A New Smile in Six Months
Is a new smile possible in six months?
Disbelief is a healthy instinct when something sounds too good to be true. However, thanks to advances in orthodontics and dentistry, it really is possible for many patients to have a new smile in as little as six months. The Six Month Smiles® system utilizes clear braces to correct cosmetic problems such as crooked teeth, unsightly gaps between teeth, and bite issues.
Our Six Month Smiles program is superior to traditional metal braces in many ways, but you likely have questions about the specifics of this innovative orthodontic correction system. That’s why Dr. Graham Farless has assembled this guide to address the top nine questions about Six Month Smiles, including which patients are potential candidates, how the process works, and why it is often a better choice than other forms of orthodontic therapy.
1. What exactly are Six Month Smiles braces?
These braces use transparent brackets in combination with white wires to adjust your teeth into proper position. The coloration means that the wires blend in nicely with your teeth, and the brackets are completely clear. Your braces will barely be noticeable and will stand out much less than a mouth full of metal as with traditional braces.
2. How does the treatment time compare to conventional braces?
Just like the name says, most patients only need to wear these braces for less than six months. But depending on the specifics of your case, your time can vary between five to 12 months. For traditional metal braces, the average treatment time is about one to two years. Overall, patients with using our program enjoy a reduction in treatment time of about 75 percent compared to conventional metal braces.
3. Do these braces work faster because they are tighter?
No, Six Month Smiles® are not tighter than traditional braces. In fact, they use less force than metal braces to guide your teeth into the proper position. This approach results in less discomfort for patients. In fact, most patients report only mild soreness the day after their braces are placed. With metal braces, the initial pain can be so bad that patients are limited to a liquid diet for a day or so.
4. Are Six Month Smiles® removable?
Your clear braces are only removable by Dr. Farless. Unlike with some transparent aligner systems, you will not be able to remove your Six Month Smiles® yourself because they are affixed to your teeth. Many patients relate that they prefer this configuration since the possibilities of losing their hardware or inadvertently throwing it in the trash are eliminated.
5. Is a retainer necessary after Six Month SmilesⓇ?
Yes, you will need to wear a retainer for a while after your treatment concludes. This is to ensure that your teeth do not revert to an improper position. It is important that you wear your retainer as instructed so that you get the most out of your orthodontic correction.
6. How old does a patient need to be to have this option?
Fifteen is the minimum age to begin treatment with Six Month Smiles®. A patient needs to be an adolescent or adult before treatment can commence. There is no maximum age though, and Dr. Farless is happy to let adults know if this type of braces is right for their case.
7. How many dental visits are necessary with Six Month Smiles®?
First, you will need to have your initial consultation with Dr. Farless to determine if you are a good candidate for these braces. This visit will consist of an in-depth examination, x-ray imaging, and a conversation about your cosmetic goals and desires. If everything looks good, you will return to be fitted with the Six Month Smiles® clear braces.
After receiving your new braces, you will need to return every few weeks for a gentle adjustment of your braces. Patients typically receive seven to ten adjustments over the course of their treatment.
8. Which problems can be addressed?
Our clear braces are not only aesthetic in and of themselves; they can help you overcome a number of aesthetic issues, including:
- Problems with spacing or large gaps between teeth
- Crowding—when your teeth are too close together
- Underbites or your bottom teeth sticking out further than your top teeth
- Overbites—your top teeth overlap your bottom teeth
- Crossbites—when your bite is crooked and your teeth meet on opposite sides
- Open bites—your teeth do not fully come together when you bite
9. Are these braces as safe as traditional braces?
They are actually safer than traditional metal braces because less tension is used to adjust your teeth. Less tension means fewer chances for teeth to break or crack. While no form of orthodontic correction is completely guaranteed not to damage teeth inadvertently, Six Month SmilesⓇ is a gentle method for getting the straight and symmetrical smile you want.
If you are less than completely satisfied with the appearance of your smile, consider discussing Six Month SmilesⓇ with Dr. Farless. This discreet method of orthodontic adjustment may be your path to your ideal grin. Click here to set up an appointment with Dr. Farless now.