SureSmile® clear aligners offer patients a discreet and streamlined experience for straightening and brightening their teeth. Millions of patients, from adolescents to adults, are switching to or choosing clear aligner methods as they provide close to the same durability as traditional straightening methods with reduced treatment time and, most importantly, discretion. Each person's needs are different, so it is important that patients learn and understand any treatment they are considering before leaping into it. Read on to discover the top five essential facts about SureSmile clear aligners.
Most patients, especially teens and adults, are viable candidates and can benefit from SureSmile teeth-alignment treatment. These candidates include patients with mild to moderate crowding, spacing or gap issues, overbites, underbites, crossbites, open bites, and crooked teeth. Therefore, we will begin with an initial consultation to determine the patient’s candidacy and discuss their possible treatment options.
Children are typically unsuitable candidates for SureSmile as their teeth and jaws are still growing. Also, patients with previous orthodontic treatment and those with severe misalignment issues may not be good candidates for treatment. Some patients may need alternative tooth alignment treatments, including those with dental complications such as severe crowding, underbites, overbites, or crossbites. Patients with missing teeth may require preliminary treatments, such as implants or restorations, prior to undergoing straightening treatments.
SureSmile treatment involves a series of phases. We first take impressions of the patient's mouth, send them to a dental lab, and then prepare the teeth for the aligners. Next, patients wear the clear aligners as directed daily for at least 20-22 hours a day to move their teeth into a straighter position. The length of time patients wear each set of aligners will vary according to each patient's needs. In general, the length of treatment increases with the severity of malalignment.
The success factor of SureSmile treatment relies heavily on patient compliance. Since patients need to wear their aligners for the majority of the day and remove them while eating and drinking, it is up to them to maintain both their oral health and the aligners during treatment. Therefore, it is important to continue practicing stringent oral care habits to ensure the aligners and teeth remain in good condition.
One of the major advantages of SureSmile is that it is exceptionally discreet. Patients can wear their aligners, and people will hardly notice them on their teeth. However, when patients begin to wear SureSmile, they may speak with a slight lisp as their mouth adjusts to wearing the aligners. With each new set, the teeth move a little more slightly, which can bring back the lisp. However, most patients only experience this on each set's first day or two. Many patients also claim their lisp goes away after a few weeks of treatment.
Transitioning and adjusting to SureSmile aligners typically takes a few days. Patients may experience some pressure and soreness during the adjustment period. This is because the teeth are not accustomed to unnatural forces, which causes slight discomfort at the beginning. In addition, there will be some pressure with every new set of aligners.
However, intolerable pain or discomfort is not normal. Patients experiencing irregular symptoms, including severe pain, fever, or headaches, should contact our office immediately for a checkup. Then, we can assess their condition and determine the cause of these symptoms.
SureSmile aligners are durable and last through the patient's treatment, but some products are too harsh and abrasive to work with aligners. These include colored or fragranced soaps, hard-bristled toothbrushes, and toothpaste. Additionally, using denture tablets can gradually cause the aligners to turn yellow. For this reason, it is best to stick to proper cleaning methods and store the aligners away in their protective case whenever not in use.
Patients should only clean their aligners using the recommended cleaner they come with, Retainer Brite, and use the product according to package instructions. Never use toothpaste, mouthwash, soap, or hot water when cleaning the aligners. These products can damage the aligners, leave scratches, or make them yellowish. Patients should also avoid teeth-staining foods and beverages like coffee, tea, and wine.
Do not compromise when it comes to your smile and oral health. We can assess your case and discuss your options in a singular visit. Call us today at (608) 394-3943 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Request an appointment here: https://siegertdental.com or call Siegert Dental at (608) 394-3943 for an appointment in our Onalaska office.
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