Clear braces or metal braces
Metal braces use visible brackets, while clear braces use ceramic brackets or removable aligners; both can move teeth when planned.
The short answer
Fixed metal and ceramic braces use brackets bonded to teeth and an archwire that delivers force. Clear aligners use a sequence of custom trays and require consistent wear; ceramic brackets are fixed but can be more prone to chipping or staining around the bracket if cleaning is poor.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
Compare the bite problem, tooth movements required, appliance visibility, cleaning routine, speech and comfort, appointment needs, and retention plan. An orthodontist selects the appliance after examining roots, bone, gums, restorations, and the bite rather than by colour alone.
What can you do next?
Seek orthodontic care if crowding, crossbite, protrusion, or chewing difficulty affects function or cleaning. During treatment report severe pain, a cut that does not settle, a loose bracket, an ill-fitting tray, or gum swelling.
When should you seek dental care?
Ask whether ceramic brackets or aligners can perform every movement your bite needs, how much daily tray wear is expected, and how attachments or elastics change appearance. Ask for the cleaning, repair, replacement, and retention instructions.
Frequently asked questions
Could this have more than one cause?
Yes. Similar symptoms can arise from different teeth, gum tissues, appliances, medicines, or medical conditions, so examination identifies the cause.
What information helps at an appointment?
Note when it began, what makes it worse, visible changes, medicines, recent dental work, and whether it is changing.