Adult Braces with Six Month Smiles Update

Six Month Smiles Reviews

A couple of months ago I started my journey with dental braces. Adults have lots of choices when it comes to wearing braces, but ultimately I decided to go with clear braces, and have been partnering with 6 Month Smiles on this exciting adventure.

You see, I didn't want to be in braces for a couple of years, as I surely would have been if I had gone a more traditional route. Really, I just wanted to attain a straighter smile. And that is exactly what the goal is with Six Month Smiles.

Eating a variety of softer foods like my favorite yogurt parfait, banana smoothie, and yes--even a tasty chicken fajita quesadillas--keeps things in my kitchen interesting and keeps me coming up with ideas for new recipes for All She Cooks.

Clear Braces Adults

A straighter, more confident smile. And although I had only been wearing braces for about a month and a half when the picture below was taken, the little bit of improvement that I'd already had within that timeframe gave me the confidence to smile for the camera--which is not something I often am comfortable with.

I'm getting my adult braces treatment in Waunakee, Wisconsin, which is a close drive from home. Dr. JoAnn Martens DDS and her entire staff are so welcoming, warm and professional.

I've had three appointments now, after my initial consultation. The first appointment was to put the braces on, which I wrote about here.

What to Expect at 6 Month Smiles Braces Appointments

Appointments are pretty routine after the braces get put on.

• Series of photos is taken to show progress and see what movement needs to be achieved
• Wires are removed
• Brackets are fixed or replaced as needed
• Interproximal reduction--IPR--(filing between teeth) is done and is a simple process that involves shaving off a small amount of enamel to create more space, which is needed to straighten teeth
• New wiring is put in

Five simple steps and then there is nothing more to do for another month, while you let the braces do their job.

Difference between one month in 6 Month Smiles Braces and almost two months:

Clear Braces Adults Can Live With

So, two months in and as far as braces go, I'm loving my experience with 6 Month Smiles. I have to say, I'm REALLY looking forward to seeing what my smile looks like at the end of the process, which will be culminating in teeth whitening, thanks to JoAnn Martens DDS, who has a cosmetic dentistry practice and also is an amazing Six Month Smile dentist.

Tips Adults with Braces Need to Know

1. The first month is the hardest. Soft foods can be your best friend while getting used to your braces.
2. Use a waterpik flosser--it will help keep your teeth clean and gums healthy. In fact, I would recommend a waterpik to absolutely everyone, whether or not you wear braces.
3. A soft round electric toothbrush is a must with braces.
4. Clean your teeth after every meal or snack. And, if you're at home, use the waterpik to clean in between your teeth.  This actually helps the braces do their job better.
5. Be vigilant about dental care and keep your regular cleaning appointments.
6. You'll also want to avoid certain foods--all those sticky or hard foods that could break a bracket.
7. SMILE. You don't have to wait until your braces are off to showcase your smile. Be proud of the giant step you are taking, and show it off. You'll be amazing how beautiful a little boost of confidence can make you feel.

Dental Braces Adults- Call Me Quirky

After the first week or so, adapting to dental braces for adults is pretty easy. For me, it took figuring out what food I could comfortably eat.

Loose teeth

For example, I found taking a bite out of a hamburger or piece of pizza to be difficult. Not because it hurt at all, but because when you are wearing braces, you teeth are loosened up so they can be repositioned. Taking a bite out of a burger with loose teeth just didn't feel right to me. However, cutting up that burger or piece of pizza and then eating it--well, that was a solution that I can live with.

Dental Anxiety and Braces

If you think you can't get braces because going to the dentist makes you anxious, think again. Each and every time I go to the dentist, whether it is for a cleaning--and now for my monthly braces adjustments--I wear headphones to drown out any sounds that make me uncomfortable.

Personally, the sounds of the dental instruments seriously bother me. The occasional tugging or scraping are also things that can irritate me.  So, I put on my headphones, turn up Alanis or some other music I can escape with, and close my eyes.

So you see, don't let anxiety be a reason that keeps you from achieving your dreams.

What's stopping your from getting adult braces?