Traditional Braces vs Clear Aligners — Which Is Right for You?
Thinking about straightening your teeth? This guide explains the differences between fixed braces and clear aligner systems, including what each involves, who they suit, and costs.
Orthodontic treatment straightens teeth and corrects the way the upper and lower teeth fit together (your bite). People choose it for a range of reasons:
Teeth that are crowded, crooked, gapped, or overlapping
A bite that is misaligned — overbite, underbite, or crossbite
Improving confidence when smiling
Making teeth easier to clean and reducing the risk of decay and gum disease
There are two main types of orthodontic appliance used in adults and older teenagers: fixed braces and clear (removable) aligners. Both can achieve excellent results in the right patient — but they work differently and have different advantages.
Note: NHS orthodontic treatment is available for children under 18 meeting specific clinical criteria (IOTN score 3d or above). Most adult orthodontic treatment is carried out privately.
Option 1 — Fixed braces
Fixed braces consist of small metal or ceramic brackets bonded to the front of each tooth, connected by a wire. The wire is adjusted at regular appointments (usually every 6–8 weeks) to gradually move the teeth into the correct position. They stay in your mouth throughout treatment and cannot be removed.
Modern options include:
Metal braces — the most common; very effective and generally the least expensive fixed option
Ceramic (tooth-coloured) braces — less visible but slightly more fragile
Lingual braces — fitted to the back (tongue side) of the teeth, virtually invisible from the front; more expensive and technically demanding
Benefits:
Suitable for a very wide range of tooth movements — including complex bite corrections
Work continuously 24 hours a day — you cannot forget to wear them
Often more predictable for complex cases
Generally more affordable than clear aligners for complex treatment
Privately: typically £2,000–£5,000 depending on complexity and type; NHS children's treatment is free when eligible. The exact cost will be confirmed on your individual treatment plan. Fees vary between practices and depend on the complexity of your case.
Drawbacks and risks:
Visible on the teeth (metal more so than ceramic)
Cleaning is more demanding — food traps around brackets and wires; an electric toothbrush and interdental brushes are essential
Some foods must be avoided (hard, sticky, or crunchy foods that can damage brackets)
Mild soreness and ulceration of the cheeks and lips is common, especially early on
Emergency appointments may be needed if a bracket comes off or a wire breaks
Decalcification (white marks on teeth) can occur if oral hygiene is poor during treatment
Treatment time is typically 12–24 months for most cases
Option 2 — Clear aligners
Clear aligners are a series of custom-made transparent plastic trays that fit snugly over your teeth. Each tray is slightly different from the last, gently moving the teeth in small steps. You wear each tray for 1–2 weeks before moving to the next, attending check-up appointments every 6–12 weeks.
Well-known systems include Invisalign, ClearCorrect, and several others. Some practices offer in-house aligner systems. Quality and clinical oversight vary — it is important to have aligners prescribed and supervised by a qualified dental professional.
Benefits:
Nearly invisible — most people cannot tell you are wearing them
Removable — you take them out to eat, drink (anything other than water), and brush your teeth
Generally more comfortable than fixed braces as there are no sharp brackets or wires
Easier to maintain good oral hygiene during treatment
Fewer dietary restrictions
Suitable for mild to moderate crowding, spacing, and some bite corrections
Drawbacks and risks:
Must be worn for at least 20–22 hours per day to be effective — results depend heavily on compliance
Not suitable for all cases — complex bite problems, significant tooth rotations, or large vertical movements often require fixed braces
Some patients experience increased saliva production or slight speech changes initially
Small tooth-coloured attachments (bumps) are often bonded to the teeth to help the trays grip — these are visible
Trays must be cleaned regularly or they can stain and harbour bacteria
Generally more expensive than traditional braces for comparable treatment — privately £2,500–£6,000+ depending on complexity and brand. The exact cost will be confirmed on your individual treatment plan. Fees vary between practices and depend on the complexity of your case.
Direct-to-consumer aligner schemes (without regular clinical supervision) carry significant risks and are not recommended by professional bodies
After treatment — retainers for both options
Whichever treatment you choose, wearing retainers afterwards is essential. Without retainers, teeth will naturally drift back towards their original positions — this is called relapse.
Retainers are typically:
Removable retainers — worn every night, usually for the rest of your life
Fixed retainers — a thin wire bonded to the back of the teeth, particularly common on the lower front teeth
Many people choose a combination of both. The cost of retainers may or may not be included in the overall treatment fee — always check before you start. This is one of the most common points of patient dissatisfaction when it is not discussed upfront.
Factors that help decide which option is right for you
The following factors will influence which option your orthodontist or dentist recommends:
Complexity of your case — significant bite issues or rotations are better treated with fixed braces; mild to moderate crowding or spacing may be ideal for aligners
Your age — aligners are generally not recommended for children whose teeth are still developing; they are popular with adults who value discretion
Your lifestyle and commitment — aligners require strong self-discipline; if you are likely to forget to wear them, braces are more reliable
Your profession or social situation — some adults prefer aligners for professional reasons or because they are getting married or have a key event during treatment
Budget — aligners are often more expensive; braces may be more cost-effective for longer or more complex treatment
Previous orthodontic treatment — if you had braces in the past and teeth have relapsed, the situation and options may differ
Questions to ask your dentist or orthodontist
Before starting any orthodontic treatment, ask:
Am I a good candidate for clear aligners, or would braces give better results for my case?
What is the realistic treatment time for each option?
Are retainers included in the quoted price?
How many appointments will I need, and how long does each one take?
What happens if I lose or break an aligner tray?
Will I need any teeth removed to create space?
Is this treatment carried out by a registered specialist orthodontist, or a general dentist with additional training?
What happens if I am not happy with the result — what is your process for reviewing outcomes?
Important: Always have orthodontic treatment prescribed and supervised by a GDC-registered professional. Avoid unmonitored online aligner services — these carry significant risk of irreversible harm.
NHS charges are set nationally and reviewed annually. Private fees are a guide — your dentist will confirm the exact cost on your treatment plan before you agree to proceed. NHS orthodontic treatment for children is free where eligibility criteria are met; most adult orthodontic treatment is carried out privately. Your dentist or orthodontist will discuss the best option for your specific case.
This leaflet is for general information only and does not replace professional dental advice. It is intended to support — not replace — the discussion with your dentist about your individual options, risks, and treatment plan. Your dentist will confirm what is suitable for your specific circumstances before you agree to any treatment.
References
Aligned with guidance from: FGDP(UK), British Orthodontic Society, NICE.