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SureSmile is a brand of in-office clear aligners (invisible braces). Like Invisalign, you must visit a licensed dental professional to begin treatment.
Clear aligners are custom-made plastic trays that slowly straighten your teeth over time.
Many people (especially adults) prefer clear aligners over conventional braces for several reasons:
SureSmile aligners are designed to be worn for 20 to 22 hours daily. This means you must wear them nearly all the time, including when you are asleep and at work.
The two to four hours a day when you are not required to wear them are for:
It is essential to wear your clear aligners for the prescribed time. If you don’t, your treatment may be delayed. In some cases, people have to start treatment over from the beginning.
ZocDoc can help you find a dentist in your area that:
SureSmile clear aligners use innovative technology to make treatment less obvious. The aligners move the teeth and jaw into the correct position, creating a perfect smile.
Starting a SureSmile aligner treatment is simple. Once a SureSmile doctor in your area confirms you for the treatment, these are the steps you must follow:
Before treatment, your doctor will walk you through your unique treatment plan in person. Once you approve, they will create your set of aligners.
Each aligner set is created from a highly accurate digital model of your teeth. Your SureSmile doctor uses the Primescan™ intraoral scanner, which processes more than 1,000,000 3D points per second.
You can expect to wear your aligners for one to two weeks before your doctor instructs you to switch to the next set. Your teeth will move to their ideal position a few millimeters at a time.
The average treatment time of SureSmile is six months. However, various factors can affect treatment time.
This is significantly shorter than treatment with traditional braces, which takes between 12 and 24 months.
Some dentists offer SureSmile for approximately $3,000 for mild cases. However, the cost averages around $4,000. Complex cases cost more because treatment takes longer.
The cost of SureSmile aligners ultimately depends on the level of treatment needed. Some people require more or less treatment.2
The total cost of your new smile depends on the treatment plan you and your orthodontist agree on. Make sure to discuss the following with your dentist during your first consultation:
SureSmile may or may not be covered by insurance. It depends on your provider.
Work with your dental professional to find out your insurance deductible for treatment. Many insurance companies consider a prescription for traditional braces and clear aligners to be the same.
Check with your insurance organization to see what your benefits cover or if reimbursement is possible.
Interested in straightening your teeth at home? Here are the best clear aligner companies.
| SureSmile | Invisalign | |
| Cost | $3,000 to $6,000 | $3,000 to $8,000 |
| How to Start | Visit a certified SureSmile doctor | Visit a certified Invisalign doctor |
| Financing Options | Depends on provider | Depends on provider |
| Treatment Time | 6 to 18 months | 12 to 18 months |
| Treatable Cases | Most mild to severe | Mild to severe |
| Progress Monitoring | In-person visits every 4 weeks to 3 months | In-person visits every 6 to 8 weeks |
SureSmile and Invisalign are similar treatment options. Both treatments use clear aligner trays to straighten teeth. They also require in-office consultations and regular meetings with your dentist or orthodontist.
The main differences between the two are:
One similarity between the two treatments is the use of attachments. These are small, clear add-ons that help with the straightening process.
Both brands can also treat more complex bite issues than remote aligners like SmileDirectClub and Byte.
More complex cases of jaw and teeth misalignment typically require treatment with conventional braces.
| SureSmile | At-Home Aligners | |
| Cost | $3,000 to $6,000 | $1,200 to $2,300 |
| How to Start | Visit a certified SureSmile doctor | Order an at-home impression kit |
| Financing Options | Depends on provider | Set monthly pricing |
| Treatment Time | 6 to 18 months | 4 to 12 months |
| Treatable Cases | Most mild to severe | Mild, some moderate |
| Progress Monitoring | In-person visits every 4 weeks to 3 months | 100% remote (hands-off care) |
If you have mild to moderately misaligned teeth, at-home clear aligners are an alternative to SureSmile. These aligners offer a more affordable way to straighten teeth.
However, at-home aligner brands typically do not offer the same customer care and service level as brands like SureSmile that require in-office visits.
A few companies offer remote teeth straightening with aligners. Here are some examples:
ZocDoc can help you find a dentist in your area that:
Here are the pros and cons of SureSmile treatment.
Traditional metal braces can be uncomfortable. In comparison, SureSmile aligners are more comfortable and discreet.
Before traditional braces are fitted, teeth molds are made. This involves using a paste that resembles the consistency of play dough. Many people dislike the feeling of it in their mouth. SureSmile software takes digital scans of your teeth rather than physical impressions.
SureSmile technology allows the dental professional to plan how your teeth will move with each aligner set.
This treatment planning process also previews what your final smile will look like. Many people appreciate this level of detail. It also shows them what to expect from the treatment and increases their confidence in the process.
SureSmile typically reduces treatment by up to a third compared to regular braces. Treatment takes about six months, on average.
Thanks to SureSmile software, fewer appointments with the orthodontist are necessary. This can be a relief for people who are busy or do not travel. SureSmile offers advanced levels of treatment using an accurate gathering of data. A three-dimensional map of the teeth and their positioning gives the orthodontist everything they need to create an effective treatment plan.
Due to SureSmile’s advanced technology, the total cost of the treatment may be more expensive than competitors.
SureSmile treatment is only as good as the dental professional providing it.
How they use the information from the software determines how successful the treatment will be. Because of this, it is essential to choose an experienced provider you can trust.
Aligners are not meant for everyone. You may be a better candidate for traditional braces if you have severe malocclusion.
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The most popular at-home clear aligner kits can be found right here:
