Want to know the ins and outs of 6 Month Smiles? Your top 5 FAQs answered by Harbour Dental

When it comes to the world of adult orthodontics, many people have questions that only their dentist can answer.

Indeed, up until recently, the thought of having a brace fitted as an adult was deemed extreme, uncomfortable and expensive and so, many people had to either opt for the traditional orthodontic options or simply put up with having a misaligned smile.

Fast forward to today, and the world of adult orthodontics has exploded! More people are seeking treatment to straighten their teeth thanks to the invention and availability of cosmetic, clear and invisible braces. Popular due to their discretion, many dental patients often feel spoilt for choice when looking for the correct aligner for them and so, to narrow it down, questions have to be asked!

At Harbour Dental, we are extremely proud to offer 6 Month Smiles in Northern Ireland to our suitable patients. A purely cosmetic brace, it provides a straight-forward treatment to resolving misalignments at the front of the mouth and, as the name suggests, the average treatment time is just 6 months! Brilliant!

But how do you know if 6 Month Smiles in Northern Ireland is for you? Read on to learn the answers to the most common questions that our team is asked. Enjoy!

Is it removable like Invisalign?

In a word, no.

Invisalign is a remarkable brace, as it can treat issues from overbites to gaps, all while being removable.

6 Month Smiles in Northern Ireland, however, is more targeted to specific cosmetic issues and has to be fitted to work at an accelerated pace. But don’t worry; the brackets are usually clear and the metal wire is minimal, so it is discreet!

Is it uncomfortable?

When you first have it fitted, it will take some getting used to but should not be uncomfortable to wear.

As you will need to visit our team at Harbour Dental for adjustments or tightening, you may notice some discomfort in the days following these visits. This should be controllable with pain relief such as ibuprofen. If it isn’t, contact our team for advice.

Because it works quickly, will it cause damage to my roots?

This is a common worry that our patients have but it is unfounded.

As this brace is lighter and does not apply pressure in the same way that traditional braces do, your roots, teeth and gums are at no higher risk of damage than they would be with a traditional metal brace.

Am I suitable for this brace?

If you do not require or are not looking for any major alterations to be made to your bite or molar positioning, then you are probably going to be suitable for this brace; just make sure your oral hygiene is up to scratch too!

Will I need to wear a retainer afterwards?

Yes; all orthodontic treatments, regardless of their length, will require you to wear a retainer when your braces are removed. This is to prevent your relocated teeth from relapsing into their former position.