What is the actual difference?
Fixed braces are attached to the teeth and work continuously. Clear aligners are removable trays, changed on a schedule, and they only work while they are in your mouth.
That last point is the whole trade-off. Aligners need to be worn most of the day, every day. If they sit in a drawer, nothing moves and the treatment simply takes longer.
Which one works better?
For most everyday crowding and spacing, both can produce a good result. For certain complex movements, fixed braces still have the advantage.
An orthodontist looking at your records will say which category yours falls into. A plan that promises aligners for any case at all, sight unseen, is not being straight with you.
How long does treatment take?
It depends on how far the teeth have to move, and that is set by your starting position rather than by which appliance is used.
A small correction and a full bite correction are different jobs. Anyone giving you a duration before seeing records and X-rays is guessing.
Do I have to wear a retainer afterwards?
Yes. Teeth drift back towards where they started, and retainers are what stop that. This is not an optional extra at the end.
It is the single most common reason people end up disappointed years later. Ask about retainers at the start, not at the finish.
Is it too late as an adult?
No. Teeth move at any age, provided the gums and the bone supporting them are healthy.
Healthy gums matter more than age here. Where there is existing gum disease, that is treated first.
Common questions
Are clear aligners as effective as braces?
For most everyday crowding and spacing, both can give a good result. Some complex tooth movements are still handled better by fixed braces, which is why the case needs assessing first.
How many hours a day must aligners be worn?
They need to be worn for most of the day, every day. They only move teeth while they are in the mouth, so inconsistent wear simply extends the treatment.
Do I need a retainer after braces or aligners?
Yes. Teeth tend to drift back towards their original position, and a retainer is what prevents that. It is part of the treatment, not an optional extra.
Can adults have orthodontic treatment?
Yes. Teeth can be moved at any age as long as the gums and supporting bone are healthy. Existing gum disease is treated first.