Comparing Two Popular Orthodontic Systems

One of the most exciting things about orthodontic care in today’s world is the options available for treatment. Traditional braces aren’t the only way to straighten teeth, and most adult patients with mild to moderate malocclusions can opt for an alternative system with their dentist’s guidance and recommendation.

Ada Smile Place provides orthodontic care in three forms: traditional metal braces, Invisalign, and Six Month Smiles. You already know about metal braces, and we bet you’re somewhat familiar with Invisalign, but what about Six Months Smiles?

Let’s dive into how Invisalign and Six Month Smiles compare and why you might prefer one over the other.

What is Invisalign, and how does it work?

Invisalign is the top competitor to traditional braces and is easily the most popular clear aligner system. It’s a favorite orthodontic system amongst teens and adults, and Invisalign caters to children now too.

While traditional braces rely on metal brackets and wires to straighten teeth, the Invisalign system uses clear aligners (trays) that completely cover the teeth. Invisalign aligners are transparent, which is a huge advantage for anyone who wants to go through orthodontic treatment without other people noticing. Their transparency isn’t their only advantage, though—Invisalign is extremely effective at straightening teeth.

Invisalign treatment begins with an impression of your smile, which is used to map your current smile, your future smile, and every step to get from point A to point B. An Invisalign lab will create a series of clear aligners for each step. The average treatment plan has 20 to 30 sets of aligners, each set is worn for about two weeks before moving to the next.

The total treatment time for a typical Invisalign plan is roughly 12 to 18 months. During this time, you’ll need to wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day and remove them before meals, drinking (except water), and brushing your teeth.

What is Six Month Smiles, and how does it work?

Six Month Smiles is a unique orthodontic system that combines the best of traditional braces and Invisalign. Although the company now offers clear aligners similar to Invisalign, it’s their clear braces that we’ll be focusing on today.

Six Month Smiles uses a bracket-and-wire system just like traditional braces, but the big difference is they use clear brackets and tooth-colored wires instead of shiny metal. Although Six Month Smiles’ clear braces are not as subtle as Invisalign aligners, they are far less obvious in appearance than metal braces.

Best of all, Six Month Smiles can straighten teeth in about six to nine months for the majority of patients. The system can accomplish this feat because they focus only on straightening visible teeth rather than your entire smile. Additionally, Six Month Smiles is only appropriate for patients ages 16 and older.

How do I choose between Invisalign and Six Month Smiles?

There are 2 factors to consider when deciding between Invisalign and Six Month Smiles.

1. Malocclusion Severity

Even if you already have your heart set on Invisalign or Six Month Smiles, it’s important first to see your dentist for an orthodontic evaluation. Your dentist will be able to provide valuable insight into which solution is most suitable for straightening your teeth. The reason is that the severity of your malocclusion greatly impacts whether clear aligners or clear braces will be most efficient.

You may not be an ideal candidate for Invisalign if you have very crooked teeth, very small teeth, or a significant over- or underbite. Instead, Six Month Smiles’ clear braces or even traditional braces will yield the best results.

2. Personal Preference

If your dentist has found that you’re a candidate for either orthodontic system, then it’s up to you to decide which feels like the best choice.

Invisalign is a great option if you want to straighten all of your teeth, not just the most visible, and you want the option to remove your aligners. You won’t need to change your diet or how you care for your teeth at home. Overall, it’s the most user-friendly orthodontic experience, but it can take twice as long as Six Month Smiles.

Six Months Smiles is a great option if you don’t mind the look of clear braces and want the quickest results possible. It’s also ideal for someone with minor alignment issues that really only wants their visible smile to look straighter.

Talk with your dentist about your smile goals, your lifestyle, and which factors in treatment are most important to you. Together you’ll decide whether Invisalign or Six Month Smiles will meet your needs.

Book your Invisalign or Six Month Smiles evaluation at Ada Smile Place.

Ready to begin your journey toward a straight, healthy smile? Schedule your orthodontic evaluation today by calling our Ada, OK, office or by requesting a visit online. We can’t wait to work with you to get your best smile possible!