SureSmile® Clear Braces

SureSmile® aligners are clear, removable trays designed to move teeth gradually into desired positions using a series of custom-fitted aligners. Each aligner applies gentle, controlled forces to specific teeth so movement occurs incrementally and safely. The system relies on digital treatment planning to map each stage of tooth movement and predict the final outcome.

Treatment begins with a digital scan or impression that is used to create a precise, computer-generated plan for the sequence of aligners. Lab-fabricated aligners are changed at prescribed intervals to continue progress toward the planned alignment. Your provider can discuss whether SureSmile® is the right option for your smile at Liberty Dental Care PC by Park One Dental.

Good candidates for SureSmile® aligners typically include patients with mild to moderate crowding, spacing, or bite irregularities who are committed to wearing aligners as instructed. The system can also address single-tooth corrections and minor relapse after prior orthodontic treatment. A thorough dental exam and digital analysis determine suitability and identify any dental issues that should be managed before starting treatment.

Patients with severe skeletal discrepancies, significant jaw growth concerns, or untreated periodontal disease may need alternative or adjunctive treatments. In some cases, attachments, elastics, or limited fixed appliances are combined with aligners to achieve optimal results. The treatment plan is individualized to balance clinical goals with patient preferences and oral health needs.

Treatment length with SureSmile® aligners varies by case complexity but commonly ranges from several months to around a year or more for comprehensive cases. Simple corrections or limited movements can be completed more quickly, while full-arch alignment or more complex tooth movements require additional stages. Patient compliance with daily wear time and adherence to the prescribed schedule of aligner changes are critical factors in achieving the expected timeline.

Regular progress visits allow your clinician to monitor movement, refine the plan, and provide new aligner sets as needed. At the end of active alignment, a retention phase is usually recommended to stabilize teeth in their new positions. Your clinician will explain follow-up care and retention options to help preserve long-term results.

SureSmile® aligners offer a discreet and removable option that makes oral hygiene and eating more convenient compared with fixed metal braces. Because aligners are clear, they are less noticeable in social and professional settings, and patients can remove them briefly for important events or meals. The removable design also facilitates brushing and flossing, which helps reduce the risk of decay and staining during treatment.

Another advantage is the use of advanced digital planning tools that map tooth movement precisely and allow clinicians to visualize stages before treatment begins. This planning can improve predictability and make it easier to communicate expected outcomes with patients. For many cases, aligner therapy reduces the need for emergency visits due to broken wires or brackets common with traditional braces.

Maintain oral hygiene by brushing and flossing after every meal before reinserting your aligners to prevent trapping food and bacteria against your teeth. Clean aligners daily using a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water or manufacturer-recommended cleaning products to avoid buildup and discoloration. Avoid hot water when cleaning aligners, as heat can warp the plastic and affect fit.

When you remove aligners, store them in their protective case to reduce the risk of loss or damage and to keep them sanitary. Continue routine dental checkups and professional cleanings throughout treatment so the clinician can monitor oral health and address any concerns promptly. Following these habits improves comfort, hygiene, and the final outcome of treatment.

Most patients experience mild pressure or soreness for a few days after beginning a new set of aligners as teeth respond to gentle forces, and this sensation typically diminishes within a short period. Over-the-counter pain relievers and soft foods can help manage temporary discomfort when switching aligners. Significant or persistent pain is uncommon and should be evaluated by your clinician to confirm the fit and progress.

Some people notice a slight change in speech during the first few days of wearing aligners, often described as a minor lisp, while the mouth adapts to the presence of the trays. With regular wear and practice, speech usually returns to normal as tongue and lip movements adjust. If speech changes persist or the aligner feels bulky, your dental team can assess and make necessary refinements.

Treatment begins with a comprehensive consultation that includes a clinical exam, digital scans or impressions, and diagnostic records to capture tooth position and bite relationships. Those digital records are uploaded to the SureSmile® planning software, where the clinician designs a step-by-step movement plan and reviews the predicted outcome with the patient. This collaborative planning ensures treatment goals are realistic and aligned with the patient's expectations.

During active treatment, the practice schedules periodic check-ins to assess progress, provide new aligner sets, and make any necessary adjustments. If refinements are required, updated scans or additional aligners can be incorporated into the plan to achieve the desired result. Once alignment is complete, the team will discuss retention protocols to maintain the new tooth positions long term.

SureSmile® aligners can address a wide range of orthodontic concerns, including moderate crowding, spacing, and certain bite issues, but their suitability for very complex skeletal or severe bite discrepancies is case-dependent. For patients with significant jaw misalignment or conditions that require surgical intervention, traditional orthodontics or combined treatments may be recommended. The clinician evaluates skeletal, dental, and periodontal factors during the initial assessment to determine whether aligners alone can achieve the planned goals.

In many cases, aligner therapy is combined with auxiliary techniques such as attachments, interproximal reduction, or temporary anchorage to expand the range of correctable movements. Your dentist will explain the anticipated limitations and any additional procedures that may improve predictability. When necessary, the team coordinates with orthodontic specialists or oral surgeons to deliver a comprehensive treatment approach.

Your initial consultation will include a thorough oral exam, discussion of your dental and medical history, and diagnostic imaging such as digital X-rays or a CBCT scan when indicated. A digital scan or impression of your teeth is usually taken to create a 3-D model used in the SureSmile® planning software. The clinician will review your cosmetic and functional goals, explain what aligner treatment can realistically achieve, and outline the steps involved in the process.

If aligner therapy is recommended, the team will walk you through the wear schedule, hygiene requirements, and expected milestones so you understand responsibilities during treatment. You will also learn about the timeline for checkups and how progress will be monitored. After the consultation, the practice can schedule the next appointments to begin scanning, fabrication, and delivery when you are ready.

Because SureSmile® aligners are removable, they generally make it easier to maintain strong oral hygiene compared with fixed appliances; patients should brush and floss thoroughly before reinserting aligners to avoid trapping debris. Aligners themselves should be cleaned daily to prevent bacteria buildup and staining, and patients should avoid eating or drinking anything but water while trays are in place. Regular professional cleanings and dental exams remain important throughout treatment to monitor gum health and spot any issues early.

Existing restorations such as crowns, veneers, or implants are evaluated before starting aligner therapy so the plan accommodates their presence and preserves restorative margins. In many cases, aligners can be designed to work around restorations without compromising them, but occasional adjustments or sequencing changes may be necessary. Ongoing coordination between the restorative and aligner treatment plans helps protect dental work and achieve a stable, healthy outcome.