Can adults have orthodontic treatment?

Clear aligners can suit some teenagers if they can wear them consistently and keep them safe. Braces may be more predictable where compliance, tooth eruption or complex movement is a concern. Aligners need to be taken out for meals and brushed after, and lost or broken trays delay treatment, so parents and clinicians usually look at how reliable the patient is before recommending them. For under-18s, NHS funded treatment is generally provided with fixed braces rather than aligners.

Neither is automatically better. Fixed braces can be useful for complex tooth movements and bite correction, while clear aligners may suit patients who want a removable and less visible option. Suitability depends on the tooth movements needed and patient compliance. Braces stay in place for the whole of treatment, so they work whether or not the patient is consistent, while aligners are removed for eating and cleaning and only work if they are worn for around 20 to 22 hours a day. Cost, appearance, lifestyle and the specific movements needed usually decide which is the better fit.