At our office you’ve got two great options for straightening your teeth: Invisalign or Six Month Smiles. Both offer big benefits when compared to bulky metal braces. However, there are some key differences between the two that may make one a better choice for your specific needs and goals.

To find out which one will best suit your smile, schedule a consultation in Lincroft, NJ by calling 732-352-3903. In the meantime, check out some essential information about both kinds of orthodontic treatment. 

Invisalign: Convenient & Comfortable Treatment

Invisalign has been around since the late 1990s and is the dominant clear aligner system. It uses a series of custom-made, removable aligners to gradually shift your teeth into their proper positions. Invisalign can treat a wide range of mild to complex orthodontic issues, including crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites, and crossbites.

Pros of Invisalign:

  • Aligners are nearly invisible for discreet treatment.
  • You can remove remove aligners for eating and drinking.
  • Invisalign can treat a wide variety of orthodontic issues.
  • The smooth plastic aligners are comfortable to wear.
  • Invisalign has a proven track record.

Cons of Invisalign:

  • Treatment can take 12-18 months on average. This is less time than traditional braces, but not as fast as Six Month Smiles. 
  • Invisalign can be more costly than some other options.
  • You’ll need to have the self-discipline to wear aligners 20-22 hours per day.

Six Month Smiles: Faster Treatment for Minor Adjustments

Six Month Smiles are braces with clear brackets and tooth-colored wires. They are designed specifically for shorter treatment of minor spacing or crowding issues with the front teeth. As the name suggests, treatment typically takes around six months.

Pros of Six Month Smiles:

  • They work in less time than Invisalign, with a faster average treatment time of just six months.
  • They typically cost less than Invisalign.
  • Six Month Smiles is an effective treatment for mild crowding and spacing and similar cosmetic issues.
  • You won’t have to worry about keeping track of aligners. You can’t lose Six Month Smiles! Like traditional braces, they stay in your mouth at all times. 

Cons of Six Month Smiles:

  • They’re only meant for minor adjustments of your front teeth.
  • They won’t correct a misaligned bite or other more complex orthodontic problems. 
  • While more discreet than traditional metal braces, they are more visible than Invisalign.

Factors to Consider When Choosing

The ideal orthodontic treatment for you will depend on your specific needs, goals, timeline, and budget. Your dentists at Newman Springs Dental Care are happy to examine you, talk through your options, and answer all of your questions. Together, you will determine what is best for your smile. 

Four key factors to weigh are:

  • Treatment Goals: If you need comprehensive treatment for complex bite issues, Invisalign may be better suited. For mild crowding, spacing, or other issues involving just the teeth in the front of your mouth, Six Month Smiles is likely fine.
  • Treatment Timeline: Those needing faster results may prefer Six Month Smiles’ expedited treatment. But if you don’t mind a longer process, Invisalign’s more gradual approach could be better.
  • Cost: While costs can vary, Six Month Smiles tends to be more affordable than Invisalign overall. However, Invisalign may qualify for better insurance coverage.
  • Discipline Level: You’ll need to be diligent about wearing Invisalign aligners 20-22 hours a day. If that’s a problem, you’ll likely do better with Six Month Smiles. 

Wonder whether you should get Invisalign or Six Month Smiles? Call Newman Springs Dental Care at 732-352-3903, or schedule an appointment online.