What you should know about SureSmile

SureSmile Clear Aligners are all about achieving a confident grin without the metal jungle. They're an increasingly popular alternative to traditional braces, offering comfort, convenience, and often, quicker results. Here's what to know about SureSmile:

• What is SureSmile?
• How do I prepare?
• What can I expect?
• How long will it take?
• How much will it cost?
• What are the results?
• Do I need to see an orthodontist?
• Are the benefits of SureSmile?
• SureSmile or Braces?
• What can SureSmile not fix?

The clear way to love your smile!

SureSmile is a series of clear, custom-fit removable mouth trays that apply a controlled amount of force to the teeth, slowly straightening them. Because it is virtually invisible, SureSmile allows one to straighten their smile without wearing conventional braces that are easily seen by others. Essentially, the system provides the same beautiful results as traditional braces, but is virtually invisible.

SureSmile trays are removable and can be taken out while eating and drinking. This also allows for better hygiene by making it possible for you to brush and floss normally.

Read below to learn more!

During a consultation with Dr. Smith, we’ll tell you everything you need to know before beginning your SureSmile treatment. Until then, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Wear your aligners as much as possible.
• The length and cost of treatment will be unique to you.
• Plan to brush and floss after every meal.
• Don’t forget to clean your aligners regularly.
• The aligners may affect how you speak.
• You may experience tenderness in the mouth as your teeth shift.
• The aligners will need to be taken off when eating.
• You’ll need to wear a retainer after treatment.

The SureSmile system begins in our office with a consultation with Dr. Smith. Once we determine if you are a good candidate for SureSmile, we will schedule an appointment to take molds of your teeth. These molds allow us to design custom-fit trays that will be switched every two weeks, slowly shifting the teeth.

SureSmile treatment requires a visit to the office every six weeks so the teeth can be monitored as they move. Once treatment is complete, a retainer will likely be provided to keep the teeth from shifting and help maintain your new, straight smile.

SureSmile treatment can last anywhere from 6 months up to 2 years. Some patients begin seeing results within weeks of beginning treatment, and the average patient completes the full duration of treatment in about 12 months. SureSmile aligners should be worn on average for 20 hours a day or more for the best results.

The cost of SureSmile varies according to the complexity of the case. Insurance policies generally cover SureSmile to the same extent that they cover traditional braces. Call our office with any questions and to set up your SureSmile consultation today!

Investing in your smile is a big decision and shouldn’t be taken lightly. However, we are confident that an investment in SureSmile at Smile Crafters will not only improve the straightness of your teeth, but their function as well. Following SureSmile treatment with Dr. Smith, your teeth will look and feel great!

As with any dental treatment, choosing a dentist is an important decision. Tooth alignment needs typically fall to orthodontists, however, dentists can also provide SureSmile treatment. Whether you choose a dentist or an orthodontist, we highly recommend choosing an trained SureSmile provider. Dr. Smith at Smile Crafters is has treated hundreds of SureSmile cases per year and has the skills, knowledge, and expertise to deliver high-quality results that last. Read our reviews and see why other patients recommend us for your care!

DID YOU KNOW — Properly aligned teeth also reduce your risk for tooth decay and gum disease as well as boost your self-confidence!

Crowded, crooked or widely-spaced teeth can cause the following health problems:

• Swollen, red gums
• Tooth decay
• Periodontal disease
• Improper biting, chewing, and speech
• Decreased self-confidence
• Difficult daily oral hygiene
• Risk for tooth injury
• Abnormal wear on teeth
• Jaw problems

This is where SureSmile comes in — when teeth are properly aligned, the gums fit more securely around the teeth and better protect against unwanted decay and disease, eliminating a large number of these problems. One of the strongest and healthiest defenses against unwanted dental problems is a straight smile!

While SureSmile and braces both straighten teeth, they each do so in very different ways and with different results. Knowing whether SureSmile or braces are a better option for you largely depends on the health of your teeth, your commitment to treatment, your timeline and budget, and the advice given to you from a dental expert.

If your teeth alignment issues are minimal — meaning you simply have crooked teeth — SureSmile is likely the best option for you. Crooked teeth can be straightened up to 50% faster with SureSmile than with traditional braces, and treatment is much lest noticeable (the trays are virtually invisible after all). Because SureSmile trays focus much of the pressure on the upper part of the tooth, they generate results faster and are the ideal solution for quick alignment needs.

However, if you have severely crooked teeth, large gaps in your smile, or other major problems, braces may be a better option. Traditional braces exert equal pressure on the entire tooth, pushing the tooth into the right position from top to bottom, including the root. This treatment can take years but is necessary to correct major alignment problems.

f you’re still unsure, schedule a free consultation with Dr. Smith to discuss your options. The decision is ultimately up to you, but we are happy to address your specific needs and answer any questions you might have.

Braces

• Irremovable
• Metal (typically silver)
• Worn 24/7 for an average of 2 years
• Maintained by regular brushing
• Monthly follow-up visits
• Some foods may be restricted
• Ideal for severely misaligned teeth
• High success rate

SureSmile

• Removable
• Clear/“Invisible”
• Worn 22-24 hrs/day for an average of 6-18 months
• Maintained by brushing and rinsing trays
• Aligner trays changed every 2 weeks
• Must remove before eating or drinking
• Ideal for mild cases of misaligned teeth
• Success depends on the wearer
• Require discipline - must be worn at least 20 hours a day

SureSmile is a great option for small alignment needs, however, it’s important to keep in mind that SureSmile is not for everyone. If you exhibit any of the following, you may not be a candidate for SureSmile:

• Have severely crooked teeth
• Have large gaps in the teeth
• Need to move the teeth vertically
• Need to rotate canines
• Have back tooth bite issues
• Need bridgework