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February 18, 2019Traditional orthodontics are no longer the only way to gain a more aligned smile. For many adult and teen patients who are looking for alternatives to traditional braces, Dr. Abbey J. Lee offers both Invisalign® and Six Month Smiles® for a permanently straighter smile. We perform both treatments for Atlanta, GA patients often, and each method comes with its own set of benefits. Discover more about these two popular teeth alignment treatments below, and discover which is best for you!
Ready to discuss your options with Dr. Lee? We’d be happy to help you schedule your consultation. Call a member of our team at 404.328.7177.
Six Month Smiles®
Six Month Smiles® is a comfortable and safe teeth alignment method for adults 16 and over with crooked, misaligned, or unevenly spaced teeth. This unique procedure uses clear braces and wires that mimic the natural color of your teeth. It’s an ideal approach for patients who desire a less noticeable alignment method and are looking for a more affordable alternative; typically, this treatment is less costly than Invisalign® or traditional orthodontics.
Candidacy
Candidates for Six Month Smiles® ® must be over the age of 15 and have good oral health, with a mouth free from periodontal disease, tooth decay, or infection. This treatment is best for patients who have minor alignment issues such as slightly gapped, crowded or crooked teeth. More significant alignment issues such as crossbites or open bites may require Invisalign® or other orthodontic treatments.
The Benefits of Six Month Smiles®
The number one benefit? A very short treatment; traditional braces often require one to three years of treatment, and Invisalign® may require 12 months, but the average treatment’s timeline for our patients is (not surprisingly!) six months. In addition, Six Month Smiles® offers:
- Discreet Appearance: With clear brackets and wires that mimic the natural color of your teeth, Six Month Smiles® ® helps keep your treatment discreet. Unlike traditional braces, many people you see throughout the day won’t even notice your braces.
- More Affordable: For most patients, the cost of the Six Month Smiles® treatment is less expensive than that of traditional orthodontics or other clear aligners. However, each situation is unique; Dr. Avery will be able to determine an accurate estimate for your specific treatment needs.
Invisalign®
Invisalign® is a brand of clear orthodontic aligners that can align and straighten teeth without the wires or brackets required by traditional orthodontics or Six Month Smiles®. As the name suggests, Invisalign® is nearly invisible, so most people will not even realize you are wearing aligners. Invisalign® works through a patented SmartTrack® plastic, which uses tiny grooves to precisely shift teeth into place. During the length of treatment, aligners will be switched out every few weeks until the desired results are attained.
Candidacy
Invisalign ® is ideal for teen or adult patients with good oral health who want a straighter smile, but don’t want to obstruct their natural teeth with visible orthodontic work. Since this treatment involves removable aligners, patients must be diligent about wearing their aligners for a minimum of 22 hours a day in order to see optimal results. In addition to gapped teeth, crowded teeth or crooked teeth, Invisalign® clear aligners can fix more advanced alignment issues that patients commonly face, including:
- Overbite: when the top teeth significantly overlap the bottom, hiding or obscuring much of their appearance.
- Underbite: when the bottom teeth overlap in front of the top teeth. Invisalign® ® can correct some types of underbites, but other instances might require more extensive orthodontic work or oral surgery.
- Crossbite: when the mouth is closed, if some top teeth rest behind some bottom teeth, while some remain in front, this is most often referred to as a crossbite. Invisalign® ® can correct some instances of crossbite.
- Open Bite: when the top and bottom teeth don’t meet together when the mouth is closed.
Benefits of Invisalign®
Invisalign®’s discrete appearance is often its number one benefit for patients. However, the power of the Invisalign® treatment is also beneficial for patients who may have alignment issues beyond what Six Month Smiles® can treat. In addition, the Invisalign® method offers:
- Gentle Alignment: SmartTrack moves teeth into their correct place with an effective but gentle force.
- Comfortable Wear: A snug, sure fit keeps the clear aligners from coming loose during daily wear.
- Less Restrictions: Invisalign® can be removed while eating or drinking, so a patient’s diet does not have to be altered to protect the integrity of brackets or wires.
Discover Your Alignment Solution Today!
The smile you’ve dreamed of is possible at Smiles 4 Grant Park. Dr. Lee and our staff can discuss your alignment options and help you determine which approach will best fit with your lifestyle and expectations. If you’re in the greater Atlanta, GA area and are ready to invest in a straighter smile, contact our office to schedule your consultation. Reach us at 404.328.7177.