Traditional Braces vs Clear Aligners — Which Is Right for You?
Thinking about straightening your teeth? This guide explains fixed braces and clear aligners. It covers what each involves, who they suit, the costs, and what to ask your dental team or orthodontist.
Why think about straightening your teeth?
Orthodontic treatment straightens teeth. It also corrects how your upper and lower teeth meet (your bite). People choose it for different reasons:
- Teeth that are crowded, crooked, gapped or overlapping
- A bite that does not line up, such as an overbite, underbite or crossbite
- Feeling more confident when you smile
- Making teeth easier to clean, to lower the risk of decay and gum disease
There are two main types of brace for adults and older teenagers: fixed braces and clear aligners (which you can take out). Both can give excellent results for the right person. But they work in different ways and have different benefits.
Note: On the NHS, orthodontic treatment is usually available for under-18s whose need scores Dental Health Component 4 or 5 on the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN), or 3 with an aesthetic score of 6 or more. Your dental team or orthodontist will check this. Most orthodontic treatment for adults is done privately.
Option 1 — Fixed braces
Fixed braces are small metal or ceramic brackets stuck to the front of each tooth. A wire links them. The wire is adjusted at regular visits, usually every 6–8 weeks. This slowly moves the teeth into the right place. The braces stay on for the whole treatment, and you cannot take them out.
Modern types include:
- Metal braces. These are the most common. They work very well and usually cost the least of the fixed types.
- Ceramic (tooth-coloured) braces. These are harder to see, but they break a little more easily.
- Lingual braces. These fit on the back of the teeth (the tongue side), so they are almost invisible from the front. They cost more and are harder to fit well.
Good points:
- Can make a very wide range of tooth movements, including complex bite corrections
- Work 24 hours a day, so you cannot forget to wear them
- Often give more predictable results in complex cases
- Usually cost less than clear aligners for complex treatment
- Privately, they usually cost £2,000–£5,000, depending on the type and how complex the case is. NHS treatment for children is free if they qualify. Your treatment plan will confirm your exact cost. Fees vary between practices and depend on how complex your case is.
Downsides and risks:
- You can see them on the teeth (metal more than ceramic)
- Cleaning is harder. Food gets trapped around brackets and wires. You need an electric toothbrush and small brushes for between the teeth (interdental brushes).
- You must avoid some foods. These are hard, sticky or crunchy foods that can damage the brackets.
- Mild soreness and ulcers on the cheeks and lips are common, especially early on
- You may need an urgent visit if a bracket comes off or a wire breaks
- Decalcification (white marks on teeth) is common — about 1 in 3 people get new white marks during treatment with fixed braces. The risk is higher if you do not keep your teeth clean.
- Treatment usually takes 12–24 months for most cases
Option 2 — Clear aligners
Clear aligners are a set of see-through plastic trays made to fit your teeth closely. Each tray is slightly different from the last. Each one gently moves your teeth a small step. You wear each tray for 1–2 weeks, then move on to the next. You have check-ups every 6–12 weeks.
Several clear aligner systems are available, including some designed by practices themselves. The quality and the clinical checks vary. It is important that a qualified dental professional prescribes and supervises your aligners.
Good points:
- Almost invisible. Most people cannot tell you are wearing them.
- You can take them out to eat, to drink anything other than water, and to brush your teeth
- Usually more comfortable than fixed braces, as there are no sharp brackets or wires
- Easier to keep your teeth clean during treatment
- Fewer limits on what you eat
- Suitable for mild to moderate crowding, gaps and some bite corrections
Downsides and risks:
- You must wear them for at least 20–22 hours a day for them to work. Results depend a lot on you wearing them.
- Not suitable for all cases. Complex bite problems, large tooth rotations or large up-and-down movements often need fixed braces.
- At first, some people make more saliva or speak slightly differently
- Small tooth-coloured bumps (attachments) are often stuck to the teeth to help the trays grip. You can see these.
- You must clean the trays regularly, or they can stain and collect bacteria
- Usually cost more than traditional braces for similar treatment. Privately, they cost £2,500–£6,000+, depending on the brand and how complex the case is. Your treatment plan will confirm your exact cost. Fees vary between practices and depend on how complex your case is.
- Aligners sold straight to the public, without regular checks by a clinician, carry serious risks. Professional bodies do not recommend them.
After treatment — retainers for both options
Whichever treatment you choose, you must wear retainers afterwards. Without them, your teeth will naturally drift back towards where they were. This is called relapse.
Retainers are usually:
- Removable retainers. You wear these every night, usually for the rest of your life.
- Fixed retainers. This is a thin wire stuck to the back of the teeth. It is common on the lower front teeth.
Many people have both. The cost of retainers may or may not be in the treatment fee, so always check before you start. People are often unhappy about this when it is not talked about at the start.
Factors that help decide which option is right for you
These things will affect which option your orthodontist or dentist advises:
- How complex your case is. Large bite problems or rotations are better treated with fixed braces. Mild to moderate crowding or gaps may be ideal for aligners.
- Your age. Aligners are not usually advised for children whose teeth are still growing. They are popular with adults who want a brace that is hard to see.
- Your lifestyle and commitment. Aligners need strong self-discipline. If you are likely to forget to wear them, braces are more reliable.
- Your work or social life. Some adults prefer aligners for work, or because they are getting married or have a big event during treatment.
- Budget. Aligners often cost more. Braces may be better value for longer or more complex treatment.
- Past orthodontic treatment. If you had braces before and your teeth have moved back, your situation and options may be different.
Questions to ask your dental team or orthodontist
Before you start any orthodontic treatment, ask:
- Would clear aligners work for me, or would braces give better results?
- How long is each option likely to take?
- Are retainers included in the price?
- How many visits will I need, and how long is each one?
- What happens if I lose or break an aligner tray?
- Will I need any teeth taken out to make space?
- Will a registered specialist orthodontist do my treatment, or a general dentist with extra training?
- What happens if I am not happy with the result? How do you review results?
Important: Always have orthodontic treatment prescribed and supervised by a GDC-registered professional. Avoid online aligner services that do not monitor your treatment. These carry a serious risk of harm that cannot be undone.
NHS charges are set nationally and reviewed each April. Any NHS charge shown here is the England charge from 1 April 2026. Charges differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Private fees are a guide. Your dental team will confirm the exact cost on your treatment plan before you agree to go ahead. NHS orthodontic treatment for children is free when they meet the rules. Most orthodontic treatment for adults is done privately. Your dental team or orthodontist will talk with you about the best option for your 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 dental team about your individual options, risks, and treatment plan. Your dental team will confirm what is suitable for your specific circumstances before you agree to any treatment.
Sources
- Treatment and brace types. British Orthodontic Society.
- Orthodontic treatment: frequently asked questions. British Orthodontic Society.
- Braces. NHS website (nhs.uk), reviewed June 2026.
Links checked 18 October 2026.
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