Disclaimer- All She Cooks is partnering with Six Month Smiles and JoAnn Martens, DDS, LLC to bring you an honest opinion and personal account of the author's experience with Six Month Smiles clear braces. All opinions are that of All She Cooks and its author.
6 Month Smiles Braces Review
I've wanted adult clear braces for the last several years. After much consideration, (and reading a ton of 6 Month Smiles braces reviews) I decided 6 Month Smiles seemed like the perfect solution for me. If you're thinking about embarking on a 6 Month Smiles Braces journey, follow along with me over the next several months as I take you through my experience with adult clear braces.
Yup. That's me.
At first look, not too bad a smile. Look closer (and I'm cringing telling you to do that, btw...) and you will see flaws. Isn't that how it always works? Upon closer inspection you start to see the little things. And trust me, if you can do that closer inspection on a daily basis--say in front of a mirror in your own house multiple times a day--well, those little things start to seem like big things.
Like the tooth that is bigger than its twin and shouldn't be. That you NEVER noticed before...but now its all you notice. The narrow bite. The teeth that turn in where they shouldn't. And we won't even mention the nose that is slightly crooked, throwing the whole thing off balance. And the eye wrinkles... well, I am 40 now, and that's a part of living life, now isn't it?
Yes--some of those things can be fixed. Another one might require a consult for a deviated septum? But for now--we're sticking with the teeth.
Consultation for Teeth Straightening Options Adults
Seeing other people with perfectly straight teeth has always made me think of my own teeth and my smile--and how I'm not entirely happy with either. Those were both factors that made me start researching teeth straightening options for adults.
My first visit to JoAnn Martens, DDS, LLC, in Waunakee, Wisconsin, left me impressed and feeling confident that I was making the right decision in the best adult orthodontic option for me.
In the initial exam (pre-braces), a lot of pictures were taken to show the dentist tooth placement so they can see what needs to be moved around and have a record of where things start out. Opening up for the photos was a bit uncomfortable because I have a really small bite. They told me that I have those photo shoots to look forward to at future appointments as well. However--that didn't stop me from moving forward, so you know it wasn't that bad.
Orthodontic Treatment Adults
After the exam and photos, we talked about the Six Month Smiles process and how it compares to other adult orthodontic treatment options. My takeaway is pretty straightforward:
- Six Month Smiles is a cosmetic solution
- it won't correct bite problems
- it won't widen a bite
- process can take an average of 4-9 months
- good dental hygiene during treatment is important--using dental water picks flossers is a huge help for anyone with braces (or who struggles with flossing)
- wearing retainers at the end of braces is a must
- tooth shaping at the end of treatment can help create a beautiful cosmetic smile, eliminating ragged edges caused by teeth grinding (like mine!)
- whitening teeth at the end of treatment is a great way to put a shine on that new smile
6 Month Smile Braces Reviews
Once we were finished with the exam and reviewed the 6 Month Smiles process, I was excited to move forward. We went ahead and took impressions right away so they could be sent off to make brackets for my braces.
The most difficult part of the process so far has been reading all the 6 Month Smiles braces reviews, seeing these amazing before and after photos and having to wait! It'll be worth it, but patience isn't always my strength.
6 Month Smiles Braces Length of Treatment
What to expect when you get Six Month Braces
Motrin and Orthodotnic Wax- I've had Six Month Clear Braces on for a little over a week. When I was at the appointment, I was told that the next few days were not going to be fun and that I'd want to be using Motrin to ease the pain and lots of orthodontic wax.
A week in, and I've had it pretty easy so far. I have used a bit of wax, but not a ton. I've heard that some people go through so much that they have to go out to buy orthodontic wax. Thankfully, if I do decide to start piling the wax on, I can just go back to JoAnn Martens DDS in Waunakee and pick some more up.
Brushing and Flossing is Essential- Besides having to learn how to eat all over again with teeth that are loosening up so they can move around to where they are supposed to be, braces create all kinds of spaces for food to get trapped. So, there is learning to eat because its necessary to figure out the best places to chew, and there is learning to eat because you want to figure out how to prevent food from being trapped in your braces.
What I've learned so far is this: while in public, choose food wisely. I don't know about you, but I've never cared to go to excuse myself to go to the restroom, smile in the mirror while washing my hands, only to find out I have a big piece of green onion stuck in my teeth that's been there for who knows how long. And with braces, the chances of that happening skyrocket. So, yes--for the next several months I will be taking smaller bites, chewing more carefully, and choosing my meals wisely--while I'm out in public.
While I'm at home however, all bets are off. I'm going to eat with wild abandon--limiting myself only from those things on the 'Do not eat while wearing braces' list. Food, you see, is my friend. And so is my Waterpik flosser and Braun electric toothbrush with round tip, which I just so happen to firmly believe is the best electric toothbrush for braces--not because I've tried them all out by any means--but I have tried that one out.
And I love it!
6 Month Smiles Cost
What is the cost of treatment with Six Month Smiles? That is a question that I hear again and again. Or other variations of the question:
- Your braces are clear. Are clear braces more expensive?
- Only six months? Do your braces cost more because they are only six months? Or: Do they cost less because you only wear them for about 6 months?
The facts:
According to the Six Month Smiles website, the average cost of Six Month Smiles treatment for both your top and bottom teeth is approximately $3,000 - $4,500. This is comparable to other adult orthodontic treatment options, but with Six Month Smiles you get straight teeth in less time. However, only you and your dental team can decide if Six Month Smiles are the right solution for you.
Where to go for Six Month Smiles Orthodontic Treatment
JoAnn Martens, DDS, LLC, dental office in Waunakee, Wisconsin, helped me make the right choice about the adult orthodontic treatment option for me.
There are many dentists around the US (and world) that are recognized Six Month Smiles Providers. My dentist is also a Six Month Smiles Mentor, which means she is highly experienced and mentors other dentists who perform Six Month Smiles treatments.
Six Months in Braces isn't that long!
I impatiently look forward to getting my braces off, having my teeth whitened, and enjoying a more beautiful smile. A little over a week in, my mouth has toughened up and isn't sore, I'm finding it easier to chew food, and I'm raring to go!
In the mean time, I love reading and watching reviews like this one that show the process from beginning to end:
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