What to do: 6 month Smiles vs. Invisaligns?

[quicksilver]

First, please let me preface this by saying I looked for previous posts but couldn't find any on this specific issue (if I missed something, I'm sorry).

I spent over a year researching invisaligns and a few months for 6 month smiles.

I qualify for both and found dentists that will do both at the same price

I thought I came to a decision this week, but I'm still on the fence.

Can anyone give me feedback on what they think is more practical.

By the way, here are some factors specific to me:

- I do drink a lot of coffee and diet soda, so I imagine that's quite an adjustment for invisaligns.

- I have a very slight underbite that invisalign can manage, though the 6 month smile dentist told me she can accommodate that too.

- I do have a sensitive gag reflex though I'm told that invisalign only has the affect on impressions and not the trays.

- I'll do what's required, but to be honest, I'd prefer the less high-maintenance of the two if effectiveness is equal.

That's about it. I'd be grateful for any advice.

[BellaBraces]

I researched both but have opted for 6 Month Smiles, mainly because they are cheaper and the treatment time is way shorter. My understanding is that Invisalign treats the whole mouth; only my front teeth need moving so Invisalign seemed a bit like overkill.

[Noelle09]

I am two months into 6 month smiles. I chose 6 month smiles because the treatment time was shorter and because I can't take off the braces. I didn't want the option of being able to take them off if they hurt or if I didn't feel like cleaning them. You have to be pretty committed to follow through with it for a year plus. I know someone that paid for invisilign and never went through with the whole treatment because you can't eat or drink anything without having to clean the trays and your teeth and that gets pretty old after a while.

[quicksilver]

Dear Noelle,

Thank you so much.

Can you tell me if you've been satisfied so far?

[CoryDaniels]

I know that invisalign does work in some cases, but to me...the idea of being able to take something out even to eat for 30 min...just makes me think that I am not getting the full effect as if I had something more permanent. I am not that familiar with 6 month smiles, but I will tell you that in my original treatment, I wanted to go with invisalign but I decided that The damon system would be better...now that I have the damons and I see what they can do....I would never go the invisalign route....now if you just have something minor that needs fixing..invisalign is probably a good choice..

[Noelle09]

I couldn't be happier! My teeth are nearly perfectly straight already in just two months. I'm not gonna lie, the first month was awful but I'm finally getting used to them and can't believe how fast my teeth are moving. The pain was nearly unbearable the first couple of days and I felt like I had a toolbox in my mouth. I wanted to call the dentist everyday and ask him to take them off! It does get better though. Most people don't even notice them until I point them out and sometimes I even forget they're there. Let me know if you have any other questions.

[ArchWired28]

If they are priced the same, I'd go with Invisalign unless your only concern is a very minor crowding and you are absolutely not willing to wear braces longer than 6 months.

[quicksilver]

i appreciate the advice. the only thing is your mention of pain has me wondering now

what's it feel like? dull, sharp..etc.
is it that bad?
howd you get through it?

i'm guessing its worth it?

[quote="Noelle09"]I couldn't be happier! My teeth are nearly perfectly straight already in just two months. I'm not gonna lie, the first month was awful but I'm finally getting used to them and can't believe how fast my teeth are moving. The pain was nearly unbearable the first couple of days and I felt like I had a toolbox in my mouth. I wanted to call the dentist everyday and ask him to take them off! It does get better though. Most people don't even notice them until I point them out and sometimes I even forget they're there. Let me know if you have any other questions.[/quote]

[BellaBraces]

I'm also using Six Month Smiles. Be aware that the treatment time is not necessarily six months; it can be anywhere between 4 and 9. I have been predicted more like 9, which is fine by me.

I do not find the braces painful and have not from day 1.

I can feel the pressure on my teeth constantly but it is not painful at all. If you press your finger against your teeth until you can feel the pressure but not so hard it hurts, that is what it feels like for me 24/7. Just a dull sensation.

The braces feel HUGE initially and my lips do not move over them very easily. If the inside of your mouth is sensitive that is what will cause you the most discomfort (if your experience is anything like mine). I did develop ulcers and for the first week using mouthwash, for instance, was impossible because of the stinging of the ulcers and sore inside of mouth.

I have not once had to use painkillers. I have used Bonjela oral gel (a bit like teething gel for babies) on the ulcers; that stings LIKE HECK when you first put it on, though.

I found during the first few days that occasionally I would get a sharper "ouch" moment when brushing my teeth or when chewing down on something, but the pain is controllable because as soon as you get the "ouch" you can reduce the pressure of the brush or the chewing and thus reduce the pain.

The biggest issue I am finding is dry lips and a dry tongue at night. I am tending to sleep with my mouth slightly open, which dries the tongue so I wake up a few times needing water.

[quicksilver]

Just got my 6 month smiles yesterday. Doesn't hurt or anything.


It does show when I smile more than I thought. I mean, I knew they would but it's different when it's you.

The bite guards take some getting used to - I think that's of the biggest factors of why I notice this all.

Any thoughts/advice from other 6 month smile users or alums?

[The OriginalMrsT]

Just got my six month smiles off last week after 4 months (I'd been told it would take more than 6 months in my case). First few weeks my teeth were very tender but it was absolutely bearable. Getting them fixed and removed at the end was no problem either. After the first month I'd a few painful days after each adjustment, but again just being careful about what you eat sorts that out. My teeth moved really quickly and look great now. I lisped a bit for a few days and they felt huge, but they became 'normal' very quickly. I now have essix retainers (which are similar to invisalign trays) and I have to say I find them much more uncomfortable than the braces were, plus it's a pain in the bum having to take them in and out to eat and drink. Glad I only need to wear them full time for a short while before reducing to nighttime wear only. But yes, I'd absolutely recommend Six Month Smiles, particularly if it's only a case of moving a few teeth for cosmetic reasons. : )

[19withbraces]

I would go with 6 month smiles. From what I have heard, invisilign is hard to manage and isn't as effective. If I were you I would go with what is actually going to improve your smile and make it worth the money. Good luck!!

[naomithompson]

Hi Quicksilver. I just got my Six Month Smiles fitted today. I went with them because of the short treatment time (although this can vary) but mainly because of the fact they cant be removed.... I know what I am like and if I had the Inman I KNOW i would make any excuse to take it out and either forget or pretend to forget to put it back in! Its only day one but so far minimal discomfort, only thing I would say is if you have to have the bite guards like I have... I literallly cannot chew at the moment! (maybe this will change) so at the moment I am envisaging six months of soup! good luck whatever your choice

[beckybrucelee]

I'm just over one month into my 6 Month Smiles treatment and they are sooo worth it - I have a blog which explains all with pictures you can find it at

http://my6monthsmiles.wordpress
.com/

It explains how I looked at Invisalign too.

(sorry for the URL being broken up - I'm a new member and it won't allowed me to post a full URL yet - just copy and delete the space)