Dr. Greg Greenberg, at RxSmile Orthodontics in Frisco offers Social Six Braces and Six Month Smiles, which are limited, short term orthodontic treatments that line up only the upper and/or lower anterior teeth, which are the most visible, in six months for aesthetic purposes.
Social 6 Braces Training
One company who offers these braces claims to be able to train general dentists how to use their product in just 2 days with “no previous orthodontic experience needed”. After the 2-day training, the general dentist is then qualified to offer the six-month treatment which first involves making impressions of the patient’s teeth, taking x-rays, and doing an oral exam. These records are then shipped off to the company where a Patient Tray Kit is assembled and shipped back. The dentist then applies his or her 2 days of training to oversee the process and make adjustments every 4 weeks.
The optional 2-day level 2 course claims to give general dentists more confidence, teach them how to do things better, increase knowledge, and work on their skill sets. However, anyone who takes only the level 1 two-day course is still qualified to provide their product.
While general dentists are educated, highly skilled professionals, their expertise is not in orthodontics, which requires years of additional education and training.
Do Six Month Smiles Orthodontics Work?
Six Month Smiles orthodontics will move teeth and most likely make the front teeth straight. The truth is that anyone can move teeth, but braces are a tool that works to the extent of the skill and knowledge of the doctor who uses them.
Short-term orthodontic treatments are not necessarily moving teeth faster than other available methods. They are simply moving a limited amount of teeth a limited distance without correcting bite position.
Patients whose alignment is good, with no bite problems, could have success with short-term orthodontics, but any application of braces should be done by a trained orthodontist for the optimal outcome. The internet has testimonials of those who are enjoying straight teeth after a six-month treatment, but others report bite problems worsening and requiring an additional 2 years of professional orthodontic treatment to correct. Patients who want to cosmetically straighten their front teeth without an orthodontic consultation may actually have bite problems not diagnosed at their initial visit.
Misaligned Teeth (Dental Malocclusion)
A misaligned bite or dental malocclusion can lead to:
- Chewing and speech problems
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Headaches
- TMJ (temporomandibular disorder) and other jaw problems
- Fractured teeth
Occasionally, even in seemingly easy orthodontic cases, problems arise that require the experience and knowledge that only a professional orthodontist can provide. Relying on a 2-day training course may not be the best option to deal with unforeseen complications.
As one short-term orthodontic company website states, “Comprehensive orthodontics is focused on providing patients with an ideal result. Six Month Smiles is focused on providing a cosmetically pleasing smile.”
Another says that their product is “a compromise form of orthodontic treatment which only addresses the teeth that show”.
When making a decision as important as moving your teeth, don’t compromise. Use an orthodontist with extensive education and expertise for the safest, most effective way to achieve the ideal result provided by comprehensive orthodontics.
Our goal at the RxSmile Frisco orthodontics office with Dr, Greg Greenberg is to provide highly personalized and comprehensive orthodontic care for our families in the Frisco-Plano metropolitan area. If you need additional information or have experienced complications with Do-it-yourself braces (DIY braces) or aligners and would like to make an appointment with our orthodontist, Dr. Greg Greenberg, please call 972 335 1300 Monday through Thursday, or submit an online appointment request and we will respond within one business day.