Dr. Eric Burgess is a Dentist who has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Six Month Braces.
Q. What is Six Month Braces?
A. Six month braces is an innovative, new system that uses high-tech wires combined with clear brackets and elastics to quickly move teeth that show when you smile. Similar to smile makeovers with veneers, we do not move the back teeth or change the bite if the teeth are not visible. This allows us to attain a great smile more quickly than ever!
Q. How can it be done in 6 months?
A. It is fast for two reasons. One, we do not move teeth in the back that are not visible when you smile. More complicated cases still require a visit to the orthodontist and traditional treatment. The second reason is that the wires are nickel-titanium (NiTi) instead of the traditional orthodontic wires. Traditional stainless steel wires must be adjusted and bent to move the teeth. Thus the teeth usually hurt the first week due to extreme force and then do not move until the next time the wire is adjusted. NiTi wires exert a constant, low-level force every day, allowing the teeth to move faster and further in the same time span. It’s truly revolutionary!
Q. How old do you have to be to begin this treatment?
A. You must be around age 15 to be treated by Power Braces due to the fact that all the permanent back teeth must be in the mouth and in contact. Remember that we are not moving the back teeth or changing the bite, so we want all the permanent teeth in the mouth (minus the wisdom teeth).
Q. Does Six Month Braces® Technique use high forces to move the teeth?
A. No, actually it is the opposite! Power Braces use very low forces compared to either Invisalign or traditional braces. The fact that Power Braces use lower forces on a daily basis, compared to high forces for a week with other systems allows the teeth to move faster and with more comfort.
Q. Does the Six Month Braces® Technique damage the teeth, roots, or gums in any way?
A. No, in fact they are better than other orthodontic options on the teeth, roots, and gums because of the low force level compared to traditional orthodontic options. The gums and teeth tend to be healthier from the short wear time, and thus less food causing spotting of the teeth or inflammation of the gums, compared to years with traditional braces. And they are more conservative than veneers, which often requires extensive removal of tooth structure to realign the teeth.
Q. Are Six Month Braces® more painful than regular braces?
A. Again, no. Not only are the forces less and, thus, treatment more comfortable..the fact that most cases are done in 4-6 months versus 1-4 years ensures years more of comfort!
Q. Does the Powerprox Six Month Braces® Technique cost more than regular braces?
A. No, they cost less than traditional braces since treatment is completed more quickly and less visits are required. Invisalign is the most costly due to a significant lab expense and thus is at a premium due to it being the most cosmetic and invisible option. When patients consult on their options, they can choose between veneers (quickest…2 weeks, most expensive, but some tooth is shaved), Invisalign (average case 13 months, less pricey than veneers, but no heavy shaving), or Power Braces (quick…4-6 months, least expensive, minimal shaving) to achieve their cosmetic goals.
Q. How to contact Dr. Burgess if we have further questions?
A.
Address:
1300 Marsh Landing Parkway Suite 112
Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
Phone: (904) 273-3001
Fax: (904) 273-9883
Email: drb@burgesscenter.com
Website: http://www.burgesscenter.com/
