Everyone should feel confident when they smile. If you think a straighter, whiter smile can help you in getting there, then we’re here to help. Before, the only way to straighten teeth was by wearing uncomfortable, fixed metal braces for three years or more. But now, an increasing number of mail-ordering providers claim they can swiftly straighten teeth from home. We don’t recommend these DIY methods; teeth straightening should always be overseen by a dentist. However, we do understand there is now more choice out there than simply traditional braces. With so many options, you may need help figuring out where to start or the differences between each brace system. That’s why we’ve chosen to compare the two straightening procedures we offer at Corner House Dental Practice.
Many patients come to us worried that metal braces won’t suit them or feel they are too old for orthodontic treatment. For this reason, we offer the versatile, aesthetically-pleasing straightening solutions, Invisalign and Six Month Smiles. Deciding on the right solution for you depends on your case, preference and budget. After a thorough assessment with one of our dentists, they’ll be able to guide you to the correct treatment. But, if you’re interested in learning more about the orthodontic treatments we offer or want further insight into their differences, you can find out more below.
What Is Six Month Smiles?
As the name suggests, Six Month Smiles give excellent results in only six months. It is the perfect treatment for those who want to improve their smile fast before a big event or only have minor crookedness, spacing or misalignment of the teeth. Straightening the teeth in this little time is achievable because it only targets the front six to eight teeth instead of the whole mouth. This system also uses wires and brackets to move the teeth quickly but safely. But don’t worry–we’ll use clear brackets and tooth-coloured wires, so it’s less intrusive than metal braces.
Six Month Smiles is a short-term, substantially cheaper method of straightening your teeth. After a detailed assessment, we will decide whether you are suitable for this treatment. We will also take some x-rays and facial and intra-oral photographs. If we determine your case as suitable, we will then apply the unique Lucid-Lok® clear brackets and tooth-coloured wires to your teeth for you to wear for the next six months. You’ll continue to visit us every 4 to 5 weeks so we can monitor your progress and tighten the archwires accordingly. Once the treatment is complete, and your teeth are in their final position, we will remove the brackets and wires.
Six Month Smiles carry no more risk to the teeth than traditional braces. If anything, the applied force is lighter, so there are fewer risks. You also won’t require any tooth extraction beforehand. After your treatment has ended, we can also discuss teeth-whitening if you desire.
With Six Month Smiles, you can be sure that your teeth will have improved in that time. However, the swiftness of this treatment does come with some limitations. For instance, Six Month Smiles can only improve minor crooked, spaced or misaligned teeth. If you have a poor bite or severely misaligned teeth, then Six Month Smiles may not be the best option for you.
Click here to view our Six Month Smiles case studies.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign straightens your teeth with clear, removable, custom-made aligners, so they aren’t actually braces at all! Clear aligners are a discreet straightening method, so no one even needs to know you’re having orthodontic treatment. As you wear the aligners, your teeth will gently move into the desired position. This means there’s no discomfort like in traditional braces. You also don’t need to keep visiting the dentist to have them tightened and adjusted.
Invisalign are the leading tooth straightening solution and have improved over 13 million smiles worldwide.
At the consultation, we will take x-rays, make a bespoke impression of your mouth, and chat with you about your dental concerns. We will then send the digital impressions to a technician who will create the sets of custom-made aligners. These sets will be sent to your home for you to wear every two weeks. As you wear these aligners, they will gently move your teeth into their desired final position. Throughout the treatment, our dentists will also monitor your progress to ensure that your teeth are shifting the way they should be.
Unlike Six Month Smiles, Invisalign’s treatment duration depends on the dental concerns you’re trying to fix. That means treatment can take anywhere between 9 to 24 months. Nonetheless, Invisalign is removable, so you can eat, brush and floss without obstruction. That’s why we love these aligners, as they are more flexible and comfortable to wear throughout the extended treatment period.
Not only can we straighten your teeth with Invisalign, but we can also solve function problems such as misalignment and malocclusion. Malocclusion translates to “poor bite” and is one of the most common dental problems we see. Before, we could only fix severe crookedness and malocclusion with metal braces. But, due to Invisalign’s active research in creating the SmartTrack material and SmartForce attachments, we can precisely move each targeted tooth to perfect a patient’s bite. As a result, Invisalign can also treat overbites, underbites, crossbites and open bites.
Which Is Best for You?
Book a consultation with us so we can assess your case and help you decide on the most effective method for your desired treatment time, aesthetics and budget.
Six Month Smiles is the perfect solution if you’re looking for rapid results before a big event or you don’t have a complex case. They are also great if you don’t mind wearing fixed braces for a short time. On the other hand, if you have bite problems or don’t wish to wear fixed braces, then Invisalign is the more natural option.
Interested in Teeth Straightening Near You? Visit Corner House Dental Practice in Norwich.
Contact us here to take your first step in achieving your perfect smile. You can also call our friendly reception team on 01603 621613, who will book you in for an assessment.
Click here to listen to some patient testimonials.
