Kathryn Amanda Wilson, DDS

Aligners aren't ideal for every patient. Some prefer the convenience of clear braces. You don't have to remember to wear them or worry about losing them. 

Six Month Smiles is the leading brand of cosmetic, short-term braces. That means, that these esthetic braces are designed to improve your front teeth or your smile cosmetically. It's different then comprehensive braces with an Orthodontist. Studies show that most adults would prefer to have braces for a short time to address their cosmetic needs, not for several years.  There's no bands or medal rings on your teeth and no metal brackets at all. Everything is white or clear, even the wires. They are invisible in photos, even!

Talk to your dentist about improving your smile and about your orthodontic options. Not all dentists are certified Six Month Smiles® providers. 

For the best answers, I would consult your family dentist. He or she would have the most accurate answer, because he/she has access to your x-rays and has completed a recent thorough clinical examination.

Lucky you! If your 3rd molars are all fully erupted and healthy, you can keep them during your orthodontic treatment. 

There is no clinical reason to have your existing amalgam fills switched out for composite, as long as they are intact and healthy restorations. If you are considering this for esthetic reason, you may elect this before you start your aligner treatment.

Best of luck with your new smile!

Congratulations on making the decision to improve your smile! It sounds like you've already chosen aligners over traditional brackets and wires. This is a wise choice for most adults: It's more comfortable and there's no restrictions with eating. Most importantly, your teeth and gums will stay healthier because it's easier to brush and floss.

There are many aligner products on the market. You've mentioned SmileCareClub, which is available to date, to US patients in 49 states. It's designed for patients with mild-moderate orthodontic concerns. Once you've visited your family dentist and obtained the "all clear" on your gums and teeth and completed all your dental work, you can begin!

Best of luck on your new smile!

Orthodontics in conjunction with implant-space preparation is a important and complex procedure than involves close interaction and frequent communication between your family-dentist, restorative-dentist or prosthodontist (if applicable), and orthodontist.  Frequent x-rays and/or other forms of imaging may be appropriate. 

Usually excessive spacing at the end of a treatment plan can be avoided by adding IPR to a treatment plan. Why don't you just ask your doctor for a modification for a more ideal outcome?


Teeth are designed to fit together like cogs on a wheel, but sometimes if a bite is off or if some teeth aren't the right size or shape, there can be excess space once you line them all up. IPR(Inter-Proximal Reduction) is one tool that doctors can use to avoid this less esthetic outcome.