Six Month Smiles

Six Month Smiles provides innovative cosmetic orthodontic treatment in the form of clear braces and invisible aligners. Find out more about Six Month Smiles treatment at your local dentist’s office.

With a name that gives you some idea of how long you’ll have to wait for results, Six Month Smiles offers clear aligners and more traditional braces. Your treatment will be managed by a private dentist, rather than monitored at home.

As a finalist in the Dental Industry Awards 2019, could Six Month Smiles be the provider for you?

First Glance

There are two main treatment options available through Six Month Smiles. You can choose from clear braces for faster results or clear aligners for increased flexibility and comfort.

Pros:

• Monitored and managed by a dentist
• Select from invisible braces and clear aligners or a combination of the two
• Choose a local private dentist that’s convenient for you
• Insurance may cover some costs
• Regular checkups to keep treatment on track

Cons:

• Not a home treatment
• Costs more than many other clear aligner treatments

Who is behind Six Month Smiles?

Six Month Smiles is based in Texas. The founder is Dr. Ryan Swain, and the idea came to him back in 2003 when he was working as a dentist. Dr. Swain found that adults didn’t want traditional wire braces, and were worried about having to go through lengthy treatments to get a straighter smile.

Dr. Swain worked on creating orthodontic products that brought about faster results. But, alongside this, he developed his training so that they could be used worldwide. The training is an important feature of Six Month Smiles, allowing dentists all over the world to provide this treatment from their offices. By 2007, Six Month Smiles had been fully launched.

Today, there are 10,000 dentists around the world that offer Six Month Smiles treatment. They can be found in more than 50 countries worldwide.

The fastest way to get results is to choose the clear braces, which fix to the teeth with brackets and invisible wires. The clear braces lead to completed treatment in an average of six months. The company also offers clear aligners but suggests that treatment might take a little longer with these.

The Six Month Smiles training has been designed to be accessible for every dentist. You don’t need to visit an orthodontic specialist for your Six Month Smiles braces.

Who can use Six Month Smiles braces and aligners?

If you’re over the age of 16 and have crooked or misaligned teeth, Six Month Smiles treatments may be suitable for you. These treatments are also suitable for people with wide tooth spacing.

Most patients will be encouraged to consider the discreet traditional braces, which are said to be more affordable whilst bringing faster, more predictable results. If you choose clear aligners, you should still see results within a little over 6 months.

As there are two possible treatments, there’s a high likelihood that you’ll be suitable for treatment. 95% of enquiries lead to approval, though you may not be suitable if you have existing cavities, gum disease or problems with your wisdom teeth. If you’re concerned that existing issues may make you ineligible for treatment, it’s best to get these fixed before you get in touch with Six Month Smiles.

How are the dental aligners and clear braces made?

Aligners are made using Zendura^® FLX, which has properties much like Memory Foam. These aligners are safe to use, whilst offering flexibility and comfort.

Clear braces use clear brackets with tooth-coloured wires, providing the most effective treatments.

To get Six Month Smiles treatments, you’ll need to choose a dentist you can get to. Most people will have many providers within a 30-mile radius. You will need to visit roughly every month for a checkup during your treatment, so check that you’ve chosen a dentist that you can easily get to.

Once you’ve chosen a dentist on the Six Month Smiles website, you can contact them directly to start treatment. Your selected dentist will discuss your options and start your orthodontic treatment.

What treatment options are available?

Customers have two options if they’d like to get a straighter smile. You are likely to be encouraged to consider both options, with the clear braces being promoted.

Clear braces

If you had metal braces as a teenager, you’ll know what you’re getting here. These are designed a similar way, but with clear brackets and tooth-coloured wires that make the braces almost invisible.

The clear braces can be applied by any Six Month Smiles trained dentist. You don’t need to go to a specialist orthodontist, which makes this treatment very accessible.

You will wear the braces full time until the end of your treatment, with regular checks to make sure that things are progressing as they should. Most people need to visit the dentist roughly every 4 weeks, for minor adjustments that keep their treatment on the right track.

Most people will finish their treatment within 6 months.

Invisible aligners

Clear aligners are made using safe and flexible plastic. They offer a comfortable fit but must be removed for eating and brushing your teeth. You should wear your aligners for 22 hours every day, including overnight wear.

To keep your aligners in top condition, and to look after your teeth, you will need to brush your teeth after each meal or snack. You’ll also need to clean your aligners thoroughly at least twice a day.

Every few weeks, you’ll need a new set of invisible aligners. Each set shifts your teeth slightly more, working towards your final goal.

Most people reach the end of their treatment after roughly 6 months. If your teeth require more movement, this option may take slightly longer.

How long does Six Month Smiles treatment take?

The clue is in the name. Whether you choose invisible aligners or clear braces, your treatment should take six months on average. Most people will find that invisible aligners may take a little longer, whilst clear braces offer faster treatment to bring the average down.

Are there any other steps to take?

You will be working with your chosen dentist. You’ll need to visit at regular intervals for checkups or minor adjustments.

You may need to visit more frequently to get hold of your next set of aligners.

How much does Six Month Smiles treatment cost?

With a range of different treatments and circumstances, you won’t get a quote until you’ve spoken to your chosen dentist. Six Month Smiles suggests that most customers will pay between £3,500 and £4,500.

Getting your clear aligners from a different company may work out considerably cheaper. Most similar treatments cost about 50% less. However, with Six Month Smiles, you get the reassurance of monitored treatment.

For your money, you will be able to visit your dentist at least once a month. They’ll check that your treatment is on track, making sure that your teeth are doing well. Some people will prefer to pay more for this level of service, rather than saving money doing it from home.

Are payment options available?

In some cases, your dental insurance may help to subsidise your treatment. This is an option because the orthodontic treatment is offered by a registered dentist.

If you can’t get insurance coverage, there is a good chance that you will be able to sign up to a payment plan. This will be up to the dentist themselves, rather than centrally controlled. If you’d like to spread the cost of orthodontic treatment, ask the dentist during your consultation.

Is a warranty or guarantee available?

Having direct contact with the dentist means that you’ll be kept in the loop. You’ll be able to discuss your progress at every appointment so that you can keep it on track.

Whilst many companies offer guarantees, Six Month Smiles doesn’t need to. If you’re unhappy with results you can discuss this directly with your dentist. They’ll help you to plan the changes that are needed to further shift your smile.

How old do you have to be?

You must be at least 16 years old to go through orthodontic treatment. Your dentist can check to see if you’re a suitable candidate.

Where is Six Month Smiles available?

Six Month Smiles treatment is available in more than 50 countries worldwide. You can find your nearest dentists on the website.

What about customer service?

You won’t be dealing with Six Month Smiles directly. Instead, you’ll be a customer of the dentist that you’ve chosen for your treatment. If you have any problems or concerns, you’ll only need to contact your dentist.

You will be attending regular checkups to review the progress of your treatment. This ensures that any issues will be picked up as quickly as possible.

You can also contact Six Month Smiles direct by email (customercare@SixMonthSmiles.com), or use the contact form on their website.

Six Month Smiles: The Verdict

Availability

For most people, a lack of availability simply won’t be a concern. Many private dentists offer Six Month Smiles treatment.

Six Month Smiles provides products and training to existing registered dentists. You can search on the website to find your nearest providers. Most people will have several options within a 30-mile radius.

Price

This treatment is more expensive than other forms of cosmetic orthodontics. Whilst many clear aligners cost between £1,500 and £2,500, with Six Month Smiles you can expect to pay around £2,000 more. Their price guide suggests that most patients will pay between £3,500 and £4,500.

Whilst the price is higher, everything’s included so there are no hidden surprises. The costs include regular checkups to offer reassurance through the process.

As your treatment is being carried out by a registered dentist, you may find that your dental insurance will partially cover the costs. This isn’t an option with many other similar products.

Your chosen dentist is likely to offer an affordable payment plan. If you can’t get insurance coverage, this should at least mean that the treatment is within financial reach.

Ease of use

You don’t have to do anything at home. You can’t go wrong with mistakes making moulds or with issues that build over time.

Your dentist is responsible for the condition of your smile. All you need to do is attend your checkups and use your aligners as intended.

Whilst some people prefer home treatments, others will enjoy this extra care. It means that there’s a lower chance of anything going wrong.

Bear in mind that you will need to see your dentist frequently. Most people will have appointments every 4 weeks, so you must be prepared to attend in person and should factor in the effort of travelling.

Options

You’ll have two options, with different treatments being suitable for different people.

If you’d like superior comfort, ease of use and the option to take a short break, you’ll probably prefer the clear aligners that you can remove when you’re eating.

For more effective and speedier treatment, invisible braces are an option. These are fixed to your teeth and can’t be removed, but offer more predictable results.

In some cases, you may be offered a combination of the two. Some people have removable aligners on the top, and clear braces to align the lower teeth.

Your dentist will discuss the options available and which might be most suitable for you.

Reassurance

With Six Month Smiles, you’ll get reassurance from regular visits to the dentist. You’re not alone during this process, with progress checked roughly once a month. The same dentist that confirms eligibility will monitor the way your teeth are moving, so you can be sure that you’re being looked after by a qualified professional.

If you have any concerns about the way that your treatment is progressing, you can contact your dentist for advice. They may invite you for an extra checkup, or recommend additional treatment.

With Six Month Smiles, you’ll also have an extra layer of protection. If you feel that your treatment isn’t going to plan, you can contact Six Month Smiles directly. They may help you to find a solution, or direct you to alternative dentists.

There are no hidden costs with this treatment. You’ll pay more overall, but don’t need to worry about paying for any home impression kits.