Both traditional braces and clear aligners move teeth into better alignment — but they get there very differently, and the right choice depends on your case and your lifestyle, not just personal preference.
Visibility and comfort
Clear aligners are nearly invisible and don't involve wires or brackets, which means less irritation to your cheeks and lips. Traditional braces are more visible but stay in place continuously without the discipline required to wear removable trays consistently.
What each is best suited for
- Clear aligners work well for mild to moderate crowding, spacing, and minor bite issues
- Traditional braces can address more complex movements and severe misalignment
- Aligners require consistent daily wear (typically 20–22 hours) to stay on schedule
- Braces don't rely on patient compliance in the same way, since they can't be removed
Treatment oversight matters either way
One thing that shouldn't differ: your treatment should be actively monitored by a dentist, not left entirely to a mail-order kit and a smartphone app. Doctor-directed aligner treatment means someone is actually checking your progress and adjusting the plan if something isn't tracking as expected.
The best way to know which fits your case is a consultation and a digital scan — from there, we can show you a realistic projection of your results with each option.