Crooked teeth can make you self-conscious. Having to wear braces made of metal can add to that feeling. Six Month Smiles® clear braces deliver predictable results without the hassle of wearing bulky metal braces.
Most patients complete treatment in less time than traditional orthodontics. In fact, average treatment time is only six months.
Straightening Teeth with Six Month Smiles®
Six Month Smiles® works like traditional metal braces because it uses a wire and bracket system to guide and straighten your teeth. It also uses the latest in digital technology to design your treatment.
The goal is simple: a straighter, healthier, and more confident smile. With lighter forces than metal braces, the technology helps reduce discomfort. The same technology keeps you more comfortable through each stage of treatment.
How Six Month Smiles® Works
Six Month Smiles® follows a simple process that moves teeth quickly and comfortably. The system uses clear materials and focuses on visible teeth. Gentle adjustments guide movement to typically straighten your teeth in around six months.
Here’s how the treatment works.
Step 1: Come in for a Beautiful Smile Evaluation
Your path to a beautiful smile starts with a consultation with Dr. Salm. During this visit, your overall dental health and smile goals are carefully evaluated. He will determine if Six Month Smiles® is the right treatment for you.
What to Expect During This Visit
- A personalized exam: We review your goals and oral health and take necessary records.
- A customized plan: You’ll receive a clear timeline and cost estimate for Six Month Smiles®.
- Comfort tips: We’ll share easy care instructions to keep your braces clean and comfortable.
- Eligibility check: We make sure your teeth and gums are healthy before starting treatment. If issues are found, Doctor Salm will treat them first. After that, braces can be placed safely.
Choosing the Best Option for Your Smile
Your orthodontic choice depends on your goals and lifestyle. During your consultation, your dentist will review:
- How your bite works and how your teeth fit together.
- Any crowding or spacing concerns.
- The complexity of your smile and how much movement is needed.
Based on these factors, your dentist will help you decide whether clear braces or traditional metal braces are the right fit for you. That said, your dentist may even recommend a different approach altogether.
What’s important is that your treatment plan will cover both your goals and your oral health needs.
Step 2: Get impressions taken of your teeth
Dr. Salm takes impressions of your teeth, and sends them to the Six Month Smiles® company. Then, they send him their Patient Tray Kit™ that contains everything you need for your clear braces appointment.
The kit contains custom indirect bonding trays & supplies that include:
- Wires
- Quick ties
- Donuts
- Patient relief wax
Step 3: Get fitted with Lucid-Lok® clear braces
Six Month Smiles® uses Lucid-Lok® clear brackets and tooth-colored wires instead of traditional metal braces that really stand out.
These clear brackets can be made to match the natural color of your teeth. This way, they blend in and draw less attention.
Step 4: Focus on Visible Teeth
The system targets the teeth that show when you smile. By placing clear brackets on them, treatment creates noticeable improvements in less time than traditional braces.
Step 5: Get Professional Placement and Adjustments
- Clear brackets are placed by a trained provider such as Dr. Salm.
- Gentle, low-force wires guide teeth into alignment.
- Your orthodontic wire, or wires, are adjusted at visits to keep treatment on track.
- Progress is monitored and adjustments are made at routine checkups.
Step 6: See Results with Straightforward Appointments
Appointments are quick and simple. Most patients typically notice improvements early in treatment. These early results help you achieve steady progress that feels encouraging and manageable.
Why Patients Choose Six Month Smiles® Over Metal Braces
You may want straighter teeth but don’t want to spend years in treatment. Six Month Smiles® makes it possible to improve your smile in about six months on average.
This treatment time is much shorter than the 18 to 24 months you have to wear traditional braces. You’ll also appreciate benefits such as:
- Discreet design: Lucid-Lok® clear brackets and tooth-colored wires blend in. As a result, most people will hardly notice them.
- Predictable results: Braces mechanics guide your teeth with accuracy and consistency.
- Simple checkups: Patient Tray Kits™ make your visits faster and easier to manage.
- Comfort in daily life: Lighter forces reduce irritation and discomfort. They also give your teeth a break from the soreness often caused by tightening metal braces.
- Affordable care: Shorter treatment times mean you pay less than with longer orthodontic options.
Together, these features give you a faster, more confident smile without the long commitment of comprehensive orthodontics.
Who Can Benefit from Six Months Braces?
Teens over 16 and adults who want discretion and comfort can benefit from the modern twist Six Month Smiles® bring. In addition, you get a faster and more subtle option that focuses on cosmetic improvements.
For this reason, the treatment is a good fit if you want straight teeth without the long commitment of traditional braces.
At the same time, many people feel concerned when deciding on orthodontic treatment. Considering all the pros and cons of clear braces will help you see whether they are the right option for you.
Pros of Clear Braces
You may feel self-conscious about wearing traditional braces. Or you may not want to wait years for results. If so, you may find the following advantages of clear braces appealing:
- Blends with your smile: Brackets can be matched to the natural color of your teeth, so you feel less noticeable in photos or social settings.
- Gentler on your mouth: Many people who have worn both clear and metal braces tend to find clear braces more comfortable. The smooth material is gentler on your gums and cheeks.
- Convenient access: Treatment is often provided by general dentists. That means you can stay with the provider you already know and trust.
- More affordable option: Clear braces often cost less than metal braces. Shorter treatment times and fewer materials help reduce expenses.
Cons of Clear Braces
Clear braces are designed to help many teens and adults who want a straighter smile without the look of metal. They work best for people focused on cosmetic changes to the teeth that show when they smile.
However, there are limits. Clear braces do not fix bite problems. Not do they correct jaw alignment. In these situations, you may need to see an orthodontist for more complex treatments.
If Dr. Salm finds your needs go beyond cosmetic correction, he will provide a referral. You will then be connected with a trusted orthodontist for advanced treatment.
An orthodontist can address complex bite and jaw alignment issues that clear braces cannot fix. For many people, though, clear braces provide the right balance of speed, comfort, and discretion.
Health Benefits of Straighter Teeth
Crooked or crowded teeth don’t just affect appearance. They can also lower self-esteem in social and professional settings. And feeling anxious about your smile often makes you less confident in daily life.
Beyond confidence, straighter teeth also improve oral health. Overlapping teeth tend to be harder to clean and often lead to plaque buildup. That buildup increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
By aligning teeth with Six Month Smiles®, you’ll often find brushing and flossing easier. This improvement supports stronger teeth and healthier gums over time.
The gentler forces used in treatment also add a layer of safety, lowering the risk of irritation or oral complications compared to traditional braces.
Wearing Braces Doesn’t Have to Be Noticeable
As mentioned, clear braces blend in with your smile. That fact makes them hard for others to spot. They also provide:
- A discreet look that keeps brackets subtle and nearly invisible in photos and daily life.
- A lifestyle-friendly design that lets you enjoy a balanced diet with only small adjustments.
- Simple upkeep that makes brushing and flossing easy to keep brackets clean and gums healthy.
Your New Smile, Our Passion
Start your path to a straighter smile today. With Dr. Salm’s expertise and patient-centered approach, you can feel confident in every step of your care.
Make Smiles for Miles Family Dentistry your trusted dental home in Brookfield, WI. We’re just 7-8 miles from downtown Waukesha!
Dr. Salm brings over 15 years of experience in compassionate care. He provides personalized attention and advanced orthodontic treatment.
You will feel comfortable from the moment you walk through our doors to the time you leave your appointment.
Experience the Difference!
Now is the time to take the next step. Schedule a consultation to see if Six Month Smiles® is the right choice for you.
During your visit, Dr. Salm will review your treatment options and explain whether clear braces, Invisalign, or traditional braces fit your lifestyle and goals best.
In most cases, patients achieve orthodontic results in six months or less by wearing clear braces.
Contact us today. We’ll start you on the path toward a healthier, beautiful smile you’ll be glad to show off to everyone!