SureSmile vs Braces: Which Is Right for You?
Braces are commonly applied to treat misaligned teeth, but SureSmile has become a popular alternative. While braces are effective, many people don’t want them due to the effect on appearance, limits on foods you can eat, and the unpleasant feeling of metal wires in the mouth.
SureSmile eliminates these issues. The nearly-invisible aligners are hardly noticeable and can be removed at will, so you can eat anything you desire. The caveat is that SureSmile is limited in its treatment of severe misalignment — so, if you require significant tooth movement, braces may be a better option.
At your consultation, Dr. Bassford will examine your teeth and let you know if SureSmile would be right for you. She’ll develop a treatment plan to give you a smile you love.
Exploring the Benefits of SureSmile
SureSmile® Aligners are offered by Dr. Bassford to deliver comfortable, precise teeth aligning treatment through the use of advanced dental technology. SureSmile accurately maps out the exact tooth movements needed to achieve your dream smile so you can expect optimal results.
The SureSmile technology is backed by more than 15 years of digital planning expertise and their Digital Lab specialists analyze each case. Through their unique software, Dr. Bassford is able to create a fully customized treatment plan that delivers results faster than ever before.
With SureSmile, we offer two aligner options to meet your needs — SureSmile Aligner Complete and SureSmile Aligner Select. Learn more about these virtually invisible aligners below or give us a call to get scheduled with Dr. Bassford today.
The SureSmile Process
Consultation
The first step on the SureSmile journey is to schedule a consultation with a SureSmile-certified provider, such as Dr. Bassford. At your consultation, she’ll examine your oral health and medical history to determine the severity of your malocclusion. Then, you’ll find out if you’re a candidate for SureSmile treatment.
Dr. Bassford will then develop a treatment plan for you and send impressions of your teeth to a laboratory to create your aligners. It takes some time for your aligners to be created, so you’ll have to wait a few weeks.
Receiving Your First Aligners
It takes a few weeks for your first aligners to be ready. Once your aligners arrive at our office, we’ll let you know so you can come and pick them up.
You’ll be able to try them on and Dr. Bassford will show you how to properly remove them, too. She’ll make sure they fit properly and give you tips on wearing your aligners. Dr. Bassford will also go over aligner care and the best oral hygiene habits.
Daily Wear and Replacement
You’ll have to wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day to keep your treatment plan on track. You can remove your aligners to brush your teeth and eat food, but make sure you plan in advance so you can wear your aligners for a long enough time.
Every two weeks, you’ll receive a new set of aligners. You can opt to have them mailed directly to you or you can pick them up from our office. Simply start using your new aligners instead of your old ones.
The Hidden Dangers of At-Home Aligners
Recently, several companies have popped up that provide 100% at-home aligners — meaning, you never have to visit a dental office. While this sounds convenient, it can actually be the source of major issues. If teeth aren’t moved correctly, your entire smile can be at risk.
We highly recommend going to an experienced and professional dentist for aligner treatment. Dr. Bassford provides excellent and gentle treatment using her extensive experience. If there’s an issue that comes up during your aligner treatment, she’ll work to correct them immediately.
Dr. Bassford is an Experienced SureSmile Provider
SureSmile treatment has the potential to change your life and make you feel more confident. To learn more or schedule your consultation, call our office at (301) 593-5500 or fill out the convenient contact form on this page.
Frequently Asked Questions
The average treatment time for SureSmile is about 12 months, but your individual treatment time varies depending on your needs. Most of the time, SureSmile is about twice as fast as traditional braces.
You’ll find out at your consultation about how long you should expect to be wearing SureSmile. If your teeth require more movement, you may need to wear your aligners for a longer amount of time. On the other hand, very minor cases of misalignment can mean less time in aligners.
Many people love Invisalign due to its advantages. It’s nearly invisible, can be removed, and doesn’t come with as many restrictions. But that doesn’t mean Invisalign is the best option for everyone. The truth is, Invisalign is limited in how much it can move teeth.
If your teeth require significant movement to correct your smile, traditional braces may be a better treatment for you. Invisalign is best for cases where teeth only need to be moved a little, such as for people who previously had braces but whose teeth have shifted out of place.
No, SureSmile doesn’t ruin your teeth. In fact, by correcting alignment issues, SureSmile can save your teeth and prevent future complications.
It’s also easier to take care of your teeth when you’re treated with SureSmile versus traditional braces. That’s because SureSmile can be completely removed, so you can clean every surface of your teeth properly.
Yes, some people have noticed weight loss with SureSmile treatment. This is because SureSmile must be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day, so meals must be planned carefully to minimize the amount of time spent without aligners.
It’s more difficult to aimlessly snack when you have to brush your teeth every time you eat. Developing a meal plan and eating fewer times a day can lead to weight loss in some people.