6 Month Smiles vs traditional full braces?

bunberry

I have some minor front teeth crowding but am undecided whether to go for a quicker treatment such as 6 Month Smiles, which move 10 teeth at the front, or full braces that move the back teeth as well.

Having discussed the options with my dentist (only offers 6 Month Smiles & Invisalign) I've decided against the latter because I was told the trays block saliva from contacting the teeth, and as a result could cause cavities if you don't clean properly. I make sure to clean my teeth thoroughly and have never had a single cavity, however to be on the safe side I won't go with Invisalign.

The teeth that are noticeably wonky are the upper & lower central incisors, one of the lateral incisors and one of the second molars (can't be seen) but since I'll be getting braces anyway, is it worth paying a bit extra to get every single tooth perfectly lined up?

I was also told that before starting 6 Month Smiles I would need to have some of my tooth enamel shaved off :eek: - what if my teeth become sensitive as a result?

Lastly the middle line of my top & bottom teeth are perfectly lined up, will braces keep them this way?

Thank you for any advice!

brook2jack

Go see an orthodontist. They can use multiple systems not just one or two and are experts at moving teeth. Fixed braces tend to cost the same or less than six month smiles etc as lab fees are less.

In general once teeth are moved they need to be retained for life, either by wearing retainers at night or having wires glued to the backs of your front teeth.

Outer_Limits

It is amazing how much your teeth can move as an adult! And how seriously teeth problems can affect other areas of your health...

I don't know the 6 month method, sorry, as I had mine done years ago. The orthodontist (a friend) strongly advised against the instant fix of a sort of mini-op where they move your teeth, due to possible health (not teeth) problems in future.

The braces were good as they moved all the teeth to sort of point out, so there was lots of space, then moved them back into perfect alignment. On the other hand, they were in for aaaages, and yes, you do need to wear a retainer overnight - forever! Mine keeps me awake, so I'm not very good with it.

Teeth are so important I would find a good orthodontist to discuss risks etc... with. And to do the work - they're specialists!

bunberry

brook2jack wrote: »

In general once teeth are moved they need to be retained for life, either by wearing retainers at night or having wires glued to the backs of your front teeth.

Wearing retainers is something I'm prepared to put up with, plus I was told they could be used as teeth whitening trays too.

As I live almost in the middle of nowhere the nearest decent orthodontist isn't convenient to get to, but the main issue is that the average full treatment will be 18 months - 2 years during which I won't be able to move away if the opportunity arises. Whereas with 6 Month Smiles the average treatment time is a lot shorter.

I'll be 25 in a month and I'm still missing my 4th wisdom tooth (last one appeared when I was 22ish), what if it erupts when I have braces on the back teeth?

brook2jack

There are compromises with any of the shorter systems and the question is are you willing to have a compromised quick fix or would you rather have a more controlled and thorough result but with a longer time span. If you are thinking of moving why not put off treatment until you are settled?
As to your wisdom tooth , the dentist or orthodontist will take x rays before treatment so will be able to tell if it may be a problem.

bunberry

The sooner I start treatment the better for me because I've always been self conscious about my teeth, but they were not wonky enough for NHS braces.

I've contacted the practice and will be having a chat with the orthodontist to discuss options. If I do end up moving halfway through, I guess I'll have to take half a day off every few weeks to come back for brace adjustments, which should be manageable

I have decided to go for full braces (eeek!). Thank you brook2jack & Outer Limits for your advice and input :T

bunberry

What are the average prices for braces? I was quoted ~£2900 for both arches for the metal ones, is this considered good?

Works out to be cheaper per tooth than 6 Month Smiles, which is ~£2600 but front 10 teeth only.

brook2jack

I would say the cost is about in the middle range for both arches.
Six month smiles,inman alligners, invisalign tend to be expensive as the lab costs are horrific. With fixed braces you are paying for the orthodontists time as the materials are much,much less expensive. (invisalign laboratory costs start at around £1600 for an easy case!)

coldstreamalways

Orthodontic retainers aren't the same as whitening trays BTW. They are designed differently and shouldn't be used as them as chemical burns to the gums is a likely result.