Six Month Smiles
Are you one of the many people in the UK who are unhappy with their teeth and lacking the confidence to smile due to twisted, crooked and uneven teeth or gaps.
Have you ever considered cosmetic dentistry or teeth straightening in order to help? Perhaps you are put off by the thought of having to wear traditional ‘train track’ braces which can be unsightly and uncomfortable. Or maybe you worry that braces could be expensive or might encroach on your everyday life for years to come- requiring frequent dental trips and constant maintenance.
What are Six Month Smiles?
Six month smiles is a revolutionary and modern alternative deriving from the US, which offers patients a more discreet, efficient and cost-effective option. The system focuses only on those teeth which show when you smile meaning that it is targeted specifically to each patient- helping to straighten teeth quickly and safely.
Unlike other ‘invisible’ treatments the Six Months Smile braces can be seen but are manufactured from white coloured braces, clear brackets and nickel titanium wires meaning they are discreet and aesthetically pleasing.
Braces are by far the most popular and successful method of helping patients to achieve healthy, straight teeth in a safe way. The best features of braces are used by Six Month Smiles but the treatment and materials are adapted in order to achieve the same results in a much faster time.
Is it suitable for me?
Many people have benefitted from Six Month Smiles braces. The system can use be used for top and lower teeth and is highly suitable for a variety of cosmetic dental issues including spacing, overbites and for teeth that have rotated or are extruded. However, it may not be suitable for more complex corrections which can take longer to fix. Speak to your Dentist who can advise you if this system is appropriate for you.
The positives of six month smile:
- A quicker and more efficient system focusing only on those teeth which show when you smile- rather than moving all of your teeth like a conventional brace.
- Braces are bespoke and made to measure for patients. Customising the force means that they can give more predictable results.
- Innovative six month smiles tray kits mean that appointments take less time and are more comfortable- resulting in far shorter treatment times and increased safety and hygiene.
- Braces are discreet and aesthetic- especially beneficial for those looking for something less noticeable.
What is involved in the Six Month Smiles treatment?
Initially, it is necessary for your dentist to conduct a number of checks on your teeth. They will use a number of methods including X-rays, scans, impressions and photographs to determine that they are all healthy and can be moved safely.
Remember to discuss with your dentist now if you have any particular hopes for your tooth improvements so this can be taken into account in your treatment plan.
Your records will be sent to the Six Month Smiles lab in America where your custom made brackets and braces will be produced for you. Models of your teeth made from impressions will be used to exactly produce the brackets and wires for your braces making sure they are all in the right place to fit on your teeth. They will also accurately calculate the specific movement required in order to achieve the desired straightening effects.
The braces will be received in a customised tray kit with all brackets and wires precisely positioned. Your cosmetic dentist will apply adhesive bond to your teeth and the brackets and they will then insert the tray, holding it in place so that it can set. The adhesive will be hardened using a high intensity light to make sure that it is secure.
Throughout the course of your treatment you will need to have regular appointments with your dentist. These will be fairly short (10-15 minutes) and will enable them to adjust the brace and monitor your teeth accordingly.
After treatment will I need a retainer?
As with any teeth straightening treatment, when your brace is removed, you will need to wear a retainer for a period of time. Retainers allow your teeth to stabilise in their new positions after treatment. This is important because teeth continue to move throughout your life and can relapse -particularly if you had gaps previously.
You can opt for a removable retainer which you would wear at night or alternatively you can have one permanently bonded onto the back surfaces of your teeth. Discuss your preference with your dentist and they will advise you of your options depending on your case history.
FAQ’s
What if I need to have teeth removed?
If your teeth are overcrowded then it is possible to remove very small amounts of enamel from in between them to help create space. This is called inter-proximal reduction and is a painless procedure not requiring tooth injections. Full teeth can also be removed in order to ensure best results.
Will Six month braces treatment hurt?
It is common for braces to feel tight when they are first fitted and patients may experience slight soreness at first. If this is the case then over the counter painkillers should help with any discomfort.
In the initial weeks afterward you may find it slightly more difficult to speak or notice that you salivate more than usual. This is completely normal and is due to the foreign object in your mouth. This will quickly improve as you get used to it being there.
Despite a general assumption that the Six Month Smiles treatment may be more abrupt due to the shorter time frame, the system actually uses a lower force to move teeth so less pain is expected than with traditional braces. This also means that there is a lower risk of root or nerve damage and other orthodontic issues.
