How Do Six Month Smiles® Differ From Traditional Braces?

There's no question that traditional metal braces can produce stunning results and, in some cases, may be the most effective and appropriate option available for addressing a patient's particular needs. Oftentimes, however, patients may qualify for Six Month Smiles, which can offer a number of exciting benefits and unique advantages compared with traditional metal braces. If you're just starting your journey toward a straighter smile, you may have questions about whether you're a candidate for Six Month Smiles. At Sycamore Family Dentistry in Midlothian, VA, Dr. Jacob Sheppard is highly knowledgeable in the nuances of straightening crooked teeth and can help determine which orthodontic treatment may be most effective, convenient, comfortable, and suitable for you. Here, we'll take a closer look at some of the key differences between Six Month Smiles vs. metal braces and answer popular questions about getting a straighter smile with Six Month Smiles.

What is the Six Month Smiles treatment?

Six Month Smiles is an innovative orthodontic solution that offers patients the opportunity to address mildly to moderately crooked teeth without many of the downsides of traditional metal braces. Each Six Month Smiles treatment is customized based on the patient's orthodontic needs and may include clear plastic aligners and/or tooth-colored wires with clear brackets, making the treatment discreet and comfortable. True to its name, many Six Month Smiles treatments can help patients get the straighter smile they desire in just half a year — though this can vary somewhat from person to person.

What's the difference between braces and Six Month Smiles?

There are several key differences between traditional braces and Six Month Smiles, with some of the most notable being:

• Discretion: Many patients find that the appearance of traditional metal braces is not ideal and can interfere with their self-confidence, whereas the clear aligners and clear brackets with tooth-colored wires used in Six Month Smiles are much more discreet.
• Comfort: Without traditional metal brackets and sharp wires, Six Month Smiles is often considered more comfortable when compared with traditional braces.
• Treatment time: The length of treatment with metal braces often extends up to 18 – 24 months, while Six Month Smiles patients typically achieve a straighter smile after 5 – 12 months.
• What can be treated: While Six Month Smiles can certainly be appropriate and effective for certain orthodontic needs, patients with severe crookedness, bite misalignment, rotation, and other issues may benefit most from traditional orthodontic treatments, like braces.

How do I choose between clear braces and regular braces?

To better understand whether you may be a candidate for Six Month Smiles, metal braces, or another orthodontic treatment option, Dr. Sheppard will perform a thorough examination, review your dental history and any imaging studies as appropriate, and discuss your specific concerns and goals. At Sycamore Family Dentistry, we are committed to helping patients achieve a healthy, beautiful smile they can feel confident about in the most convenient and least disruptive way. Whether you are found to be a candidate for Six Month Smiles or traditional metal braces, we will work closely with you to experience as comfortable, enjoyable, and successful as possible.

Give your smile a modern and convenient upgrade with Six Month Smiles in Midlothian, VA

If you have been dreaming of a straighter smile but wish there was an alternative to metal braces that was faster, less obtrusive, and more comfortable, you may be excited to find out whether you're eligible for Six Month Smiles clear brackets and aligners by scheduling a consultation with Midlothian, VA Six Month Smiles dentist Dr. Jacob Sheppard at Sycamore Family Dentistry.