Traditional metal braces remain the most effective option for severe misalignment, significant bite correction, or cases involving young patients whose jaws are still developing — they apply continuous, precisely controlled force that clear aligners can’t always match for complex movements. Invisalign and similar clear aligner systems work well for mild to moderate crowding or spacing in adults and older teens who prioritize appearance and the ability to remove the aligners to eat, brush, and floss normally. The tradeoff is discipline: aligners only work if worn 20-22 hours a day, and skipping days extends treatment time noticeably, whereas braces apply their force regardless of patient compliance. Your dentist or orthodontist can tell you within one exam which category your case falls into — it’s rarely a matter of preference alone.
July 21, 2026