‘Six Month Smiles’ and information on it

02/08/2016

‘Six Month Smiles’ and information on it

The ‘Six Month Smiles’ is a relatively new treatment for straightening teeth that was developed by the Six Month Smiles, Inc., a New York-based American company. As with traditional fixed braces, it can be used to correct crooked teeth, crowded teeth, gapped or widely-spaced teeth, protruding teeth, twisted teeth, crossbite, openbite, misplaced midline and other problematic orthodontic conditions. However, unlike orthodox orthodontic treatments, its approach is more focused on moving and improving the alignment of only the teeth that can be seen when you smile, rather than all of the teeth and the positioning of your entire bite. Because of this difference in emphasis, a ‘Six Month Smiles’ treatment can be completed in much less time and at far less cost than regular orthodontic treatments.

At Oatlands Dental Lounge, a ‘Six Month Smiles’ braces treatment time will fall within 4 to 9 months depending on the gravity of the orthodontic condition to be corrected. On the average, it will usually take just about 6 months. In contrast, treatment with fixed regular orthodontic braces can take as long as 2 to 4 years before the desired results can be seen. What can you expect will happen when you consult with us about our ‘Six Month Smiles’ treatment? During your first visit, you will be given full dental checkup. We will take some photographs, X-rays and otherwise examine and evaluate the condition of your smile. Based on our assessment, we will also give you an indication as to whether or not the ‘Six Month Smiles’ treatment is suitable for you. If it is, we will inform you of the likely treatment time and costs involved. If you concur, we will begin the treatment by fitting you with the special ‘Six Month Smiles Lucid-Lok’ clear brackets and barely visible tooth-colored ‘shape-memory’ wires that are made in the United States.

After the fitting, you may be asked to come back about twice a month until the end of your ‘Six Month Smiles’ treatment for short, or slightly longer appointments for regular adjustments of the braces. As with any orthodontic treatment, there will likely be some discomfort and inconvenience that may be experienced during the first few weeks following the fitting. Initially, your speech may be affected by the braces and you may also salivate a little more than you normally do. Some may be bothered by the newness of the sensation of pressure on the teeth. Eventually though, you will get used to the braces. In certain cases, your dentist may advise you to take some mild over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen or paracetamol during your adjustment period.

At the end of your ‘Six Month Smiles’ treatment timetable, you will be provided with a retainer to prevent your teeth from moving back to their original un-straightened position. At Oatlands Dental Lounge, we can provide you with a removable retainer or we can fit you with a permanent bonded retainer.

The ‘Six Month Smiles’ treatment is not meant for anyone with an orthodontic problem. It is not a replacement for comprehensive orthodontics.  According to Ryan Swain, founder and CEO of Six Month Smiles, Inc., “The Six Month Smiles System is a reasonable approach for adults who want to straighten their teeth not because they cannot chew or because their crooked teeth are causing functional problems, but simply because they want straight teeth and crave the benefits associated with an attractive smile.”

Hence, if what is wrong with your teeth in not just aesthetic or cosmetic or if your case is found to be more complicated, we at Oatlands Dental Lounge will be happy to refer you to our orthodontic colleagues.