Dr. James S. Kim, DDS. SC

Traditional Braces, Invisalign, 6 Month Smiles … What Is It All About?

October 14, 2013
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Posted By: Dr. James S. Kim
Smile gallery Invisalign image | Orthodontics in Wausau WI | Dr. James S Kim blog post

Orthodontics in Wausau, WI

Are you one of those people who are self-conscious of your teeth because they are either too crowded or have big gaps? Have you taught yourself to keep your upper lip tight so you do not show your teeth? Do people think you are not happy because you never smile?

Maybe it is time for you to ask what options are available to attain your new beautiful smile. Depending on your needs, you may have a new smile within six months. Let me discuss some options for you to achieve a beautiful smile.

 

Short-Term v. Long-Term Orthodontics

The main difference for short-term and long-term orthodontics is based on if you need your bite changed. What I mean by “bite change” is altering the back teeth in order to straighten your teeth. For example, if we have to move the molars, it is going to be a long-term orthodontics, typically 18 -24 months. This can be achieved with traditional brackets and wire or clear retainers like Invisalign.

 

Traditional Braces

Traditional brackets are still the fastest way to achieve a great smile because they work very efficiently in moving teeth in any direction. However, for those who do not want to wear brackets and wire, then Invisalign is an alternative method to achieve the same goal.

 

Invisalign

is an orthodontic process where you would wear clear retainers to move the teeth. Every 2 weeks new retainers are changed until all the tooth movements have been completed. Depending on what you may need, either or one of the above choices may be the right one for your start to a beautiful smile.

Then there is what I consider to be short-term orthodontics which is just changing the position of the front 6 teeth and adjusting the size of teeth to achieve a straight and beautiful smile.

 

Six Month Smile

6 Month Smiles is a great because it is a very conservative treatment to achieving a wonderful smile. If you do not have big fillings or have no fillings at all and the perfect bite is not a priority for you, than 6 Month Smiles may be the alternative option that is right for you. Six Month Smiles treatment process entails wearing clear brackets and white wires which are checked monthly. In fact many patients have been able to get their 6 Month Smiles completed by their next cleaning and exam appointment. Maybe Six Month Smiles can be the option that fulfills your needs to your beautiful smile. Of course, there is always the Invisalign option for those who choose the clear retainer path for short-term orthodontics. 


If you are interested in fixing your teeth with orthodontics, let us help you by offering a free orthodontic consultation to discuss your priorities in achieving that beautiful smile. Let your journey begin in achieving that smile you always wanted for the rest of your life!

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