Skip to content 
As an orthodontist in California, I’m noticing a troubling trend among dentists offering “Six Month Smiles” to their patients. I feel a strong responsibility to express my concerns for my patients and my community regarding the flaws and dangers associated with their treatment plans and products.
In Opposition to This Quick-Smile Scheme
I acknowledge that Six Month Smiles has excelled at marketing its product. It has effectively reached the general dentist population and made significant progress. However, this success compels me to voice my concerns for you, my patients, and my readers. The allure of completing orthodontic work within six months is compelling. I witness this desire among my patients regularly. I always take the time to reassure them that moving teeth takes time for a reason.
Slow and Steady
Consider that your teeth are anchored to your jawbone and that your bite has developed over time. The structure of your bones, teeth, and jaw muscles collectively supports your current form. Therefore, changing that form is best achieved incrementally.
Moving teeth gradually results in less discomfort. The treatment plans I develop for my patients are designed to ensure minimal soreness and pain. Rapid changes can be very unstable, making it much more likely for teeth to revert to their original positions. Gradually repositioning teeth is a proven method for achieving long-term success.
The Business Model
Aside from the treatment itself, which I view as fast and somewhat reckless, I must question this company's business practices. They offer dentists a weekend course on how to move teeth in just six months. This approach strikes me as extreme! I dedicated two full years to learning the safest and most effective ways to move teeth; it cannot be comprehensively taught or understood in a single weekend.
The fact that they market directly to general dentists without an orthodontic specialty raises red flags. The company even states, “No previous orthodontic experience needed.” Do you really want someone who has completed only a brief, two-day course to handle your orthodontic care?
The Bite is Forgotten
I have had to re-treat patients who used Six Month Smiles because the alignment of their bite was neglected during treatment. They ended up spending significantly more money and time correcting issues that could have been avoided had they come to an orthodontic specialist first.
I am trained to evaluate not just the straightness of the front teeth but how all your teeth fit together. I also consider overall facial structure and aesthetics, with ample experience in this area. I have the expertise to enhance your profile, bite, jawline, and teeth with a single treatment.
Is it Even Six Months Long?
The irony is that Six Month Smiles highlights cases where patients had their front teeth straightened in six months while failing to mention that most cases take longer. If your treatment involves more than just aligning the front teeth, the chances of completing it within six months are slim to none.
In some instances, this rapid progress is achieved by shaving the teeth down. This allows for faster realignment but sacrifices the size and shape of the teeth, which is unnecessary.
My “If-Then” Caveat
If you have very minimal crowding of your front teeth, then Six Month Smiles might be an appropriate option for you. However, please be cautious of the marketing gimmicks. Do thorough research and inquire about how many cases your dentist has successfully treated. Look at before-and-after photos.
If you’re considering a second opinion, contact my office for a free consultation! I also have options for accelerating your treatment. I am passionate about providing safe, healthy orthodontic work for the residents of the greater Sacramento area. Please prioritize your safety and well-being!
