Traditional braces and clear aligner systems straighten all your teeth, including the teeth way back in your mouth — the teeth you pretty much never see except when you’re brushing and flossing. Six month braces take a different approach by focusing treatment on the front teeth — the ones that are visible when you smile and talk.
Six month braces use the same bracket-and-wire design as traditional braces, but the brackets they use are often clear, which means they’re virtually invisible when they’re on your teeth. Brackets are attached to the visible teeth, and the wire is threaded through those brackets. During treatment, the wire and brackets are adjusted a little bit each time to apply gentle pressure that moves your teeth into alignment. They’re called six month braces because most people can get the results they’re looking for — a more beautiful, healthier-looking smile — in just about six months. And just like traditional braces, treatment can be customized to your smile and your needs, so you can get the results you’re hoping for.
Are six month braces hard to care for?
Six month braces use brackets and wires, just like regular braces, and that means it can take a little practice to brush and floss around them so your teeth and gums stay clean. We’ll provide you with some guidelines to use your brush and floss so they reach the areas around your braces and between your teeth. Some patients use a water flosser or special toothbrushes to make cleaning easier. Still, with just a little practice, you’ll be able to adjust your techniques to accommodate your new braces.
Will my six month braces need to be adjusted?
Yes, you will need to visit us every four weeks or so during your treatment to have your braces adjusted. During your office visits, Dr. Kaka will evaluate your progress and gently tighten the wires and brackets to alter the pressure on your teeth. The pressure is what keeps your teeth moving in the right direction so they “straighten out.”
Will I need to wear a retainer after my braces come off?
Yes, you’ll still need to wear a retainer for a period of time while your teeth adjust to their new positions once the braces are removed. Orthodontic treatment doesn’t just move the top, visible parts of your teeth. It shifts the whole tooth, all the way down to the roots. As your roots move, your jaw bone “remodels” around them to accommodate the tooth movements and, once treatment is complete, secure the teeth in their new positions. That remodeling is still occurring, even after your braces are removed. Your retainer acts to hold your teeth in place while your jaw bone reforms to secure your teeth permanently.
Contact us today to see if six month braces are the right fit for you!
