Orthodontic treatment is time-consuming, complicated, obvious, and uncomfortable – or is it? With Six Month Smiles, patients seeking cosmetic straightening have a far better option. If you’re a candidate for treatment, you can see the smile you’ve been hoping for – in a fraction of the time metal braces typically require.
Seeking San Francisco Six Month Smiles? Summit Dental Care is a just a short trip from your home, and offers several types of alternative orthodontic treatment. San Franciscan adults unhappy with their teeth can find the kind of orthodontics that allow them to continue living their lives, while subtly realigning their front teeth.
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about Six Month Smiles below, and get in touch to schedule your own consultation. If you’re visiting our practice from San Francisco, we’re happy to answer questions prior to your appointment so that you can save a trip across the bridge (although you’ll be happy to learn that we’re just a 20-minute drive from Downtown). Simply fill out this form to make contact.
FAQ: Six Month Smiles | Short-Term Orthodontic Treatment
- How can straightening happen so quickly? Six Month Smiles patients fall into a very specific category, and are ideally suited for this type of treatment. The extent of straightening that they require is minimal, and concentrated only on the front teeth. Otherwise, they have well-aligned back teeth and their jaws fit together properly. Because treatment only corrects the visible front teeth (or the “social 6”), it allows for a significantly shorter treatment process.
- Will the braces be noticeable? Six Month Smiles uses ceramic brackets that blend with your natural tooth enamel. They offer the subtlest possible brackets and wires so that you can feel comfortable during treatment.
- Will treatment be painful? This alternative treatment is much more comfortable than traditional braces because there is less force involved and fewer teeth are being treated at once. Your front teeth are gently repositioned to form a realigned smile.
- Is Six Month Smiles safe? It employs the same orthodontic mechanisms as traditional braces, employing bone remodeling to reposition teeth. There are not more risks than the ones associated with standard braces. Treatment can also require less preparation than metal braces, since only the front teeth are being moved (little need for an extraction to create space).
- Do I need to wear a retainer after treatment? Retainers solidify your orthodontic results, and are always necessary for some amount of time after braces (whether they’re traditional or alternative). We can place a bonded retainer if you would rather not wear a removable one; just communicate your preferences to your dentist.
- Am I a candidate? Six Month Smiles candidates are at least 16 years of age, have well-aligned back teeth and healthy bites, and are hoping to improve crookedness or uneven spacing across their visible front teeth. Get in touch to learn more about your own candidacy!
