Braces are an orthodontic treatment tool to align teeth. Traditionally braces have been used with clips or brackets that are glued onto the teeth with a wire threaded through them. This wire provides the tension that is required to gradually push the teeth into a new alignment. Clear aligners are a newer treatment that is useful for simple orthodontic treatments. More complex bite and alignment issues still need treatment with the use of traditional braces.

Clear braces are a see-through tray that fits precisely over the patient’s teeth. These aligners are custom-made and molded to the shape of the patient’s teeth. There are no brackets or metal used. The aligners are changed regularly and repeatedly to suit the changing alignment needs of the patient’s teeth.

1. Aesthetics
   The clips/brackets and wires that traditional braces use are rather obvious. Ceramic braces have brackets that are made of ceramic that matches the tooth color. So, the brackets are not as visible as the metal ones. However, the wire is clearly visible. Clear aligners are, as the name suggests, clear or transparent. They are very discreet and do not look as obvious as the traditional metal braces. This is one of the patient’s main reasons stated in response to ‘why choose clear braces.’
2. Comfort
   Another point in favor of why choose clear braces is that they are very comfortable to use. Traditional braces protrude from the tooth surface significantly and sometimes poke and cause discomfort. They also cause slurring of speech. The clear aligners, however, sit alongside the tooth surface and are much easier to get used to than the metal braces. Clear aligners do not affect speech. They do cause discomfort because of the pressure that they exert to align the teeth. However, the aligner itself does not cause as much discomfort as the traditional braces.
3. Diet restrictions
   Certain foods are liable to get caught in metal braces. They can also be damaged when eating some foods. Clear aligners need to be removed when eating or drinking. So, there is absolutely no restriction on what the patient can eat or drink while wearing them. The patient does have to rinse their mouth well before replacing the aligner.
4. Sports
   Patients who play contact sports where they are at risk of impact on the mouth area cannot wear metal braces. If there is by chance any impact on the mouth, the metal of the braces will make the injury or damage worse. Traditional braces are also a problem for musicians who play wind instruments. In some cases, the traditional braces make it inconvenient to place the instrument in the mouth. Clear aligners are removable and a good solution for such patients as they can simply be removed while playing sports or an instrument.
5. Ease of cleaning
   Brushing and cleaning teeth that have traditional braces applied is a tad more challenging than the process with clear braces. One big reason why you need to choose clear braces is that the cleaning of teeth with clear aligners is the very same as that of normal teeth. The aligners themselves need to be cleaned regularly.