Clear aligners and braces: what is different?
Compare removable aligners and fixed braces by assessment, daily use, monitoring, case needs, and long-term retention.
Patient guide last updated 2026-07-30.
Both approaches move teeth
Braces use brackets and wires fixed to the teeth. Clear aligners use a sequence of removable trays. The right approach depends on the diagnosis, tooth and jaw movement required, oral health, and the patient's ability to follow the plan.
Removable treatment adds responsibility
Aligners must be worn as directed and removed for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. Patients also need to keep appointments and report trays that do not fit. Braces remain attached but require careful cleaning around brackets and wires.
The appliance is not the treatment plan
Ask who made the diagnosis, who approves the digital setup, what records were taken, how progress is checked, what refinements may be needed, and what retainer plan follows treatment. A brand name cannot answer those questions by itself.
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