A guide to Six-Month Smiles One of the main factors holding individuals back from seeking orthodontic treatment is the stigma that previously surrounded wearing traditional braces for a long period of time – particularly for adults who may be nervous about speaking in public. But now, the emergence of a wide variety of procedures that can result in a brighter, more attractive smile have made it possible for those people who have suffered low self-esteem due to their appearance to enjoy aesthetically-pleasing pearly whites. While severe cases of misalignment may require traditional straightening methods, those with minor issues are able to take advantage of the six-month smile system, which is ideal for members of the public looking for a quick-fix. What issues can this course of action resolve? There are a number of problems the six-month smile programme is usually used to resolve, including: Crowding, overbite, underbite, spacing, crossbite, openbite and a misplaced midline. What are the main benefits of six-month smiles? The discreet nature of the braces – achieved due to their small, tooth-coloured features – means they are almost completely unnoticeable to other people, which is an advantage for those who may be worried about their appearance while undergoing treatment. Additionally, a high number of people are attracted to this course of action due to the significantly reduced treatment time – representing a 75 per cent shorter timeframe – providing another benefit for those with a busy, on-the-go lifestyle. Because the teeth are repositioned in a gentle manner, individuals are unlikely to experience any pain or discomfort for the duration of this process, meaning they are able to enjoy the fantastic results with little or no drawbacks. The current economic conditions have resulted in some people being less able to afford expensive cosmetic dentistry, but six-month smiles are usually more cost-effective than alternative treatments, making them the ideal solution for anyone looking to improve their quality of life. What does this process entail? Using tooth-coloured braces, the six-month smile process gently pushes the pearly whites into place in an average treatment time of only six months, which is considerably less than older techniques that often take around two to three years to complete. Focusing on those pearly whites that show when individuals smile means this course of action is less intrusive than others that achieve a similar goal, therefore creating a major cosmetic impact while only making minor changes to the teeth. What happens during the initial procedure? Initially, patients interested in receiving this treatment should attend an introductory appointment with their dental professional. This will allow them to discuss what the treatment is likely to entail, how much it will cost and if there is anything they should be aware of. Additionally, this visit is the ideal time for the practitioner to thoroughly check the pearly whites with both X-rays and photographs, which allow the dentist to decide if the six-month smile system will be effective. In cases when this is not appropriate, patients should not be too worried as it is likely their dental professional will recommend alternative treatments that will have the same impact on the teeth, simply in a different manner. Those who are deemed to be suitable candidates for the procedure will then find the next step is the actual installation of the fixtures. In some instances, the spaces between the teeth will be polished or a single pearly white will be removed in order to create enough space to relieve crowding in the mouth. Why is this treatment so much faster? As part of this procedure, dental professionals use the latest technology and techniques to move the pearly whites in a manner that is both speedy and safe. By focusing on pushing teeth that show during a smile, practitioners are able to utilise nickel titanium wires to achieve this. Is this a new type of treatment? Although the six-month smile system is relatively new to the UK, it was initially developed around 20 years ago in the US by a dentist called Dr Swain. One of the main reasons it was created was due to the high number of individuals who were unable to afford orthodontic work, while others were simply put off by the appearance of the devices that were traditionally used. What happens if I do not qualify for this procedure? Although it may seem like an attractive option for individuals looking to make improvements to the alignment of their smile, this system is unfortunately not suited to everyone. The main reason for this is the fact it concentrates on making only minor changes to the visible areas of the mouth, so those who require major orthodontic treatment may be better suited to a long-term option that operates in a different manner. Individuals who are in this situation are urged not to worry, their dental professional will make sure a solution can be achieved with the use of alternative procedures that – although they may take longer – will obtain the same results. What are the main alternatives to this course of action? The evolving world of cosmetic dentistry means there is a wide choice of options when it comes to making changes to the appearance of the teeth, which is a problem that may have affected an individual’s quality of life since an early age. Options such as the Inman Aligner and the Damon System are also fast and effective methods of adjusting the teeth, with patients recommended to ask their dentist about these procedures during their next visit. Although it may be reasonable to think that all people can benefit from the same methods of treatment, the intricate layout of the mouth means no two members of the public are the same, so dentists are usually the only ones who can identify a viable and effective course of action.