Invisalign® vs. SureSmile®: Which Clear Aligners Should You Get?
Adjusting your smile for a straighter appearance is easier than ever. With today’s advanced orthodontic options that don’t require long periods of wear or special dietary restrictions, anyone can get a straighter smile in a hurry. But when you’re shopping around for smile improvements from your dentist, consider which clear aligner is best. Invisalign and SureSmile clear aligners are two of the most popular products on the market today. You’ll need to get both types of these clear aligners at the dentist’s office, so consider the differences between SureSmile and Invisalign we have to offer for your smile improvement needs.
Which addresses greater problems?
Invisalign has been around longer, with decades of real-world usage to back up its benefits. SureSmile is not a brand-new technology but a newer technique for adjusting your smile. SureSmile is also a completely different orthodontic process than Invisalign in some cases. While clear retainers are available through both systems, it’s the only type of treatment available with Invisalign clear aligners. SureSmile treatment often begins with a set of invisible braces relying on traditional brackets and custom-shaped archwires. This allows for far more advanced changes in the alignment of the teeth than with retainers alone. If you only need minor adjustments, the custom clear aligners from either SureSmile or Invisalign will work well.
The technology behind the scans used for forming the retainers also varies between these two products. SureSmile relies on a system called Orascanner, which creates a 3D model of the upper and lower teeth in need of alignment changes. Invisalign also scans the mouth for 3D modeling, but it uses itero digital scanning, which is considered to provide a higher quality result. If you need more advanced adjustment, you may need SureSmile treatment rather than Invisalign due to the option for more traditional orthodontics at the start of the process.
How will my teeth straighten quickly?
Both SureSmile and Invisalign can straighten teeth faster than traditional braces. However, this largely depends on how much adjustment is needed from the beginning. It may take anywhere from six months to multiple years to use Invisalign. Patients using SureSmile may see improvements in the straightness of their teeth within three to six months, with most treatments wrapped up within two to three years. Only the dentist can tell you which system will give you faster results because it depends on the type of alignment changes you need.
How many aligners are included?
One big difference between SureSmile clear aligners and the Invisalign system is the number of included aligners. Since you’ll need new custom retainers every few months to keep adjusting your smile, both options include a few years of unlimited aligners. SureSmile covers three years’ worth of aligners, while Invisalign covers five years of custom aligners. If you still need more improvement after three years on the SureSmile system, you’ll pay out of pocket for the additional orders. Most patients are done with the treatment long before three or five years, but a few patients may want to choose Invisalign just because of the extended window of coverage.
What materials are used?
Both types of aligners are clear and nearly invisible. However, they’re not made of the same materials despite their similar appearance. The Invisalign aligner is made from a plastic known as SmartTrack that offers both comfort and predictable movement. SureSmile relies on a plastic material known as Essix Ace. It’s not considered quite as precise, but it tends to be just as comfortable as the Invisalign material. If you need very small adjustments to your smile, Invisalign will provide greater control over the finished placement.
Is SureSmile cheaper than Invisalign?
When asking how much Invisalign costs, consider the difference in coverage listed above. Invisalign tends to cost more simply because it includes five years of unlimited aligners. If you’re likely only to need one to two years of treatment, choosing SureSmile can save you money.
Is Invisalign the best clear aligner?
Both SureSmile and Invisalign can be considered the best clear aligners because they’re slightly different. One works better for advanced changes, while the other offers extra control over small adjustments. If you’re still not sure which is right for you, let us help guide you with a consultation here at Orange Grove Family Dentistry.
