SureSmile Aligners in Phoenix, AZ

At Allen & Co. Dental, we offer SureSmile aligners, a brand of clear aligners designed to straighten teeth as an alternative to traditional metal braces. Unlike metal braces, which can be more visible and uncomfortable, clear aligners are made from a smooth, flexible plastic that fits snugly over the teeth and gradually shifts them into the desired position.

The process starts with an appointment at Allen & Co. Dental, where one of our doctors will assess your teeth and take a 3D digital scan of your mouth. This scan is used to create a customized treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Once your treatment plan is developed, a series of clear aligners will be custom-made for you. Each set of aligners moves your teeth slightly, and you’ll wear each set for about two weeks before switching to the next one. Over time, your teeth will gradually shift into their optimal position.

A major benefit of clear aligners is their nearly invisible appearance, making them a popular choice for adults who may feel self-conscious about wearing traditional braces. Additionally, aligners are removable, allowing you to easily take them out to eat, brush, and floss, making oral hygiene more convenient. However, it’s crucial to wear your aligners for the recommended 20-22 hours per day to ensure the treatment works effectively.

To get clear aligners, you’ll need to consult with a dental professional who is trained and certified in clear aligner treatment. This includes orthodontists, general dentists, and other specialists who have completed the required training and certification.

Clear aligners use a series of custom-made trays to gradually shift your teeth into the desired position. The treatment process typically follows these steps:

• Consultation: One of our doctors will evaluate your teeth to determine if clear aligners are the right option for you.
• Treatment Plan: If you decide to proceed with clear aligners, a personalized treatment plan will be created. This plan will include digital images and a 3D model of your mouth to show how your teeth will move throughout treatment.
• Aligner Creation: Based on your treatment plan, a series of custom aligners will be made. Each aligner will be slightly different from the previous one, gradually shifting your teeth into place.
• Treatment: You’ll wear each aligner for 20 to 22 hours a day, typically for 1 to 2 weeks, before moving to the next aligner in the series. Over time, your teeth will shift into their new positions.
• Follow-up Appointments: Regular check-ups will be scheduled to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

The length of treatment can vary depending on the complexity of your case and your individual treatment plan. On average, clear aligner treatment takes about 12-18 months.

Maintaining clean clear aligner trays is essential for effective treatment and oral hygiene. Here are some simple tips to help you keep your trays in top condition:

• Brush and Rinse: After removing your aligners, gently brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and rinse them thoroughly with lukewarm water. Avoid hot water, as it can warp the plastic.
• Use a Cleaning Solution: Consider using a cleaning solution designed for clear aligners. Soak your trays for the recommended time (typically 15-20 minutes) and then rinse them with lukewarm water.
• Avoid Toothpaste: While it’s important to brush your trays, do not use toothpaste. It can scratch the surface, creating rough areas where bacteria can build up.
• Store in a Retainer Case: When you’re not wearing your trays, keep them in a clean retainer case to protect them from dirt and damage.
• Clean Your Teeth First: Always brush and floss your teeth before putting your trays back in to remove any food particles or bacteria that could get trapped.

By following these guidelines, you can keep your aligner trays clean, helping to ensure your treatment stays on track and your smile stays healthy.

Clear aligner treatment may cause some mild discomfort or soreness, especially in the first few days after starting a new set of aligners. This is completely normal and indicates that the aligners are effectively shifting your teeth into place.

Some patients might also experience minor irritation on their gums, cheeks, or tongue from the edges of the aligners. However, this usually resolves within a few days as your mouth adjusts to the new aligners.

Overall, the discomfort from clear aligners is typically much less than with traditional metal braces. The smooth plastic material of the aligners is less likely to cause irritation or soreness compared to the metal brackets and wires of braces.

Yes, clear aligners are a viable alternative to traditional metal braces. Clear aligners use a series of custom-made trays that gradually shift your teeth into place, while traditional braces rely on brackets and wires to achieve the same results.

Both options are effective for treating common dental issues such as crowding, spacing, and bite problems. However, clear aligners offer several advantages over traditional braces, including:

• Appearance: Clear aligners are made from a transparent plastic, making them nearly invisible when worn, offering a more discreet treatment option compared to metal braces.
• Comfort: The smooth plastic design of aligners is less likely to irritate or cause soreness in the mouth, unlike the metal brackets and wires of traditional braces.
• Convenience: Clear aligners are removable, allowing you to take them out for eating, brushing, and flossing, which helps maintain good oral hygiene during treatment.
• Predictability: Using advanced technology, clear aligners are custom-designed to map out a precise treatment plan, ensuring more predictable and accurate results.

However, not all dental issues are suitable for clear aligner treatment.

The timeline for clear aligner treatment can vary based on the severity of your orthodontic issues and your commitment to following the treatment plan. Most patients begin to see some initial changes within the first few weeks of wearing their aligners. As treatment progresses, you will switch to a new set of aligners every one to two weeks, with each set gradually moving your teeth closer to their desired position.

Typically, treatment lasts between 12 to 18 months, but this can vary depending on the complexity of your case. Some patients may need more or fewer aligners, or additional procedures such as extractions or attachments, to achieve the best results.

For optimal results, active participation is key. This includes wearing your aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day, adhering to the treatment plan, and attending regular check-ups. By staying consistent with these steps, you can ensure your treatment progresses as effectively and efficiently as possible.

The effectiveness of clear aligners versus traditional braces depends on factors such as the severity of the orthodontic issue and the patient’s commitment to treatment. Clear aligners can effectively address many orthodontic concerns, including crowding, spacing, and bite problems. However, for more complex cases requiring significant tooth movement or jaw realignment, traditional braces may be the better option.

A major benefit of clear aligners is their aesthetic appeal. Since they are clear and nearly invisible when worn, they are often preferred by adults and teenagers who want a more discreet treatment option compared to traditional metal braces. Additionally, clear aligners are removable, making it easier to maintain good oral hygiene throughout treatment. However, to achieve the best results, patients must consistently wear their aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day.