Suresmile vs Invisalign: Choosing the Right Treatment

Trying to decide between SureSmile and Invisalign for your teeth straightening journey? Curious about which one might be the better fit for you? Selecting the right clear aligner system is a big decision. 

In our article, we’re going to take a closer look at SureSmile vs Invisalign, two frontrunners in the clear aligner market. We’ll break down their key differences, treatment methods, and unique benefits to help you figure out which one ticks all the boxes for your specific orthodontic needs. Our comparison will give you all the insights you need to make a choice that’s right for your smile.

What is Invisalign

Invisalign is a popular clear aligner system produced by Align Technology – a pioneering company in clear orthodontic aligners founded in 1997. With over two decades of experience, the company has treated around 16 million patients globally. This system uses removable, clear plastic aligners, tailored to each patient by dental professionals, ensuring a personalized treatment.

The system uses a series of removable, clear plastic aligners to gradually shift teeth into desired positions over time. Treatment is prescribed and managed by doctors, ensuring professional oversight.

The proprietary SmartTrack material used for Invisalign aligners is an FDA-approved thermoplastic resin developed specifically for safe long-term use realigning teeth.

Invisalign integrates features like SmartForce attachments – small, tooth-colored handles that attach to teeth – for precision control over movement. These low-profile attachments blend with the aligners discreetly.

Who Is the Candidate for Invisalign

is suitable for teens and adults with fully erupted permanent teeth, and also provides a specialized option for younger children, aged 6-10, through its Invisalign First program. This program focuses on early dental development, guiding the growth and alignment of young teeth.

For older patients, Invisalign is effective in correcting various cosmetic dental issues, such as crooked, gapped, or crowded teeth, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of their smiles. In addition to these cosmetic improvements, the system is also capable of addressing more complex orthodontic problems. This includes treating a range of malocclusions like overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites.

See also our review of Invisalign.

PROs and CONs of Invisalign

Let’s explore the pros and cons of undergoing Invisalign treatment.

PROs of Invisalign

• Highly Trusted Brand: Invisalign is widely recognized in the orthodontic field for its high-quality and effective aligner treatment.
• Innovative SmartTrack Material: Their unique, patented material provides superior comfort and more precise tooth movement, setting Invisalign apart from traditional orthodontic methods.
• Effective for a Broad Spectrum of Dental Issues: Invisalign’s system is versatile enough to correct a wide range of dental issues, from simple misalignments to complex bite problems.
• Tailored Treatment Plans: Each patient receives a treatment plan meticulously created in collaboration with dental professionals, ensuring it is customized to their specific dental goals.
• Consistent Professional Support: Patients benefit from ongoing guidance and management by their local dentist.
• Child-Friendly Options: Catering to younger patients, Invisalign First is designed for children aged 6-10, addressing their specific dental development needs.

CONs of Invisalign

• Higher Cost: Invisalign treatments are generally more expensive compared to other clear aligner brands.
• Necessity of In-Person Visits: Regular dental check-ups are essential for monitoring treatment progress, making it less convenient for those seeking a completely remote solution.
• Staged Aligner Delivery: Depending on the treatment plan, aligners are often distributed in phases, requiring regular dental visits to receive subsequent sets.
• Not a Universal Solution: For certain complex orthodontic cases, traditional braces or more intensive treatments might be more effective than Invisalign.

How Invisalign Works

Invisalign treatment starts with a comprehensive evaluation at a dental office, involving digital scans and X-rays. After the initial scans are completed, the patient’s orthodontist collaborates with Invisalign to create a personalized treatment plan. This plan is visualized through a 3D animation that details the entire treatment journey, offering the patient a preview of how their smile will look after the treatment. 

The patient then receives their first set of Invisalign aligners from their dentist. To monitor the progress and make necessary adjustments, monthly check-ups are scheduled throughout the treatment. During these visits, additional orthodontic tools such as attachments and elastics might be used to aid in achieving the desired tooth alignment.

Once the treatment concludes, retainers are provided to maintain the new tooth position, preventing them from shifting back.

See also: Invisalign vs. Byte: Choosing the Right Treatment

What is SureSmile

SureSmile Aligners are clear orthodontic aligners developed and backed by Dentsply Sirona, a well-established leader in dental solutions with over 100 years of experience. SureSmile offers aligners as a more affordable option compared to competitors, making innovative orthodontic treatment accessible to more patients.

SureSmile Aligners are made from Essix ACE plastic – chosen for its ability to move teeth efficiently while maintaining an aesthetic appearance. The Essix ACE plastic is  BPA/BPS/latex/gluten-free material.

SureSmile utilizes advanced technology for precision and consistency in aligner production. This includes 3D printing for accurate models, automated marking, and robotic laser trimming. The company also provides the SureSmile® VProTM vibration device to enhance patient comfort. 

See also: Review of SureSmile Clear Aligners

Who Is the Candidate for SureSmile

SureSmile Aligners, designed to effectively handle a wide range of orthodontic issues, are particularly suitable for teens and adults. Their unique design features, such as cut-outs and slits, enhance compatibility with intermaxillary elastics and facilitate the attachment of buttons on teeth. This makes them adept at correcting various malocclusions, including open bites, overbites, mild to moderate underbites, and crossbites, as well as realigning crowded or gapped teeth. While SureSmile Aligners are effective for the orthodontic needs of teens and adults, they are not intended for children. Additionally, in cases where dental issues are related to jaw placement, further treatments may be required to complement the aligners and achieve the desired results.

PROs and CONs of SureSmile

Here are the advantages and disadvantages of undergoing SureSmile treatment.

PROs of SureSmile

• Cost-Effective In-Office Treatment: Positioned as a more affordable alternative to some other brands, SureSmile aligners offer innovative orthodontic solutions without the high price tag, making them accessible to a wider patient base.
• Doctor-Directed Approach: SureSmile aligners are developed with a focus on professional oversight, ensuring that each treatment plan is carefully tailored and supervised by experienced orthodontists or dentists.
• Efficiency in Treatment Adjustments: With fewer refinements typically needed, SureSmile aligners often stick to the original treatment plan, which can lead to a more streamlined and time-efficient orthodontic process.
• Customizable Aligner Design: SureSmile provides options for different aligner trims, allowing orthodontists to choose the most effective design for force application and tooth movement in each specific case.
• Versatility in Treatment: Capable of handling a broad spectrum of dental alignments, SureSmile aligners are effective for simple and complex orthodontic needs.
• SureSmile® VPro™ High-Frequency Vibration Device: This device enhances the comfort of wearing aligners and is reported to potentially reduce the overall treatment duration, making the orthodontic process more efficient.
• Post-Treatment Whitening Kit: As an added benefit, patients receive a whitening kit after completing their treatment with SureSmile.
• High-Quality Materials: Produced from Essix ACE plastic, SureSmile aligners are known for their effectiveness in straightening teeth and aesthetic appeal. 

CONs of SureSmile

• Limitations for Severe Cases: While effective for a range of alignments, SureSmile aligners might not be the best fit for extremely severe malocclusions, which could require more intensive orthodontic interventions.
• Necessity of Regular Office Visits: Patients using SureSmile aligners need to regularly visit their orthodontist for check-ups and adjustments, which might be less convenient compared to direct-to-consumer options that minimize office visits.

How SureSmile Works

SureSmile aligner treatment, much like Invisalign, involves a doctor-driven process that starts with an initial appointment with an authorized provider. During this visit, a digital scan of your teeth is taken, creating a detailed and mess-free impression. Based on this scan, your doctor collaborates with SureSmile® Digital Lab experts to craft a customized treatment plan, with the aligners typically ready within 2-4 weeks.

Once the aligners are prepared, you’ll receive them during your next visit, along with a welcome kit and, if prescribed, the SureSmile® VPro™ High-Frequency Device. This device, used for 5 minutes daily in conjunction with the aligners, is designed to reduce discomfort and potentially shorten the treatment duration. Regular check-ins with your doctor, scheduled every 4 to 10 weeks, ensure that the treatment progresses effectively.

After completing the treatment, you’ll be provided with a SureSmile™ Whitening Kit to enhance your smile and a SureSmile® Retainer to maintain the alignment results long-term.

SureSmile vs Invisalign – Main Differences

Effectiveness

Invisalign and SureSmile both offer effective clear aligner solutions, each with its specific patient focus and range of treatable conditions. Invisalign caters to a wide demographic, including teens, adults, and children as young as 6-10 years through the Invisalign First program. It’s versatile in treating a variety of dental issues, from cosmetic concerns like crooked or gapped teeth to complex functional problems such as overbites and crossbites.

SureSmile is tailored for adults with fully erupted permanent dentition and is not suitable for children. Despite this limitation, SureSmile aligners can treat a similar range of malocclusions as Invisalign, offering solutions for mild to moderate issues like open bites, underbites, and crowding. The design of SureSmile aligners, with unique features like cut-outs and slits, enhances their capability in addressing these orthodontic needs. The effectiveness in treating certain conditions, particularly those involving jaw placement, may vary.

Treatment Process

The treatment processes of SureSmile and Invisalign, while similar in requiring doctor oversight and utilizing digital technology, exhibit distinct features and methodologies.

A key difference lies in the additional tools provided. SureSmile enhances the treatment experience with the SureSmile® VPro™ High-Frequency Device, used daily to potentially reduce discomfort and treatment duration. Invisalign, on the other hand, does not offer a comparable device but focuses on the material innovation of its aligners, using the unique SmartTrack material and SmartForce attachments for controlled tooth movement.

In terms of treatment refinement and adjustments, SureSmile aligners typically require fewer mid-course corrections. Statistics indicate that about three out of four SureSmile cases adhere to the original treatment plan without needing adjustments, and they report over 50% fewer refinements compared to other clear aligner brands.

Price

Invisalign and SureSmile are both clear aligner systems with costs varying based on orthodontic case complexity. Invisalign typically ranges from $3,000-$7,000, with more difficult cases costing upwards of $6,000-7,000. Pricing is set on an individual basis by treating orthodontists. 

SureSmile aligners average around $4,000, ranging from $2,000-$6,000, positioning them as generally more affordable. SureSmile offers a flat-rate unlimited payment plan covering complete treatment, or pay per aligner pricing. 

While both final costs are case-dependent, SureSmile’s structure presents an advantage for patients seeking quality clear aligners at lower price points, while Invisalign remains pricier for moderate to complex treatments.

Treatment Time

SureSmile and Invisalign are both clear aligner systems with treatment durations dependent on the severity and complexity of each case. For SureSmile aligners, typical treatment times range from 6 to 18 months. Patients are advised to wear the removable plastic aligners for 20-22 hours per day to enable the gradual teeth shifts needed to reach desired positions. SureSmile also provides an optional VPro vibrational device that, when used daily alongside aligner wear, can potentially shorten the treatment period compared to using aligners alone.

SureSmile vs. Invisalign: Choosing the Right Treatment

Both Invisalign and SureSmile are doctor-managed clear aligner systems that offer an aesthetic alternative to correct various orthodontic issues. They both treat a similar range of malocclusions. 

However, there are notable differences between these clear aligner brands. Invisalign is a pioneering brand in clear aligners with over 20 years of experience treating patients globally. But its first-to-market status does come at a price – Invisalign runs $3,000-$7,000 depending on complexity. In contrast, SureSmile presents aligners at more affordable price points for patients, averaging around $4,000.

Beyond affordability, SureSmile also uniquely provides the SureSmile® VProTM home vibration device which, when used daily with aligners, aids treatment progress and comfort. Statistics further cite SureSmile requiring 50% fewer aligner adjustments than competitors.

In conclusion, Both Invisalign and SureSmile remain doctor-managed systems that leverage technological advances for aesthetic teeth correction. Selecting between them depends largely on patient priorities whether that is cost, treatment efficiency, brand trust, or level of case complexity.

Sources

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Elshazly, T. et al. Effect of Trimming Line Design and Edge Extension of Orthodontic Aligners on Force Transmission: An in vitro Study. Journal of Dentistry (2022). doi: 10.1016/j.jdent.2022.1042765. Available online at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36055460/

Bowman, S. J., Celenza, F., Sparaga, J., Papadopoulos, M. A., Ojima, K., Cheng-Yi Lin, J., Creative Adjuncts for Clear Aligners, Part 1: Class II Treatment; Journal of Clinical Orthodontists, Available online at: www.jco-online.com/archive/2015/02/83/

Alansari, R. A., Faydhi, D. A., Ashour, B. S., Alsaggaf, D. H., Shuman, M. T., Ghoneim, S. H., Linjawi, A. I., Marghalani, H. YA., Dause, R. R>, Adult Perceptions of Different Orthodontic Appliances, Patient Prefer Adherence. 2019; DOI: 10.2147/PPA.S234449. Available online at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6916694/

Elshazly, T. et al. Effect of Trimming Line Design and Edge Extension of Orthodontic Aligners on Force Transmission: An in vitro Study. Journal of Dentistry (2022). doi: 10.1016/j.jdent.2022.1042765. Available online at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36055460/

Bowman, S. J., Celenza, F., Sparaga, J., Papadopoulos, M. A., Ojima, K., Cheng-Yi Lin, J., Creative Adjuncts for Clear Aligners, Part 1: Class II Treatment; Journal of Clinical Orthodontists, Available online at: www.jco-online.com/archive/2015/02/83/

Alansari, R. A., Faydhi, D. A., Ashour, B. S., Alsaggaf, D. H., Shuman, M. T., Ghoneim, S. H., Linjawi, A. I., Marghalani, H. YA., Dause, R. R>, Adult Perceptions of Different Orthodontic Appliances, Patient Prefer Adherence. 2019; DOI: 10.2147/PPA.S234449. Available online at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6916694/

Elshazly, T. et al. Effect of Trimming Line Design and Edge Extension of Orthodontic Aligners on Force Transmission: An in vitro Study. Journal of Dentistry (2022). doi: 10.1016/j.jdent.2022.1042765. Available online at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36055460/

Bowman, S. J., Celenza, F., Sparaga, J., Papadopoulos, M. A., Ojima, K., Cheng-Yi Lin, J., Creative Adjuncts for Clear Aligners, Part 1: Class II Treatment; Journal of Clinical Orthodontists, Available online at: www.jco-online.com/archive/2015/02/83/

Alansari, R. A., Faydhi, D. A., Ashour, B. S., Alsaggaf, D. H., Shuman, M. T., Ghoneim, S. H., Linjawi, A. I., Marghalani, H. YA., Dause, R. R>, Adult Perceptions of Different Orthodontic Appliances, Patient Prefer Adherence. 2019; DOI: 10.2147/PPA.S234449. Available online at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6916694/

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