Delivering Efficient Results with SureSmile Clear Aligners
Teeth and jaws that need realigning no longer have to rely on traditional orthodontics to achieve desired results. With SureSmile clear aligners in Salmon Creek, this uniquely designed treatment offers discreetness, efficiency, and a more flexible experience should you need to wear braces. Dr. Kelly at Salmon Creek Complete Dentistry uses state-of-the-art technology and a comfort-focused approach to produce life-changing smiles that make daily living easier and more enjoyable. Call us to schedule a consultation to learn more about SureSmile.
Why Choose Salmon Creek Complete Dentistry for SureSmile Clear Aligners?
Cutting-Edge Dental Technology Used for Greater Accuracy & Precision
Dentist with More Than 10 Years of Experience & Training
Personalized Approach for Each Dental Patient
How SureSmile Clear Aligners Work
SureSmile clear aligners are custom-made with the help of digital impressions that we capture in-house. These scans combine to form a single three-dimensional model that provides a blueprint for more accurate and comfortable aligners. Delivered as a series of trays that you will wear over time, each one replicates the shape of your teeth at various stages of treatment. With gentle pressure that is continuously applied, your pearly whites will shift, creating a more perfectly aligned smile.
Each set of aligners must be worn for 20-22 hours a day, and you’ll be required to wear new aligners every 1-2 weeks based on the specific needs of your case.
Who Can SureSmile Help?
If you struggle with common orthodontic issues, such as crowding, gaps, or bite problems, SureSmile can give you the gorgeous grin you’ve been searching for. Dr. Kelly customizes every treatment to fit a patient’s unique needs, whether simple or complex. From mild spacing issues to more advanced bite corrections that may require accessories, SureSmile offers a comfortable and effective way to improve the symmetry of your teeth.
Crowded Teeth
Crowded teeth can overlap, twist, or bunch together, making them harder to clean and more prone to cavities or gum disease. SureSmile aligners gently create space and guide each tooth into its proper position. For tougher cases, small engagers may be placed on the teeth to give the aligners extra grip, allowing them to make more precise movements.
Gaps Between Teeth
Spaces between teeth can trap food, affect speech, and sometimes lead to shifting or gum irritation. Clear aligners can gradually close these gaps and bring your teeth into alignment. Not only does this improve the appearance of your smile, but it also helps keep your teeth safe from excessive plaque buildup and wear.
Overbite
An overbite occurs when your upper teeth extend over your lower ones by an unhealthy amount. Over time, this can cause uneven wear, jaw discomfort, or even speech challenges. SureSmile aligners carefully move your teeth to reduce the overlap while elastics can guide jaw alignment. Together, these make sure your bite is corrected properly.
Underbite
With an underbite, your lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth, often leading to chewing difficulties, jaw strain, or even increased risk of sleep apnea. Elastics are generally used alongside your aligners to assist in adjusting your jaw’s position. At the same time, engagers help achieve the controlled tooth movements necessary for lasting corrections.
Crossbite
A crossbite happens when some upper teeth sit inside the lower ones, creating a “woven” or “crossed” look. If left untreated, crossbites can cause jaw joint issues, increased risk of tooth decay, headaches, and teeth grinding. Your SureSmile aligners will be customized to move problem teeth into healthy positions for long-term benefits.
Open Bite
An open bite means your upper and lower front teeth don’t meet when you bite down. Oftentimes, this is caused by poor bone development during childhood or habits like thumb sucking. Not only can open bites interfere with chewing and speech, but they can also make your teeth prone to damage. SureSmile aligners can help bring the front top and bottom teeth together, addressing the issue for life with proper maintenance.
The Benefits of SureSmile Clear Aligners
Although traditional metal braces are still commonly used by many dental professionals, they do not provide the same kind of benefits as SureSmile clear aligners. Some of the most common advantages you can expect should you choose this type of orthodontic treatment include:
A more discreet aesthetic so that you can resume day-to-day responsibilities without shining a spotlight on your orthodontic treatment.
Greater flexibility because you just need to remove your trays to eat the foods you love.
No food restrictions, so you can freely enjoy nutrient-rich meals and snacks without fear of damaging your oral appliance.
Easy to maintain aligners that require no additional products or instruments to keep them clean.
Faster results than those achieved by metal braces (i.e., 6-18 months instead of 2-3 years).
Improved comfort because of the smooth plastic as opposed to bulky and protruding metal brackets that irritate your gums, cheeks, and tongue.
Living with SureSmile Aligners
Although SureSmile doesn’t come with the same rules and restrictions that traditional braces do, there are several habits you need to incorporate into your daily routine (as well as a few you need to avoid) to stay on-track with your treatment plan. So, if you are considering straightening your teeth with this clear aligner treatment, keep reading to learn a little more about what your day-to-day life will look like.
Wearing Your Trays
Of course, your aligners won’t work if you don’t wear them. That’s why patients are given a rule: they need to keep them on for a minimum of 20 hours a day. Since this only leaves you with a few hours of tray-free time each day, it’s important to multitask. For example, you should drink your coffee with your breakfast instead of separately. If you want to soak your aligners with dentist-approved cleaning tablets, then you should do so while you’re brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash.
Cleaning Your Aligners
Speaking of cleaning … You need to take good care of your teeth and your trays throughout your orthodontic treatment. Fortunately, you don’t need to buy a bunch of special oral hygiene products. Just use a damp, soft-bristled toothbrush and clear, mild dishwashing liquid to remove food particles and other debris from the surface. When you’re rinsing them afterward, make sure the water isn’t too hot (this can cause the plastic to warp).
Eating & Drinking
Since SureSmile aligners are removable, you don’t need to abide by a long list of dietary restrictions. In fact, the only rule is that you must take them off beforehand (unless you’re drinking water). Outside of that, all of our usual recommendations apply, like not overindulging on cavity-causing foods.
Important reminder: You shouldn’t place your trays on your plate or in a napkin while you eat. Instead, place them in their designated case to reduce the chances of them getting misplaced or damaged.
Losing or Damaging a Tray
Since losing or damaging a tray can lead to significant treatment plan delays, it’s important that you act fast. Contact our Salmon Creek dental office so Dr. Joseph Kelly can learn what happened and take a look at where you are in the teeth-straightening process. Then, he can let you know the best way to proceed, whether it’s wearing the previous set while we have a replacement made or if it’s moving on to the next pair a little early.
Attending Progress Visits
With traditional braces, there are adjustment appointments every month. With SureSmile, there are progress visits every 6-8 weeks. Dr. Kelly uses this time to monitor the movement of your teeth, make sure you’re on track with your treatment plan, and answer any questions you have about life with clear aligners. If everything is progressing as anticipated, then he will send you on your way with the next several sets of aligners in the series.
Are SureSmile Clear Aligners the Same as Invisalign Clear Aligners?
While there are some similarities between SureSmile and Invisalign clear aligners, the two treatment options are different in many ways. Dr. Kelly can provide both kinds of orthodontics and will be happy to discuss which option is right for you during an initial consultation.
But before you arrive for this appointment, we’ve broken down a few of the differences between the two clear aligner systems:
SureSmile aligners are thinner than Invisalign, making them less bulky.
Dentists who offer SureSmile can capture impressions with any 3D scanner, while Invisalign scans must be obtained with an iTero scanner.
SureSmile can produce results in as little as six months, whereas Invisalign’s shortest timeframe is about 12 months.
SureSmile may be slightly more affordable than Invisalign, but this is dependent on various factors associated with each case.
Understanding the Cost of SureSmile
Since there isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment plan, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all cost. While that does mean that we can’t give you an accurate price estimate online, we can share some helpful information on the topic, including the factors that we need to consider when determining the cost. So, if you are interested in learning more on the topic, simply read on!
Factors That Affect the Cost of SureSmile
In order to create your custom treatment plan, we need to determine:
If any preliminary treatments are needed, like a tooth-colored filling
If single-arch treatment is possible or if we need to straighten both arches
How many aligners need to be made
If rubber bands, buttons, or any other orthodontic accessories are needed
The type of retainer needed to preserve your results
Once we have all of this information, we can provide you with an estimate of the cost. Then, we can review the financial solutions available and share what to do to avoid additional fees down the line.
SureSmile vs. Mail-In Aligners: Which Costs More?
Mail-in alternatives almost always cost less. However, not for the reason you may think. In order to offer a lower price, they usually skip the initial exam, rely on DIY impressions, and don’t have a licensed dental professional overseeing the treatment process. This often leads to problems like worsened misalignment and dental damage, requiring patients to spend even more money to achieve the results they desire. For all of those reasons, it’s best to invest in a reliable and safe orthodontic treatment, like SureSmile.
Does Dental Insurance Cover SureSmile?
Sometimes, yes! So, if you are insured, take a look at the fine print on your plan to see if your dental insurance provider will cover a portion of the cost. If you’re having trouble understanding your coverage, don’t hesitate to let us know. We’re an insurance-friendly dental practice, and we’re even in-network with Delta Dental! Once we have your membership information, we can review your available benefits, provide you with an estimate of your out-of-pocket expenses, and answer any questions you have.
Options for Making SureSmile Affordable
Don’t have dental insurance? Don’t worry! You can also save by:
Joining CareCredit: SureSmile financing in Vancouver is possible thanks to CareCredit! This trusted third-party financier offers convenient payment plans so you don’t have to pay for the entire cost of your orthodontic treatment in one lump sum.
Signing Up for Our Membership Plan: When you sign up, you get access to several cost-saving benefits, including 15% off all prescribed treatments. Plus, there aren’t any coverage limits, waiting periods, or any other similar restrictions!
Frequently Asked SureSmile Questions
Are SureSmile aligners comfortable to wear?
Yes, SureSmile aligners are designed for comfort, and most patients adapt to wearing them easily. They are also removable for eating and cleaning, providing added convenience.
How long does SureSmile treatment typically take?
Treatment duration varies based on individual needs, but many patients achieve their desired results more quickly compared to traditional braces.
Are SureSmile aligners suitable for all orthodontic concerns?
SureSmile aligners can effectively address a wide range of orthodontic issues, including mild to moderate misalignment and spacing.
