Smiling young man with Six Month Smiles

Orthodontics

Are you looking for straight teeth and a more beautiful smile, but want to avoid lengthy orthodontic treatments? Our Six Month Smiles® orthodontic treatment could be your answer to a straighter, more attractive smile in as little as six months. Let Dr. Nick Pournaras at Columbia Smiles in Columbia, SC, introduce you to Six Month Smiles for fast, effective orthodontics.

A Straighter Smile in Six Months

Patients looking for orthodontics no longer have to rely on traditional metal braces to give them a beautiful smile and proper bite. Dr. Nick Pournaras at Columbia Smiles uses Six Month Smiles to give patients the smile of their dreams in just a few months.

Six Month Smiles offers two discreet options: Removable clear aligner trays or braces with clear brackets and tooth-colored wires. Both systems gently guide your teeth into proper alignment in as little as four to nine months. However, the average treatment using this faster form of orthodontics is just six months. Six Month Smiles orthodontics is best for patients with mild to moderate alignment issues.

A Clear Difference With Tooth-Colored Hardware

Tooth-colored hardware makes Six Month Smiles discreet while standard hardware draws attention

Refine Your Teeth With Clear Aligners Made Just for You

Woman smiling holding Invisalign
Unlike traditional braces, Six Month Smiles was created exclusively for adult patients. Each set of aligners is custom-made for the individual, allowing a more comfortable wear and impressive results.

You're Never Too Old For a Beautiful Smile

Many adults believe that they are now too old for orthodontics.

Others have forgotten to wear their retainer, and have noticed shifting over the years.

Though living life afraid of showing your smile can be stressful, we can help.

Our cosmetic dentist, Dr. Pournaras, relies on clear aligners from Six Month Smiles to effectively correct misalignment and bite problems.

Worried about looking professional? Because they are fast and discreet, Six Month Smiles can be worn in work settings, classes, and your day-to-day adult life.

Woman with Braces

Why Choose Dr. Pournaras at Columbia Smiles?

At Columbia Smiles in Columbia, SC, we understand just how frustrating and embarrassing a crooked smile can be. Dr. Nick Pournaras is an accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and is one of only six members in the state of South Carolina to hold that honor. He has the skills and expertise to give you the beautiful smile you have always dreamed about. If you aren't sure if orthodontics is the right treatment for you, call or contact us today!

(803) 888-6504

Columbia Smiles dentist chair
At Columbia Smiles, customer service, value, and quality care are the cornerstones of our practice.
The absolute best dentist in town! Excellent care and great results! Dr. Nick and his staff love what they do and it shows!
 
Lisa Grimes

Clear Aligners

Woman wearing clear aligners
While our Six Month Smiles "invisible" braces option does away with silver-colored metal brackets and wires, we also offer clear aligner trays for an even more discreet orthodontic option.

The Importance of Smiling And How It Impacts Your Mood

If you love your teeth, then you'll likely smile more often — and that can lead to positive changes in your mood. As it turns out, smiling really can lead to the production of more serotonin and dopamine, a study from the University of South Australia reports. These hormones make you feel happy. So, if you need another reason to consider Six Month Smiles, you now know that it can come with an improved state of mind.

Find Your Smile Again At Our Office

We're proud to use Six Month Smiles at our Columbia-area practice.

Not only do these clear aligners work quickly and effectively, but they're also often more affordable than other cosmetic options, like braces or veneers.

Plus, their striking results can make you feel happier and more confident — which is completely priceless.

If you're excited about the possibilities, reach out to our office. You can also call us at

803-888-6504

Picture of office
Dr. Pournaras and our caring dental team love working together to give our patients stunning new smiles.

"Columbia Smiles is wonderful!" Why Our Columbia Patients Trust Us With Their Smiles

1

Latwanna Flake

2021

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Dr. Nick and his team are fabulous! He has been taking care of my dental care for about 13 years now. Let me tell you how much I love this guy. He’s outside of my insurance network and I am still willing to stay with them! The office is always clean, inviting, and relaxing. Just make an appointment and you’ll see! Dr. Nick has invested much into what he has to offer his patients. It’s a one stop shop for dental and ortho! They did my braces and it was fast!!! Also, if you need them to fix something, they don’t make a fuss about it! Such sweet people like Maggie and Dr. Nick’s wife, Kelly at the Columbia office. I can’t remember the names of the other wonderful hygienists, but everyone is very friendly in both offices. I would totally fly to SC for dental care after moving out of state! Columbia Smiles is wonderful!

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1

Hannah Hafley

2019

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Dr. Nick and his staff are absolutely wonderful. I have been to many dentists, and have dealt with severe dental anxiety. Dr. Nick is the first dentist who not only made me feel almost instantly more relaxed, but he made me feel good about my teeth as well. Both Dr. Nick and his staff were encouraging and comforting from the time I walked in. I was completely comfortable for my procedure. Dr. Nick and everyone at Columbia smiles was very personable and helpful. I walked out of my appointment feeling better and more encouraged about my teeth, and much less anxious about future dental visits. I highly recommend Dr. Nick and Columbia smiles for all your dental needs.

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Treatment Timeline Your Path to a More Perfect Smile

Six Month Smiles orthodontic system can give you straighter teeth in four to nine months with an average timeline of six months.
Six Month Smiles orthodontic system can give you straighter teeth in four to nine months with an average timeline of six months.

Initial Consultation

During your initial consultation at our Columbia, SC, dental practice, Dr. Pournaras will examine your mouth and review your dental history to determine if Six Month Smiles is the best orthodontic treatment for you. At this appointment, you and the dentist will determine which option suits your needs, clear aligner trays or clear braces. 

Impressions

Both types of Six Month Smiles systems require impressions. This allows your custom orthodontic treatment to be tailored to your needs. Both systems are created in a lab to our exact specifications. 

Treatment Begins

For patients who receive clear braces, it takes about an hour to have them attached. For those fitted for clear aligners, you can start wearing them immediately after a simple lesson at our Columbia, SC, offices about how to wear and care for them.

Adjustments

Patients with clear braces will have three to seven adjustments throughout their treatment. This allows Dr. Pournaras to adjust your braces periodically and move your teeth into alignment gradually. With aligner orthodontics, you will have a few appointments so the dentist can check that treatment is progressing correctly. However, instead of having wires adjusted to move their teeth, patients wearing aligners simply switch to the next aligner in the series every couple of weeks. Each tray moves their teeth a bit closer to their ideal alignment.

Start Smiling

At the end of treatment, your clear braces will be removed or you will stop wearing your aligners. However, to ensure your new smile lasts a lifetime, our dentist may suggest that you wear an aligner at night to prevent your teeth from shifting back into their old positions.


Curious to Find Out What System Is Right for You?

An Affordable Orthodontic Solution

Six Month Smiles orthodontics typically costs between $3,500 and $5,000. However, prices can vary depending on your specific treatment needs. In some cases, dental insurance may cover portions of the cost if your dentist determines this treatment will benefit your oral health. Let's compare other orthodontic systems and treatments:

Conventional Braces

Metal braces can cost upwards of $10,000. It also requires the use of obvious metal brackets and wires. 

Invisalign
Clear Aligners

Six Month Smiles offers clear aligner trays, much like Invisalign. However, Invisalign can cost up to $8,000 for treatment. 

Porcelain
Veneers

While veneers are an immediate solution to cosmetic issues, a single porcelain veneer can cost up to $2,500 and veneers are not covered by dental insurance.



We Make Orthodontic Care
More Affordable

At our dental practice serving Columbia, SC, we strive to provide quality dental care that is affordable and accessible to all of our patients. We work with multiple insurance providers and file for reimbursement for our patients. We also accept CareCredit® to help finance your orthodontic treatment. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I pursue orthodontic treatment if my issues are minor?

Misaligned teeth can make it difficult to brush and floss properly. This can lead to tooth decay and a host of other oral health issues such as gingivitis and infections. Straighter teeth are easier to brush and floss, helping you maintain your oral health.

I'm not sure if I should choose the aligner trays or clear braces.

During your initial consultation, Dr. Pournaras will discuss your orthodontic options and advise you on the treatment plan that fits your personal dental needs. Both systems offer fast and discreet orthodontic treatment and give you a straighter smile that can last a lifetime with proper maintenance.

Do I have to avoid certain food with Six Month Smiles?

The clear aligner trays allow you to remove them before eating, meaning there are no food restrictions during treatment. However, with clear braces, it is important to avoid foods that can damage your braces. 

Can my child use Six Month Smiles?

Six Month Smiles is designed for adults only and is not for use in children. 

Five-Star Reviews

1

Nick Limperos

2022

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I have been a patient here for nearly ten years. Dr. Nick is a phenomenal dentist who clearly loves what he does! It shows in his work and his staff who always greet you with a warm smile. I strongly recommend this office to anyone looking for a dentist.

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1

D C L

2022

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Excellent consult! Dr. Pournaras and staff are great and welcoming as always. The office is clean and the ambience is relaxing. Returning to complete my dental work.

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Nick Pournaras, DMD

Columbia Smiles Nick Pournaras, DMD

Dr. Nick Pournaras, DMD and the team of dental professionals at Columbia Smiles in Columbia, SC, are dedicated to helping our community improve their oral health and rejuvenate their smiles. Dr. Pournaras is a member of a number of professional dental organizations, including:

  • American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
  • American Academy of Implant Dentistry
  • American Dental Association
  • Academy of General Dentistry
  • Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics
  • South Carolina Dental Association

To schedule an appointment, contact us online or call us at (803) 888-6504 today.

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