The technological dawn on dentistry has greatly impacted various aspects, including orthodontics. If you’re looking to straighten your teeth, there are more than just the same old traditional braces to choose from.
Besides looking for something to give you a straighter smile, you can also consider your lifestyle. Would you want everyone to know that you’re on orthodontic treatment?
The most preferred teeth straightening options today are the invisible aligners. The two most popular players in this field are Invisalign and SureSmile.
A lot has been said about Invisalign, but how much do you know about SureSmile?
What is SureSmile?
SureSmile is a brand of removable clear aligners. They are made from clear Essix Ace plastic trays that you wear to straighten your teeth to a particular desired position. Essix plastic is well-known for its durability and used by the best invisible braces. They are also custom-made to ensure that they fit each patient’s teeth.
The whole treatment procedure is simple, as one only needs a series of aligner trays, each made with a different setting from the previous one to straighten the teeth further. All SureSmile aligners are laser cut and polished to ensure precise and definite results. Furthermore, they have a contoured gum line that offers optimal comfort.
Most patients, especially adults, prefer clear teeth aligners over traditional metallic braces. Some of the reasons behind this include:
- Less noticeable: invisible or clear aligners are just as the name suggests – clear. This means you can straighten your teeth discreetly.
- Removable: such aligners only need you to have them on for at least 22 hours a day before you can take them off. This means that you can remove the aligners at certain instances where you don’t want to have them on, such as when eating, for a photoshoot, a speech, etc.
- Fewer dental visits: clear aligners are more convenient as they do not require regular visits to the dental clinic to have them checked. In fact, some brands allow for fully remote treatment.
SureSmile aligners require in-office dentist appointments to get started. During your first face-to-face consultation with your dentist, they will be able to determine if you are a candidate for these aligners or not (where they can recommend other different kinds of braces).
How do SureSmile aligners work?
Before getting SureSmile aligners, you need to visit a licensed SureSmile dentist to take 3D scans and conduct other tests to determine your eligibility. Once the scans are taken, you will get your custom-made aligners within a few days.
Your dentist will take you through the entire treatment plan and your regular visits to change the trays.
It would be prudent to note that just like most other clear aligner brands, SureSmile is not ideal for patients with complex cases of dental malocclusion.
The average treatment period for SureSmile aligners is six months. However, the precise treatment period is determined by several factors, including the severity of the condition. Nevertheless, the timeframe for SureSmile clear aligners is, on average, shorter compared to traditional braces, which may last a year or two.
SureSmile Aligners: Benefits and Drawbacks
- SureSmile clear aligners provide more comfort than most other brands, thanks to their contoured gum lines that protect the gums.
- Fully digitalized treatment plan. This means you do not have to create impressions of your teeth which some patients don’t find appealing. Everything is digitalized, from the scans the dentist takes to your full treatment plan.
- Shorter treatment timeline of only six months.
- Convenient treatment plan with fewer orthodontic visits.
- Clinically trained orthodontists offer quality checks for each patient. You also get access to one-on-one consultations with a licensed dentist, improving the treatment quality.
- SureSmile aligners use Essix Ace plastic, which is the leader in dental plastics.
- Not everyone can be a good candidate for SureSmile aligners. Your dentist will first assess your situation and determine if you’re fit for the aligners. If you have severe dental malocclusions, you may not be the ideal candidate.
- The cost of SureSmile aligners may be higher than the competition. This is mainly due to the advanced technology used.
Comparing SureSmile with traditional teeth-straightening options
There are many differences between SureSmile clear aligners and other traditional teeth-straightening options. Here are some of the biggest differences between these two types of orthodontic treatment:
- Removability: you can easily remove your SureSmile clear aligners at any time of the day. However, it would be advisable to ensure that your aligners stay on for at least 22 hours every day for you to realize optimal results. On the other hand, only a dentist can remove traditional metal braces.
- Material: SureSmile aligners are made from Essix Ace plastic which is pretty comfortable to have in the mouth, unlike the metals and ceramics associated with traditional braces.
- Treatment time: patients have to wear traditional braces for at least a year or even more to achieve the desired results. However, patients can get results from SureSmile aligners as soon as six months into the treatment.
Here’s a quick summary of the differences:
| SureSmile aligners | Traditional braces | |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Plastic | Metal |
| Treatment time | From 6 months | 18 - 24 months |
| Regular dental visits | No | Yes |
| Eligibility | Mild to medium cases | Mild to severe cases |
| Removable | Yes | No |
| Comfort | Comfortable | Causes discomfort at first until the patient gets used |
| Cost | App. $4,000 | $2,500 - $7,500 |
Regardless of the differences mentioned above, finding the best teeth straightening options is largely dependent on your dentist’s recommendations after your consultation.
How much does SureSmile Aligners cost?
The average cost of SureSmile clear aligners is $4,000. However, the total SureSmile cost may vary depending on the severity of the condition, the location, and the dentist chosen.
SureSmile Aligners Before and After Results
SureSmile gets a more precise and customized dental treatment plan thanks to its advanced technology. All this starts with the digital scans that provide better visualizations of the patient’s teeth, unlike the impressions that most other competitors depend on.
Based on the SureSmile aligners before and after pictures that we can see online, it is a no-brainer that the product works. Perhaps one of the factors behind this success is that a patient’s candidacy is only approved by a licensed dentist.
What do customers say about SureSmile?
SureSmile clear aligners patient reviews are scarce online. While this may be because the product is newer to the market, its precise launch date cannot be verified on the company’s website.
However, because SureSmile has been a long-time provider for other types of braces that have all received plenty of praise from their users, we may be inclined to believe the few very positive SureSmile aligners reviews online.
SureSmile Clear Aligners: Overall Rating
FAQ
Yes. SureSmile aligners are made from Essix Ace plastic which is one of the best materials for dental products.
You can use the SureSmile provider locator from the company’s website to find a licensed dentist providing the aligners near you.
No. You can still remove the aligners to brush your teeth regularly. Once you maintain proper oral hygiene, your teeth won’t change color.
Some dentists recommend using a soft-bristled brush and soap to clean SureSmile aligners. According to the company’s website, you can also use Retainer Brite tablets to clean the aligners.
It is advisable to remove your aligners when eating or consuming colored drinks to avoid damage. However, you can drink water with the aligners on.
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