SureSmile Clear Aligners – Prestonsburg, KY
Your Sure Route to a Straighter Smile
Many people regard crooked teeth as a mere aesthetic issue. However, dental misalignment can also increase your risk of cavities, bad breath, and other oral health problems. It is worth your time and money to invest in orthodontic treatment! Modern dentistry offers a number of methods for straightening teeth, including discreet clear aligners. At Brookside Dental Care, we are proud to offer the innovative SureSmile clear aligner system. Would you like to learn more about how it works?
How Does SureSmile Work?
Traditional orthodontic treatments use brackets and wires to apply gentle pressure to the teeth, gradually moving them bit by bit. The SureSmile clear aligner system uses custom-made aligner trays instead. You wear each aligner for 20 – 22 hours every day for about two weeks before moving on to the next aligner in your series. Once you work your way through all of your aligners, your teeth should be in their ideal positions.
To get started with SureSmile, you’ll need to schedule a consultation with us. We’ll take detailed images of your mouth, and we will use our advanced digital impression system to create a 3D representation of your teeth (no messy manual impressions!). Then, your dentist will use the patented SureSmile software to map out your tooth movements. This digital workflow contributes to predictable, desirable treatment outcomes.
Once your treatment plan is confirmed, SureSmile will fabricate your aligners and send them to our office. Then, you can begin to move your teeth. Throughout your treatment period, you will visit our team for brief checkups.
Benefits of SureSmile
SureSmile and similar clear aligner treatments are more popular than ever! Why do so many patients gravitate toward them? Because they offer some outstanding benefits! When you visit us for a consultation, our Prestonsburg team can help you understand what you can look forward to with SureSmile. In the meantime, here is a general overview of some of the advantages offered by this orthodontic treatment:
Comfortable Aligner Trays
When you choose SureSmile, you will receive smooth, custom-made aligner trays that fit snugly over your teeth. These trays offer a comfortable experience throughout your treatment, so you do not need to worry about the irritation that is often caused by traditional braces. (Mild discomfort is normal with any orthodontic treatment as pressure is applied to the teeth, but SureSmile eliminates the problems that are caused by bothersome brackets and wires.)
Discreet Treatment
With SureSmile, you get to benefit from a nearly invisible orthodontic solution. Friends, colleagues, and others will not easily notice your aligners, so you can enjoy confidence in your appearance. You should be able to smile, speak, and interact freely without feeling self-conscious about your treatment.
Easy Dental Hygiene
SureSmile aligners allow you to maintain your regular oral hygiene routine without difficulty. You can remove the trays to brush and floss — no need to navigate around brackets and wires — so it will be simple to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Our dental team will show you how to care for your aligners and protect your smile during treatment.
Quick Follow-Up Appointments
Your SureSmile journey includes follow-up appointments that are fast and convenient. These visits typically require less time than adjustments for traditional braces. In fact, they might last just 15 – 30 minutes or so. During these visits, we will check on your progress, address any questions or concerns they may have come up, and provide you with additional aligners to keep your teeth moving in the right direction.
No Strict Dietary Guidelines
SureSmile aligners do not restrict your food choices. You can remove the trays during meals, so you do not need to avoid your favorite foods or worry about damaging your orthodontic appliances. That means you can continue to enjoy tasty treats that would be off-limits with regular braces, including pizza crust, popcorn, and more. (As always, though, be sure to exercise moderation when you indulge in sugary, starchy, or sticky foods.)
Treatment That Fits a Busy Lifestyle
SureSmile aligners are truly designed for busy modern lifestyles! You can wear them while playing an instrument or even while playing certain non-contact sports. They are also easy to travel with and simple to take care of. If you have questions about how they might affect your favorite hobbies or routine activities, do not hesitate to ask our team.
Who Can SureSmile Help?
The best way to find out if SureSmile is right for you is by scheduling a consultation with our team. This treatment is a great way to address many cases of mild to moderate dental misalignment. During your consultation, we will assess the positioning of your teeth and learn about other factors that may influence your candidacy. Based on the information we gather, we can advise you on your next steps.
Here are some examples of orthodontic issues that SureSmile is often able to correct:
Crowded Teeth
Overlapping, crowded teeth are a danger to your oral health; they can trap food between them and increase the risk of cavities, gum disease, and other issues. SureSmile is often able to shift the teeth in a way that relieves overcrowding and gives each tooth the space it needs to function optimally.
Gaps Between Teeth
Gaps between your teeth can leave your gums vulnerable to irritation and harm. Plus, you might feel self-conscious about extra space in your smile. SureSmile aligners are often able to move the teeth closer together in order to eliminate those pesky gaps, thereby creating a more pleasant appearance and more harmonious oral function.
Overbite
A small overbite is both normal and natural. However, if the top teeth rest too far in front of the bottom teeth, this can interfere with oral function and facial aesthetics. SureSmile can work along with accessories, such as rubber bands, to reposition the teeth and jaws in a way that corrects many cases of mild to moderate overbite.
Underbite
An underbite is the opposite of an overbite; it occurs when the bottom teeth rest in front of the top teeth. Not only does this look odd, but it can also affect your chewing and biting ability and increase your risk of numerous dental problems. SureSmile is a great way to correct many instances of underbite.
Crossbite
A crossbite occurs when some of the bottom teeth sit in front of the top teeth. This increases the risk of speech issues, dental damage, and more. SureSmile can be an effective way to shift the teeth and align the jaws in a way that eliminates the problems caused by a crossbite.
Open Bite
If there is a vertical gap between your upper and lower front teeth, even when your back teeth are touching, you have what is known as an open bite. SureSmile aligners can address some instances of open bite by bringing the front top and bottom teeth closer together.
Living with SureSmile Aligners
In order to enjoy successful SureSmile treatment, you will need to do your part. In other words, you will need to take good care of both your aligner trays and your teeth. Our team can provide personalized advice to help you do that. In the meantime, you may gain some valuable information by reviewing the guidelines below. They provide a basic idea of what you will have to do throughout your treatment period.
Wearing Your Trays
SureSmile aligner trays only work when they are on your teeth! Therefore, it is important that you wear them for at least 20 – 22 hours each day. Essentially, that means you should only remove them when you eat and care for your oral hygiene. Failure to meet the daily wear time requirement could cause significant delays in your treatment and lead to increased discomfort when you transition from one set of aligners to the next.
Cleaning Your Aligners
Keeping your aligners clean can prevent them from accumulating odors, stains, and harmful bacteria. You should:
- Rinse your aligners after each meal, before placing them in your mouth. (Use cool or lukewarm water for this.)
- Soak your aligners in a cleansing solution for 15 – 30 minutes each day, perhaps while you are enjoying dinner.
- Brush your aligners regularly. Use a soft toothbrush and mild, clear soap.
- Keep your mouth clean by brushing and flossing after each meal.
Eating & Drinking
One great feature of SureSmile is that it does not come with any dietary restrictions. Whenever you are not wearing your aligners, you can enjoy a balanced diet that includes all your favorite snacks, meals, and treats. When you are wearing your aligners, though, the only thing you should consume is plain water. Eating or drinking anything else could warp or stain your SureSmile trays. There is also a chance that sugar or other food particles could sneak beneath your aligners and damage your teeth.
Losing or Damaging a Tray
Despite all your efforts to be careful, there is still a chance that you might lose or damage one of your SureSmile trays. If that ever happens, call our team. We might advise you to move on to your next aligner a few days earlier than planned. Or, we may tell you to go back to wearing a previous aligner until we can provide a replacement for the one that is no longer usable.
Routine Check-Ins
It is important that you visit us periodically throughout your time with SureSmile. At these brief appointments, we will check on your progress, answer your questions, provide any necessary coaching to help you enjoy successful treatment, and give you the next set of aligners in your series. There is also a chance that we might need to adjust your treatment plan if we notice that your teeth are not moving as we originally anticipated.
Understanding the Cost of SureSmile
The cost of SureSmile depends on several factors; it can vary greatly from case to case. Most patients end up paying at least a few thousand dollars for start-to-finish treatment. During your consultation, we can share some specific numbers and help you understand your payment options, such as dental insurance and low-interest financing.
Factors that Affect the Cost of SureSmile
The two biggest factors that may have a bearing on the price of your treatment include:
- The severity of your dental misalignment. More severe and complex cases tend to require more aligners, more appointments, a longer overall treatment time, and more accessories. Logically, such factors can contribute to higher overall costs.
- Your compliance with treatment instructions. If you fail to wear your aligners as instructed or make other missteps throughout your treatment, you could delay your final results. You might also need to pay a bit of extra money in order to get things back on track.
SureSmile vs. Mail-Order Aligners: Which Costs More?
In recent years, you may have seen a lot of advertisements for mail-order clear aligner systems. One of the biggest draws of these treatments is that they often cost around $2,000, which is significantly less than SureSmile in many cases.
However, it is important to think, not just about the cost of your treatment, but also about what you are getting in exchange for your money. For example, SureSmile provides a high-tech treatment process, top-quality aligners, the in-person support of a dental team that is committed to your success, and a range of other benefits.
Mail-order systems tend to be less reliable. In some cases, they have actually worsened patients’ dental misalignment. Correcting such issues can be expensive and may require the care of a specialist. It is often more economical to invest in high-quality, in-person treatment right from the beginning of your teeth-straightening journey.
Does Dental Insurance Cover SureSmile?
Some premium dental insurance plans include coverage for adult orthodontic care, including clear aligner options like SureSmile. If that is true of your policy, you might be able to reduce your out-of-pocket costs by hundreds of dollars — perhaps even $1,000 or more. Although our practice is not in-network with any insurance companies, we can still file claims on your behalf and help you take full advantage of your PPO benefits.
Options for Making SureSmile Affordable
Outside of dental insurance, there are a few provisions that might make it easier for you to fit SureSmile into your budget:
- We partner with CareCredit to provide low-interest financing to qualified patients. The application process is fast, and most people are eligible for a monthly payment amount that works with their budget.
- DenVantage dental savings plan. This discount plan covers all preventive care and provides a discount on all other services performed in our office.
Would you like to learn more about SureSmile and its cost? Our team would be happy to answer your questions. Contact us today to request a consultation.
SureSmile FAQs
Would you like to correct your dental misalignment? Our Prestonsburg dental team would love to help you achieve a healthier, more attractive smile via SureSmile clear aligners. Before you request a consultation, however, you may be eager to learn more about the road ahead. Below, you will find answers to some relevant FAQs. If your specific questions are not included here, do not hesitate to give us a call. We would love to speak with you!
What Does SureSmile Look Like?
SureSmile clear aligners are made of thin, clear plastic. When they are on the teeth, they are not totally invisible. However, they do have a very subtle appearance; they are unlikely to be the first thing that other people notice about you. If they do notice anything different about you, they might just observe that your teeth look a bit bigger than usual or that they have a clear coating around them.
It is important to remember that SureSmile aligners can become stained, so you should make efforts to keep them clean and avoid eating or drinking while wearing them. Your diligence can allow your aligners to maintain their beautiful and discreet appearance!
How Long Does SureSmile Take?
The average treatment time with SureSmile is 12 – 18 months. Of course, that can vary greatly from case to case. Some patients have a shorter treatment because their dental misalignment is quite mild, while others may need to use clear aligners for up to 24 months or longer.
During your consultation, we may be able to estimate a timeline for your treatment. We can also give you tips that will help you to avoid unnecessary delays on the road to your final results.
Does SureSmile Hurt?
SureSmile aligners are designed with patient comfort in mind. Their smooth plastic material is unlikely to cause any irritation for the sensitive soft tissues in your mouth.
However, it is important to note that SureSmile works by applying pressure to the teeth. Naturally, that can cause some mild discomfort, particularly when you first start using a new aligner. You can deal with this issue by sipping on cold water, using over-the-counter pain relievers, and switching to a new aligner at night so you can sleep through the first part of the adjustment period.
Does SureSmile Give You a Lisp?
SureSmile is a foreign object in the mouth, so some patients notice a slight lisp when they first start using it. Usually, this issue goes away fairly quickly. In fact, it might be just a few days before you are a pro at speaking while wearing SureSmile! If you experience any prolonged speech issues with your aligners, call our team. We may be able to offer some practical guidance to assist you.