It’s only July, so chance are you aren’t thinking about your New Year’s resolutions for 2022 yet. But maybe you should be if you’re finally ready to straighten your crooked teeth. If you begin Six Month Smiles treatment at Butte Family Dental right now, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to show off a new straight smile in time to ring in the New Year. 

Six Month Smiles isn’t as well known as some other alternatives to conventional metal braces. It doesn’t have the kind of marketing push you see with clear aligners, for example. Yet it’s a great option for many folks. With aligners, you risk extending your treatment time if you remove them too often. That’s not an issue with Six Month Smiles. It’s a faster and usually more affordable way than either regular braces or aligners to straighten your smile. 

The best way to learn more about this treatment and see if you’re a good candidate is to schedule a free orthodontics consultation at our Butte, MT office. Call 406-565-4458 today! In the meantime, check out answers to some of the questions we hear most often about Six Month Smiles.

  • How does Six Month Smiles work?
  • Will it work for me?
  • Does it really work in six months?
  • Is Six Month Smiles painful?
  • How much will I pay for treatment?
  • Will I need to wear a retainer afterward?

Six Month Smiles Works a Lot Like Traditional Braces

Like other braces, gentle force from brackets and wires moves your teeth into their new positions. After we apply them to your teeth, you’ll visit us for periodic adjustments. The two biggest differences are how they look in your smile and the shorter treatment time. Chances are many people won’t even realize you are wearing them, because the brackets are clear and the wires are tooth colored. 

Treatment Works Best for Cosmetic Issues

The only way to know if you can get a straight smile with Six Month Smiles is to visit us for a free consultation. While treatment isn’t a good option for everyone, it works well for many folks. The best candidates are those who have cosmetic issues in their “smile zone,” the six teeth in the very front of their mouth. If your bite needs to be modified, it’s likely you’ll need a different type of orthodontic treatment. 

Yes, You Can Get a Straight Smile in Six Months

Because the focus is on straightening only a few teeth instead of every tooth in your mouth, most patients complete their Six Month Smiles treatment within six months. Every case is different, so it may take a little less time or a little more, depending on the condition of your smile. Some folks get a straight smile in as few as four months!

There’s Very Little Pain, for a Great Gain

We won’t sugarcoat it: You may experience some minor discomfort, just as you would with traditional braces. It’s common to have some sore spots in your mouth, until you become more used to having braces. Some people also experience minor aches when the wires are adjusted. We think it’s worth it to have a beautiful straight smile! To deal with minor discomfort, you can:

  • Use dental wax to cover places that are rubbing against your mouth
  • Apply a topical product like Orajel or Anbesol to numb your gums and teeth
  • Take an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen if necessary
  • Apply ice or drink ice water
  • Use warm salt water to rinse out your mouth
  • Stick to soft foods for a day or so after wires are adjusted

Cost Will Vary, Depending on Your Orthodontic Issues

Since every case is different, the cost of Six Month Smiles treatment will vary and depends in large part on the orthodontic issues you want to correct. That said, many patients will pay at least $3,500 for their treatment. After examining you and discussing your smile goals, we’ll be able to give you a specific price estimate. We do have in-house financing plans and we also accept CareCredit financing, so you can pay for treatment in affordable installments.  

Wear a Retainer to Keep Your Straight Smile

As with any form of orthodontic treatment, you’ll risk teeth moving out of their newly straight positions if you don’t wear a retainer after your braces are removed. Our dentists will recommend the right type of retainer and how often you’ll need to wear it to maintain your beautiful results. You may only need to wear it at night. 

Ready for a straight smile? Call Butte Family Dental at 406-565-4458 to schedule a free Six Month Smiles consultation.