Quick answer
Fixed braces and clear aligners can both straighten teeth. Braces are fixed to the teeth and adjusted at visits; aligners are removable, transparent trays worn for most of the day. The right choice depends on how your teeth need to move, your lifestyle and an orthodontic assessment.
Key points
- Both can treat many crowding and spacing problems.
- Aligners are discreet but rely on being worn consistently.
- Braces can offer more control for some bite problems.
- Both need retainers afterwards.
Two ways to straighten teeth
Fixed braces and clear aligners both move teeth gradually using gentle, controlled pressure. The difference is in how that pressure is applied, and what that means for daily life.
Fixed braces
Small brackets are bonded to the teeth and linked by a wire, which is adjusted at regular visits. Because braces stay in place all the time, they keep working without you having to remember them. Brackets can be metal or tooth-coloured. Learn more about fixed braces.
Clear aligners
Aligners are a series of transparent, removable trays, each made from a digital plan. You wear each set for a period before moving on to the next. They are discreet and come out to eat and brush, but they only work when worn for most of the day. Learn more about clear aligners.
Practical differences
| Fixed braces | Clear aligners | |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Visible (less so with tooth-coloured brackets) | Discreet |
| Removable | No | Yes, to eat and clean |
| Relies on daily wear | No | Yes, most of the day |
| Cleaning | Takes extra care around brackets | Teeth brushed as usual; aligners cleaned too |
| Food | Some hard or sticky foods avoided | Removed to eat |
| Afterwards | Retainers | Retainers |
Questions that help you decide
- How do my teeth and bite need to move? Some movements are easier to control with braces; many mild to moderate cases suit aligners.
- Will I wear aligners consistently? If you think you might often forget, braces may suit you better.
- How important is discretion? Aligners and tooth-coloured brackets are both less noticeable.
- What does my daily routine look like? Think about meals, travel and how you will look after your teeth.
The next step
There is no single right answer for everyone. An orthodontic assessment shows what your teeth need, and from there you can weigh the options with your dentist. Book a consultation to talk it through.
Frequently asked questions
Is one option faster?
Not necessarily. Treatment length depends mainly on how far teeth need to move and, for aligners, on how consistently they are worn.
Can I switch from braces to aligners?
Sometimes. It depends on your case and the stage of treatment, so it should be discussed with your dentist.
