Fixed braces comprise of small rectangular brackets (one for each tooth) and a wire. The brackets are glued to each tooth and once they are glued in the correct positions the wire is slotted into the bracket grooves. Small elastic bands are popped over each bracket keeping the wire held on tightly. At the end of treatment, the brackets are gently lifted off the tooth. The tooth is then polished to remove any remaining glue.
Invisalign braces comprise of a set of clear plastic aligners which are removable. However, there will normally be a few small attachments that will be glued to a few of the teeth. The attachments are tiny clear blobs and when the aligners are not in the mouth you can barely see them. At the end of treatment the blobs are shaved back and the tooth is polished.