Six Month Smiles® vs. Invisalign: Which Is Best for You?
If you’ve narrowed your orthodontic options to Six Month Smiles® vs. Invisalign®, then let the team at Kellyn Hodges Orthodontics help you make the right choice for you.
Serving patients in Philadelphia, PA, Bala Cynwyd, PA, and Bensalem, PA, Dr. Kellyn Hodges and her knowledgeable team are here to help patients get straighter, more beautiful teeth with comfortable orthodontic solutions.
In this blog post, Dr. Hodges discusses the differences between Six Month Smiles vs. Invisalign. Considering factors like cost, time frame, upkeep, and desired results can help you choose the best treatment for you.
Six Month Smiles vs. Invisalign: What’s the Difference?
As the name implies, Six Month Smiles can straighten most mild misalignment in as few as six months. This system is designed to shift the Social Six (the six, most prominent front teeth in an individual’s smile) into proper alignment with clear brackets and tooth-colored archwire.
Invisalign uses clear, plastic trays to shift all of the teeth into proper alignment. The trays are removable, but experts recommend wearing the clear aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day to get the full benefit of Invisalign treatment. Patients also change Invisalign trays frequently, which allows for small, more comfortable improvements to a patient’s smile over time.
Comparing Cost
Typically, the longer patients need orthodontic care, the more costly their treatment will be. Six Month Smiles has a distinct advantage over Invisalign, as the treatment is limited to a set time frame. However, patients can also straighten their smiles in as few as six months with clear aligners, like Invisalign.
Ultimately, the total cost of Six Month Smiles and Invisalign boils down to several factors that can influence treatment length, like:
- Case severity
- Treatment compliance
- Desired results
Nevertheless, patients can expect to spend approximately $3,500 to $5,000 for Six Month Smiles and roughly $1,800 to $9,500 for Invisalign treatment.
Assessing Treatment Time Frames
Of course, the anticipated treatment time frame for Six Month Smiles is usually six months. Patients can straighten mildly crooked teeth in just six months with Invisalign, too. But, the average treatment length for Invisalign is approximately 12 months. However, Invisalign can address more issues than Six Month Smiles.
Upkeep and Maintenance
Because Six Month Smiles uses brackets and wires to move the teeth, patients must take additional steps to keep their braces and teeth clean. For example, interdental flossers can help patients remove food debris around the brackets and between the teeth.
Invisalign trays make oral hygiene significantly easier, as patients can remove the trays to brush and floss. However, patients must remove their trays before eating, brush their teeth after meals or snacks, and rinse or clean their trays before placing them back in the mouth. Failure to maintain clean teeth and trays during Invisalign treatment can cause cavities and delay results.
Exploring Desired Results
Six Month Smiles is ideal for patients who have minor misalignment in their most visible teeth. Therefore, it is best for patients who are looking for purely cosmetic results.
Invisalign can fix bite issues that may be affecting the health and function of the mouth. Subsequently, Invisalign is better for patients who want a straighter, healthier smile that functions optimally.
Schedule an Invisalign Consultation
If you’re still struggling to find the best solution for your smile, Dr. Kellyn Hodges can help you weigh your options. Schedule a free consultation to discuss Six Month Smiles vs. Invisalign today. Send our team a secure message online to get started.
