Both work — the question is fit, not superiority
Clear aligners and traditional braces both move teeth using controlled, gradual pressure. Neither is universally "better" — which one is appropriate depends on how complex your case is and how much you value being able to remove the appliance.
Where clear aligners work well
Mild to moderate crowding, gaps, and simple bite issues are usually well suited to aligners. Being removable means you eat, brush, and floss normally, which is a large part of why adult patients tend to prefer them for lifestyle reasons.
Where traditional braces are still the better tool
More complex movements — significant rotation of teeth, major bite corrections, or cases needing precise control over root movement — are often better handled with fixed braces, which apply continuous force in ways a removable tray can't always replicate.
The discipline factor
Aligners only work if they're worn as prescribed, typically 20–22 hours a day. If a patient is unlikely to keep to that consistently, fixed braces remove that variable entirely, since they can't be taken out.
How the decision actually gets made
A 3D scan and bite assessment will show which movements your case actually needs, and from that your dentist can tell you honestly whether aligners will achieve the result or whether braces would get you there more reliably. It's worth being suspicious of a clinic that offers aligners for every single case regardless of complexity.