If you’ve been dreaming about a straighter smile, you’re in luck! There are lots of orthodontic treatment options to choose from today. Additionally, some patients might achieve a straighter smile with porcelain veneers if they don’t want to get orthodontics.
However, orthodontic treatments are the best option for long-term straight teeth and all the health benefits that come with them.
At Rice Dentistry, we offer two popular orthodontic treatments to choose from: Invisalign and Six Month Smiles. Let’s compare and contrast Invisalign and Six Month Smiles to help you decide which one is best for you.
Invisalign
Invisalign is one of the most popular orthodontic treatments on the market right now. The treatment involves wearing clear plastic aligners to gradually shift your teeth into their new position. It is the most advanced clear aligner option available today.
Appearance
In regards to appearance, Invisalign is nearly invisible. The clear aligners are made with a thin, smooth plastic that is completely translucent. When you’re wearing the aligners, most people won’t even know you’re wearing them unless they get really close to your face. If you’re searching for a discreet orthodontic option, Invisalign is one of the top choices.
Who’s a Candidate?
Most patients are excellent candidates for Invisalign. Invisalign can address a number of orthodontic problems including
- Crooked teeth
- Gapped teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Crossbites
Only on the rare occasion that a patient has severe issues, do we not recommend Invisalign treatment.
We also recommend that patients receiving Invisalign treatment should have good oral health and be free of cavities and gum disease. It should also be noted that clear braces don’t replace missing teeth. We can provide a treatment plan for any necessary treatments, such as dental implants or a bridge, before starting Invisalign treatment if needed.
Comfort
The smooth plastic clear aligners are highly comfortable. When they rest on your teeth, your tongue, cheeks, and lips can rub against the aligners without getting scratched. This makes Invisalign the optimal treatment for those who play contact sports or wind instruments and may worry about the irritation that can occur with metal braces. The only discomfort you may experience with Invisalign is a little bit of soreness after switching to a new set of aligners. The soreness usually only lasts a day or two and is easily manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Hygiene
Maintaining good oral hygiene is easier than ever with Invisalign! Since the aligners are removable, you can continue to brush and floss your teeth the same as you would without Invisalign. Additionally, visits to the dentist for dental cleaning are seamless. Simply remove the aligners and get the treatments you need to keep your mouth healthy and happy.
Time
The timeframe of your treatment depends on the problems we need to address. If your problems are more moderate, your treatment will take longer than someone who has mild issues. Most patients can achieve their desired results within 6 months to 2 years. We will give you an estimated timeframe for Invisalign treatment during your consultation.
Removable
Invisalign aligners are completely removable! Go ahead and enjoy your favorite foods and easy brushing and flossing for the duration of your treatment. Just make sure to wear the aligners for at least 22 hours per day.
Cost
The cost of Invisalign treatment is similar to the cost of metal braces. Your treatment cost will depend on your specific needs. Please visit us for a consultation to learn how much treatment will cost you.
Six Month Smiles
Six Month Smiles is an alternative orthodontic treatment that can help patients achieve a beautiful smile in as little as 6 months! The major difference between Six Month Smiles and other orthodontic treatments is that Six Month Smiles only focuses on the teeth at the front of the mouth. It doesn’t move the molars. By moving fewer teeth, it helps patients achieve their results faster.
Appearance
Six Month Smiles comes in two options: clear aligners or clear brackets with tooth-colored wires. Of course, the clear aligners are more discreet, but the clear brackets are also discreet. They just aren’t as invisible. However, they are much less visible than metal brackets! If you care about being as discreet as possible, clear aligners are the better option for you.
Who’s a Candidate?
Since Six Month Smiles only focuses on the front teeth, it’s only recommended for patients with mild issues like gaps, slight crowding, or minor crookedness. It’s not recommended for bite problems like overbites, underbites, or crossbites.
Hygiene
The clear aligners make cleaning your teeth easy just like Invisalign. The clear brackets require a little more maintenance and require you to thread floss through the wire in order to floss your teeth. Food can easily become trapped and if you eat the wrong kind of food, it can damage your braces.
Removable
Only the Six Month Smiles clear aligners are removable.
Cost
Six Month Smiles typically costs less than Invisalign treatment because the treatment takes less time. Contact our dental office to book a consultation to learn how much your treatment will cost.
Find Out If Invisalign or Six Month Smiles is Right For You in Irvine
Now that we’ve compared and contrasted Six Month Smiles and Invisalign, have you decided which Irvine orthodontic treatment is right for you? No problem if you haven’t. That’s where our cosmetic dentists come in to help. Please book a consultation at Rice Dentistry by calling (949) 551-5902 to learn more about Invisalign and Six Month Smiles.
By Dr. Taylor Rice|Invisalign|
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Taylor Rice
Dr. Taylor Rice has over three decades of experience in cosmetic dentistry. His commitment to patient communication and education, and excellent dental care is unparalleled. You can learn more about Dr. Taylor and Rice Dentistry through his bio."
