Perception and satisfaction in patients using clear aligners versus fixed orthodontic appliances

Patient satisfaction drives orthodontic treatment success, yet clear aligners (CA) versus fixed appliances (FA) comparisons remains inconclusive. This prospective cohort study assessed psychosocial impact, satisfaction and OHRQoL in 120 patients over 12 months using validated questionnaires at multiple timepoints. CA users reported significantly higher aesthetic satisfaction throughout (p<0.001), with 78.3% rating aesthetics excellent vs 41.7% in FA at 12 months. Comfort scores strongly favored CA (p<0.001), while oral health- related quality of life (OHRQoL) was comparable at endpoint (p=0.342) despite similar treatment durations. Clear aligners advance orthodontic practice as an aesthetically superior, comfortable alternative that matches fixed appliance functional outcomes.