Clear braces or metal braces: what is the difference?

Clear braces use an intraoral scanner, a 3D scanning device that generates a model of the patient's teeth. This scan is used to simulate tooth movement, develop a tailored treatment plan, and craft the clear plastic aligners that follow the plan. The patient wears these aligners, guiding the teeth to shift according to the software-created roadmap from the outset.

Metal braces rely on a traditional approach. The dentist plans the treatment by assessing dental impressions to identify the best points for affixing the braces. Wires are then used to adjust alignment, typically applying a pulling force that gradually positions the teeth, all under the dentist's supervision.