Feature Clear Aligners  Traditional Braces Appearance Transparent and nearly invisible Metal or ceramic brackets with visible wires Comfort Smooth plastic, generally more comfortable Brackets and wires can cause irritation Removability Removable for eating, drinking, and brushing Permenantly attached, cannot be removed Maintenance Easier to clean and maintain oral hygiene More challenging to clean around brackets Adjustments  New aligners are changed every 1-2 weeks  Periodic tightening of wires and adjustments Treatment Duration  Typically 6-18 months, depending on complexity Typically 18-24 months, depending on complexity Visibility Low visibility, nearly invisible More noticeable due to visible brackets and wires Suitability Ideal for mild to moderate cases. For complex cases, a combination of clear aligners and braces might be needed Suitable for complex cases and significant misalignments