Clear aligners are generally best for mild to moderate tooth alignment issues, while braces are better for more complex bite and jaw problems.
Cases suited to clear aligners
- Mild to moderate crowding or spacing, especially when teeth just need aligning and levelling without major bite change.
- Relapse after previous orthodontic treatment, where teeth have shifted slightly but the bite is mostly stable.
- Mild overbite, underbite, crossbite or open bite where only limited bite correction is required.
- Patients with good oral hygiene who want a discreet, removable option and can reliably wear trays 20–22 hours per day.
Cases better for braces
- Severe crowding or spacing, especially when teeth need to be moved large distances or rotated significantly.
- Significant bite problems (deep overbite, large overjet, complex crossbite, open bite, or jaw discrepancy) where precise 3D control of tooth movement is essential.
- Cases needing extractions, impacted teeth exposure, or complex tooth movements such as major root torque and detailed finishing of the bite.
- Patients who may struggle with wearing a removable appliance consistently, as fixed braces are always active.
How your dentist or orthodontist decides
- They will examine your teeth and bite, review X‑rays and digital scans, and assess how much movement is required and in which directions.
- From there, they will recommend clear aligners for simpler alignment‑focused cases and braces (sometimes in combination with other appliances) where more powerful, comprehensive control is needed for the best long‑term result
