--- title: "Are Clear Aligners as Effective as Braces? What the Evidence Says" url: https://staging.virtualconsultant.online/research/aligners-vs-braces-effectiveness-evidence description: "A 2019 systematic review of 8 studies found that both clear aligners and braces were effective in treating malocclusion." updated: 2026-10-17T00:00:00Z publisher: Virtual Consultant Online --- Evidence summary Systematic review Aligners vs braces # Are Clear Aligners as Effective as Braces? What the Evidence Says A 2019 systematic review of 8 studies found that both clear aligners and braces were effective in treating malocclusion, but aligners were not as effective as braces in producing adequate occlusal contacts, controlling tooth torque and retention. Aligner treatment was shorter in non-extraction cases. The authors rated the evidence as limited and called for more randomised trials. [Start Photo Assessment](https://staging.virtualconsultant.online/evaluations/quote) [Compare Costs](https://staging.virtualconsultant.online/costs) | Outcome | Clear aligners | Fixed braces | | --- | --- | --- | | Overall effectiveness (2019 review) | Effective in treating malocclusion | Effective in treating malocclusion | | Occlusal contacts, torque control, retention | Not as effective as braces | More effective than aligners | | Segmented tooth movement | Advantage reported | Not reported as an advantage | | Treatment duration, non-extraction cases | Shorter (6.31 months, pooled) | Longer | ## What the evidence found 1. Both clear aligners and braces were effective in treating malocclusion. 2. Clear aligners were not as effective as braces in producing adequate occlusal contacts, controlling tooth torque and retention. 3. The review also reported weaker transverse (width) gains and more relapse in alignment with clear aligners. 4. Clear aligners showed an advantage in segmented tooth movement. 5. In a meta-analysis of three non-extraction studies, clear aligner treatment was statistically significantly shorter than braces (weighted mean difference -6.31 months, 95% CI -8.37 to -4.24). One study of extraction cases found braces were faster. 6. The pooled difference in Objective Grading System score between aligners and braces was not statistically significant, with high heterogeneity between studies (I-squared 88%). ## How good is the evidence? The review included 8 studies (2 randomised controlled trials and 6 cohort studies; 353 patients treated with clear aligners and 353 with fixed braces; searches to August 2018). The authors note that few randomised trials were available, that confounding could not be fully eliminated, that heterogeneity was high so the pooled results should be interpreted with caution, and that aligner techniques have changed since, with newer studies reporting better aligner outcomes. They conclude that more randomised controlled trials are needed to provide high-quality evidence. Because the searches ended in 2018, this page reflects that review only and should not be read as the current state of the whole field. ## Sources Ke Y, Zhu Y, Zhu M. A comparison of treatment effectiveness between clear aligner and fixed appliance therapies. BMC Oral Health. 2019;19:24. doi:10.1186/s12903-018-0695-z (https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-018-0695-z) ## Useful related pages [All research and evidence reviews](https://staging.virtualconsultant.online/research) [Clear aligners vs fixed braces for adults](https://staging.virtualconsultant.online/compare/clear-aligners-vs-fixed-braces-for-adults) [Compare clear aligner brands](https://staging.virtualconsultant.online/brands) [Clear aligners cost UK](https://staging.virtualconsultant.online/costs/clear-aligners-cost) This page summarises published research for general information only. It is not a diagnosis, treatment plan, or substitute for advice from a registered dentist or orthodontist. ### Compare next steps [Orthodontist Near Me](https://staging.virtualconsultant.online/locations/orthodontic-treatment-near-me) [Clear Aligners Near Me](https://staging.virtualconsultant.online/treatments/clear-aligners-near-me) [Invisalign Near Me](https://staging.virtualconsultant.online/locations/invisalign-provider-near-me) [Browse Locations](https://staging.virtualconsultant.online/locations) ### Ready for a clearer starting point? Upload guided photos and receive an indication of likely treatment options and pricing before booking appointments. [Get an Online Quote](https://staging.virtualconsultant.online/evaluations/quote) ### Frequently Asked Questions Are clear aligners as effective as braces? A 2019 systematic review of 8 studies in BMC Oral Health found that both were effective in treating malocclusion, but clear aligners were not as effective as braces in producing adequate occlusal contacts, controlling tooth torque and retention. The authors described the evidence as limited and called for more randomised trials. Are clear aligners faster than braces? In that review's meta-analysis of three non-extraction studies, aligner treatment was statistically significantly shorter than braces, by a weighted mean difference of 6.31 months. One study of extraction cases found braces were faster, so the result depends on the type of case. How reliable is this evidence? The review pooled 2 randomised trials and 6 cohort studies, with high heterogeneity, and its searches ended in August 2018. Its authors advise caution and say more randomised controlled trials are needed. Aligner technology has changed since, so newer studies may differ. Does this mean aligners are right or wrong for me? No. A systematic review describes average results across studies and cannot say what will suit your teeth. Whether aligners or braces fit your case is a clinical decision for a registered dentist or orthodontist after an in-person assessment. Explore your options Quick links Not sure where to start? Use these quick links to explore orthodontic treatments, typical costs, and helpful guides that explain what different options involve. Whether you're researching braces or clear aligners, comparing pricing, or just getting a feel for what comes next, you can browse at your own pace and come back when you're ready to request a quote. Explore [Get Quote](https://staging.virtualconsultant.online/evaluations/quote) [Costs](https://staging.virtualconsultant.online/costs) [Browse Treatments](https://staging.virtualconsultant.online/treatments) [Teeth Straightening](https://staging.virtualconsultant.online/treatments/teeth-straightening) [Browse Problems](https://staging.virtualconsultant.online/problems) [Locations](https://staging.virtualconsultant.online/locations) [Near Me](https://staging.virtualconsultant.online/locations/orthodontic-treatment-near-me) [NHS Eligibility Checker](https://staging.virtualconsultant.online/about/do-i-qualify-for-nhs-treatment) [IOTN Score Checker](https://staging.virtualconsultant.online/about/iotn-score-checker) [How To Take Orthodontic Photos](https://staging.virtualconsultant.online/about/process/how-to-take-orthodontic-photos) [Online Orthodontist](https://staging.virtualconsultant.online/guides/online-orthodontist-uk) [Research Papers](https://staging.virtualconsultant.online/research) [Social Channels](https://staging.virtualconsultant.online/social) ## Ready for a personalised answer? Upload guided photos and get a tailored recommendation for your teeth and bite. [Start Photo Assessment](https://staging.virtualconsultant.online/evaluations/quote) [Find an Orthodontist](https://staging.virtualconsultant.online/locations) Citation details Title Are Clear Aligners as Effective as Braces? What the Evidence Says Publisher Virtual Consultant Online Published 2026-10-17 Updated 2026-10-17 URL [https://staging.virtualconsultant.online/research/aligners-vs-braces-effectiveness-evidence](https://staging.virtualconsultant.online/research/aligners-vs-braces-effectiveness-evidence)