For many adults, the thought of wearing traditional metal braces for two to three years can feel overwhelming. While braces are effective, they often come with challenges—dietary restrictions, visible wires, and frequent adjustments. The good news is that advancements in orthodontics have created more comfortable, discreet, and efficient alternatives for adults who want straighter teeth without the hassle of traditional braces.
This guide will walk you through popular alternatives such as Invisalign® clear aligners and Six Month Smiles™, explain how they work, and help you decide whether they might be the right solution for your smile.
Traditional braces remain the gold standard for complex orthodontic cases, but many adults hesitate to commit to them because of lifestyle factors. Common concerns include:
– Appearance: Metal wires and brackets are noticeable, which can feel unprofessional or awkward in social settings.
– Time commitment: Treatment often lasts between 18–36 months.
– Discomfort: Metal brackets can irritate the cheeks and gums.
– Food restrictions: Sticky, hard, or crunchy foods must be avoided.
– Maintenance: Brushing and flossing around braces requires extra effort.
For adults juggling careers, families, and active lifestyles, these drawbacks often push them to look for more convenient solutions.
One of the most popular orthodontic solutions for adults today is Invisalign®. Instead of brackets and wires, Invisalign uses a series of custom-made clear aligners that gradually shift your teeth into place.
– Your dentist or orthodontist creates a 3D digital model of your teeth.
– A series of clear aligners are fabricated to fit snugly over your teeth.
– Every 1–2 weeks, you switch to a new set of aligners that continues the movement.
– You’ll typically wear them for 20–22 hours per day, removing them only for eating, drinking (anything besides water), brushing, and flossing.
– Nearly invisible: Most people won’t notice you’re wearing them.
– Comfortable: Smooth plastic reduces gum and cheek irritation.
– Removable: No food restrictions—simply take the aligners out when eating.
– Improved oral hygiene: Brushing and flossing are simple, unlike with fixed braces.
– Predictable results: Advanced 3D planning software allows you to preview your smile before starting treatment.
The average Invisalign case lasts 12–18 months, depending on the complexity of tooth movement. Minor corrections may take as little as 6 months, while more involved cases can extend longer.
Invisalign is effective for treating:
– Mild to moderate crowding
– Small gaps between teeth
– Overbites, underbites, and crossbites (depending on severity)
– Relapse from previous orthodontic treatment
Source: American Association of Orthodontists – Clear Aligners
Another option for adults who want results quickly is Six Month Smiles™. Unlike Invisalign, which uses removable trays, Six Month Smiles is a short-term braces system that focuses only on the teeth visible when you smile.
– Six Month Smiles uses clear brackets and tooth-colored wires for a more discreet look than traditional braces.
– The system applies low force to move teeth gently and efficiently.
– Because it only targets cosmetic alignment, treatment is significantly shorter.
– Shorter treatment time: Most patients finish in 4–9 months.
– Discreet appearance: Clear brackets blend in better than metal.
– Lower risk: Uses lighter forces, reducing the chance of root damage.
– Cost-effective: Typically less expensive than full orthodontic treatment.
Six Month Smiles is ideal for adults who want cosmetic improvements to their smile but do not need major bite correction. It’s especially suited for those with:
– Mild to moderate crowding of front teeth
– Gaps between front teeth
– Crooked teeth visible when smiling
| Feature | Invisalign® | Six Month Smiles™ |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Clear, removable aligners—nearly invisible | Clear brackets and tooth-colored wires |
| Comfort | Smooth plastic, no brackets/wires | Brackets may cause mild irritation |
| Treatment Time | 6–18 months (varies) | 4–9 months |
| Removability | Removable for eating & brushing | Fixed—cannot remove during treatment |
| Complexity | Works for mild to moderate misalignment, some bite issues | Primarily cosmetic (front teeth only) |
| Maintenance | Easy oral hygiene | Extra care needed to brush/floss |
Both Invisalign and Six Month Smiles are excellent alternatives for adults who want straighter teeth without traditional braces. However, not everyone is a candidate. A comprehensive evaluation is needed to determine whether your case is mild, moderate, or severe.
– Mild to moderate misalignment: Both Invisalign and Six Month Smiles can work well.
– Severe bite issues: Traditional braces or advanced orthodontics may still be required.
– Lifestyle factors: If you want the flexibility of removing your treatment, Invisalign may be the better fit. If you prefer a shorter treatment timeline and don’t mind fixed braces, Six Month Smiles could be ideal.
Regardless of which treatment you choose, wearing a retainer after treatment is crucial. Teeth naturally want to shift back to their original position (a process called relapse). Retainers help lock your new smile in place for the long term.
While a straighter smile is often thought of as purely cosmetic, there are real health benefits too:
– Easier cleaning: Straighter teeth reduce the risk of plaque buildup and gum disease.
– Better chewing: Proper alignment improves bite function and digestion.
– Jaw health: Misalignment can contribute to jaw pain and headaches.
– Confidence boost: Many patients report improved self-esteem and social comfort after treatment.
Source: Mayo Clinic – Orthodontics
If you’ve been putting off orthodontic treatment because you don’t want traditional metal braces, you now have options. Invisalign® and Six Month Smiles™ are designed with adults in mind—discreet, efficient, and lifestyle-friendly.
At Designing Smiles in Roseville, MN, we’ve helped countless patients transform their smiles with these modern orthodontic solutions. Whether you want the flexibility of clear aligners or the speed of accelerated braces, a straighter smile could be closer than you think.
