The short answer
Fixed braces stay on the teeth and use brackets and wires. Clear aligners are removable trays worn over the teeth. The suitable approach depends on the tooth movements and bite correction required, your oral health and whether you can follow the daily routine. An assessment is needed before choosing by appearance alone.
Start with the movement your teeth need
Ask what needs to move and why the recommended appliance can control those movements. Some plans may involve attachments, elastics or other steps. Ask whether there are reasonable alternatives, what their limitations are and whether the treatment is being provided or supervised by the dentist you meet.
Compare the daily responsibility
Fixed braces require careful cleaning around brackets and attention to foods that can damage them. Aligners are removed for meals and cleaning but usually need consistent wear to work as planned. For either option, good oral hygiene and regular dental care matter because treatment can increase the risk of decay and gum problems if cleaning is poor.
Compare reviews, changes and total time
Ask how often progress is reviewed, how broken appliances or lost aligners are handled and what might change the predicted timeline. A time estimate is a planning guide, not a guaranteed finish date. Confirm whether records, review visits and refinements are included in the quoted plan.
Plan for retainers before treatment begins
Teeth can move after active orthodontic treatment, so retainers are part of the long-term plan. Ask which retainer is proposed, when and how it should be worn, what replacements cost and how retention will be reviewed. Compare complete plans that include this stage.
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Continue from the question you have
General information for planning a visit. This guide is not individual clinical advice. Further reading: NHS: braces and orthodontics · NHS: orthodontics.