Six Month Smiles® is a branded orthodontic system designed around shorter, guided treatment for selected cases. The name can sound like a promise that any orthodontic problem can be completely corrected in six months, but that is not what the system’s own clinical information says. The company states that the average case is completed in about six months, with many cases taking 6–10 months, and that its treatment goals are not identical to comprehensive conventional orthodontics. [1]
Medically reviewed by Dr. Walter Kostrzewski, DMD
Dr. Kostrzewski has more than two decades of experience in dentistry and reviews the dental information published by ACE Dental Resource.
This distinction matters. Six Month Smiles® is a specific branded system, while short-term orthodontics is a broader concept. The goal of this article is to explain what the system is, what “six months” means, which cases may be appropriate, what it may not address, and how it compares with Invisalign® and comprehensive orthodontic treatment.
What Is Six Month Smiles®?
Six Month Smiles® is a guided orthodontic system that currently includes a clear-braces system and an aligner system. According to the manufacturer’s clinical information, treatment begins with records and an examination, followed by a treatment plan and 3D simulation prepared through its system. [1]
The important point is that the system is designed around selected treatment goals. Its own clinical FAQ explains that some of the most time-consuming changes in conventional orthodontics, including significant Class correction and major midline changes, are generally not part of its guided treatment goals. [1]
What Does “Six Months” Actually Mean?
Six months is not a guaranteed completion date.
The manufacturer states that the average case is completed in six months and that the typical window is generally 6–10 months. [1] Actual treatment time depends on the patient’s starting alignment, the movements required, the treatment plan, biological response, appliance type and compliance.
| Statement | What it really means |
|---|---|
| “Six months” | An average/target associated with selected cases, not a universal guarantee. |
| Shorter than comprehensive orthodontics | Often means the treatment has a narrower objective. |
| Fast tooth movement | Does not mean teeth can safely be moved arbitrarily quickly. |
| Completed treatment | Active movement may be complete, but retention is still required. |
What Is the Goal of Six Month Smiles®?
The central distinction is between limited alignment and comprehensive orthodontic correction.
A patient whose main concern is the appearance of the front teeth may have a treatment goal that can be addressed without correcting every aspect of the bite. In contrast, a patient with a significant skeletal discrepancy, complex bite problem or major functional objective may need a different orthodontic plan.
This is why the right question is not “Can Six Month Smiles straighten my teeth?” but rather:
“Can the specific problems I want corrected be treated safely and predictably with a limited treatment plan?”
What Cases May Be Suitable?
Suitability has to be determined from an examination rather than a checklist. Selected patients with mild or moderate alignment concerns may be candidates, particularly when the treatment objective is primarily tooth positioning rather than comprehensive correction of the entire bite.
| Situation | Possible fit | What must be assessed |
|---|---|---|
| Front-tooth crowding | May be suitable | Available space, periodontal health and desired movement |
| Limited spacing | May be suitable | Cause of spacing and long-term stability |
| Relapse after previous orthodontics | May be suitable in selected cases | Extent of relapse and whether the original bite also needs correction |
| Complex bite discrepancy | May not be suitable for limited treatment | Whether comprehensive orthodontic correction is needed |
| Major jaw discrepancy | Usually requires broader assessment | Dental vs skeletal cause and possible multidisciplinary treatment |
What Six Month Smiles® Is Not Designed to Do
The manufacturer’s own clinical FAQ is unusually important here because it explains the distinction between its treatment goals and comprehensive orthodontics. It states that significant Class changes and major midline changes are not part of the guided treatment goals and that the aim is to accomplish most, but not necessarily all, of what traditional orthodontic treatment would accomplish. [1]
That does not mean the system is ineffective. It means the treatment should be selected for the problem it is intended to solve.
Six Month Smiles® vs. Comprehensive Orthodontics
| Feature | Six Month Smiles® | Comprehensive orthodontics |
|---|---|---|
| Primary concept | Shorter, guided treatment for selected goals | Correction of the patient’s full orthodontic problem |
| Typical duration | Manufacturer states average around six months; many cases 6–10 months | Varies widely by diagnosis and treatment plan |
| Major bite correction | Limited by the system’s treatment goals and case selection | Can be planned when clinically appropriate |
| Midline correction | Major changes are generally outside the guided treatment goals | Can be included when indicated |
| Best question to ask | Can my specific cosmetic/limited goal be treated appropriately? | What comprehensive problems need to be corrected? |
Six Month Smiles® vs. Invisalign®
These are both branded treatment systems, but they are not simply two names for the same treatment.
| Feature | Six Month Smiles® | Invisalign® |
|---|---|---|
| Appliance | Clear braces or aligners through the Six Month Smiles system | Clear removable aligners |
| Core positioning | Shorter guided treatment for selected cases | Individualized clear-aligner treatment across a range of cases |
| Treatment duration | Average around six months according to the manufacturer; not guaranteed | Varies substantially according to diagnosis and movements |
| Removal | Depends on the selected system | Aligners are removable |
| Case selection | Particularly important because treatment goals are deliberately limited | Depends on whether the required movements are predictable with aligners |
Our Invisalign guide explains clear aligner treatment in greater detail.
Does Shorter Treatment Mean Faster Tooth Movement?
Not necessarily.
Orthodontic treatment depends on controlled biological remodeling around the teeth. A shorter treatment plan may be shorter because it has a narrower objective, not because teeth are being forced through a complete orthodontic correction at an unusually high speed.
Patients should be cautious of any explanation that implies that simply applying more force can safely make comprehensive orthodontic treatment dramatically faster.
What About Relapse After Six Month Smiles®?
Retention is one of the most important parts of any orthodontic treatment, including limited or short-term treatment.
Orthodontic relapse is multifactorial. Teeth can move after active treatment because of periodontal and gingival remodeling, growth and aging, occlusal factors and other individual factors. Reviews emphasize that retention is necessary to help maintain orthodontic results, although no retainer guarantees perfect lifelong stability. [2][3][4]
This is particularly important when discussing short-term orthodontics: a shorter active treatment period does not mean that the patient can skip long-term retention.
What Does the Treatment Process Involve?
- Examination and records: The clinician evaluates the teeth, gums, bite and treatment goals and obtains appropriate records.
- Case selection: The proposed movements are compared with the treatment goals that the system is designed to address.
- Treatment planning: The treatment is planned around the selected appliance and desired tooth movements.
- Active treatment: Braces or aligners are used according to the prescribed schedule, with follow-up visits.
- Finishing: The clinician checks whether the intended result has been achieved and whether further adjustment is needed.
- Retention: Retainers are provided to help maintain the new tooth positions.
Does Six Month Smiles® Hurt?
Orthodontic appliances can cause temporary pressure, tenderness or irritation, particularly after placement or adjustments. Discomfort varies between patients.
Severe or persistent pain is not something to simply accept as part of treatment. Contact the treating dental professional if pain is significant, an appliance is damaged, or the gums are being injured.
Six Month Smiles® and Oral Health
Straighter teeth can make some surfaces easier to clean, but orthodontic treatment itself does not automatically prevent tooth decay or gum disease. Good brushing, interdental cleaning and professional dental care remain necessary during treatment.
Before orthodontic treatment begins, active dental disease should be evaluated and managed as appropriate. Orthodontic treatment is not a substitute for routine preventive dental care.
Cost of Six Month Smiles®
There is no single national price for Six Month Smiles® treatment. The total fee depends on the provider, geographic area, treatment complexity, appliance type, visits, retainers and what is included in the treatment package.
| Cost factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Appliance type | Clear braces and aligner treatment have different laboratory and clinical workflows. |
| Case complexity | Some patients require more visits or additional treatment. |
| Retainers | Post-treatment retention may be included or charged separately. |
| Additional dental work | Existing cavities, gum disease or other problems may need treatment separately. |
| Refinements or finishing | The final fee should make clear what happens if additional adjustment is required. |
Ask the provider for a written estimate that identifies the active treatment, follow-up appointments and retention costs.
Questions to Ask Before Choosing Six Month Smiles®
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| What exactly are we trying to correct? | Separates a cosmetic alignment goal from comprehensive bite correction. |
| Which parts of my bite will remain unchanged? | Shorter treatment may intentionally leave some orthodontic problems untreated. |
| Why am I a candidate for this treatment? | Case selection is central to short-term orthodontics. |
| Would comprehensive orthodontics be different? | Helps you understand the trade-off between treatment scope and duration. |
| What is the expected treatment time in my case? | The six-month name is not a guarantee. |
| What is my retention plan? | Retention is essential after active orthodontic treatment. |
| What happens if the result is incomplete? | Clarifies whether additional treatment is included and what it may cost. |
Bottom Line
Six Month Smiles® should be understood as a branded short-term orthodontic system for selected treatment goals, not as a promise that every orthodontic problem can be comprehensively corrected in six months.
The strongest reason to consider it is not simply speed. It is whether the limited treatment objective matches what you actually want corrected. If you need comprehensive bite or jaw correction, a longer conventional orthodontic plan may be more appropriate.
If your main goal is alignment of selected teeth, ask the treating orthodontist to show you exactly what will be corrected, what will not be corrected, how long treatment is expected to take, and what retention will be required.
Research and Sources
- Six Month Smiles. “Clinical FAQ.” Six Month Smiles.
- Regalado-Bazán CF, Espichan-Salazar AC, Arriola-Guillén LE. “Comparison of relapse of orthodontic treatment following aligner versus conventional fixed appliance treatment: A systematic review.” 2024. PubMed 38988751.
- “Relapse and inadvertent tooth movement post orthodontic treatment in individuals with fixed retainers: A review.” 2024. PubMed 38389556.
- Jedli?ski M, et al. “What causes failure of fixed orthodontic retention? — systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical studies.” Head & Face Medicine. 2021. PubMed 34301280.
Related ACE Dental Guides
- Invisalign: Clear Aligners, Treatment, Limitations & Alternatives
- Choosing a Cosmetic Dentist: What to Look For
Editorial note: Orthodontic treatment should be planned after an individualized examination. Six Month Smiles® is a branded treatment system, and treatment time and suitability vary by patient and treatment goal.