Fastbraces are a type of fixed orthodontic braces that use uniquely shaped triangular brackets to straighten teeth faster than conventional braces. While traditional braces typically require 18 to 36 months, Fastbraces aim to cut that time significantly by moving the crown and root of each tooth simultaneously rather than in separate stages.
How Fastbraces Work Differently
Traditional braces use square-shaped brackets and move teeth in two distinct phases. First, the visible part of the tooth (the crown) is shifted into position over many months. Then, during a second phase, the root is gradually guided into its correct alignment beneath the gumline. This two-step process is a major reason conventional treatment takes so long.
Fastbraces change the mechanics. Their brackets are triangular rather than square, which gives the wire more flexibility and room to apply force in multiple directions at once. Small “elbows” built into each bracket provide additional torque on the wire. Combined with a square-shaped wire, this design allows forces to reach both the crown and the root from the very first day of treatment. Instead of waiting to finish one phase before starting the next, Fastbraces work on straightening, crowding, and mild gaps all at the same time.
Typical Treatment Timeline
The exact duration depends on how complex your case is, but clinical data gives a useful baseline. A retrospective study of Fastbraces patients found that those with metal brackets averaged about 426 days of treatment (roughly 14 months), while those with ceramic brackets averaged about 367 days (around 12 months). For comparison, traditional metal braces commonly take 18 to 36 months for similar corrections.
Some promotional materials for Fastbraces reference treatment times as short as three to six months. That range is possible for mild cases like minor crowding or small gaps. More significant alignment issues will land closer to the 12 to 14 month average. Your orthodontist or dentist can give you a realistic estimate after examining your teeth and bite.
What Fastbraces Can Treat
Fastbraces are designed to handle many of the same issues as traditional braces: crooked teeth, crowding, spacing gaps, and certain bite problems. They tend to work best for mild to moderate cases. If you have a severe overbite, underbite, or complex jaw alignment issue, your provider may recommend conventional braces or a combined approach instead.
Because the system still uses fixed brackets and wires bonded to your teeth, it offers more control than removable clear aligners for certain types of tooth movement. The tradeoff is the same as with any braces: the brackets are visible (though ceramic options are less noticeable), and you’ll need to be careful with hard or sticky foods during treatment.
Cost Compared to Traditional Braces
Fastbraces generally cost about 20% less than traditional braces on average. The savings come largely from the shorter treatment timeline. Fewer office visits, fewer wire adjustments, and less chair time all reduce the total bill. Traditional braces in the U.S. typically range from $3,000 to $7,000 depending on location and complexity, so a 20% reduction can mean saving several hundred to over a thousand dollars.
Most dental insurance plans that cover orthodontics will apply the same benefits to Fastbraces as they would to conventional braces. It’s worth confirming with your insurer, since coverage varies. Many providers also offer payment plans that spread the cost over the duration of treatment.
Comfort and Day-to-Day Experience
Any braces cause some soreness, especially in the first few days after placement and after each adjustment. Fastbraces use lighter, more flexible forces than the heavier wires typical of traditional systems, which some patients find more comfortable. That said, discomfort is subjective, and you should still expect an adjustment period where your lips and cheeks adapt to having brackets in your mouth.
Daily care is the same as with conventional braces. You’ll need to brush carefully around the brackets, use floss threaders or a water flosser to clean between teeth, and avoid foods that could damage the wires. Adjustment appointments are typically spaced every four to six weeks, though the total number of visits will be fewer because treatment wraps up sooner.
Retention After Treatment
Once your teeth reach their final positions, you’ll need a retainer to keep them there. This is true for every type of orthodontic treatment, not just Fastbraces. Without retention, teeth naturally drift back toward their original positions over time. Your provider will fit you with either a removable retainer or a thin wire bonded behind your front teeth, and you’ll typically wear it full-time for a few months before transitioning to nighttime-only wear.
The faster treatment timeline of Fastbraces does not change the retention requirement. Bone and soft tissue need time to stabilize around the newly positioned roots regardless of how quickly those roots were moved.
Who Offers Fastbraces
Fastbraces are a patented system, so only dentists and orthodontists who have been specifically trained and certified by the manufacturer can provide them. Not every orthodontic office carries the system. If you’re interested, you can search for a certified provider through the Fastbraces website or call local offices to ask whether they offer it as an option alongside traditional braces and aligners. A provider who offers multiple systems can give you a more balanced assessment of which approach fits your specific needs.