SureSmile®

SureSmile® is a clear-aligner system that gradually moves teeth to a planned position using a series of custom-made, removable trays. The process begins with a precise 3D digital scan of your teeth, which the doctor uses to create a virtual treatment plan that maps each tooth movement from start to finish. Aligners are fabricated to follow that plan and apply gentle, controlled pressure to specific teeth at each stage.

The result is a predictable sequence of tooth movement informed by digital planning and 3D imaging rather than manual adjustments alone. Because each aligner is made to fit your teeth precisely, the treatment emphasizes comfort and efficiency throughout the course of therapy.

SureSmile® is typically appropriate for teens and adults with mild to moderate orthodontic concerns, such as crowding, spacing, and certain bite issues. A comprehensive exam and digital scan help determine whether clear aligners can address the specific movements needed in your case, and the doctor will evaluate oral health, jaw alignment and treatment goals. Patients who are committed to wearing aligners for the recommended daily hours tend to achieve the best outcomes.

Certain complex orthodontic problems may still require traditional braces or adjunctive treatments, which your clinician will discuss during the consultation. The practice will outline realistic expectations so you understand the likely scope and timeline before moving forward with a customized plan.

During the initial visit we perform a thorough oral exam, review your dental and medical history and take a comfortable, noninvasive digital scan of your teeth and bite. The scan creates a precise 3D model that is used with SureSmile® planning software to visualize tooth movements and simulate possible treatment outcomes. This digital workflow allows you and the doctor to review a projected end result before aligners are fabricated.

The consultation also covers the step-by-step treatment sequence, expected appointment cadence for progress checks, and any preparatory work that may be needed such as attachments or interproximal reduction. Clear communication at this stage ensures the plan is tailored to your needs and that you understand how the system will be monitored throughout treatment.

Treatment length depends on the complexity of the case, but many patients complete SureSmile® therapy in a matter of months rather than years, with common time frames ranging based on individual needs. The digital plan provides an estimated timeline up front, and progress is reviewed at regular check-in visits to ensure the treatment remains on track. Factors such as the severity of tooth movement required and patient compliance influence the final duration.

Aligner changes are typically scheduled every one to two weeks, depending on the doctor’s protocol and how your teeth respond to movement. You will usually be asked to wear aligners for about 20 to 22 hours per day and to switch to the next set in the series as directed to maintain steady progress.

Maintain excellent oral hygiene by brushing and flossing after meals before reinserting your aligners to minimize plaque buildup and staining. Clean your aligners daily using a soft toothbrush and clear, nonabrasive soap or the cleaning method recommended by your provider to keep them clear and odor-free. Avoid exposing aligners to hot water or abrasive cleaners, which can warp or scratch the material.

Because aligners are removable, you can continue your normal oral care routine and eat without restrictions that apply to fixed braces, but it is important to put aligners back in right after cleaning to preserve tooth movement. Regular in-office check-ins allow your dentist to monitor oral health, ensure attachments are functioning properly, and address any hygiene concerns during treatment.

You may notice a brief adjustment period when you first begin wearing aligners, which can include minor changes to speech or a slight lisp as your tongue adapts to the new appliance. These effects are usually temporary and resolve within a few days as you become accustomed to the aligners. Mild pressure or soreness is also normal when starting a new aligner because teeth are moving, and it typically subsides within a few days.

The smooth, custom-fit design of SureSmile® aligners reduces irritation to cheeks and gums compared with metal brackets and wires, and most patients report that any initial discomfort is manageable with over-the-counter pain relief if needed. If persistent pain or significant speech issues occur, contact the office so the team can assess fit and alignment and make adjustments as necessary.

SureSmile® is effective for a range of mild to moderate conditions, including crowded teeth, gaps or spacing, and common bite problems such as certain overbites, underbites and crossbites. The system excels at cosmetic alignment and repositioning of individual teeth when the required movements fall within the capabilities of clear-aligner therapy. The digital planning process helps the doctor determine whether the desired corrections can be achieved predictably with aligners.

For more complex skeletal or severe bite cases, a combined approach with other orthodontic methods or specialist referral may be recommended to achieve optimal results. Your clinician will explain which tooth movements are feasible with SureSmile® and whether additional procedures are needed to reach your treatment goals.

SureSmile® uses advanced 3D imaging and computer-guided planning to map tooth movements before treatment begins, allowing the team to simulate outcomes and fabricate aligners that follow a detailed movement sequence. Traditional braces rely on brackets and wires adjusted over time to move teeth, while SureSmile® delivers staged forces through removable trays designed from a virtual plan. This digital approach can improve predictability and give patients a visual preview of expected results.

Because aligners are removable, oral hygiene is easier to maintain compared with fixed appliances, and patients often experience fewer soft-tissue irritations from brackets or wires. The choice between clear aligners and braces depends on the complexity of the case, patient preferences and the doctor’s clinical assessment of the best path to the desired outcome.

If an aligner is lost or damaged, contact the office as soon as possible so the team can recommend the appropriate next step based on where you are in the treatment sequence. In many situations the doctor may advise wearing the previous set to maintain tooth position until a replacement is obtained, or moving forward to the next set if appropriate. Prompt communication ensures interruptions to the treatment plan are minimized and tooth movement remains controlled.

The practice will advise on how to store and transport aligners safely to reduce the risk of damage, and your provider can arrange for a replacement aligner when needed. During follow-up visits the team will monitor fit and alignment and address any recurring issues to keep the case progressing smoothly.

To determine suitability for SureSmile®, schedule a consultation so our clinicians can perform a comprehensive exam, take a digital scan and review your dental history and aesthetic goals. During that visit we will discuss the digital treatment plan, explain the expected sequence of care and outline what to expect at each stage, giving you a clear understanding of the process. This individualized assessment helps ensure the recommended approach aligns with your needs and oral health.

Suezaki Family Dentistry has experience integrating digital workflows and clear-aligner therapy into patient care, and our team will work with you to create a customized plan if SureSmile® is appropriate. If another approach is better suited to your case, the doctor will explain alternative options and the reasons behind that recommendation so you can make an informed decision.