The world of orthodontics has seen remarkable innovations in
the last couple of decades, giving patients more options than ever for
correcting teeth that are crooked and misaligned. A couple of the more recent
examples are ClearCorrect and Six Month Smiles, both of which offering distinct
advantages over traditional orthodontic procedures. Let’s take a brief look at
them.
ClearCorrect
ClearCorrect uses a set of custom, removable aligners
to straighten a patient’s teeth. The aligners are made of clear plastic, and
they move teeth incrementally. The whole process is relatively simple.
Impressions are made of the patient’s teeth, and a computer program is used to
design a set of customized aligners to achieve the desired result.
The patients will typically wear each aligner for up to 22
hours a day, removing them in order to eat and drink, as well as to brush and
floss. Every six weeks or so, they will visit the dentist to receive two new
sets of aligners, with each set moving the teeth just a little further in the
process. After the final set of aligners, the patient is given a retainer to
wear at night, which helps to maintain the final results of the treatment.
There are many advantages to ClearCorrect. The first one is
contained in the name: the aligners are completely clear, so people probably
won’t even notice them. They are practically invisible. Another advantage is
comfort, because they require no brackets or metal wires. Finally, the aligners
can be removed, unlike braces, for eating and drinking.
Six Month Smiles
Six Month Smiles has only recently arrived on the scene, so
it represents one of the latest innovations in orthodontics. It offers a
procedure for straightening teeth that is much shorter than traditional braces.
As the name of the product boldly proclaims, they can produce striking results
in just six months.
Unlike ClearCorrect, Six Month Smiles uses clear brackets
and wires made of a nickel-titanium alloy. The short treatment time means
patients will not feel as much discomfort, but this product is best for people
who do not need complex correction to their bite. For many common alignment
problems, such as overbites, crowding, and spacing, they are quite effective.
Unlike ClearCorrect, the brackets are bonded to the teeth,
so they are not removable. For some people, this might be a problem. However,
the relatively short treatment time means people won’t have to put up with them
for long. Patient will need to avoid foods that can get stuck under the braces,
such as candy or hard foods like apples. Also, food and drinks that contain
high levels of sugar or acid should be avoided.
However, the trade-off is quick progress.
Both ClearCorrect and Six Months Smiles are viable
procedures for people looking to straighten their teeth. They represent the
newest innovations in orthodontics. I, Dr. Rondon, can answer any specific
questions you might have about either procedure, so contact me at myJacksonville dental office today.
