Invisalign® and 6 Month Smiles
If you dream of having a beautiful smile but suffer from crooked or misaligned teeth, don’t worry! At Lifetime Dental Health there are treatment options available that don’t involve clunky braces.
What is Invisalign®?
Invisalign® is a short-term orthodontic treatment that uses clear aligners to straighten your teeth. They are removable, so you can simply take them out if you need to eat, drink or brush your teeth. These clear aligners are a great alternative to traditional braces.
How Does Invisalign® Work?
At Lifetime Dental Health, one of our skilled dentists will use 3D imaging to craft unique aligners just for you. After a consultation, your dentist will take x-rays and impressions of your teeth to be used by a lab technician to create your aligners.
Depending on how much your teeth need to be adjusted, treatment can take anywhere from 9 to 18 months and may require 12 to 48 aligners to complete. Each aligner is worn for 2 weeks while it slightly moves the teeth towards the desired position. They must be worn at all times, except when you are eating, flossing or brushing.
Clear aligners are removable and don’t require any food restrictions. They provide a comfortable, economical alternative to traditional orthodontics. In addition to improving your aesthetics, clear aligners can also improve your oral health!
What is the Six Month Smiles® System?
For patients who are 16 years or older, the Six Month Smiles® system provides a quick, effective, and economical alternative to traditional braces.
Unlike metal braces, these special clear braces gently correct the alignment in your “smile zone” – the part of your mouth easily visible when you smile. These teeth are easier to adjust than the back molars, which is why the process can be completed in only 6 months! These clear braces can comfortably straighten your teeth while restoring your natural, beautiful smile.
Who is the Six Months Smiles® Treatment for?
Clear braces work best for those who:
- Want a straighter smile without the wait
- Have previous orthodontic work which has become misaligned again
- Have gapped or crowded teeth
- Have misaligned teeth
- Have just a few problem teeth, and
- Want to avoid traditional braces.
What Do Six Month Smiles® Braces Look Like?
These braces and their wires blend in with the color of your teeth – making them barely noticeable!
Is This Process Uncomfortable?
At Lifetime Dental Health, your comfort is our first priority. Even though the treatment time is short, Six Month Smile® braces do not put any unnecessary force on your teeth. The treatment is comfortable and gentle!
Will I Have to Wear a Retainer?
To maintain the straightness of your teeth, a retainer must be worn. However, if a removable retainer is too much trouble, a bonded retainer can be placed behind the teeth. There are multiple treatment options to choose from, which Dr. Barry or Dr. Love can explain in detail during your consultation.
If you are unhappy with your smile and are looking for cosmetic enhancement, Six Month Smiles® and Invisalign® clear aligners are both fantastic options! If you have any questions or wish to schedule an appointment, call our Columbus dental office at 614-451-2234.