Is Invisalign The Only Clear Braces Option?

Are you fed up with hiding your smile behind your hands and avoiding social situations?

Do you feel like your teeth are holding you back?

Thanks to the invention of Invisalign in 1997, clear aligners have been the go-to treatment option for discreet straightening. But are they the only option for clear braces?

We’ve asked the experts at our orthodontist, Hammersmith wide, for the lowdown!

Discreet treatment options to consider

Searching for ‘Invisalign Chelmsford’ for local treatment options?

Before you book in, compare Invisalign to other leading orthodontic solutions on the market.

Invisalign aligners

As you may know, Invisalign technology is based on custom aligner trays that gradually move your teeth into their final position.

Wearing them for 20-22 hours per day and changing these trays every 6-8 weeks means orthodontic treatment can be completed in relative comfort compared to fixed braces.

Is Invisalign discreet?

Thanks to the clear aligners, Invisalign is considered across the globe as one of – if not the most – discreet systems on the market.

However, as they need to be removed whenever you eat or drink anything except water, this can make dealing with them day to day more complex.

Fastbraces

As the name suggests, Fastbraces are designed to straighten teeth quickly – in just a few months.

This is made possible using tooth-coloured triangular-shaped brackets and a thinner, single archwire that moves the roots of the teeth first into the new position, instead of moving the crowns first as most fixed braces do.

This treatment is suitable for patients of all ages, including those with more complex alignment issues.

Are Fastbraces clear?

While not clear, the fixed brackets and the archwire are tooth coloured so they blend in well with your natural teeth.

Plus, given the vastly shortened treatment timeline (around 120 days), some even prefer a fixed brace to clear aligner trays.

Inman aligners

Removable like the Invisalign aligner trays, Inman aligners offer a much-reduced treatment timeline of just 16 weeks in comparison.

Like Invisalign, Inman aligners are also removable so keeping on top of your oral hygiene is a doddle.

Can you see Inman aligners?

Unlike the other options explored in this blog, Inman aligners use a very thin metal archwire across the front teeth and coiled springs behind.

This means it is more noticeable but is much more discreet than traditional fixed braces.

Six Month Smiles

The Six Month Smiles systems use gentler fixed brace technology to improve the appearance of the social six – the six most visible teeth at the front. 

Orthodontists achieve this using clear brackets and tooth-coloured wires to give straighter smiles in just six months.

Are Six Month Smiles discreet?

As clear brackets and tooth-coloured wires are used, the Six Month Smiles treatment is considered quite discreet – most people won’t know you have braces unless they are quite close to your face.

Treatment type	Is it clear?	Is it removable?	Average expected treatment timeline
Invisalign	✓	✓	12-18 months
Fastbraces	Tooth-coloured components	X	120 days
Inman aligners	X	✓	16 weeks
Six Month Smiles	Clear brackets and tooth-coloured wires	X	6 months

Choose The Best Orthodontic Option For Your Needs

After finding out a bit more about each type, you may have decided which treatment you would prefer.

Your next step is to book a consultation to get a professional opinion – something that is essential to determine your eligibility and gives you the chance to ask questions.

We recommend taking our at-a-glance advice (above) with you if you think it would help you discuss your opinions and preferences.