the same as regular metal braces since they serve the same orthodontic function. If your plan covers braces, it will typically cover gold brackets up to the same benefit limit. You’d be responsible for any cosmetic surcharge out of pocket. Most orthodontists also offer payment plans that apply regardless of which bracket style you choose.
Benefits Beyond Appearance
Gold braces have a practical advantage for people with nickel allergies. Traditional stainless steel brackets contain nickel, which can cause irritation, sores, or allergic reactions in sensitive patients. The gold coating creates a barrier between the nickel-containing steel and your mouth, reducing contact and irritation. Gold is also non-toxic and less chemically reactive than bare steel, which means it attracts less plaque buildup over the course of treatment.
If you’ve had allergic reactions to nickel jewelry (rashes, itching, redness), mention this to your orthodontist. Gold-plated brackets may be a better fit for you than standard metal, and the nickel allergy angle can sometimes help justify the cosmetic upgrade.
Durability Over the Course of Treatment
A common concern is whether the gold coating will chip or fade before your braces come off. With modern bracket systems, the finish is designed to last the full length of treatment. The Iconix system specifically uses a smooth zirconia finish that won’t peel or brush away, and the manufacturer guarantees the champagne color stays consistent throughout.
That said, discoloration can happen from external sources. Coffee, tea, red wine, turmeric, and other heavily pigmented foods and drinks can stain the area around brackets, making them look dull even if the coating itself is intact. This is surface buildup, not damage to the gold layer, and regular cleaning prevents it.
Keeping Gold Braces Clean and Shiny
Caring for gold braces is nearly identical to caring for regular braces, with one important exception: avoid whitening toothpaste. Whitening formulas contain abrasive particles that can scratch or dull the gold coating over time. Stick with a standard fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush.
Beyond that, the usual braces hygiene rules apply. Brush after every meal, floss daily using a floss threader or orthodontic flosser, and rinse with a non-whitening mouthwash. Pay extra attention to cleaning around each bracket where food pigments tend to collect. Regular orthodontic checkups (usually every 4 to 8 weeks) give your orthodontist a chance to check the brackets and clean areas you might miss. With consistent care, your gold brackets should look just as bright when they come off as the day they went on.
Gold Braces vs. Other Cosmetic Options
- Gold vs. ceramic braces: Ceramic brackets are tooth-colored and less visible, but they’re more fragile and can stain. Gold braces are more durable and make a deliberate style statement rather than trying to hide.
- Gold vs. clear aligners: Aligners like Invisalign are nearly invisible but require discipline (wearing them 20 to 22 hours per day) and can’t treat every case. Gold braces work for all the same cases as traditional metal braces with no compliance requirements beyond basic hygiene.
- Gold vs. lingual braces: Lingual braces sit behind your teeth and are completely hidden but cost significantly more and can affect speech. Gold braces are visible by design, sitting on the front of your teeth like standard brackets.
Gold braces appeal to people who don’t want to hide their orthodontic treatment. They lean into the look rather than disguising it, which is why they’ve become popular as a fashion-forward choice alongside their practical benefits.