4 Questions to Ask Your Dentist About Six Month Smiles®
Six Month Smiles® is the perfect orthodontic option for adults who want a discreet path to straight teeth. The quick turnaround translates into cost savings, which makes it an easy investment.
That said, all orthodontics treatments require that you sacrifice time, effort, and money. This is why it is always a good idea to find out what you are signing up for.
The Six Month Smiles process: A short explainer
Six Month Smiles uses gentle, constant pressure to slowly reposition select teeth into better alignment. The treatment will often employ clear braces with tooth-colored frames to realign the teeth. However, dentists may recommend clear braces to patients with milder orthodontic issues.
The reason that this treatment option delivers faster results is its limited scope. Short-term orthodontics do not seek to correct every single problem in the dental arch. Instead, the treatment focuses on the prominent, most visible teeth.
1. How does a patient know if Six Month Smiles are a good fit for them?
A patient’s diagnosis informs the course of treatment that works best for them. This applies to short-term orthodontics as well. Take Six Month Smiles as an example. Dentists only recommend this option if they are sure that the treatment will improve both the aesthetics and the oral health of the mouth. The ideal candidate should:
- Be an adult (although some teens over the age of 16 could qualify)
- Lack severe bite problems and jaw malformations
- Have orthodontic issues that affect isolate sections of the dental arch
Dentists will use the diagnosis phase of treatment to screen patients. They will recommend alternatives to patients who do not meet the criteria.
2. What should the patient expect from the treatment process?
First, the dentist will perform a visual exam of the patient’s mouth. They will detect and correct non-orthodontic issues like cavities. The dentist will also take X-rays and intra-oral scans of the patient’s mouth. They will use these to diagnose and map out the alignment of their patient’s teeth.
Next, the dentist will send a 3D model of the patient’s mouth to a Six Month Smiles dental lab. At the lab, a specialist (usually an orthodontist) will oversee the fabrication of custom braces or dental trays. The lab will send the finished product to the dentist, who will fit the orthodontic appliance onto their patient’s teeth.
The diagnosis and planning phases of short-term orthodontics are the most important aspects of treatment. Compliance is the second half of the equation.
3. How does a patient ensure optimal results?
The patient will need to keep a strict oral hygiene routine. They will have to change the way that they brush their teeth when they wear braces. Dentists usually give comprehensive tips on how to clean around and behind braces.
Whether the patient wears braces or clear aligners, they will have to see their dentist at least once a month. These visits allow the dentist to monitor the patient’s progress. Dentists also use these visits to make adjustments to the braces or tweak the treatment plan for the benefit of their patients.
4. Does the patient need to wear a retainer after treatment?
Yes, because living tissue is elastic, and it tends to settle into positions that it finds comfortable. Retainers keep the teeth from "snapping back" into their old, undesirable positions. How long the patient needs to wear a retainer will depend on factors that their dentist will explain to them.
Let us walk you through your teeth straightening options
A straight smile is good for your oral health and your self-confidence. Our practice specializes in the use of innovative orthodontics to straighten the teeth of adult patients. We would love to add your new smile to our portfolio of happy patients. Are you interested? Then get in touch with us to talk to our dentist.
Request an appointment here: https://smilefreshdentalgrandblanc.com or call Smile Fresh Dental at (810) 515-7083 for an appointment in our Grand Blanc office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Google: Orthodontics for Adults in Grand Blanc, MI.
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