Fastbraces vs. Traditional Braces: Choosing the Best Option for Your Smile

Straightening your teeth used to mean one option: traditional metal braces and a multi-year commitment. Fastbraces changed that equation, but it’s not automatically the better choice for every patient.

How Traditional Braces Work

Traditional braces use metal brackets and wires to gradually shift teeth into position, typically over 18 months to 3 years depending on how much correction is needed. They remain the standard recommendation for more severe misalignment.

How Fastbraces Are Different

Fastbraces use triangular brackets and flexible wires designed to move both the crown and root of the tooth simultaneously, rather than sequentially the way traditional braces do. That approach can complete treatment in as little as 6 to 12 months for suitable cases.

Comparing Treatment Time

This is where the two options diverge most. Traditional braces take significantly longer because they move teeth in stages, while Fastbraces are engineered to shorten that timeline substantially for patients who are good candidates.

Comparing Cost

Both options typically start in a similar range, generally $3,000 to $4,000, though your final cost depends on the complexity of your case either way.

Comfort and Aftercare

Fastbraces generally involve simpler wire adjustments and are often described as more comfortable day to day. Traditional braces, while more involved to maintain, remain necessary for certain complex cases that Fastbraces aren’t designed to address.

Which Option Handles Complex Cases Better?

Severe misalignment or significant bite issues are generally better suited to traditional braces, which are built to handle more extensive correction. Fastbraces work well for patients with mild to moderate misalignment who want faster results.

Extraction Needs

Traditional treatment sometimes requires extractions to create room for movement, while Fastbraces are often able to avoid this step depending on your specific case.

How to Decide Which Fits You

The right choice comes down to your specific alignment issues, timeline, and priorities. An orthodontic evaluation is the only way to know which option, or whether a different approach like clear aligners, actually fits your case.

Who Can Help You Decide

Dr. Soren Michaelsen evaluates your alignment and goals to recommend whichever option delivers the best outcome for your smile, not just the fastest one.

Ready to Talk Through Your Options?

Schedule a consultation to find out whether Fastbraces or traditional braces fits your smile goals.