6 Month Smiles vs Invisalign  - Which is right for you?

An attractive smile has become a powerful tool that can open many doors for you in today’s world. A survey by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry shows that people with  perfectly aligned and flawless smiles are perceived as more attractive than those with imperfect smiles. If you are thinking of getting your teeth aligned with orthodontic treatment, then you are making the best decision of your life. Perfectly aligned teeth  improve one’s oral and physical health and improve facial esthetics and smile.

Now that you have decided, the next question that may come to your mind would be,  “Which orthodontic treatment is best for me? Shall I choose 6 months smiles or Invisalign aligners?”. If you cannot decide between these two options, then this article is for you - where we explain everything you need to know about both treatment options and help you make an informed decision. So, read on to find out more.

Are braces the only option to straighten teeth?

The field of orthodontics has made significant advancements in the last decade. Fortunately, fixed braces are not the only option available for fixing crooked, spaced, or misaligned teeth. Today, you can choose from various treatment options, from removable appliances such as the Inman Aligner to traditional braces, lingual braces, Invisalign, and six-month smiles. With a multitude of options available, including even veneers, choosing the right option often becomes challenging. However, your dentist or orthodontist can suggest the most suitable treatment option for you based on your oral health and aesthetic needs and  budgetary constraints.

What are the Pros and Cons of 6 Months Smiles?

To date, fixed braces are among the most versatile and time-tested options for correcting crooked teeth. However, the unaesthetic metallic appearance of the traditional braces is a complete turn-off for many patients.

Pros:

• Six months smiles combine the power of fixed braces with the aesthetics of the invisible braces.
• The Six-month smiles system comprises of clear fixed braces that are virtually invisible.
• Even the orthodontic wires are made from a tooth-coloured material that doesn’t affect the facial aesthetics negatively.
• Another advantage of the six-month smile braces is that these braces are designed to fix orthodontic problems within six weeks, unlike conventional braces that may take up to 24 months for treatment.

Cons:

• Can sometimes be more expensive than traditional fixed braces
• There maybe extreme malocclusion problems which these braces can't fix

What are the pros and cons of Invisalign?

Invisalign aligners have garnered much attention in the previous decade as one of the most comfortable and convenient orthodontic treatment options.

Pros:

• Unlike fixed metal braces, Invisalign aligners are removable - which means that you can remove them for eating, drinking and oral hygiene maintenance.
• With Invisalign treatment, there is no diet restriction;  you can eat all your favourite foods without worrying about your braces or orthodontic attachments falling off.
• Perhaps, the biggest advantage of Invisalign aligners is their inconspicuousness ; the aligners are made from clear polymers that are not visible when you wear them. So, you can continue to get straight teeth without anyone noticing that you are wearing aligners.

Cons:

• Can sometimes be more expensive than traditional fixed braces
• There maybe extreme malocclusion problems which these braces can't fix

How long will it take for braces to straighten my teeth?

Orthodontic treatment options vary depending on various factors, such as the type of braces used for treatment, patient’s age, the severity of the problem, and patient compliance. According to the British Orthodontic Society, minor orthodontic issues, particularly those involving only the front teeth - the upper and lower six teeth - can be treated within six months. However, more complex problems may take 1-2 years for complete treatment.

Do teeth spread back out after braces are removed?

After the completion of your orthodontic treatment, there is a tendency for your teeth to move back to their previous positions. But no need to worry; your dentist knows about this issue and will take measures to prevent it. After treatment completion, your dentist will give you removable or fixed retainers. Orthodontic retainers are appliances that do not move the teeth but prevent them from spreading back.

How long do I need to wear a retainer?

The duration for which you need to wear retainers mainly depends on the severity of your orthodontic problem. However, according to the British Orthodontic Society, orthodontic patients need to wear retainers for a minimum of 12 months to consolidate their treatment.

How often do I have to get my braces tightened?

Based on your orthodontic treatment needs, your dentist may ask you to visit after every 4-10 weeks to re-tighten the braces. Initially, you may need to see your orthodontist more frequently. However, as treatment progresses, the gap between orthodontic appointments generally increases.

What is more painful, braces or Invisalign?

No matter what orthodontic treatment system you choose, it will cause slight pain and discomfort - as it is an indication that your teeth are moving. However, fixed braces tend to be more painful and inconvenient. Besides causing significant pain due to tooth movement, the sharp edges of the braces can also injure the oral soft tissues and create difficulty in eating and speech - particularly during the early days of treatment.

Can you wear braces and Invisalign at the same time?

It is not possible to wear both Invisalign aligners and braces simultaneously, as both the options work in different ways. If braces are attached to your teeth,  your mouth will not have space for the aligners and vice versa. Hence, dentists only use one orthodontic treatment option at a  time.

If you are looking for the best orthodontic practisein Liverpool, Crosby dental should be your first choice. We offer high-quality, affordable orthodontic treatment services to our esteemed patients. Whether you need fixed braces, Invisalign aligners or six-month smiles, we offer all services in one place. So, book a consultation appointment with us today and let us give you a smile that you have always dreamed of.

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Proudly welcoming patients from around the Liverpool area including Waterloo, Blundellsands, Waterloo, Formby, Thornton, Hightown & Bootle

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