Who May Not Be Suitable for Six Month Smiles®?

By: Dr. Jacob Sheppard

11/20/2023

Achieving a straight and confident smile is a goal for countless children, teens, and adults alike, and modern orthodontics offer various solutions to help make this dream a reality. Among the most exciting options for straightening your teeth and enhancing your smile with speed and convenience is Six Month Smiles, a rapid and discreet treatment tailored for mild misalignment. However, it's important for patients considering Six Month Smiles to recognize that not everyone is an ideal candidate for this particular orthodontic approach.

At Sycamore Family Dentistry, Midlothian, VA, dentist Dr. Jacob Sheppard helps patients feel more comfortable and confident in their smile with a range of treatments, including Six Month Smiles. Here, you’ll find helpful information on some of the factors that may render someone unsuitable for Six Month Smiles.

What is Six Month Smiles?

Six Month Smiles is considered a short-term orthodontic treatment that is commonly used to address mild misalignment issues. Using clear brackets and tooth-colored wires — as well as clear aligners in some cases — this approach concentrates on the cosmetic appearance of social (visible) teeth during smiles, providing a discreet alternative to traditional braces.

What concerns can Six Month Smiles address?

Six Month Smiles is primarily considered appropriate for addressing mild misalignment concerns associated with the visible, more forward-facing teeth. This may include:

  • Crowding
  • Spacing
  • Misaligned teeth

Is there anyone who would not be a candidate for Six Month Smiles?

While Six Month Smiles can be a fantastic option for addressing mild misalignment, it may not be an appropriate and effective solution for patients with more intricate orthodontic needs. Factors that may disqualify someone as a candidate include:

  • Severe crowding
  • Rotated teeth
  • Bite misalignment (overbite, underbite)
  • Complex orthodontic issues

For those with these concerns, more comprehensive orthodontic treatments may be necessary to achieve optimal results. During your initial consultation for Six Month Smiles in Midlothian, VA, Dr. Sheppard will carefully examine your teeth and oral structure and determine whether you may be a candidate for Six Month Smiles or another treatment option to help you get the straighter smile you’re hoping for.

Why should I consider Six Month Smiles vs. braces?

For patients who qualify for treatment, choosing Six Month Smiles over traditional braces offers a number of unique benefits and advantages, such as:

  • Faster treatment time: True to its name, Six Month Smiles typically yields results in about six months compared with 1 – 2 years.
  • Discreet appearance: The use of clear brackets and tooth-colored wires makes the treatment less noticeable.

Imagine getting a straighter smile in just half a year? With Six Month Smiles in Midlothian, VA, that dream can become a reality

While traditional metal braces and other orthodontic treatments can certainly be effective and appropriate for some patients, those with more mild concerns who prefer a convenient, inconspicuous, and quick treatment course may be excited about the possibility of Six Month Smiles. To learn more about whether you may qualify for Six Month Smiles, call Sycamore Family Dentistry in Midlothian, VA, to schedule your consultation and examination with Six Month Smiles provider Dr. Jacob Sheppard today.

* All information subject to change. Images may contain models. Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary.