Of the many options available for straightening teeth and realigning bites, six-month smiles can offer a shorter turnaround time. This treatment gently realigns your front teeth using less obvious wires and brackets.
While these attributes make it an appealing choice for adults who want to improve their smile’s appearance, a six-month smile is also potentially a good fit for teenagers over the age of 16 who have all their adult teeth. Our Miami, FL, dentist explains why parents should consider this option.
Why the Age Requirement for Six-Month Smile Braces?
Sixteen years old is the minimum age for this particular treatment because that is when most people have all of their adult teeth. Applying the braces on adult teeth ensures that the treatment is most effective and does not interfere with the growth and development of the patient’s teeth and jaw.
If your child is younger than 16 or doesn’t have all their adult teeth yet, they aren’t out of luck. At SP Smile, we might suggest other options like metal braces or even Invisalign.
Great for Self-Conscious Teens
One notable benefit of the six-month smile is that it uses clear brackets and tooth-colored wires, making it less noticeable than metal braces. This is why it is often marketed to adults who are hesitant about traditional braces.
For the same reason, teens who are especially anxious about how they might look in braces are ideal candidates for this type of orthodontic care. We want to make sure all our patients feel confident about taking charge of their health and appearance, even the younger ones in our care, so we might recommend this option for your teen.
Helpful for Busy Teens
Traditional braces can take up to two years, so the six-month timeframe is obviously an attraction for adults who don’t want to make a long-term commitment to changing their look. While both versions of braces need regular appointments to tighten the wires, having a shorter overall treatment time means you have to visit SP Smile Dentistry less. Plus, patients only need to come in every four or five weeks for the adjustments.
This can also appeal to older teenagers with busy schedules. If college is looming, opting for a six-month treatment can allow them to get a straighter smile before heading off on their own. They can also see results before important events and rites of passage like prom or graduation.
Beneficial for Teens’ Oral Health
Misaligned teeth and bites can lead to a variety of issues, including difficulty chewing, speech problems, and even jaw pain. This is one reason you might choose a six-month smile for your teen, since it can realign just a few key teeth while still making a big difference in your child’s health.
Easy on Parents’ Budgets
A big plus about this type of orthodontic care is that it costs less than other discreet alignment options. If your teen wants a more uniform smile without the obvious look of braces, six-month smiles are a good middle-ground option—less noticeable than regular braces but more affordable than Invisalign.
SP Smile Can Determine Your Teen’s Eligibility
Learn all about the options available to your older teenager by contacting our Miami, FL, dentist for an appointment. We can assess your child’s bite, alignment, oral health, and suitability for a six-month smile. Whatever you choose, you and your family will receive the best care from our team.
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