The 3 Best Invisalign Alternative Solutions

Your smile is your best accessory. If you’re considering an Invisalign alternative, you’re obviously looking for straighter, more aligned teeth. At The London Centre for Cosmetic Dentistry, we have trusted experts in the field of restorative and cosmetic dentistry and want to share some alternative treatments to support you on your journey to a brighter smile. 

Within the dental industry, Invisalign is known to be a proven method for teeth alignment and straightening. Proposed by Zia Chisti after undergoing adult orthodontic treatment, Invisalign has been around since the mid-1990s as an alternative to braces. Chisti felt that his orthodontic process had been inconvenient in his day-to-day life, so proposed clear, plastic retainers as a solution to braces.

Since Chisti’s innovation, there have been many Invisalign alternatives that rival this treatment and may be more applicable to your needs. So, how much is Invisalign? The answer varies, but what we do know is that Invisalign competitors tend to be more affordable. Let’s further explore these options.

But first, who can benefit from alternatives to Invisalign?

Most people relate Invisalign to straighter teeth and nothing more, but the truth is that many of the available Invisalign alternatives in the UK can help with a wide range of complex structural issues. Some of these include:

• Crooked teeth
• Overbite
• Underbite
• Crossbite
• Open bite
• Gapped teeth
• Crowded teeth

Like we’ve said though, not every Invisalign alternative will be appropriate for you, and your dentist will be able to help advise you on the best alternatives to help you achieve your dream smile quickly and safely.

Invisalign Alternatives

Invisalign alternative solutions fall into two main categories, removable and fixed braces. Depending on your age, lifestyle or preference, one may be more suitable than the other. Together, we will explore the potential advantages and disadvantages of these three alternative Invisalign options so that you can choose the most suitable alternative for you.

Removable Braces

As far as removable braces are concerned, Invisalign alternatives can give you the same flexibility as Invisalign itself. The variety of brace options can provide the same aesthetic benefits and convenience. Some of these include being able to eat and drink more easily, as well as cleaning your teeth thoroughly in between. 

Not to mention, they are far more discreet than traditional braces and so wearers tend to feel less self-conscious about them. 

Removable braces also tend to be more cost-effective than traditional, wire braces. Not to mention, there are no foods or drink options that are limited with this type of treatment. 

CFast

The CFast clear aligner treatment works similarly to Invisalign, with a gentle force that gradually straightens teeth. They are typically worn for 22 hours per day to support tooth alignment.

CFast aligners are an affordable Invisalign alternative. Using CFast clear aligners treats the front six of your upper and lower teeth. While Invisalign tends to take 12 months, CFast takes 3-6 months as it is more of a cosmetic treatment. 

This makes it the perfect option for those who do not have major orthodontic issues. It is also effective and cheaper than Invisalign, though it is important to determine whether this is the correct treatment. This can, of course, be determined through a consultation with our expert dentists who will be able to advise you further.

The CFast treatment also includes fixed brace options. This includes wires and brackets that are matched to your tooth colour and fitted to the front of your teeth. They are far less noticeable than traditional braces and support ensuring that you can achieve that picture-perfect smile. 

Similar to the clear aligners, CFast fixed braces provide a significant cosmetic improvement to the top and bottom front teeth in your mouth. Focusing on the most visible six teeth is a way to achieve straighter teeth in a shorter period of time. CFast is cheaper than Invisalign yet provides a proven alternative to straighter teeth.

Fixed Braces

Much like all the other treatments, there are many benefits to fixed braces. Fixed braces ensure control over the movement of your teeth as they are fixed into place for a designated amount of time. There is also no chance of misplacement or forgetting to wear aligners as they are semi-permanent. 

There are, of course, some disadvantages to fixed braces, which include the complexity of doing a thorough clean and any potential discolouration to teeth. However, these can be remedied by having an effective dental routine.

When looking for Invisalign alternative solutions, we are considering fixed braces that are more discreet than traditional, metal braces. We have a couple of options to choose from on this front.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are Invisalign competitors. They are fixed braces that are fitted on the inside of your teeth. Most people choose this option because it is a proven method that is invisible when you smile. This means you can have ongoing treatment while still maintaining aesthetic appeal.

There are many pros and cons of lingual braces. For example, it is usually not recommended for patients with a deep overbite or any pre-existing dental issues that would interfere with treatment. They also will have the same discomfort as regular braces, as they are a corrective treatment.

The positives of these braces are that once you are used to them, you almost forget they are there. They are invisible when you speak, correct most bite problems and are customisable. To have a comprehensive assessment of whether this is the correct treatment, it is always recommended to consult with your dental practitioner.

Things to consider when choosing your Invisalign alternative in the UK

Although your dentist will advise you on the best Invisalign alternative solution for you, ultimately the choice is yours, and there are a few things you should consider before you make your decision, including:

Price – Invisalign was the first of its kind, but many of the alternatives work out more affordable, with prices varying across the different treatment options. If you’re on a budget, you might want to do some pricing beforehand to see which alternative will be most affordable for you.

Efficiency – how fast your Invisalign alternative takes to transform your smile can range depending on the solution you’re opting for. If you’ve got a timeframe in mind, make sure to check how long each solution takes before making your decision.

Suitability – last but by no means least, you want to know that the option you’re going for is going to be effective and safe for you to use. Depending on the complexity of your structural issues, some alternatives to Invisalign may simply not be suitable, whilst others will be more helpful for your specific needs. Our London orthodontists will work with you to pick the best treatment for you.