6 month braces - anyone completed the process?

qwerty09

Hi all, I am a 32 yr old guy trying to make a decision over my overcrowded front 6 teeth. Have visited 2 places who agreed in principal that no extractions necessary , filing will suffice.

- have visited an ortho who said I'd need fixed braces for 2 years top and bottom , no extractions necesary , filing of teeth to make space
- have also visited seapoint who said i'm eligible for 6 mth braces plus next 6 months in invisalign. filing of teeth to make sense

I have read many reviews of invisalign but not 6 mth braces other than the advertisement sites. In my case I am happy with my bite, and also my bottom teeth - they are not absolutely perfect but I am happy with them. I am not seeking perfection to my whole mouth - after all I have coped with current set without being too self conscious for all this time and dont believe theres anything wrong with my bite. I feel at my age with my job I dont want to go down the 2 years in braces route and be wishing my life away til they come off. I want to go for the shorter option but I am looking for some comfort from anyone that has been through the treatment from start to finish and comments on retention - as its seems like a new treatment its hard to know what the teeth will do down the line. Also any comments on seapoint welcome. The cost is not a deciding factor for me as they are similar and i'll get tax back etc. The result and the least stressful experience are what is important to me . Thanks!

btkm8unsl0w5r4

I am going to referr you to this thread should answer your questions.

Dont trust advertising, if your only tool is a hammer all the problems look like nails. Go with the person with the most experiance and qualifications, whoever that may be.

qwerty09

thank you , i had actually read down through older posts and seen that advice. As part of my decision making I would like to hear from anyone undergoing 6 mth braces treatment. I know that it is probably preferable to do the 2 years top and bottom treatment but if it is going to make me miserable then that is not worth it, for what is mild enough over crowding

btkm8unsl0w5r4

For some reason whenever I see a adult with braces I thinks its kinda cool, it shows a certain self confidence, but thats just me.....

Kila

Would you consider doing a full stint in braces if you were in clear braces?

I'm a little over 1.5 years in braces now, mine are clear on top, and metal on bottom. The ones on top aren't ceramic, they're actually like a clear acrylic polymer (or some such) so they're very discreet. While you can, obviously, see them while looking at my teeth up close, I can tell you that they're all but invisible in any photos I've had taken since I got them on, and I've also had friends say that my ortho did a wonderful job because when out and about (e.g. a club or similar) they can really barely be seen.

I'll admit that the first day I got mine on, I did think I had made a mistake, because they just seemed so big and obvious. Now, I barely notice them, and the same is true of most people who know me. And they've really worked wonders for my teeth.

I recommend you go visit www.archwired.com, which is a site for adults in braces. There's a forum there where you can connect with other people who are considering treatment, or who are in treatment. If you'd like, I can PM you my own details on that forum and you can view my thread, which has progress pics from the start right up to recently. I'll also pass on my ortho details if you like what you see.

I hope some of that helps, and if you've got any questions, feel free to ask (here or PM, whichever you prefer). I know it might seem daunting at first, but 2 years really does pass quickly, and the future health of your teeth is something that's important.

kkth0360

Hi,
Limited orthodontic treatment to achieve simple alignment of one or both of the dental arches is a realistic treatment option for some patients, as long as they understand and are willing to accept the limitations of this approach. Most specialist orthodontists will offer this as an option in suitable cases, where a patient has declined a more comprehensive course of treatment for whatever reason. However, an orthodontist doesn’t call them 6-month braces!

“6-month braces” and others such as “6-month smiles” and “Accelerated orthodontics’ are trademarked terms, used mainly by general dentists (often so-called “cosmetic” dentists) to market this type of limited orthodontic treatment to their patients. The dentist typically attends a 1 or 2-day course run by the marketing company, to learn the basics of how to carry out the treatment, and how to market it and sell it to their patients.

The brackets and wires used are exactly the same type as are used for any other type of fixed orthodontic treatment; the only differences are in the aims and objectives of the treatment, and the quality of the results (and of course the time that the braces are left on for). The teeth don’t move any faster – with standard orthodontic treatment, the teeth are usually fully aligned and levelled by 6-8 months into treatment. The remainder of the typical 18-24 month treatment involves correcting the bite and ensuring that the positions of the teeth in all 3 dimensions are correct to ensure optimal function, aesthetics and long-term stability. With the limited type of treatment, the braces are simply removed as soon as the teeth are aligned and the bite etc. is accepted as it is.

If you feel that comprehensive treatment definitely isn’t for you, I would suggest that you speak to your specialist orthodontist and ask whether they feel that simple alignment would be a viable option in your case. If you are unsure about it, you could ask them to carry out a diagnostic set-up, where a plaster model of your teeth is made and the teeth then re-set into the planned post-treatment positions. This might cost a couple of hundred Euro but would give you a very clear picture of what your teeth will look like afterwards (eg how prominent they will be, how far off to one side the centre-line will be etc).

If you decide to go for simple alignment, you should find that it costs a lot less than comprehensive treatment – typically about €1500 for upper teeth only, or €2500 for top and bottom – since it takes up less of the orthodontist’s time than a full course of treatment (Some “6-month” guys charge almost as much as a full course of treatment would cost, up to €4000 or so, although you might get some “free” tooth whitening afterwards!).

Whichever type of treatment you decide on, you will need to wear retainers (which may be fixed or removable) afterwards, to maintain the results and prevent unwanted movement of your teeth.

You should also definitely have a look at the Archwired site as recommended above, great information and helps you cope much more easily with the braces when you finally get them, as you’ll have a good idea of what to expect.

Good luck!

Big_G

Ryan Swain and Rick DePaul couldn't really be classified as marketing companies...

I agree with the above post especially the part about aims and objectives.
The short term orthodontics don't aim to correct occlusion (bite) issues, merely align the anterior (front) teeth. Not all cases can be successfully treated this way. But it is a valuable tool for dentists to treat minor aesthetic and alignment issues. So don't totally write it off.

However, as fitzgeme said, I would recommend going with the person who has the superior training and experience.

Orthoman

Hi,
Just a complete agreement with kkdth0360, incredible what the public is being charged by general dentists for the 6 month limited treatment, involving 1 archwire change if you are lucky.
One of the sites goes through their payment plan:
Six Month Braces
- €500 deposit to be paid on the day impressions are taken (N.B. This
can be done on the same day as your exam)
- Fit Braces: Half the cost of the braces to be paid
- Next Visit: Half the cost of the balance to be paid
- Next Visit: Balance of your account must be paid in full

Looking at their fit appointment, 2000Euro for 1/2 -3/4 hours work can't be bad (raw materials 250euros max, if brackets are ceramic), but not quite as good as the archwire change with interdental stripping-1000Euros for 20 minutes(raw materials 6.99Euros).
Not a bad return for investing in a weekend course but for the patient very poor value for the money. People on the posts give out about the orthodontic specialist who spends at least 3 years of full-time study for the qualification and offers 2 years of treatment often for less money!!!

Then again you do get the use of the coffee machine

Orthoman

Oh forgot to mention, one of the other "6month brace sites" is offering a 10% special offer at the moment but the fees are a little different:

Braces (all now include FREE home whitening)
6 Month (metal - single jaw) = €3400 (metal - both jaws) = €4200
6 Month (clear - single jaw) = €3900 (clear - both jaws) = €4800
N.B. Tooth whitening and retainers are included in the cost

Good to know that you are getting some retainers after the job is done.

You better get your clear brackets insured they seem to be costing 50Euros extra a bracket!!!

hit_it_strong

I had lingual braces applied a couple of says ago after doing a lot of research into both 6 month braces and Invisalign.

My logic was down to two main points:

1. the result with the 2 year program seems to be far superior as explained above.

But importantly...

2. you may save 12-18 months off the treatment but it is important to remember that this time comes off the end of the treatment when many people report that the braces no longer bother them and it is quite easy. The first 3 months seem to be the hardest and whether it takes you 18 months, 24 or 30 may not matter that much to you by the time you get there.

I'm only a couple of days into the treatment but that was my thinking. Fair point?

Orthoman

Hi Querty09,
just some thoughts on your desire for quicker treatment. As mentioned by the previous contributor, most of the difficulties are at the start of treatment be it 6month braces or 24 month braces.....remember the metalwork is exactly the same, just that you are volunteering for a compromise treatment and having the braces taken off 18 months earlier, so in effect paying "FOUR TIMES AS MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Though your bite may not be causing any problems....nobody has ever died of crooked teeth.........your orthodontist may advise you to have it normalised. This is to improve overall stability and possibly allow sufficient space to facilitate the placement of bonded retainers.
When you go for the "quick" option, it may not be possible to place bonded retainers because the bite is deep. This therefore ties you to removable retainers for the rest of your life!! What inconvenience...remember because the treatment was a compromise, the stability is a compromise and the prolonged lifetime use of your retainers is a must. I noticed on some of the discussion forums, that some of the very public "6 month brace EXPERTS! " in the east of the country don't provide bonded retainers, and another is quoted as charging 450Euros!!! on top of the exorbitant fee for the 4 visits. This is because they are not too fond of bonded retainers because very often due to their compromised treatment to extract easy money from you, bonded retainers are not possible.
With regard to the "Seapoint" treatment plan of 6 months of "INVISALIGN" and 6 months of that popular brace that Seapoint "were the first clinic in Ireland to offer this amazing treatment"- that's 12 months treatment. Allowing for some interuption during the changeover from one to the other doesn't save too much time over having the ideal treatment from a specialist and will certainly save you money. The 24 months quoted by your orthodontist is probably the longest envisaged, and may be less.

CHECK THEIR WEBSITE!!!!! This is directly from it.
"Does the Six Month Braces Technique cost more than regular braces?
No, actually since there are fewer visits, the Six Month Braces Technique is less expensive than some other people’s regular braces."

Most specialists will charge 4k or under for 2 years of treatment, (3 years minimum full-time extra training) These are Seapoints fees (weekend 9-5 in a hotel with 2 long lunches and coffee breaks):

"Braces: (all now include FREE home whitening)

-6 Month Braces Metal €3450 (single jaw)
€4450 (both jaws)
-6 Month Clear Braces €3995 (single jaw)
€4995 (both jaws)
-Invisalign Express (for simple cases) €3250 (single jaw)
€3500 (both jaws)
-Invisalign (for difficult cases) €4495 (single jaw)
€5495 (both jaws)"

How can they say that their braces for 6 months are less expensive?

Nicolacork

I'm getting my 6 month braces in 2/3 weeks. It took me a long time to decide on the best option for me and this sites http://beaut.ie/blog/?p=6712# comments really helped me make up my mind. In relation to other comments on this thread I am getting my 6 month braces with an orthodontist not a "quick fix dentist" and bonded retainers are included in the price. My issue is with the aesthetic element of my smile and not with my bite which is fine. Good luck with your decision anyway (although you've probably decided by now).

ballsymchugh

Nicolacork wrote: »

I'm getting my 6 month braces in 2/3 weeks. It took me a long time to decide on the best option for me and this sites http://beaut.ie/blog/?p=6712# comments really helped me make up my mind. In relation to other comments on this thread I am getting my 6 month braces with an orthodontist not a "quick fix dentist" and bonded retainers are included in the price. My issue is with the aesthetic element of my smile and not with my bite which is fine. Good luck with your decision anyway (although you've probably decided by now).

wow, that site is, like, so totally whatever and stuff? i had mental images of people high fiving each other and lotsa smiling and nodding. kinda like what i'd imagine scientology to be.
nicola, i'd be much more confident in an orthodontist doing 6 month braces than a regular dentist with the tshirt. at least if something goes wrong he/she has a fair idea where to go.
as regards people asking about whether the bite matters... think this way.
at the moment you may have some crooked teeth but the back teeth all meet properly. the braces will straighten the teeth, but it may get to a stage where you can bite into a sandwich, but because the front teeth have moved, they may be occluding before the back teeth so you won't be able to chew the sandwich. that's where the ectra 2 years of treatment with an orthodontist comes in handy.
ps qwerty, you could always go to fitz and get a ronan keating job in a month or so?!!

Orthoman

Nicolacork wrote: »

I'm getting my 6 month braces in 2/3 weeks. It took me a long time to decide on the best option for me and this sites http://beaut.ie/blog/?p=6712# comments really helped me make up my mind. In relation to other comments on this thread I am getting my 6 month braces with an orthodontist not a "quick fix dentist" and bonded retainers are included in the price. My issue is with the aesthetic element of my smile and not with my bite which is fine. Good luck with your decision anyway (although you've probably decided by now).

Hi Nicolacork,
Have you checked that the guy has done at least 3 years full-time orthodontic training and that he is on the specialist register of the dental council.....request to see is specialist register certificate

Ropo

Hi
I'm am most of the way through the 6 month braces and they have worked for my. Corrected my cross bite and widened my arch.

I know some peoples worry your teeth will move back as they are only on for 6 month , but if you get a retainer I think that solves that.
i have friends that had braces for 2-3 years and their teeth have moved back as didn't wear their retainer

hope this helps

Big_G

As usual, way off the mark etho_.
Dentists are trained to competency in all the areas of specialty during undergraduate study.

Doing postgraduate training to become a specialist in that area is becoming a master, it is beyond competency.

I do root canal therapy, periodontal treatment, oral surgery and prosthodontics in general practice, all of which are specialties. The only reason I don't do orthodontics is because I don't feel comfortable doing it. I feel I didn't get sufficient training as an undergraduate to undertake satisfactory treatment for my patients.

Short term orthodontics is seen as a threat by some specialists. I think there is enough ortho cases to go around between everybody. I don't think that short term ortho is suitable for everyone, but I think it is particularly useful for aligning the anterior teeth, particularly prior to restorative treatment. I don't agree that it should cost as much as a full course of orthodontic treatment.

I think there are a few others around that may agree. I think like any treatment modality in dentistry, knowing when to use it is the key. Knowing when to refer to a specialist is also crucial.

lyoness

go for the 6 month smiles, they are brilliant. I have just completed my treatment in 8 months and my teeth look perfect. don't mind orthoman, he has a vendetta against 6 month braces as he is afraid he will lose prospective patients!! as for the price, shop around, I got mine done for half what orthoman has posted here.

Zaynar1234

Has anyone used Damon Braces? They also claim to reduce the time

I got mine Friday, already the wire has come loose from one of the brackets

btkm8unsl0w5r4

The real issue is that if you go to a dentist that only does 6 month braces yo will get them wheather you are suitable of not. if you go to a dentist that only does invasalign braces yo will get them wheather you are suitable of not. if you go to a dentist that only does Damon system braces yo will get them wheather you are suitable of not.

These system promise a lot. From a patient perspective they are exactly what you want the hear. Faster, cheaper, more aesthetic. They are marketed a lot, and these companies target general dentists cause they dont ask as many questions.

if you go to a fully trained orthodontist that does all kinds of braces you will get the systems that suits your teeth for the optimal result. At the end of the day its your mouth and your money. BTW I am not a orthodontist.

Zaynar1234

My dentist does all those braces. However he recommended Damon to me so I went with his opinion....

So annoyed one of them is loose after 2 days though...

btkm8unsl0w5r4

Zaynar1234 wrote: »

My dentist does all those braces. However he recommended Damon to me so I went with his opinion....

So annoyed one of them is loose after 2 days though...

Relax, these things happen, there are little sliding doors on the Damon system brackets rather than ligatures or wires, one has prob come open, its dental treatment, not mathematics, so things can happen from time to time that are unpredictable. Please also keep things on one thread, you have posted about this on 3 threads thus far, cheers

Zaynar1234

They look like good results mate well done, was that after just 7 months????????

You must be very happy with results???

As for the slagging, im not too bothered and will put up with it as its not for life. Im off work until March (Health issue) so at least have a while to get used to them and sure fingers crossed by the time I go back they will have been on 4 months and I might only have 5 or 6 months left with them.

DOC2

I think that the orthodontists on here are really missing the point. for some reason you are coming across as quite resentful. Six month braces or more accurately limited objective orthodontics is a fantastic treatment option for loads of patients. The guys doing 6 months braces are usually cosmetic dentists who are very skilled in the aesthetic needs of a case, orthodontics is great but a lot of the time you are severly limited by the tooth shape and form and this needs to be modified post tx with composite/veneers etc etc. People looking for a cosmetic improvement in their anterior dentition, in my opinion are MUCH better off seeking the advice of a dentist whos primary concern is cosmetics. I think we all agree that alignment is better than heavily prepared veneers. I recently introduced the idea of six month braces to a renowned dublin city centre orthodontist who had never even thought about offering this option, he now does more six month cases than me! Any orthodontist on here who can justify 18 months of braces in a class 1 mildly crowded case is not only wasting his own time but also the time of the patients. Anyway the point to the orthodontists is, you will still get the severe spectrum of malocclusions where your skills are better placed, but as orthodontics grows i really do think that the mild class 1,2 and 3 cases are the remit of the general dentist, and you may just have to except this!!

Orthoman

"

I think the point here is adequately expressed by Fitzgeme aadn the qualifications and skills to be a "cosmetic dentist" are purely to be able to market yourself. My point is that the marketing of this from of treatment is to prey on everyones wishes to have orthodontic treatment as quickly as possible, and the exhorbitant fees being charged for the rather limited and often compromised result.......If it takes a 1/4 of the time, then charge a 1/4 of the fee (we won't bother accounting for the specialist training aspect)

With regard to the link to before and after photos earlier in the thread, from the limited photos nothing great in the result, compromise as expected, the open bite between the upper and lower front teeth has got worse due to the teeth being moved forwards, the lower teeth look very proclined, so one could expect possibly gum recession and sensitivty at a future date.

bazmaiden

Hey ortho man

You obviously know alot about the "six" month braces, and your post are alway informative, just wondering what do you think of someone getting the damon brackets (recommended in sea point)for cosmetic purposes,

I had braces for years in my teens and now i have a very slight overbite, no problems with chewing or anythings but still make a bit of overcrowding and some gaps. while i know they don't present any problems i would like them to look somewhat better,

Any suggestions?

Orthoman

Hi Bazmaiden,

A Damon bracket is a self-ligating bracket. This means that it has a type of clasp rather than little elastics to keep the wire in place. The idea of this is that it reduces the friction between the wire and the bracket, and the claim is that because of less friction, lighter "more biologically" friendly forces can be used, so the teeth can move at their optimal pace. Less need to use extractions and headgear in the treatment approach are also claimed.
Various companies have their version of "self-ligating" brackets and each company has developed it's bracket over the years....Damon has at least had 4 versions of its bracket.

The results of the research are mixed and some of the claims not proven.

I don't think the "big sell" point of Damon brackets is their cosmetic appearance more to do with the self-ligating, low friction properties, as the brackets are quiet bulky, even the newer "cosmetic" version.

Hope this is of some use.
Regards:)

Orthoman

copacetic wrote: »

If you are talking about my picture then that isn't correct at all. I should have known better than to post them. Possibly better pictures would show the results better, there is no open bite. There is no attempt to bite in the second picture. There is also little or no proclination at all in the lower teeth. You appear to be letting your bias cloud your judgement. They are far from perfect, but you are the first person I've had say that the results are poor.

Read my post.......didn't say the result was poor, said it was a compromised result.:)

bazmaiden

Thanks ortho,

Not worried about how they look on, just about the end result... thats what its all about isn't it.
just hope that they do the job...

as for copacetic i think your teeth look great now, and i hope your happy with them.

btkm8unsl0w5r4

Woah lets calm down a bit here, copacetic with your 9000 posts I would expect a little less agression on the forum, orthoman knows his onions and IMHO provides invaluable specialist advice on orthodontics. I dont think he was saying your teeth are not good and he did put the proviso of the small low quality pictures.

I think that the OP's questions have been answered, lets not have to lock this thread for decending in a flame war.

ballsymchugh

ah keep it public! entertainment for a quiet day. there's only so much bumperball i can play!

btkm8unsl0w5r4

There is so much of this kind of stuff that never make it onto the board, lucky Big_G is a bit sharper than me.

Nervouspriest

Hi,

I can't get over the price difference in the 'six month braces'.

I am getting them put on in the North for £2,000.

I was checking Dublin dental practices earlier today and the price is closer to €5,000 for clear six month braces on lower and upper jaw....

I don't know about you, but last time I checked €1 is equal to around 90p....

Orthoman

Nervouspriest wrote: »

Hi,

I can't get over the price difference in the 'six month braces'.

I am getting them put on in the North for £2,000.

I was checking Dublin dental practices earlier today and the price is closer to €5,000 for clear six month braces on lower and upper jaw....

I don't know about you, but last time I checked €1 is equal to around 90p....

Nervouspriest,
It amazes me that someone would even pay 2000 U.K. pounds for 6 month braces..... A quarter of the time a qualified orthodontist takes for a comprehensive course of treatment, carried out by a general dentist who spends 2 days on a hotel course, the majority of which was spent learning about marketing, using fewer and inferior materials -composite (plastic) brackets and round archwires, and charges the same fee! I think about 900Euros max is about right.......That's about 300Euros per hour!:)

Nervouspriest

Orthoman wrote: »

Nervouspriest,
It amazes me that someone would even pay 2000 U.K. pounds for 6 month braces..... A quarter of the time a qualified orthodontist takes for a comprehensive course of treatment, carried out by a general dentist who spends 2 days on a hotel course, the majority of which was spent learning about marketing, using fewer and inferior materials -composite (plastic) brackets and round archwires, and charges the same fee! I think about 900Euros max is about right.......That's about 300Euros per hour!:)

Well you must be more amazed by the people who pay €5,000+ in Dublin, and still think that they are getting a good deal!!

I am going to try it out anyway.

It seems to get good reviews off people who just want to staighten up their upper and lower front teeth.

Orthoman

Nervouspriest wrote: »

Well you must be more amazed by the people who pay €5,000+ in Dublin, and still think that they are getting a good deal!!

I am going to try it out anyway.

It seems to get good reviews off people who just want to staighten up their upper and lower front teeth.

Hi Nervouspriest,
I agree amazing.
I think the general dentists are using some "Shock and Awe" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shock_and_awe ) tactics but unfortunately in the great words of Mr. Rumsfield, for both the general dentist and the patient funding the operation, "there are also unknown unknowns. These are things we do not know we don’t know".

Best of luck.

kkth0360

Nervouspriest,
Have a look at this post, explaining what "6 Month Braces" actually are, and why you'd be better off getting an opinion from a properly qualified Specialist Orthodontist before you take the plunge.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=61915971&postcount=6

2000 pounds may seem like a bargain, but it's still a lot of money and you need to make sure you get the best value for it by getting your treatment carried out to the highest possible standard.

Regards,

kkth

disgruntled09

I got them fitted in Newry on Monday. Top and bottom - 1500 sterling and then whatever i'll have to pay each time to have them adjusted. The dentist seems to think they will work well particularly on the top where i have had 2 teeth extracted (one years ago and one 5 weeks ago). I am hopeful it will work but wonder how long exactly the retainer needs to be worn and is it 24/7 or just night time?

bazmaiden

I'm in to my fourth month now and am happy so far, my bottom teeth are almost perfect but my front two teeth are being stubborn!

I have the damon system brace, top and bottom, just to fix my smile (which is a bit annoying because I spent years in secondary school with a brace)

bazmaiden

Just got them off on wedensday, delighted so far but still have a few check ups left to

1. Get them whitened

2. Get fixed/bonded retainer

3. Remove the white spots on the front of 2 front teeth


If anyone here would like pictures of before, during and after just let me know. I should have them by the end of May

day dreamer

you are OK thanks, I will take your word for it

Lian

bazmaiden wrote: »

Just got them off on wedensday, delighted so far but still have a few check ups left to

1. Get them whitened

2. Get fixed/bonded retainer

3. Remove the white spots on the front of 2 front teeth


If anyone here would like pictures of before, during and after just let me know. I should have them by the end of May

I have a consultation this week to get the six month braces. I'd be interested to hear about your experience with them and to see before and after pics!

btkm8unsl0w5r4

I would like to start a new thread as this one is very old. Maybe Lian you could post up a new thread in the main forum........thanks and locked.

fitzgeme