SureSmile Aligners – Carrollton, TX
A Clear Choice for Straighter Teeth
Nowadays, crooked teeth and misaligned bites can be a thing of the past. No more do you have to live with an imperfect smile. Instead, you can achieve a healthy, beautiful appearance thanks to a new and innovative orthodontic treatment known as SureSmile clear aligners. At Epic Family Dentistry of Carrollton, Dr. Azmoodeh uses advanced technology and superior software to create the most precise aligners that are virtually invisible. Not only do you have the opportunity to receive more subtle treatment, but you will find that results are achieved much quicker than alternative solutions (i.e. traditional braces). To find out if you are eligible for SureSmile aligners, contact our office today!
What Are SureSmile Aligners?
As just one of many orthodontic treatments, SureSmile aligners are clear, plastic trays that work to gently shift your teeth into alignment. This not only improves the health of your smile but its aesthetic, too. Apart from the more discreet method of treatment, SureSmile is much less invasive and easier to maintain than traditional metal braces.
What Are the Benefits of SureSmile?
While some patients might find that SureSmile is not the right treatment for their individual needs, others may discover there’s no better solution than these clear, flexible, and fast-acting aligners. For those who choose SureSmile, here are a few of its many benefits:
- Will not compromise your daily appearance, as aligners are clear and undetectable by others
- Offers a faster treatment solution with results being achieved in less than a year
- Fewer, shorter dental visits
- No metal brackets or wires to irritate soft oral tissues or adjust
- No food restrictions since aligners are removable
- Easier oral hygiene routine because there’s no wires or brackets to maneuver around
- Ideal treatment solution for individuals with metal sensitivities or allergies
What is the Process?
When you arrive for your initial consultation, you and Dr. Azmoodeh will discuss your overall goals and what you hope to achieve with SureSmile. After performing an examination of your oral cavity, he will determine if these aligners are right for you. If so, digital impressions will be taken of your smile, which will begin your treatment planning process.
Using advanced software and technology, your dentist will analyze your bite and oral structures based on a 3D model of your teeth. By using the SureSmile software, he will create a customized plan and blueprint for your custom aligners. Not only will this allow you to see the movement of your teeth as they progress through treatment before you even begin, but this will ensure your aligners mimic the exact movement of your teeth, so everything aligns perfectly by the time you’re done with SureSmile aligners.
Once you receive your aligners, you will be expected to wear them 22 hours each day, only removing them when eating, drinking, or cleaning your trays. After wearing your aligners for 2-3 weeks, you will swap out your current set for the next ones in the series. Depending on your individual case and its complexity, treatment can last anywhere from 3-12 months.
Understanding the Cost of SureSmile
If you are considering SureSmile, but want to learn more about the cost before signing on the dotted line, then you’re in the right place! Below, you will learn a few of the factors that impact the price as well as other important information on the topic. Of course, if you want an estimate of the cost of your orthodontic treatment, then the best thing to do is take the next step: schedule a consultation with us.
Factors That Affect the Cost of SureSmile
In order to provide you with an accurate estimate of the price, we need to learn more about your unique case, including:
- How severe it is
- If any preliminary treatments are needed
- How many aligners need to be made
- The type of retainer needed
It’s important that we mention here that additional fees can come up down the line. For example, if you constantly lose your aligners and need replacements made, then you will likely need to pay for those. Similarly, if you don’t wear your aligners for 20+ hours a day, resulting in you falling off-track with your treatment plan, we will need to create a new one and start the process all over again. Rest assured, we will provide you with helpful tips on what to do (and what not to do) to prevent additional costs.
SureSmile VS Mail-In Aligners: Which Costs More?
SureSmile clear aligners almost always require a higher upfront investment. Don’t let that scare you though – it’s well worth the cost. After all, mail-in alternatives usually aren’t overseen by a licensed dental professional. Not only that, but they rely on DIY impressions, which are often inaccurate. As a result, many patients who go this route experience serious dental problems and worsened misalignment, requiring them to spend even more time and money pursuing a healthier, more aesthetically pleasing smile. In short, even though mail-in alternatives are usually cheaper, they certainly aren’t better.
Does Dental Insurance Cover SureSmile?
There are some cases where orthodontic treatment is considered “medically necessary.” If that’s the case for you, then there’s a chance that your provider will cover a portion of the cost. If you’re not familiar with your benefits or you have a question about your coverage, don’t hesitate to ask our Carrollton dental team! We welcome many of the nation’s leading providers, including Delta Dental, Cigna, MetLife, and Aetna.
Options for Making SureSmile Affordable
If you don’t have dental insurance, don’t worry – we offer three additional ways to save:
- Our Membership Plan – In addition to two cleanings and exams each year, our membership plan includes a significant discount on treatments completed at our office.
- Flexible Financing – CareCredit is a trusted third-party financier that offers flexible payment plans. That way, you can break up the price into smaller, budget-friendly chunks.
- Our Special Offers – Throughout the year, we offer specials on some of our most popular treatments, including SureSmile. Take a look here!
SureSmile FAQs
Can You Get SureSmile Clear Aligners After Braces?
Orthodontic relapse is when your teeth move back into their previously misaligned positions following braces, and it happens to upwards of 50% of patients. If you’re one of them, then you’ll be happy to know that you may be a candidate for SureSmile! The best way to find out is by scheduling a consultation with our team at Epic Family Dentistry of Carrollton. That way, we can assess the complexity of your case and determine if clear aligner treatment is ideal for you.
Can You Eat with SureSmile Trays In?
No, you cannot eat anything with your SureSmile trays in. In fact, you shouldn’t even drink anything (other than water) while wearing them. This may seem excessive, but it’s crucial when it comes to keeping your aligners in pristine condition. So, make sure that you get in the habit of taking them off, rinsing them with clean, cool water, and storing them properly before eating.
What Should I Do if My SureSmile Aligner Broke?
The answer depends largely on the severity of the damage. If there is an extremely small crack in one of your aligners, then you can continue to wear it as long as you use the utmost care and get in touch with us if the damage worsens. If, on the other hand, your tray has split down the middle or broken into several pieces, then you need to call our Carrollton dental team ASAP.
Important note: Do NOT move onto the next set of clear aligners without consulting with us! Although this may seem like an easy fix, it can actually lead to treatment plan delays.
How Do I Clean My SureSmile Aligners?
There are a few habits you need to implement to keep your SureSmile aligners stain-free, including taking them out before eating or drinking anything other than water. Outside of that, make sure that you rinse them with clean, cool water when you remove them and that you clean them before putting them back on. You typically only need three things: clean, cool water, clear, mild, dishwashing liquid, and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Does SureSmile Hurt?
With each new aligner, you can expect to feel some soreness. The good news is that it’s only temporary. Plus, there are several things you can do to keep your discomfort to a minimum, like avoiding crunchy foods, switching aligners right before bed, and taking OTC pain medication as directed. As you progress through your treatment plan, the pressure you feel will be less and less.
Can You Drink Coffee with SureSmile?
You cannot drink coffee (even iced coffee) while your SureSmile trays are in. You can, however, enjoy this caffeinated beverage alongside your breakfast or lunch! This is preferable since your aligners will already be out and you need to brush your teeth before putting them back on.
Tip: Use a straw when drinking coffee and keep additives, like sugar, to a minimum. This will help prevent tooth decay and stubborn stains!