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Clear aligners are a removable alternative to conventional braces. They’re discreet, comfortable, affordable, and easy to maintain.
Invisalign and SureSmile are two leading products in the clear aligners market. Unlike at-home kits, these professional dental aligners are custom-made to fit your mouth and address your concerns.
Though Invisalign and SureSmile share commonalities in the alignment process, each company’s approach varies at specific touchpoints.
Let’s look closer at treating malocclusions with Invisalign and SureSmile clear aligners:
Studies from 2007 to 2020 show that Invisalign clear aligners effectively align teeth.3,4,5 In 2020, one of these studies showed that the aligners accurately moved teeth by an average of 50%.
A study on SureSmile clear aligners found the company was able to reduce treatment time while maintaining the quality of the treatment.6 Many SureSmile patients offer testimonials to relay their experiences and results.7 You can also review before and after pictures on SureSmile’s website to see how effective these clear aligners are for specific cases.8
In terms of patient care, Invisalign and SureSmile are similar in several areas. These areas include:
Invisalign requires the iTero Element® digital scanner, while SureSmile allows dentists to choose their scanner. The two companies also differ in the time it takes to receive your aligners.
SureSmile clear aligners are made from Essix ACE material. Invisalign’s aligners are slightly thicker and made from SmartTrack thermoplastic material. Both are transparent to appear discrete.
Invisalign and SureSmile can treat Class I, II, and III malocclusions. However, you should consult your dentist to determine your eligibility for clear aligners.
Results can vary depending on your individual case. Invisalign offers a Smile Quiz to help individuals determine eligibility for treatment.9
You can use Invisalign clear aligners to treat the following cases:10
SureSmile offers treatment for similar cases, which include:11
Treatment times will vary depending on the complexity of an individual’s case. Neither company offers a night-time system alternative.
SureSmile and Invisalign aligners should be worn between 20 and 22 hours daily. SureSmile’s lab designs clear aligners to work faster with fewer adjustments required than Invisalign aligners.
Clear aligner attachments, similar to the brackets placed in traditional braces, offer aligners a secure hold on your teeth. Attachments provide additional power and precision in moving your teeth.
Invisalign and SureSmile use attachments for more complex cases to obtain the desired results. SureSmile doesn’t have a name for their attachments, but Invisalign’s are called SmartForce attachments.
SmartForce attachments are discreet.13 Most are buff or nude-colored to remain largely unnoticeable.
The average cost for SureSmile treatment is between $3,000 and $4,000.12 However, Invisalign can cost upwards of $6,000 or $8,000, depending on the complexity of your case.1
Most dental insurance companies cover SureSmile or Invisalign aligners through orthodontic coverage. Costs are partially or fully covered depending on what type of coverage your policy offers.
Since your dentist provides most of the service, coverage depends on what each individual dentist’s office accepts. Other forms of payment dentist offices may accept include dental discount plans and third-party financing. Speak with your dentist to see what options are available to you.
Straighten your teeth at a fraction of the cost. Learn about clear aligners.
Invisalign and SureSmile provide people with clear aligners. They require trained and certified dental providers to offer their products to the general public and oversee treatment.
Without a prescription and professional oversight, you cannot obtain Invisalign or SureSmile aligners. Clear aligners can treat several types of malocclusions.
These malocclusions include:
Invisalign was founded in 1997. It has a widespread reputation for helping consumers align their teeth.1 The company is responsible for improving 15 million smiles and counting.
Invisalign can cost between $3,000 and $8,000. Depending on your treatment plan, this cost can be more.
The average Invisalign treatment length ranges from 12 to 18 months, with in-person dental visits every six to eight weeks. Many certified dentist offices provide Invisalign services to patients nationwide.
Some highlights of Invisalign aligners include:
Fewer dental providers offer SureSmile aligners than Invisalign, but the company offers faster results at a more affordable price. You must find a certified SureSmile dentist to obtain treatment.
SureSmile’s average treatment time is six months, with check-ins spaced one to three months apart. It also includes a Whitening Kit and Retainer once treatment is complete.2
Some highlights of SureSmile aligners include:
SureSmile and Invisalign are unequal in the number of patients treated. Invisalign trumps SureSmile in this regard, yet both companies continue to impress and disappoint customers nearly equally.
Customers often gravitate toward SureSmile because it offers similar results to Invisalign at potentially half the price. However, the total cost still depends on your individual treatment plan.
Even the reduced cost of SureSmile clear aligners can be too much for some customers. Insurance coverage varies significantly, also impacting the customer’s financial burden.
SureSmile aligners require fewer adjustments and fewer office visits, which adds to this brand’s convenience factor. Since they achieve results in less time, many customers experience discomfort and pain after wearing their new aligners for the first few days.
Customers choose Invisalign because of its established reputation and abundant research supporting the clear aligner brand’s efficacy. Because Invisalign clear aligners are thicker than SureSmile, they are less prone to breaking under stress.
Invisalign offers a slightly wider range of plans to suit consumer’s needs. Customers are also more likely to find an Invisalign-certified dentist than one certified in the SureSmile method.
More dental providers may offer payment plans and financing for Invisalign because treatment can cost more. However, coverage depends on your dental insurance policy, dentist, and the complexity of your treatment plan.
Compared to SureSmile, Invisalign treatment plans typically take longer to complete. Check-ins with your dentist are more frequent, and some Invisalign users experience a speech impediment due to the fit of their clear aligners.
Find the best at-home clear aligners for mild misalignment. See our expert recommendations.
Below is a table summarizing the key differences between Invisalign and SureSmile:
| SureSmile | Invisalign | |
| Treatment costs | $3,000 to $4,000 average | $6,000 to $8,000 average |
| Insurance or FSA/HSA funds coverage | Depends on dental insurance coverage and provider policies | Depends on dental insurance coverage and provider policies |
| Treatment time | 6 months on average | 12 to 18 months average |
| Aligner wear time | 20 to 22 hours daily | 20 to 22 hours daily |
| Aligner material | Essix ACE material that’s textured and shiny | SmartTrack patented clear plastic that’s frosted and textured |
| Treatment cases | Mild to moderate malocclusion | Mild to moderate malocclusion |
| Treatment process | Labs send aligners in 2 to 4 weeks, to be replaced every 1 to 2 weeks | Labs send aligners in 4 weeks, to be replaced every 1 to 2 weeks |
| Follow-up visit schedule | Every one to three months | Every 6 to 8 weeks |
If you’re looking solely for an affordable option to move your teeth into a straighter position, SureSmile costs are generally lower than Invisalign. In addition, SureSmile aligners move your teeth more quickly, so you don’t have to wear them as long.
Remember, this rapid movement can make SureSmile aligners more painful, but they’re worn for the same time as Invisalign aligners each day.
Invisalign is the more expensive option, but it’s a tried-and-true method backed by years of research. Check-ins are more frequent with Invisalign, but this can be helpful for people who want to ensure they’re compliant and on the right track.
Invisalign and SureSmile clear aligners provide a discreet, removable option for people who want to straighten their smiles. Invisalign is a more established brand, but SureSmile offers affordable options and quicker treatment times.
Speak with your dentist about SureSmile and Invisalign to see if you’re eligible, ask questions, and learn more about what results you can potentially achieve. You can also check out additional resources about SureSmile and Invisalign.
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