6 Month Smiles

2009-10-01T10:49:00.000-07:00

Did you know that braces are no longer just for teenagers? Do you have crooked teeth that make you feel less confident? Do you like the idea of invisible trays but don’t think you would wear them? At Esthetic Dentistry, there is another alternative for you....6 MONTH BRACES!

What Is Six Month Smiles?

Six Month Smiles® is a modern twist on tried-and-true orthodontics. There is little debate within the orthodontic community that braces are the most widely used and most effective method to give patients straight, healthy teeth and a beautiful smile. Six Month Smiles has taken the best aspects of braces and modified the treatment and the materials to give adults a common-sense, cosmetic solution that fits your lifestyle. Here is what makes Six Month Smiles so innovative …

In just 6 months, we can straighten out those crooked or malaligned teeth. Clear brackets are placed on the teeth with a thin wire. Using light force, the wire is changed each month until your teeth are straight.

How are 6 Month Braces different from traditional braces? 6 month braces focuses more on the cosmetic nature of your smile, mostly around the front teeth and not necessarily correcting the “bite.”

Average treatment times of only six months
Six Month Smiles’ clear brackets and tooth-colored wires are barely visible
Use of braces as opposed to appliances , aligner trays, or veneers provides optimal final result
Six Month Smiles Patient Tray Kits ensure that your appointments are fast and comfortable
Low forces and short overall treatment time increases safety and hygiene
Six Month Smiles is typically less expensive than traditional braces, Invisalign®, or veneers.

Is Six Month Smiles® right for you?

The best way to find the answer to that question is to contact a Six Month Smiles certified provider Bensonhurst Dental Care and schedule a consultation. However, by answering the following questions related to your lifestyle and your expectations we can help you determine if you should consider taking that next step.

Questions to ask the doctor during your Six Month Smiles consultation:

After you take impressions of my teeth how long will it take to get my Six Month Smiles Patient Tray Kit™ back from the Six Month Smiles lab?
After my teeth are straight are there any other cosmetic treatments that you would recommend for me such as whitening, bonding, or veneers?
Based on your initial assessment, about how many months do you expect that I will wear Six Month Smiles braces? (average is six months)
What type of retention do you recommend after treatment?
I understand that Six Month Smiles will not correct a severe overbite or underbite. Do either of these factors exclude me as a candidate?
Can you explain to me the differences between Six Month Smiles and traditional or comprehensive orthodontics? Which option is best for my situation?
Do you have any "Before & After" photos that you can show me or photos of patients wearing Six Month Smiles braces?
What types of payment options or payment plans do you offer?
Can you check to see if my insurance plan will cover a portion of the cost?
How soon can I come in for a records appointment?

F.A.Q.

Q: How can teeth be straightened in only six months?
A: The Six Month Smiles technique employs the latest technology and techniques in dentistry to move your teeth quickly and safely. The key components of the treatment are the use of special nickel titanium wires and a primary focus of moving the teeth that show when you smile.

Q: Six months sounds good, but will I still have a mouth full of metal for the whole time?
A: No! Six Month Smiles dentists use tooth-colored braces that are barely visible. The wires are tooth-colored as well. These are nothing like metal braces!

Q: How are Six Month Smiles braces more comfortable than regular braces?
A: Six Month Smiles braces use low force to move teeth more comfortably. Many people think that the accelerated treatment means simply “tightening” regular braces to get the teeth moving, but that is not true. Six Month Smiles utilizes standard orthodontic mechanics, but with an emphasis on the cosmetic appearance of your teeth rather than the position of your bite.

Q: Do Six Month Smiles braces damage the teeth, roots, or gums?
A: There are no more risks of root damage or other issues than those associated with traditional orthodontics. Since the forces used with Six Month Smiles braces are lighter and teeth are seldom extracted, there are actually even fewer risks involved with Six Month Smiles orthodontics.

Q: Will I have to wear a retainer?
A: Yes, as with any teeth-straightening treatment a retainer is necessary to maintain the straighter position of your teeth. If you don’t want to wear a removable retainer, you can have a bonded retainer placed. There are a variety of options that you can choose from according to your personal preference and situation.

Q: What's the catch?
A: There is no catch. If you are an adult (15 years and older) with crooked or spaced teeth and you're not looking for a major alteration to your bite, this could be the solution for you! Most adults ARE candidates for Six Month Smiles.

Comparison Chart	Six Month Smiles	Traditional Braces	Invisalign
How does it work?	Six Month Smiles utilizes clear braces to gently align teeth in an average time of only six months. The shorter treatment times are achievable by focusing only on your teeth that show when you smile. It's a revolutionary cosmetic-focused treatment designed to correct what bothers you most about your smile.	Traditional braces usually involves metal braces to make major bite changes and align back teeth, not just the teeth that show.	Invisalign utilizes a series of clear aligner trays to move teeth. Some types of tooth movement are nearly impossible with this technology and the ability for the patient to remove the trays may prolong treatment
Average treatment time of only six months		No. Avg treatment time is 2 to 3 years	No. Avg treatment time is typically 12 to 18 months or possibly longer depending on the compliance of the patient
Nearly invisible		No. Metal wires and brackets are typically used with traditional braces because they are more durable and able to withstand the long treatment times.
Affordable		Typically 20% - 30% more expensive than Six Month Smiles	Typically 20% - 30% more expensive than Six Month Smiles
Most patients are candidates			No. Aligner therapy is limited in the types of tooth movement it can achieve so fewer patients are ideal candidates.
Predictable final result			No. Invisalign utilizes a series of trays that are fabricated by a computer at the beginning of your treament. Often times the computer's predicted results do not match how your teeth actually move resulting in inconsistent results and multiple refinement stages of treatment. Occasionally, Invisalign cases have to be "finished" with several months of braces.