Smiling made easy – the clear choice for straighter teeth
Your smile is your first impression. And if you aren’t comfortable with yours, it can be tough to feel confident in your smile. More than ever before, many adults and teens are turning to orthodontics for a simple solution to improving their smiles. In addition, adults are more open-minded than they used to be when getting braces as an adult. Having straighter teeth not only enhances their smile but will also improve their oral health and can lead to a more confident life.
At Sloan Creek Dental, we offer two great options for adults and teens who desire straighter, more attractive teeth without wearing metal braces for an extended period of time. Six Month Smiles® and Invisalign® offers two excellent dental treatment options for people who want to improve the look of their teeth but don’t want to wear conventional braces. So how do you decide which dental service is right for you?
Six Month Smiles® and Invisalign® are two types of innovative orthodontic services that can straighten permanent teeth. Both methods have some similarities in which both offer clear aligners applies gradual force to control tooth movement. While each system works well for some patients, one may work better than the other, depending on the severity of the case.
Invisalign is a modern orthodontic system that uses removable clear aligners that are virtually undetectable in your mouth. Invisalign is an alternative to fixed braces that can straighten misaligned teeth, fix gaps between teeth, or improve your bite as well. The aligners are made from a smooth, bendable, safe, durable material that fit your teeth exactly and can be removed as quickly as they are put on. Your Invisalign treatment plan is unique to you and is based on the position of your teeth; your dentist will guide you through each step of the process.
Because Six Month Smiles is a short-term treatment orthodontic option, you can expect to experience changes faster than traditional metal braces. In fact, there will typically be noticeable results in as little as eight weeks. With Six Month Smiles, this system focuses on correcting only the teeth visible (the teeth that show when you smile) and is not suitable for full-mouth dental concerns. Six Month Smiles offers clear aligners just like Invisalign; however, they also provide a discreet braces option due to the ability to use clear ceramic brackets and tooth-colored wires.
Both Invisalign and Six Month Smiles are similar to one another as they both offer short-term orthodontic treatment for cosmetic purposes. Patients will see considerably faster results over the period of time compared to traditional metal braces. Both systems provide clear aligner treatment options that are discreet, unobtrusive to day-to-day life, and comfortable to use. Depending on the treatment needed, both methods can deliver outstanding results to a healthy bite and a beautiful straight smile.
Invisalign and Six Month Smiles are different in several ways. Let’s walk through the points:
Speed – Both are short-term treatment options designed to straighten your teeth without the inconvenience of metal braces. The average treatment time for Six Month Smiles with the clear aligner program finishes in about six to nine months (actual treatment time may vary depending on the treatment required), while Invisalign® is a series of clear aligners that requires approximately twelve to eighteen months.
Discretion – Both systems are discreet when it comes to clear aligners, however Invisalign is simply superior at looking invisible. If this is a priority to you, Invisalign is the clear choice for those who want to correct their smile discreetly.
Alignment – Six Month Smiles can treat patients that have minor to severe issues with the anterior or front facing visible teeth. With Invisalign clear aligners, it fits over the entire arch of the teeth, meaning it is best suited for patients who have minor to moderate overcrowding or bite issues.
Cost – Depending on the treatment required, the cost of Invisalign is slightly less or about the same as traditional braces. The reason why some may opt for Invisalign if the cost is the same is due to the shorter treatment time. As for Six Month Smiles, this system can be significantly more affordable compared to Invisalign and traditional braces.
“[…] I ended up going with clear aligners where the process was pretty straightforward, as I had no trouble at all. After wearing my aligners for a few months, I’m absolutely thrilled with the results as my teeth look great. So happy!” – Richard F. (Feb 2021)
Regardless of which option you choose for your short term orthodontic treatment, there are several best practices for getting the best result.
Commitment to your treatment – An orthodontic treatment is a significant lifestyle change and one that will pay dividends through improved self-esteem, a beautiful smile, and a healthier you. Regardless of whether you’re wearing clear aligners or clear braces, it is essential that you take care of your aligners or braces by cleaning them daily in addition to regular dental check-in appointments.
Proper dental hygiene – Your dental health is essential even if you have braces or aligners. Brushing and flossing regularly is an important part of maintaining a healthy smile and good oral hygiene. Additionally, you’ll need to keep your aligners clean by removing the trays and brushing out any food particles left behind. Additionally, you’ll need to keep your aligners clean by removing the trays and brushing out any food particles left behind.
Choosing the right dentist – It’s important to find someone who makes you feel comfortable and confident in their abilities. If you find a dentist who you trust and feel comfortable with, it will make the process a lot easier.
The choice between these two options is entirely dependent on the severity of your malocclusion, how long you are willing to devote to treatment, how careful you must be to avoid detection, and what you are willing to spend. It is difficult to recommend one option over the other without examining your teeth and gums. If you have any other questions, please contact us to see which of these short term orthodontic options would be best for you.
If your teeth are overlapping, crowded, or too far apart, you may be a candidate for orthodontic treatment. In addition to straightening teeth and improving bite alignment, orthodontic treatment can also help with jaw issues like a crossbite or an overbite. If you’re interested in straightening your teeth with Invisalign or Six Month Smiles, please call our office to schedule a consultation. We can discuss the options and together create a plan to help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.
With orthodontic treatment, your teeth and jawline can be realigned to reduce the risk of future dental problems. Not only will you be able to smile with confidence again, but you will also reduce the risk of gum disease and tooth loss. With the latest advances in orthodontic technology readily available, they are now designed to minimize their appearance so you can continue to lead your lifestyle uninterrupted.
Six Month Smiles is an excellent option for patients looking to budget their money, their time, and it costs significantly less than traditional orthodontics. While Six Month Smiles will not correct every orthodontic condition, it is a practical and reliable solution for patients seeking cosmetic dentistry. At Sloan Creek Dental, we accept most PPO insurance plans, but in cases where orthodontic treatment is only partially covered, and or you do not have insurance coverage, we partnered with CareCredit and LendingPoint, where we offer 0% interest financing option to help offset the out-of-pocket cost.
Whether you’re in Allen, Fairview, or McKinney, the best way to find out whether invisible cosmetic orthodontics will work best for you is to call our office, and our friendly staff will schedule an orthodontic appointment with Dr. Feng. During the consultation, Dr. Feng will answer any orthodontic care questions and see which system is a good fit for you. Contact us today at (972) 468-1440, or schedule an appointment online to get started on getting that perfect, straighter more confident smile you’ve always dreamed of.
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