SureSmile®

SureSmile® is a clear aligner system that uses custom-fitted, removable trays to move teeth gradually into new positions. Each aligner is fabricated from clear Essix-style material and is designed based on a digital treatment plan created from 3D scans. The result is an orthodontic option that is discreet and removable, allowing patients to maintain normal eating and oral hygiene routines.

Unlike traditional fixed braces, SureSmile® does not rely on brackets and wires, which reduces the likelihood of hardware-related irritation and broken components. The digital planning process allows for precise tooth movement sequencing and predictable staging of corrections. Regular in-person monitoring by a dental professional helps ensure the plan stays on track and adjustments are made when necessary.

Treatment begins with a comprehensive exam and digital scans or impressions to capture the current position of your teeth and bite. Those scans are used to create a precise 3D treatment plan that maps the step-by-step movements needed to reach the desired alignment. Custom aligners are then fabricated and provided in a series that the patient wears according to the prescribed schedule.

Patients typically switch aligners every one to two weeks and return to the office for periodic checkups so the dentist can verify progress and make clinical adjustments if needed. Some patients may use adjunctive tools supported by the SureSmile® system to accelerate certain movements or enhance outcomes. When the active phase is complete, a retention plan is implemented to preserve the new tooth positions.

Good candidates for SureSmile® generally include adults and responsible teenagers with mild to moderate spacing, crowding, or alignment concerns who can wear aligners as instructed. Complex skeletal problems, severe bite discrepancies, or certain tooth positions may require alternative or adjunctive orthodontic approaches, which a professional evaluation will identify. A clinical exam, digital records, and discussion of oral health goals help determine whether aligners are an appropriate option.

At the office of Lookout Mountain Family Dentistry, our dentists evaluate each patient's oral health, periodontal status, and compliance factors before recommending SureSmile® so treatment is safe and effective. We also coordinate any necessary preparatory care such as restorations or periodontal therapy to optimize outcomes. Ongoing monitoring during treatment helps address issues early and keeps the plan aligned with the patient’s needs.

Treatment length with SureSmile® varies according to the complexity of the case, the number of teeth needing movement, and patient compliance with wear schedules. Many patients begin to notice visible changes within a few months, while full correction for moderate cases often takes several months to a year. Severe or multifaceted corrections can take longer and may involve additional steps such as interproximal reduction or attachments to assist specific movements.

Factors that influence the timeline include how consistently aligners are worn, the accuracy of the digital treatment plan, and whether adjunctive devices are employed to accelerate movement. Regular follow-up visits allow your dentist to confirm progress and modify the plan if necessary, helping maintain efficiency and predictability throughout treatment. Clear communication about goals and expectations supports a smoother, more timely course of care.

Patients are generally instructed to wear SureSmile® aligners for about 20 to 22 hours per day, removing them only to eat, drink anything other than water, and to perform oral hygiene. Proper cleaning of the aligners helps prevent staining and bacterial buildup; rinsing after removal and gently brushing with a soft toothbrush are common care steps. Avoid exposing aligners to hot water or harsh chemicals, which can distort the material or degrade its clarity.

Maintaining excellent tooth and gum care while wearing aligners is essential, including brushing twice daily and flossing once daily to reduce the risk of decay or gum inflammation. Bring aligners to dental appointments so the team can assess fit and cleanliness and provide any needed guidance. If an aligner becomes damaged or ill-fitting, contact the practice promptly for professional advice rather than attempting at-home repairs.

SureSmile® is well-suited for a broad range of tooth movements and can address many moderate alignment issues through carefully planned staging and the use of attachments or interproximal reduction when needed. The system’s digital planning tools allow clinicians to simulate and sequence complex movements, improving the ability to deliver predictable results for many cases. However, some severe skeletal discrepancies, significant bite misalignments, or cases requiring surgical intervention may fall outside the scope of aligner-only treatment.

A thorough clinical and radiographic evaluation will determine whether SureSmile® alone is appropriate or whether combined therapy is indicated. When aligners are selected for more complex cases, the dentist may incorporate auxiliaries or interdisciplinary care to achieve the desired functional and aesthetic outcomes. Ongoing professional supervision is important to ensure tooth movement proceeds safely and stays aligned with the overall treatment goals.

One key difference is that SureSmile® treatment is planned and supervised by a licensed dental professional who performs an in-person exam, monitors oral health, and adjusts treatment based on clinical findings. Direct-to-consumer systems typically rely on remote monitoring or at-home impressions, which can limit the ability to detect and manage issues such as cavities, gum disease, or unexpected tooth movement. Professional oversight helps ensure that the biological and functional aspects of the bite are considered in addition to alignment.

SureSmile® also integrates clinical-grade digital planning and may include adjunctive tools that are coordinated by the treating dentist to enhance outcomes and safety. Patients working with a dental practice benefit from clinical examinations, radiographs when indicated, and the ability to receive immediate care if a problem arises during treatment. Choosing a supervised aligner pathway reduces the risk of unmonitored complications and supports long-term stability.

When used as directed and combined with consistent oral hygiene, SureSmile® aligners do not inherently increase the risk of dental disease, but poor cleaning or failure to remove aligners for eating and brushing can raise that risk. Plaque and food particles can become trapped under an aligner if teeth are not cleaned thoroughly before reinsertion, which may lead to decay or gingival irritation. Regular professional cleanings and checkups during treatment help identify early signs of trouble and allow for timely intervention.

Patients should brush and floss diligently before putting aligners back in and follow any cleaning protocols recommended by their clinician to maintain both aligner clarity and oral health. If you experience persistent sensitivity, bleeding gums, or signs of decay during treatment, contact your dental team promptly for evaluation. Close collaboration between the patient and provider ensures that alignment goals are met without compromising periodontal or dental health.

Yes, tooth whitening can often be coordinated with SureSmile® treatment, and the system offers compatible whitening options that integrate with aligner therapy. Some patients choose to whiten at the end of active alignment to optimize shade uniformity, while others use staggered whitening during treatment if recommended by their clinician. Your dentist will evaluate enamel health and recommend a whitening schedule and product that complements the aligner protocol.

It is important to use whitening products under professional guidance to avoid sensitivity or uneven results, especially when teeth are moving. Whitening while wearing aligners may require short periods without trays or the use of custom-delivered whitening gels designed to be used safely in conjunction with aligner wear. Discuss timing and product selection with your dentist to achieve both alignment and whitening goals safely.

After active alignment, a retention phase is essential to preserve the new tooth positions and prevent relapse; this typically involves wearing removable retainers or having a fixed retainer bonded behind the front teeth. The specific retention schedule is individualized based on the original condition, treatment complexity, and patient factors, and your dentist will provide clear instructions for wear and monitoring. Long-term retention protocols and periodic dental visits help ensure stability and allow early detection of any shifting.

Retainers should be cleaned regularly and stored properly when not in use to maintain hygiene and fit, and nighttime wear may be recommended indefinitely for some patients. Routine dental exams and professional cleanings remain important after orthodontic treatment to support overall oral health. If a retainer is lost or damaged, contact the practice promptly to arrange repair or replacement to minimize the risk of tooth movement.